Virus and Spyware Removal Guides, uninstall instructions

What is Department of Justice?

The United States Department of Justice message - "Your computer has been blocked" is a scam - a ransomware infection that should not be trusted. The Department of Justice do not send messages such as this - they are created by Cyber criminals in order to trick unsuspecting PC users into paying a bogus 100 Euro fine for supposedly committing law violations.

This deceptive message blocks computer users' screens, stating the screen lock was applied due to users allegedly watching pornography (involving children under 18 years), downloading copyrighted content, etc. To further scare PC users into paying this bogus fine, cyber criminals employ graphics from legitimate authorities and imitate video recordings.

Moreover, the latest versions of ransomware infections (including the Department of Justice virus) use sound recordings within the deceptive message - another intimidation tactic used by cyber criminals. If you see this type of message blocking your computer screen, you are dealing with a ransomware infection. Do not pay the 100 Euro (or $300) fine.

Adoresearch.com - how to remove redirects to this website caused by fTalk adware?

What is Adoresearch.com?

The Adoresearch.com website is promoted via browser add-ons and free software. Commonly, Internet users visit this website when their Internet browser settings are modified to redirect to it. Computer users have complained recently that redirects to adoresearch.com/431 occur after installing fTalk, a free FaceBook chat client. fTalk is free software that enables users to access FaceBook chat without opening their Internet browsers, and also to use emoticons and update their status. This program is not related to malware or virus infections, however, its deceptive monetization methods (redirects to adoresearch.com, unwanted toolbar installation [searchqu], and default search engine modifications to search-results.com) make this program an unwanted application.

Blekko toolbar - how to eliminate browser redirects to blekko.com?

What is Blekko toolbar?

The Blekko search engine aims to be a spam-free search results provider. This is a community-based search engine, which attempts to fight spam results in search engines and features its own crawler and human review process. This website and associated search engine are not malicious and are unrelated to malware or virus infections, however, some computer users complain that they are redirected to Blekko.com unwillingly. Redirect problems such as this are related to installation of the Blekko toolbar. This browser plug-in modifies computer users' Internet browser settings and changes the homepage and default search engine to blekko.com

Xfinity toolbar - how to eliminate browser redirects to xfinity.comcast.net?

What is Xfinity toolbar?

The XFinity toolbar is a browser add-on created by Comcast. This is a browser extension that enables quick access to email, voicemail, Xfinity TV, and other features used by Xfinity high speed Internet customers. This browser add-on is not related to malware or virus infections, however, it is categorized as an unwanted application due to recent user complains. These state that this toolbar was installed on their Internet browsers without consent and that they receive unwanted coupon ads. When installed, Xfinity toolbar changes the Internet browser (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla FireFox) default homepage to xfinity.comcast.net and the default search engine to search.comcast.net (this change can be 'opted out' during the toolbar installation phase).

DropinSavings - how to remove coupon ads caused by this browser plug-in?

What is DropinSavings?

The DropinSavings browser extension displays various deals and coupons in real time whilst browsing in online shopping websites. This browser plug-in is not related to virus or malware infections, however, many computer users report that the add-on was installed on their computer without their consent. This situation is caused by dubious advertising strategies. The DropinSavings plug-in often installs on users' systems when installing free software or other free browser plug-ins. Many free software developers bundle their programs with browser plug-ins similar to DropinSavings for monetization purposes.

Privacy SafeGuard - how to remove this adware?

What is Privacy SafeGuard?

The Privacy SafeGuard browser add-on claims to protect users' privacy whilst surfing the Internet. It is developed to work with Google Chrome, and while its initiative to protect Internet users from privacy issues is valid, this browser plug-in has some downsides. For example, it displays unwanted ads that computer users may find difficult to remove. Moreover, it is unclear which company is responsible for developing and supporting this product. If computer users wish to protect their computers and browsers from potential threats, they should opt for trusted browser plug-ins products such as WOT, SiteAdvisor, and BrowserDefender.

Searchcore.net - how to remove browser redirects to this website?

What is Searchcore.net?

The Searchcore.net website is promoted using Internet browser plug-ins (redirects). Using a customized Google search engine, this website is basic and provides no functionality that would enhance an Internet user's experience. While the redirects to this website are not related to viruses or malware, this website has no legitimate use and is not recommended for daily Internet searches. Websites such as Searchcore.net often track Internet users' browsing habits, potentially selling collated information to third parties. Furthermore, having your Internet browser homepage redirected to dubious websites is not safe. At time of writing, this website does not proliferate malware, however, this situation could change imminently.

Text Enhance - how to remove this adware?

What is Text Enhance?

The Text Enhance browser plug-in displays text link ads. Whilst this is not malware, developers of this platform use deceptive advertising methods. Note that you may see Text Enhance ads even if you do not have this particular browser plug-in installed. This situation can occur when computer users download free software from the Internet, which is bundled with additional unwanted browser plug-ins, thus causing Text Enhance ads to appear. Many Internet browser plug-in developers add Text Enhance to their extensions for monetization purposes.

1ClickDownloader - how to eliminate this adware?

What is 1ClickDownloader?

1ClickDownloader is a software package that supposedly enables users to efficiently download files from the Internet. Creators of this program claim that the software has over 10 million users worldwide. This program alone is not related to malware or viruses, however, its developers employ dubious monetization methods. Note that when downloading this software, you will also install TornTV, Babylon Toolbar, and Yontoo adware. Furthermore, installation of 1ClickDownloader will cause browser redirects, unwanted pop-up ads, and diminished Internet browser performance. The browser add-ons bundled with this software do not enhance the Internet browsing experience and are proliferated in order to gain revenue from incoming web traffic.

LinkBucks redirect virus - how to eliminate Google redirects to LinkBucks?

What is LinkBucks redirect?

The LinkBucks advertising network pays for clicks on links. This is a popular platform used by webmasters, bloggers, etc. to make money from their websites. Everyone is able to join the network to make money by generating Linkbucks links and directing traffic to them. Whilst this ad network is legitimate, an increasing number of computer user complain that they are redirected to Linkbucks when using Google. These redirects are related to malware and virus infections. If you experience these problems, your are advised scan your computer with a legitimate antispyware program immediately. As the Linkbucks platform is very popular, there are many people who attempt to corrupt the system and gain revenue using black-hat techniques.