Remove the FileConverterPro browser hijacker from your computer
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is FileConverterPro?
FileConverterPro is a deceptive application that supposedly allows users to convert various file formats online. Judging on appearance alone, FileConverterPro may seem legitimate and useful, however, this app is categorized as a potentially unwanted application (PUA) and a browser hijacker.
The main reasons for these negative associations are installation without users' consent, tracking of browsing activity, and promotion of a fake search engine.
FileConverterPro promotes fileconverterpro.co, a fake search engine. To achieve this, FileConverterPro hijacks popular browsers (e.g., Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox) and assigns fileconverterpro.co as the homepage, default search engine, and new tab URL. These changes may seem insignificant, yet users are unable to revert them.
FileConverterPro simply reassigns browser options when attempts are made to change them. Therefore, with FileConverterPro installed, returning browsers to their previous states is impossible. Users are forced to visit fileconverterpro.co when they search via the URL bar or merely open a new browser tab/window.
These unwanted redirects significantly diminish the browsing experience. Furthermore, fileconverterpro.co claims to generate enhance the browsing experience, however, it does not generate any unique search results - it simply redirects to search.yahoo.com when a query is entered.
Therefore, users end up searching via Yahoo. Another significant downside is information tracking. Browser hijackers and fake search engines record information such as IP addresses, website URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, and other similar details relating to browsing habits.
Collected data typically includes personal details that developers share with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who generate revenue by misusing private information. Therefore, having data-tracking apps installed on your computer and visiting these websites can lead to various privacy issues.
You are strongly advised to uninstall the FileConverterPro browser hijacker and never return to fileconverterpro.co
Name | FileConverterPro |
Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
Browser Extension(s) | FileConverterPro |
Supposed Functionality | File format conversion. |
Promoted URL | fileconverterpro.co |
Affected Browser Settings | Homepage, new tab URL, default search engine |
Symptoms | Manipulated Internet browser settings (homepage, default Internet search engine, new tab settings). Users are forced to visit the hijacker's website and search the Internet using their search engines. |
Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers. |
Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites. |
Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
FileConverterPro is virtually identical to MyOfficeX, Your Free Online Manuals, Get Easy Templates Pro, and dozens of other browser-hijacking applications.
Most offer useful functionality, however, by delivering these fake promises, PUAs attempt to give the impression of legitimacy and trick users to install. Browser hijackers such as FileConverterPro typically provide none of the functions promised. They simply cause redirects and record information - their only purpose is to generate revenue for the developers.
How did FileConverterPro install on my computer?
This rogue application is free for anyone to download on its official website, however, many users install FileConverterPro inadvertently, since developers proliferate it using intrusive advertising and "bundling" methods.
Installed adware-type applications deliver intrusive ads that redirect users to malicious sites and/or execute scripts designed to download and install PUAs. "Bundling" is stealth installation of third party applications together with regular software. Developers hide "bundled" applications behind "Custom/Advanced" settings or other sections of the download/installation processes.
Furthermore, many users often rush download/installation processes, skip steps, and click advertisements without understanding the possible consequences. This behavior often leads to inadvertent installation of third party applications.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
To prevent this situation, be very cautious when browsing the internet and downloading/installing software. Bear in mind that intrusive ads often seem legitimate, however, most redirect to dubious websites (gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.). If you encounter these ads/redirects, uninstall all suspicious applications/browser plug-ins immediately.
Furthermore, download programs from official sources only, preferably using direct download links. Third party downloaders/installers are usually monetized using the "bundling" method. Thus, using such tools is risky. Select "Custom/Advanced" settings and carefully study each window of the download/installation dialogs.
Decline offers to download/install additional applications and opt-out of those already included. The key to computer safety is caution. If your computer is already infected with FileConverterPro, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Website promoting FileConverterPro browser hijacker:
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Quick menu:
- What is FileConverterPro?
- STEP 1. Uninstall FileConverterPro application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove fileconverterpro.co redirect from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove FileConverterPro browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove fileconverterpro.co homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove fileconverterpro.co redirect from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
FileConverterPro browser hijacker removal:
Windows 11 users:
Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.
Windows 10 users:
Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.
Windows 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.
macOS (OSX) users:
Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
In the uninstall programs window: look for any recently installed suspicious applications (for example, "FileConverterPro"), select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted applications that cause browser redirects to the fileconverterpro.co website, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
FileConverterPro browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove browser redirects:
Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:
Click the "gear" icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for any recently installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Change your homepage:
Click the "gear" icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Internet Options", in the opened window, remove hxxp://fileconverterpro.co and enter your preferred domain, which will open each time you launch Internet Explorer. You can also enter about: blank to open a blank page when you start Internet Explorer.
Change your default search engine:
Click the "gear" icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". In the opened window, select "Search Providers", set "Google", "Bing", or any other preferred search engine as your default and then remove "fileconverterpro.co".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the fileconverterpro.co redirect, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.
Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.
In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.
Click the Reset button.
Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate "FileConverterPro" and other recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, and remove them.
Change your homepage:
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, disable "FileConverterPro" look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.fileconverterpro.co) below the “Open a specific or set of pages” option. If present, click on the three vertical dots icon and select “Remove”.
Change your default search engine:
To change your default search engine in Google Chrome: Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings", in the "Search engine" section, click "Manage search engines...", in the opened list, look for "fileconverterpro.co", and when located, click the three vertical dots near this URL and select "Remove from list".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the fileconverterpro.co redirect, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click on "Extensions" and remove "FileConverterPro", as well as all other recently installed browser plug-ins.
Change your homepage:
To reset your homepage, click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), then select "Options", in the opened window, disable "FileConverterPro", remove hxxp://fileconverterpro.co and enter your preferred domain, which will open each time you start Mozilla Firefox.
Change your default search engine:
In the URL address bar, type about:config and press Enter.
Click "I'll be careful, I promise!".
In the search filter at the top, type: "moz-extension"
Right-click on the found preferences and select "Reset" to restore default values.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with fileconverterpro.co redirect removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click Safari menu, then select Preferences...
In the preferences window select the Extensions tab. Look for any recently installed suspicious extensions and uninstall them.
In the preferences window select General tab and make sure that your homepage is set to a preferred URL, if its altered by a browser hijacker - change it.
In the preferences window select Search tab and make sure that your preferred Internet search engine is selected.
Optional method:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate any recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, and remove them.
Change your homepage and new tab settings:
Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section look for the name of the browser hijacker and click "Disable".
Change your default Internet search engine:
To change your default search engine in Microsoft Edge: Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Privacy and services", scroll to bottom of the page and select "Address bar". In the "Search engines used in address bar" section look for the name of the unwanted Internet search engine, when located click the "Disable" button near it. Alternatively you can click on "Manage search engines", in the opened menu look for unwanted Internet search engine. Click on the puzzle icon near it and select "Disable".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the fileconverterpro.co redirect, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
A browser hijacker is a type of adware infection that modifies Internet browser settings by assigning the homepage and default Internet search engine settings to some other (unwanted) website URL. Commonly, this type of adware infiltrates operating systems through free software downloads. If your download is managed by a download client, ensure that you decline offers to install advertised toolbars or applications that seek to change your homepage and default Internet search engine settings.
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