This article aims to explain how to successfully remove BetterSurf also known as BetterShare adware and prevent your computer from further infections.
An adware program displaying pop-ups, banners and other advertisements, calling itself BetterSurf (‘Ads by BetterSurf’) has begun to find itself installed on numerous user computers. This PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) is created to cause multiple advertisements that may lead to numerous dubious third-party websites. The usage of these websites may result in multiple negative consequences for the user, from information theft to the installation of more unwanted software and in some cases infection with malware. This is why we recommend that you read the following article to become familiar with the activity of BetterSurf and hence learn how to remove it from your computer.
Threat Summary
| Name | BetterSurf |
| Type | Adware / Pup |
| Short Description | The app detected may do various dangerous or unhealthy to the PC activities and displays multiple advertisements leading to suspicious third-party websites.. |
| Symptoms | The user may witness slow PC, overused CPU and RAM and even system crashes and multiple advertisements. |
| Distribution Method | Via malicious URLs, unwanted downloads and other. |
| Detection Tool | See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool |
| User Experience | Join our forum to discuss BetterSurf. |
BetterSurf Ads – How Did I Get It
In case you are seeing various advertisements with small letters written on the side of them, saying something similar to “A BetterSurf Ad”, “Ads by BetterShare”, “Advertisement by BetterSurf”. “By BetterSurf”, “Provided by BetterShare”, the content most likely belongs to this program.
Such software is usually not advertised in most public websites and is instead slithered onto your computer with the assistance of other installers. Software setups of programs like a free media player, torrent downloaders and other freeware may become carriers of BetterSurf and users are strongly advised to beware of where they download such setup wizards from. Some third-party website may include BetterSurf as a part of a deal to generate more profit in aggressively slithering bundled software. However, most vendors do not give into consideration the indirect harm those applications cause.
BetterSurf Ads – More Information
As soon as BetterSurf Ads are installed on your computer, the software immediately begins to drop it’s main file and many modules which are inserted into your web browser. Here is an analysis of files the virus drops on the computer:
After dropping it’s malicious files, BetterSurf Ads performs multiple modifications within the Windows Registry Editor. For starters, it creates multiple registry entries with custom data to work uninterruptedly. Here are the entries it creates:
After having created those registry entries, the program does not stop there. BetterSurf also aims to modify multiple registry subkeys as well. Here are the modifications it performs:
After having prepared itself, BetterSurf becomes active on your computer. At first you may not notice it, but the program will slowly begin to display different shady advertisements, like the below-detected by Symantec reseerchers, fake “Install Java” setup:
But the ads are not the only worry for the user. The program also self-installs a browser extension which aims primarily to collect online activity information.
But the BetterSurf adware has other capabilities as well. The unwanted program begins to modify the web browser In the sense of opening new tabs in it and directly displaying advertisements this way. Since those advertisements may be leading to various suspicious online locations, it is strongly advisable for users not to have the app installed and to remove on sight. The primary reason for this is because BetterSurf, like many affiliate programs aims to make money of generating hoax traffic or connecting the computer to the web links it desires forcibly. However, the application may also display web links to actual malware installers and may even have the potential to infect you with ransomware in some specific circumstances.
Remove BetterSurf Completely
In order to successfully remove all aspects of BetterSurf on your computer, you may want to use the information provided above and manually locate all the files, using the manual instructions below. However, if the application is still present on your computer or you feel unprepared for manual removal, experts recommend automatically scanning for all malicious aspects of BetterSurf with an advanced anti-malware software. This will also help you find other applications and viruses it may have led into your computer and protect you in the future as well.
Manually delete BetterSurf from Windows and your browser
Note! Substantial notification about the BetterSurf threat: Manual removal of BetterSurf requires interference with system files and registries. Thus, it can cause damage to your PC. Even if your computer skills are not at a professional level, don’t worry. You can do the removal yourself just in 5 minutes, using a malware removal tool.
Remove or Uninstall BetterSurf in Windows.
Step 1: Remove/Uninstall BetterSurf in Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps to remove that program. No matter if you are using Windows 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program get left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, mistakes with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Select the program that you want to remove, and press “Uninstall” (fig.3).
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall BetterSurf.
Remove BetterSurf from Your Browser.
Remove a toolbar from Mozilla Firefox
Remove a toolbar from Google Chrome
Remove a toolbar from Internet Explorer
Remove a toolbar from Safari
Select the “Add-ons” icon from the menu
Select BetterSurf and click “Remove“
After BetterSurf is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red “X” in the top right corner and start it again.
Select BetterSurf to remove, and then click ‘Disable’. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected toolbar, and some additional toolbars might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click ‘Disable’.
After BetterSurf has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red ‘X’ in the top right corner and start it again.
Open the drop menu by clicking on the sprocket icon in the top right corner.
From the drop menu select ‘Preferences’
In the new window select ‘Extensions’
Click once on BetterSurf
Click ‘Uninstall’
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall BetterSurf. Select ‘Uninstall’ again, and the BetterSurf will be removed.
Automatically remove BetterSurf by downloading an advanced anti-malware program
Remove BetterSurf with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove BetterSurf.2. Scan with SpyHunter to Detect and Remove BetterSurf.Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to automatically update.
Step1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Scan Computer Now’ button.
Step2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any BetterSurf files, click on the ‘Fix Threats’ button to remove them automatically and permanently.
Step3: Once the intrusions on your PC have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart it.
Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data automatically with cloud backup and insure it against any type of data loss on your device, even the most severe. We recommend reading more about and downloading SOS Online Backup .
1. For Windows 7 and earlier 1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 1. Enabling the Windows Defense Feature (Previous Versions)1-Click on Windows Start Menu
2-Type Backup And Restore
3-Open it and click on Set Up Backup
4-A window will appear asking you where to set up backup. You should have a flash drive or an external hard drive. Mark it by clicking on it with your mouse then click on Next.
5-On the next window, the system will ask you what do you want to backup. Choose the ‘Let Me Choose’ option and then click on Next.
6-Click on ‘Save settings and run backup’ on the next window in order to protect your files from possible attacks by BetterSurf.
2-In the window type ‘filehistory’ and press Enter
3-A File History window will appear. Click on ‘Configure file history settings’
4-The configuration menu for File History will appear. Click on ‘Turn On’. After its on, click on Select Drive in order to select the backup drive. It is recommended to choose an external HDD, SSD or a USB stick whose memory capacity is corresponding to the size of the files you want to backup.
5-Select the drive then click on ‘Ok’ in order to set up file backup and protect yourself from BetterSurf.
1- Press Windows button + R keys.
2- A run windows should appear. In it type ‘sysdm.cpl’ and then click on Run.
3- A System Properties windows should appear. In it choose System Protection.
5- Click on Turn on system protection and select the size on the hard disk you want to utilize for system protection.
6- Click on Ok and you should see an indication in Protection settings that the protection from BetterSurf is on.
Restoring a file via Windows Defense feature:
1-Right-click on the encrypted file, then choose Properties.
2-Click on the Previous Versions tab and then mark the last version of the file.
3-Click on Apply and Ok and the file encrypted by BetterSurf should be restored.
Remove BetterSurf Using Other Alternative Tools
STOPZilla Anti MalwareStep 1: Download STOPZilla by clicking here.
Step 2: A pop-up window will appear. Click on the ‘Save File’ button. If it does not, click on the Download button and save it afterwards.
Step 3: After you have downloaded the setup, simply open it.
Step 4: The installer should appear. Click on the ‘Next’ button.
Step 5: Check the ‘I accept the agreement’ check circle if not checked if you accept it and click the ‘Next’ button once again.
Step 6: Review and click on the ‘Install’ button.
Step 7: After the installation process has completed click on the ‘Finish’ button.
2. Scan your PC with STOPZilla Anti Malware to remove all BetterSurf associated files completely.
Step 1: Launch STOPZilla if you haven’t launched it after install.
Step 2: Wait for the software to automatically scan and then click on the ‘Repair Now’ button. If it does not scan automatically, click on the ‘Scan Now’ button.
Step 3: After the removal of all threats and associated objects, you should Restart your PC.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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- Guide 1: How to Remove BetterSurf from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of BetterSurf from Mac OS X.
- Guide 3: Remove BetterSurf from Google Chrome.
- Guide 4: Erase BetterSurf from Mozilla Firefox.
- Guide 5: Uninstall BetterSurf from Microsoft Edge.
- Guide 6: Remove BetterSurf from Safari.
- Guide 7: Eliminate BetterSurf from Internet Explorer.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
How to Remove BetterSurf from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove BetterSurf
Step 2: Uninstall BetterSurf and related software from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.Step 3: Clean any registries, created by BetterSurf on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by BetterSurf there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Get rid of BetterSurf from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall BetterSurf and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove BetterSurf via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Scan for and remove malware from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts, programs and malware, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. Combo Cleaner offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Remove BetterSurf from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Erase BetterSurf from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Uninstall BetterSurf from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Remove BetterSurf from Safari.
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the BetterSurf will be removed.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Eliminate BetterSurf from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
