How to uninstall the PDFConverter potentially unwanted application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is PDFConverter?
PDFConverter is software endorsed as a tool for converting various file formats. According to its promotional material, it is capable of converting Doc, PDF, XLS, JPG, HTML, and many other formats.
Since most users download/install PDFConverter inadvertently, it is classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA). If this app is present on the system, it is likely that other PUAs have also infiltrated it.
PDFConverter has been observed being distributed with adware and browser hijackers. These unwanted apps can have undisclosed, dangerous functionality. PUAs cause redirects, run intrusive advertisement campaigns, modify browsers, and collect browsing-related data.
While dubious distribution techniques may be used to promote legitimate products, they are more commonly employed to proliferate untrusted software. PUAs may seem legitimate and offer various "useful" features, however, despite how good they may sound, they are seldom operational. Fake anti-virus tools are prime examples of this - they require activation (i.e., purchase) to perform the advertised functions, yet following activation, they are nonoperational.
PUAs have harmful functionalities, and these functions can be in different combinations. Some of these applications can force-open sale-based, misleading, untrusted, compromised, deceptive/scam, and malicious websites.
Adware-types deliver intrusive ad campaigns. The delivered ads diminish the browsing experience and pose a threat to device/user safety. Once clicked, intrusive advertisements can redirect to dubious/malicious sites and stealthily download/install software.
Other PUAs called browser hijacker operate by modifying browser settings and restricting/denying access to them in order to promote fake search engines. The promoted web searchers rarely can provide search results, and so they redirect to Google, Bing, Yahoo, and other genuine sites.
Furthermore, most PUAs have data tracking capabilities. Targeted information includes (but is not limited to) URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, IP (Internet Protocol) addresses, geolocations, and personally identifiable details. The collected data is then monetized by sharing with and/or selling to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of unwanted apps on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial loss, and even identity theft. To protect device integrity and user privacy, all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be removed immediately upon detection.
| Name | PDFConverter potentially unwanted application |
| Threat Type | PUP (potentially unwanted program), PUA (potentially unwanted application) |
| Supposed Functionality | File format conversion |
| Detection Names (installer) | ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Agent.AR Potentially Unwa), Fortinet (Riskware/Agent), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.Win32.AdSearch.gen), McAfee (Artemis!9A1E65B81735), Sophos (Generic PUA HA (PUA)), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (application) | AegisLab (Adware.Script.AdSearch.2!c), Gridinsoft (Adware.Win64.Agent.dd!s1), Jiangmin (AdWare.Script.gh), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.Script.AdSearc), Qihoo-360 (Win64/Trojan.Generic.HgEASQoA), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | A program that you do not recall installing suddenly appeared on your computer. A new application is performing computer scans and displays warning messages about 'found issues'. Asks for payment to eliminate the supposedly found errors. |
| Distribution Methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers. |
| Damage | Monetary loss (unnecessary purchase of fake software), unwanted warning pop-ups, slow computer performance. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
SpeedFixTool, DriverScape, One Click Privacy, TakeMyFile, and ZipConvertAce are some examples of other PUAs. They may seem legitimate and innocuous, and users are enticed into download/installation and purchase with offers of a broad range of functionalities, however, the promised features usually do not work. The only goal of this unwanted software is to generate revenue for the developers.
PUAs simply cause redirects, run intrusive advertisement campaigns, hijack browsers, and gather sensitive and private data.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
PUAs are often downloaded/installed together with other products. This deceptive marketing technique of pre-packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions is called "bundling".
By rushing through download/installation of software (e.g. ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, using "Quick/Express" settings, etc.) many users risk unintentionally allowing bundled content into their devices. Intrusive advertisements proliferate PUAs as well. When clicked, the ads can execute scripts to download/install these applications without users' permission.
Some (including PDFConverter) PUAs have "official" download web pages from which they can be downloaded.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
You are advised to research all software before download/installation. Use only official and verified download channels. Unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks (BitTorrent, Gnutella, eMule), and other third party downloaders commonly offer harmful and bundled content, and are therefore untrusted and should be avoided.
When downloading/installing, read the terms, study all possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out of additional apps, tools, features, and so on.
Intrusive advertisements typically seem legitimate, however, they can redirect to dubious and malicious sites (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and many others). If you encounter ads or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately.
Installed programs must be activated and updated with tools or implemented functions that are provided by the official developers. No other third party, unofficial tools should be used.
Note that it is illegal to activate licensed software with ‘cracking’ tools. Files and programs should be downloaded from official websites and via direct download links. Avoid third party installers and the tools/sources mentioned above.
Do not open website links or files in irrelevant emails that are received from unknown, suspicious addresses. These bogus emails are often disguised as official and important. Regularly, scan your computer with reputable, up-to-date antivirus or anti-spyware software.
If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Installation setup of PDFConverter application:
Screenshots of websites promoting PDFConverter application.
Example 1:
Example 2:
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Quick menu:
- What is PDFConverter?
- STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
- STEP 6. Remove malicious plug-ins from Internet Explorer.
Removal of potentially unwanted applications:
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 "PDFConverter" and other suspicious/recently-installed applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove rogue extensions from Internet browsers:
At time of research, PDFConverter did not install any unwanted browser extensions, however, some unwanted applications can be installed together with adware and browser hijackers. If you experience unwanted ads or redirects when browsing the internet, continue with the removal guide below.
Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
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 all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and remove them.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the pdfconverter potentially unwanted application, 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", in the opened window remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with pdfconverter potentially unwanted application 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, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.
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 upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the pdfconverter potentially unwanted application, 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.
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 browser extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the pdfconverter potentially unwanted application, 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.
Summary:
Commonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.
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