Free File Converter Pro – a potentially unwanted application that offers file conversion benefits but floods your browser with ads
Free File Converter Pro is a potentially unwanted application that is designed to deliver intrusive ads
Free File Converter Pro is a potentially unwanted application that is designed to deliver intrusive ads
Free File Converter Pro is a browser extension and an online service that offers free file conversion to PDF service. However, since the app delivers intrusive pop-ups, in-text links, notifications, redirects, and other types of ads, it is considered to be a potentially unwanted program, namely, adware.
Besides engaging in intrusive advertisement campaigns, Free File Converter Pro is also distributed via dubious ways, e.g., software bundles downloaded from third-party websites or fake update prompts. Besides, the app also gathers a variety of information about user web browser activities to serve targeted ads and profit from the activity financially.
| Name | Free File Converter Pro |
| Type | Adware |
| Distribution | The add-on can be downloaded on various third-party websites or delivered behind users’ backs via software bundle packages. It can also be found via deceptive ads, such as fake updates or bogus pop-ups |
| Symptoms |
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| Risks | Users might be subject of data tracking which is later shared with third-parties (privacy issues); some websites might result in the installation of other potentially unwanted applications; scams can lead to financial losses |
| Elimination | To get rid of the browser extension, access the settings of your web browser. If the unwanted ads do not stop, scan your machine with anti-malware and reset all the installed web browsers |
| System fix | Malware or adware infections can diminish the performance of your computer. Use Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego to remediate your device and ensure that the virus damage is fixed |
Regardless if you are using Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, MS Edge, or another web browser – all of them can be affected by adware. Adware is mostly low-quality software that is designed to monetize users’ clicks and/or ad campaigns that can diminish web browsing experience significantly. Hence, we recommend Free File Converter Pro removal.
Even though Free File Converter Pro is advertised as a useful tool that can convert over a hundred different file types to PDF format, it is important to note that it has many negative qualities that should not be ignored. As previously noticed, the app might be installed without permission – via freeware software packages.
Thus, if you noticed that an extension had been installed on your web browser, it is highly likely that it got in along with programs you downloaded from third-party websites. Precisely due to this reason, many users can refer to the app as Free File Converter Pro virus, although the term is not entirely correct.
In some cases, adware like Free File Converter Pro might attempt to disguise its presence on the computer/browser. For example, most extensions are immediately visible on the main bar of the browser. The one that tries to avoid being detected might not be visible, hence preventing easy Free File Converter Pro removal.
Even if the app managed to slip in vi deceptive methods, its presence could be often noticed at some point. Redirects, pop-up ads, surveys, push notifications, and other unwanted activity often plagues browsers that are infected with adware, and Free File Converter Pro is not an exception. In some cases, clicks made anywhere on the browser window might initiate redirects to potentially dangerous sites, where users can be tricked into downloading malware or spend money on useless services.
Free File Converter Pro is adware program that is often installed behind users’ backs
Free File Converter Pro is adware program that is often installed behind users’ backs
Besides, Free File Converter Pro ads are not the only issue that should cause concerns. When reading Privacy Policy that is provided on the official website of the app (although it cannot be downloaded from there – a good indication that the PUP is spread via software bundles), it is clearly stated that cookies, scrips, web beacons,[1] and other technologies are used to gather information about users:
We use “cookies”, scripts, web beacons, and/or other similar technology to collect, directly or indirectly, Information about you, which are commonly used on the Internet.
Gathered data includes browser information, installed extension list, OS data, clicks on ads, visited websites, and more. Nonetheless, Free File Converter Pro also collects some personal data, including the IP address and contact information (if such is provided). Harvested details are later shared with third-parties, affiliates, partners, and other sources.
All in all, we recommend you remove Free File Converter Pro from your system and rely on more trustworthy apps. If you are struggling with the process, check the instructions we provide below. Other recommendations include scanning the computer with anti-malware and repair software (such as Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego), as well as resetting web browsers if the unwanted activities do not stop.
Learn how to differentiate reputable apps from dubious ones
There are millions of apps[2] available to download for users’ disposal. A vast majority of those programs are allegedly free – all users have to do is download and install them. However, it is important to understand that, unless the app is open-source, it is never actually free per se, as it uses other monetization methods for the purpose – advertisements. While there is nothing wrong with this type of financing, some apps use less than fair methods to break into the market.
Most commonly, potentially unwanted programs are downloaded off of third-party freeware websites, with the help of a technique called software bundling. Lack of attention when installing these apps is a perfect example of why this method is so effective, and many end up with software that they never intended to install in the first place. Unfortunately, some of these programs might be PUPs or even malware.
Thus, you should learn how to avoid online dangers by being careful when using the internet. Security researchers from novirus.uk[3] provide the following tips:
- Before installing a new app, always read up on it online – check reviews, forum posts and other user feedback;
- Download apps from official sources if possible;
- When prompted, always opt for Advanced/Custom installation mode instead of recommended one;
- Watch out for pre-ticked boxes, fine print text, misleading offers, and other tricks;
- Ensure that Privacy Policy and Terms of Service are provided during the installation;
- Install powerful security software that can detect both malware and PUPs.
The official website of Free File Converter Pro confirms that various user data is collected and shared with third-parties
The official website of Free File Converter Pro confirms that various user data is collected and shared with third-parties
A secure way to delete Free File Converter Pro and other PUPs from your computer
Potentially unwanted programs clutter your computer, slow it down, and can also compromise safe online browsing. For those reasons, remove Free File Converter Pro and other PUPs that could be installed on your machine immediately. You can do that either manually or automatically:
- Scan your computer with anti-malware (note: not all AVs can detect all potentially unwanted programs);
- Use our manual instructions we provide below.
When it comes to Free File Converter Pro removal, you should be able to uninstall the app by right-clicking on the extension. However, keep in mind that you might have other unwanted programs installed on your device, which can cause ads and redirects. Thus, a scan with a powerful anti-malware is always recommended. In case that does not help, you should reset all the installed web browsers to set their settings to default.
You may remove virus damage with a help of Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users’ data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Computer users can suffer various losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Software issues created by malware or direct data loss due to encryption can lead to problems with your device or permanent damage. When you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work.
It is crucial to create updates to your backups after any changes on the device, so you can get back to the point you were working on when malware changes anything or issues with the device causes data or performance corruption. Rely on such behavior and make file backup your daily or weekly habit.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware occurs out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the system restoring purpose.