Video Preview Ads and Miner PUP – How to Remove It (Firefox)

by Ventsislav Krastev | April 5, 2018 | 0 Comments adware, Firefox, Miner, Monero, PUP

Threat Summary Video Preview PUP – How Did I Get It Video Preview Extension – Main Activity Remove Video Preview PUP from Your Computer

This article aims to explain what is the Video Preview Adware extension for Firefox and how to remove it from your computer to prevent it from mining Monero.

The Video Preview browser extension is the type of software you do not want to have on your computer system. The browser extension’s primary purpose is to slither in your computer by pretending to be helpful and in the meantime display advertisements that lead to third-party websites. And not only this, but the Video Preview extension has also bene reported by security experts to perform other activities on your computer as well, such as mine for the cryptocurrency Monero via a JavaScript injected in your browser. Since the Video Preview Adware and Miner extension may be indirectly risky to your computer and uses it’s resources without your consent, recommendations are to read tis article and learn how to remove this PUP from Firefox and your PC.

Threat Summary

Name	Video Preview
Type	CryptoCurrency Miner and Adware extension.
Short Description	A browser extension for Google Chrome that comes embedded with a Monero miner script.
Symptoms	You may see different types of ads to appear on your browser and firefox.exe process may take up to 100% of your CPU’s power.
Distribution Method	Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it.
Detection Tool	See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join Our Forum to Discuss Video Preview.

Video Preview PUP – How Did I Get It

The main method by which the Video Preview app is installed onto the computers of unsuspecting users has been reported to be via a fake web page, pretending to be an update for the latest version of Mozilla Firefox. The Video Preview extension is added as a result of the same “Firefox requires a manual update” pop-up we have detected before. It looks like the following:

When the victim clicks on the “Install” button, he or she may see on their screen the following prompt, which if OK’d will install the Video Preview extension on your web browser:

In addition to this, the “Firefox Requires a manual Update” scamming message may also be associated with a lot of other apps, just like Video Preview extension and if you see such a pop-up with a very long URL in the future, we recommend that you avoid it.

Video Preview Extension – Main Activity

The Video Preview extension is what security researchers often put in the PUP category. PUP stands for a potentially unwanted program and such programs often aim to perform activities that are not by default malicious, but may lead to malicious applications being installed on your PC.

Once installed on your web browser, the Video Preview extension may immediately change it’s web browser settings so that the application can display numerous types of advertisements on your computer while remaining uninterrupted. And not only this, but the Video Preview extension may also use the following tracking technologies:

Cookies.
Pixels.
Tags.
Geo-Locators.

These tracking technologies may be utilized by the Video Preview extension to cause different advertisements to appear on your computer which may target you based on what you do online. They may track your:

Online search history.
Browsing history.
Online clicks.
Bookmarked websites.

This information may be used by the Video Preview extension to send different advertisements, based on your interests and lead you to third-party websites that may be dangerous for your computer, like scamming sites or even malicious websites that may infect your PC with malware. The ads which may be displayed by the Video Preview PUP could be of the following types:

Browser Redirects.
Pop-ups.
Taken over banner spaces on the sites you visit, even if you have ad-blocking extension.
Highlighted text ads on the sites you visit.

The main activity of the Video Preview PUP however is to perform a so-called cryptocurrency mining operation. This procedure is done in the following chronological steps:

Step 1: The Video Preview PUP injects a JavaScript code on your computer.
Step 2: The script connects your IP address to a mining pool, linked to the cryptocurrency wallet of the cyber-criminals.
Step 3: The JavaScript code begins to perform calculations, otherwise known as mining operations or hashing operations and these calucations result in the Monero cryptocurrency tokens being mined.
Step 4: After the tokens are mined, they are added to the crypto wallet of the cyber-criminals.

The only real symptom by which you could identify a miner, like Video Preview extension on your web browser is to check the firefox.exe process on your Windows Task Manager and if it’s running on 90% and higher without you having opened a lot of New Tabs and sites, it is very likely that you Firefox browser has been compromised.

Remove Video Preview PUP from Your Computer

In order to make sure that all of the files and objects created by the Video Preview PUP have been removed from your computer system, we recommend that you follow the removal instructions underneath. They have been created to help you to either manually or automatically get rid of this pesky software from your computer. If manual removal is not something you feel confident in doing, be advised that security experts always recommend to use an advanced anti-malware software for the removal. Such software will automatically scan for all of the unwanted files of this program to make sure it’s eradicated completely and does not cause problems in the future.

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.

How to Remove Video Preview from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Video Preview

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

1. Hold Windows key() + R

2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".

Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.

4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.

5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

Step 2: Uninstall Video Preview 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:

1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"

Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.

Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Video Preview 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 Video Preview there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.

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.

IMPORTANT!
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.

Step 4: Scan for Video Preview with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.

2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Get rid of Video Preview from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall Video Preview and remove related files and objects

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy

1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:

2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to Video Preview:

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.

5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to Video Preview. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

6: Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Video Preview. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.

7: Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:

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 Video Preview 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:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:

2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:

3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as Video Preview. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.

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 Video Preview files from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Video Preview, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.

Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for Video Preview:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Remove Video Preview 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 Stop Push Pop-ups

Erase Video Preview 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 Stop Push Pop-ups

Uninstall Video Preview 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 Stop Push Pop-ups

Remove Video Preview 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 Video Preview will be removed.

How to Reset Safari
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Safari make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.

Start Safari and then click on the gear leaver icon.

Click the Reset Safari button and you will reset the browser.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Eliminate Video Preview 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.