How to uninstall OpenCandy from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of software is OpenCandy?
OpenCandy is the name of an advertising-supported application. We discovered this application while analyzing the samples submitted to the VirusTotal page. OpenCandy generates unwanted advertisements, manipulates the settings of a web browser, and adds extensions/plug-ins to it. Moreover, it gathers information about users.
OpenCandy in detail
OpenCandy is classified as adware because it generates annoying pop-ups, banners, surveys, coupons, and other advertisements. Those ads can open untrustworthy websites (e.g., phishing pages, technical support scam sites, websites hosting shady applications). It is also possible that clicking those ads can cause unexpected downloads and installations.
Furthermore, OpenCandy can change the settings of a web browser. It can hijack a browser by changing the address of a homepage and search provider. Additionally, OpenCandy can change the desktop background and insert unwanted toolbars, plug-ins, extensions, or add-ons in the web browser.
Also, OpenCandy collects browsing data and other information about users. Depending on the gathered data, it may be misused for marketing purposes, sold to third parties, used to steal identities, online accounts, etc. Thus, it is strongly recommended to remove OpenCandy from computers that have it installed on them as soon as possible.
| Name | Ads by OpenCandy |
| Threat Type | Adware |
| Detection Names | Avast (Win32:OpenCandy-D [PUP]), AVG (Win32:OpenCandy-D [PUP]), ESET-NOD32 (Win32/OpenCandy Potentially Unsafe), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:AdWare.Win32.OpenCandy.gvr), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | Your computer becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites, unwanted apps are added to a browser |
| 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, additional unwanted installations. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Unwanted applications in general
OpenCandy displays advertisements, injects additional apps into browsers, gathers information, and hijacks web browsers. Typically, the purpose of adware is only to show annoying ads. However, OpenCandy is capable of more than that which makes it even more harmful. It is known that OpenCandy's processes in Task Manager include spidentifier.exe rundll32.exe.
More adware examples are Eye Protection, darkscreen, and Action Colors.
How did adware install on my computer?
OpenCandy is distributed via installers for other software. It gets installed after completing the installation process without changing the provided settings (without deselecting OpenCandy). Typically, installers containing multiple apps have "Custom", "Advanced", "Manual" or similar settings, or ticked checkboxes.
Also, adware can be installed by clicking on untrustworthy advertisements and via fake installers downloaded from untrustworthy pages. Either way, most users download and install software or this type unknowingly.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Never download apps from questionable/suspicious websites. Download them from official websites and stores. Do not click on advertisements appearing on adult dating, gambling, torrent, illegal movie streaming, and similar sites. Also, never agree to receive notifications from dubious pages.
Check downloaders and installers for unwanted applications before downloading and installing programs. Make sure not to have any adware or other suspicious software installed on the operating system or added to a web browser. If your computer is already infected with rogue applications, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Instant automatic 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 malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
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Quick menu:
- What is OpenCandy?
- STEP 1. Uninstall adware applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue plug-ins from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove adware-type extensions from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove malicious extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Adware 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 unwanted applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the unwanted application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove 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 extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by opencandy, 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 and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by opencandy 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 ads by opencandy, 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:
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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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
It can slow down a computer, invade privacy, diminish the web browsing experience, and cause other issues. It depends on the capabilities of a specific adware-type program.
What does adware do?
As a rule, adware is designed to show unwanted ads. Additionally, they can be designed to hijack web browsers and collect information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers monetize adware by promoting various products, websites, services, etc. Most of them earn money by participating in affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will detect and remove adware. It is worth mentioning that manual removal does not always work since files, and other components belonging to adware remain in the system even after the removal. Thus, we recommend using Combo Cleaner for the removal of unwanted apps.
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