Quite often, when installing some kind of free software, many users do not pay attention to the fact that by default SafeFinder can be installed in the system. How to remove it later, not everyone knows, and often the process turns into a real headache.
What is SafeFinder?
Let's start with a description of the threat. Initially, this module is installed in the system supposedly as a means of quick access to some promotions and offers that are available on the Internet (most often the product is served as a secure search system).
In general, this utility is the usual means of downloading spam, and even producing a redirect (redirect) from site to site. But few people know that the program can evolve over time, which will ultimately lead to the fact that it will become a serious threat. That's when users begin to think about how to remove SafeFinder from the computer. We will make a reservation right away: this is not easy to do.
Computer Penetration and Evolution
As mentioned above, the program can be installed through other applications. Here you need to monitor what the installer offers in this case. As a rule, at one of the stages a window appears in which it is written in small print that SafeFinder will be installed additionally. In other words, you should not set the default setting, but a custom one with advanced settings.
Naturally, an applet can infiltrate the system when visiting certain sites. For example, a user clicks on a banner like “How to lose weight quickly” - you look, and installation of the SafeFinder module in the background has already started.
After the installation process is complete, the program creates its own directories with files in the Program Files and Program Data folders, prescribes its own keys in the registry, and sometimes in the process of evolution it replaces the original Microsoft system files. That is why it is very difficult to fight it.
In addition, over time, the application is so deeply embedded in the system that it can easily transfer confidential user data (passwords, logins, PIN codes, etc.) to third parties.
SafeFinder: how to remove a program using the simplest method?
To get rid of this application by the simplest method at an early stage of infection, you should use the standard “Control Panel”, where the program and component section is selected.
In the list of installed applications you need to find SafeFinder, and then start the uninstall process. The only thing that causes legitimate doubts in this method is that, unfortunately, keys from the system registry are not completely destroyed. As a result, it is still part of the SafeFinder program that is still active in the system. How to remove it completely?
Using specialized utilities
Here, the help of professional utilities is useful to us. Some recommend using Spy Hunter. One may not agree with this, since getting rid of this utility will be even more difficult than using SafeFinder. Now we will consider how to uninstall SafeFinder using special professional applications.
You can use the iObit Uninstaller program, unique in its principles of operation. After installation, you can either invoke it manually or use the integrated complete removal command in the Forced Uninstall section above. First, the standard uninstaller will be launched, and after that - the process of in-depth scanning for the presence of residual files and registry keys. In the search result, you need to select all the links and use the option to destroy files.
Search.SafeFinder.com: how to remove an applet manually
The above methods only help in the first stage. If a lot of time has passed after the infection, in addition to these actions, you will have to go to the registry editor (regedit command) and delete some keys.
Usually this is the Browser Infrastructure Helper or SafeFinder.exe key located in the Run section when navigating the main HKCU branch (local user records). In addition, you should specify a search in the file manager and delete everything related to SafeFinder entries manually (usually this data is in the AppData / Local folders).
Disabling add-ons in browsers
Another unpleasant moment is that the program during installation can install its own add-ons (add-ons) in browsers. They will either have to be disabled or deleted, if any, and only then completely uninstall the application. Consider several popular browsers.
In Internet Explorer, you should use the button marked with a gear, where, after calling up the menu, the add-ons settings section is selected, SafeFinder is located, and the disconnect button is pressed (toolbar and extension tab).
In Google Chrom or a similar browser, the address bar is entered chrome: // extensions /, then the corresponding add-in is selected, after which the delete button, indicated in the form of a basket, is pressed.
In Mozilla Firefox, the about: addons command is used for the address bar , and the extension section is selected in the menu. Next, as usual, we find the SafeFinder entry and click the delete button located next to it.
A common rule for all browsers is to set a blank page as the start page (about: blank).
Conclusion
That, in fact, is all about the SafeFinder program. How to remove it using various methods, we have already figured out. As for the removal tools like Spy Hunter, which refers to applications for eradicating threats like Adware, Malware and Spyware, the question of its use is controversial, since after installing it it will be very difficult to completely get rid of such a software product. In addition, activation keys may be required here, the program can additionally install a bunch of junk, etc.