How to stop encountering pdf2docs.com
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is pdf2docs.com?
We have tested pdf2docs.com and found that it is supposed to provide search results, but it is actually a fake search engine. Our other finding is that pdf2docs.com is promoted through an extension (PDF2DOCS) that functions as a browser hijacker. Overall, pdf2docs.com and the associated extension cannot be trusted.
Pdf2docs.com overview
After entering a search query, pdf2docs.com redirects to search.yahoo.com, a legitimate search engine. However, pdf2docs.com is a fake one, as it does not provide any results of its own. Fake search engines should be avoided because they can lead users to unreliable search engines.
The results provided by shady search engines can include links to phishing websites and sites hosting various scams, as well as malicious software. These websites can be designed to trick users into transferring money to scammers, downloading harmful programs, disclosing sensitive information, and taking other actions.
Furthermore, pdf2docs.com is promoted via a browser hijacker, PDF2DOCS. This extension changes settings such as the default search engine, homepage, and new tab address. It is likely that the extension is designed to prevent users from removing pdf2docs.com from the affected settings.
Also, PDF2DOCS can read and change user data on all pdf2docs.com sites. This could pose privacy risks, as it might involve collecting sensitive information or altering data without the user's knowledge or consent. If this access is misused, it could expose users to privacy violations, identity theft, fraud, and other issues.
Therefore, it is highly advisable to avoid adding extensions like PDF2DOCS to browsers. If PDF2DOCS and pdf2docs.com are already present, they should be removed as soon as possible. Our removal guide is provided below.
| Name | PDF2DOCS |
| Threat Type | Fake search engine, browser hijacker |
| Browser Extension(s) | PDF2DOCS |
| Supposed Functionality | Search engine |
| Promoted URL | pdf2docs.com |
| Detection Names (pdf2docs.com) | Seclookuo (Malicious), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (pdf2docs.com) | 108.156.201.26 |
| 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. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, pdf2docs.com is a search engine that redirects to a legitimate search engine but fails to deliver any results. The PDF2DOCS extension further compounds these dangers by hijacking browser settings and potentially compromising user privacy. To protect against these threats, users should avoid adding PDF2DOCS and promptly remove it if it is already present.
More examples of fake search engines are login-tab.com, seekthatonline.com, search-globe.com.
How did PDF2DOCS hijack my browser?
Browser hijackers can be added to browsers when installing programs that have hijackers included in their installers as additional offers. Users who leave the provided settings (e.g., "Advanced", "Custom") or checkboxes ticked when installing software (especially free software) agree to install/add browser hijackers or other unwanted offers.
Downloading from unofficial web pages or app stores, P2P networks, third-party downloaders, and similar sources can also lead to browser hijacking. Additionally, browser hijackers can be distributed using misleading pop-ups, ads, notifications, etc.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
Download programs and files only from official websites or app stores. Avoid pirated software and downloading from unreliable sources. During installation, uncheck any unwanted offers using the provided options or checkboxes. Do not interact with ads, links, or pop-ups on suspicious websites, nor allow untrustworthy sites to send notifications.
Keep your operating system and installed software up to date, and regularly scan your system with trusted security software. If your computer is already infected with PDF2DOCS, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Pdf2docs.com redirects to search.yahoo.com (GIF):
Permissions asked by PDF2DOCS browser hijacker:
Website promoting PDF2DOCS browser hijacker:
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Quick menu:
- What is pdf2docs.com?
- STEP 1. Uninstall PDF2DOCS application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove PDF2DOCS browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove pdf2docs.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove pdf2docs.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
PDF2DOCS 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, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted applications (which cause browser redirects to the pdf2docs.com website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
PDF2DOCS browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove browser redirects:
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate "PDF2DOCS" and other 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), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, disable "PDF2DOCS", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.pdf2docs.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 "pdf2docs.com", 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.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the pdf2docs browser hijacker, 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 extensions 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 "PDF2DOCS", as well as 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 "PDF2DOCS", remove hxxp://pdf2docs.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 "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.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with pdf2docs browser hijacker 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 pdf2docs browser hijacker, 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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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of forcing users visit pdf2docs.com website?
The purpose of forcing users to visit pdf2docs.com is to generate traffic for the site. This traffic can be monetized in various ways, such as by displaying ads, collecting data, or redirecting users to malicious content or scams.
Is visiting pdf2docs.com a threat to my privacy?
Yes, visiting pdf2docs.com can be a threat to your privacy. The site and the associated browser hijacker may collect personal data, track online activity, and potentially expose you to malicious pages.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser hijackers are often installed/added alongside other programs, especially when users skip custom installation settings or leave unwanted options checked. Downloading from unofficial sources, such as third-party websites or P2P networks, can also lead to hijacking. Additionally, misleading pop-ups, ads, and notifications can be used to distribute these hijackers.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove PDF2DOCS browser hijacker?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and remove browser hijackers. Manual removal may not always work perfectly, as some hijackers can reinstall themselves. Thus, it is advisable to use specialized tools for removal.
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