Remove tab.fileconvertermaster.com from browser settings
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is tab.fileconvertermaster.com?
tab.fileconvertermaster.com (or search.fileconvertermaster.com) is the address of a fake search engine, which is promoted through a potentially unwanted application (PUA) called File Converter Master. This app is a browser hijacker that changes browser settings to promote the aforementioned search engine.
Typically, people download and install apps such as File Converter Master inadvertently, and thus they are classified as PUAs. In addition to making changes to settings, browser hijackers usually collect details relating to browsing habits.
File Converter Master is advertised as a file converter, however, most apps of this kind do not operate as promised. Typically, browser hijackers change browser settings - in this case, File Converter Master assigns the address of the default search engine, homepage, and new tab to tab.fileconvertermaster.com.
Many fake search engines do not generate any unique results - they simply redirect users to other (often legitimate) search engines. Therefore, they provide results derived only from other search engines. In this case, tab.fileconvertermaster.com provides results generated by Yahoo (search.yahoo.com).
Note, however, that tab.fileconvertermaster.com opens Yahoo through genieosearch.com, another untrustworthy site. To avoid being redirected to this web page or having to visit tab.fileconvertermaster.com when a browser/new tab is opened, or a search query is entered into the URL bar, uninstall the File Converter Master app.
Furthermore, apps such as File Converter Master often record user information relating to browsing activity. For example, IP addresses, geolocations, entered search queries, addresses of visited websites, and so on.
People behind these apps (their developers) often share the information with other parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse it to generate revenue. Do not use fake search engines or apps that are categorized as browser hijackers.
| Name | File Converter Master browser hijacker |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Mac malware, Mac virus. |
| Detection Names | Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address | 51.68.191.60 |
| Symptoms | Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers, torrent file downloads. |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information. |
| Malware Removal (Mac) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
File Converter Master is very similar to Wiz Convert, Margamish, ProSearchTip, and a number of other browser hijackers. Generally, apps of this type force people to use a fake search engine and gather information. Having a browser hijacker installed might cause problems with browsing safety, privacy, or other problems.
There is a strong possibility that collected information will be misused to steal users' identities.
How did tab.fileconvertermaster.com install on my computer?
In most cases, people download and install PUAs inadvertently. This usually happens when software developers use a deceptive marketing method called "bundling". They use this method to trick people into installing/downloading unwanted apps with other programs.
They succeed by hiding unwanted applications in "Custom", "Advanced" and other settings of download or installation set-ups, however, these unwanted installations/downloads happen only when people leave the settings available in set-ups unchecked and unchanged.
Unwanted downloads/installations can also occur when users accidentally (or willingly) click deceptive advertisements.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
Avoid downloading software from untrustworthy/unofficial websites, torrent clients, eMule (or other Peer-to-Peer networks), and other similar channels. We recommend that you use only official websites and direct download links. Check all "Custom", "Advanced" and other settings before completing any download or installation.
Dismiss any offers to install/download unwanted apps. Do not click suspicious, intrusive ads, especially if they are displayed on untrustworthy, unofficial website. These often open potentially malicious pages or lead to unwanted downloads and installations.
If the browser opens dubious web pages automatically and/or displays unwanted ads, remove all unwanted extensions, add-ons, and plug-ins. Also, apply this to unwanted apps that are installed on the computer. If your computer is already infected with browser hijackers, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.
Website promoting File Converter Master:
File Converter Master Chrome extension:
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is tab.fileconvertermaster.com?
- STEP 1. Remove tab.fileconvertermaster.com related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove tab.fileconvertermaster.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove tab.fileconvertermaster.com browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove tab.fileconvertermaster.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
tab.fileconvertermaster.com redirect removal:
Remove tab.fileconvertermaster.com-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:
Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select "Applications". In the applications folder, look for "MPlayerX", "NicePlayer", or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.
Remove browser hijacker-related files and folders
Click the Finder icon from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...
Check for browser hijacker generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/
In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by browser hijackers - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Browser hijacker commonly installs several files with the exact same string.
Check for browser hijacker generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/
In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.
Check for browser hijacker generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/
In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by browser hijackers - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Browser hijacker commonly installs several files with the exact same string.
Check for browser hijacker generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:
In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/
In the "LaunchDaemons" folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example "com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist", "com.myppes.net-preferences.plist", "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist", "com.avickUpd.plist", etc., and move them to the Trash.
Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:
If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure your system is not infected, run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file, double click combocleaner.dmg installer. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.
Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide; otherwise, it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.
After removing files and folders generated by the browser hijackers, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.
Remove browser hijackers from Internet browsers
Remove Safari browser hijackers:
Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".
In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for regular browser operation.
Change your homepage:
In the "Preferences" window, select the "General" tab. To set your homepage, type the preferred website URL (for example: www.google.com) in the Homepage field. You can also click the "Set to Current Page" button if you wish to set your homepage to the website you are currently visiting.
Change your default search engine:
In the "Preferences" window, select the "Search" tab. Here you will find a drop-down menu labeled "Search engine:" Simply select your preferred search engine from the drop-down list.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove Google Chrome browser hijackers:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Change your homepage
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, disable the malicious extension (if present), look for a browser hijacker URL 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 a browser hijacker URL, when located click the three vertical dots near this URL and select "Delete".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Change your homepage
To reset your homepage, click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), then select "Settings", in the opened window disable malicious extension (if present), remove the browser hijacker URL 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 "Accept the Risk and Continue".
In the search filter at the top, type: "extensionControlled". Set both results to "false" by either double-clicking each entry or clicking the 
button.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion