How to uninstall the File Conversion Now browser hijacker
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is File Conversion Now?
File Conversion Now is a rogue application advertised as an easy access tool for file format converters. It is categorized as a browser hijacker, due to the modifications it makes to browsers to promote hfileconversionnow.com (a bogus search engine). This app also possesses data tracking capabilities, which are employed to monitor users' browsing activity.
Software programs that are distributed via dubious methods are classified as Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs), and this includes File Conversion Now. File Conversion Now is often installed together with another PUA called Hide My History.
Browser hijackers mainly target Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and other popular browsers. Following successful installation, rogue apps within this category assign the addresses of fake search engines as the default search engine, homepage, and new tab/window URLs.
File Conversion Now promotes hfileconversionnow.com by making these alterations to browsers. Therefore, with this browser hijacker installed, each new browser tab/window opened and search query typed into the URL bar redirects to hfileconversionnow.com.
Rogue search engines have no genuine value to users, as they are typically unable to generate unique results. They tend to redirect to (or cause redirection chains ending with) legitimate search engines. This is the case with hfileconversionnow.com, which redirect to Yahoo (search.yahoo.com).
Furthermore, recovering an affected browser without removing the software hijacking it is impossible, since any changes users try to make to their browsers are automatically reset (if access to the settings is permitted at all). File Conversion Now can track data, and this is typical of most browser hijackers.
It monitors browsing activity (URLs visited, web pages viewed, search queries, etc.) and gathers personal information derived from it (IP addresses, geolocations and other details). This sensitive data is usually shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) intent on misusing it for financial gain.
To summarize, the presence of data-tracking software on browsers/systems can lead to financial loss, serious privacy issues and even identity theft. To ensure device integrity and user safety, remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately upon detection.
| Name | File Conversion Now |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab. |
| Detection Names | Avast (Win32:Adware-gen [Adw]), BitDefender (Gen:Variant.Graftor.757837), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/WinWrapper.V Potentially Unw), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:Downloader.Win32.WinWrapper.lnx), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal). |
| Browser Extension(s) | File Conversion Now |
| Supposed Functionality | Easy access to file format conversion services. |
| Promoted URL | hfileconversionnow.com |
| Serving IP Address (hfileconversionnow.com) | 52.4.160.171 |
| 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. |
Mint Search, Maps Pro Hub, Easy Email Checker and Watch Sports Here are some examples of other browser hijackers. While they offer varied functionalities, they all operate identically. Furthermore, the promised "useful" features are rarely operational. This is true of most PUAs.
The only purpose of these unwanted applications is to generate profit for the developers. Rather than delivering any real value, PUAs modify browsers, force-open untrusted and malicious sites, run intrusive ad campaigns and collect private data.
How did File Conversion Now install on my computer?
Some PUAs (including File Conversion Now) have "official" promotional web pages from which they can be downloaded and/or purchased, however, these applications are more commonly downloaded/installed with other programs. This deceptive marketing technique of pre-packing normal products with unwanted or malicious software is termed "bundling".
Rushing downloads/installations (e.g. ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, etc.) increases the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled additions onto the system. Intrusive ads proliferate PUAs as well. When clicked, they can execute scripts designed to make stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
All products should be researched before download/installation or purchase. You are strongly advised to use only official and verified download channels. Untrusted sources such as unofficial and free file-hosting (freeware) websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks (BitTorrent, eMule, Gnutella, etc.) and other third party downloaders can offer deceptive and bundled content.
When downloading/installing, it is important to read the terms, study all possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out of supplementary apps, tools, features and other additions. You are advised to exercise caution when browsing.
Intrusive advertisements may seem legitimate and harmless, however, they can redirect to dubious sites (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
If you encounter ads/redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with File Conversion Now, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
File Conversion Now browser hijacker installation setup:
File Conversion Now browser hijacker asking for various permissions:
Website promoting File Conversion Now browser hijacker on Google Chrome:
Website promoting File Conversion Now browser hijacker on Internet Explorer:
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Quick menu:
- What is File Conversion Now?
- STEP 1. Uninstall File Conversion Now application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove hfileconversionnow.com redirect from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove File Conversion Now browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove hfileconversionnow.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove hfileconversionnow.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
File Conversion Now 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, "File Conversion Now"), select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted applications that cause browser redirects to the hfileconversionnow.com website, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
File Conversion Now 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://hfileconversionnow.com 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 "File Conversion Now".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the hfileconversionnow.com 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 "File Conversion Now" 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 "File Conversion Now", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.hfileconversionnow.com) 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 "hfileconversionnow.com", 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 hfileconversionnow.com 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 "File Conversion Now", 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 "File Conversion Now", remove hxxp://hfileconversionnow.com 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: "extensionControlled"
Set both results to "false" by either double-clicking each entry or clicking the 
button.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with hfileconversionnow.com 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 hfileconversionnow.com 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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