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SmartDownloader virus

How to remove SmartDownloader (Virus Removal Guide)

SmartDownloader (Smart Downloader, Smart Downloader Pro) is the name of a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that promises to produce faster download speeds. However, the unwanted program is known to inject the webpages you visit with pop-up and targeted advertisements. SmartDownloader is detected as a PUP and adware by reputable Antivirus and Anti-Malware products. Malwarebytes will detect SmartDownloader adware as PUP.Optional.SmartDownloader.A. SmartDownloader usually accesses a computer system without consent from the computer user. Once installed it will perform tasks that users will find undesirable.

SmartDownloader virus

The ‘SmartDownloader virus’ is intrusive because the program and objects that it bundles with inject the webpages internet users visit with targeted advertisements in the form of banners, pop-under webpages, and underlined in-text hyper link ads. Sometimes this adware will generate sponsored search results and suggestions. Unwanted targeted advertisements are a serious privacy concern because SmartDownloader adware will need to access and gather user browsing data and modify current browser settings in order to have enough data to produce ‘targeted’ advertisements. Information this adware observes includes all data on the websites you visit and all browsing activities, such as information submitted into online forms (online searches, email addresses, telephone numbers, etc.), bookmarks, and browser history. This information together will allow the adware and programs that it bundles with to generate advertisements that target internet users based off their current and past online habits.

SmartDownloader adware also bundles with other unwanted programs, browser extensions, malware, and malicious threats, including trojan horses such as Zbot. This adware and the programs that it bundles with schedule new tasks and change existing system start-up settings in order to run every time Windows starts and remain enabled. Programs and browser attachments that may arrive with this adware infection can also cause additional issues for computer and internet users not relating to pop-up advertisements. Other symptoms include simple browser redirects to a more severe ransomware infection designed to extort money. Trojan horses associated with this infection are primarily used to steal banking credentials.

Even though the SmartDownloader virus is not technically defined as a computer virus or malicious parasite, but the unwanted program is still a threat or the sign of a very severe computer infection. Since SmartDownloader is known to download and install alongside third-party malware, malicious files, and additional potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), including browser hijackers like Jogostempo.com, it will be necessary to uninstall multiple programs and remove multiple browser objects in order to stop all unwanted activities caused by this program and others from occurring. Apart from manually eradicating the program and others that it bundles with, files may remain undetected to the average computer user. That is why the professional internet security community recommends to use a reputable anti-malware product to remove SmartDownloader and malicious files that it may bundle with.

How did SmartDownloader get on my computer?

SmartDownloader and the unwanted programs that it bundles with are usually always contracted without the consent or knowledge of the computer user. The adware is used to promote free downloadable content from a variety of locations on the web; therefor it bundles with multiple objects. Free downloadable content that this adware may bundle with includes freeware, shareware, torrents, and more.

Users who wish to consciously and manually install freeware may be given the opportunity to accept or decline an offer to install SmartDownloader adware and other objects alongside the freeware during the installation and setup process; However, the user request to decline the adware from installing is often ignored by the program or presented in a deceptive manner and the adware will install anyways.

This program and objects that it bundles with can also be promoted and contracted through questionable advertisements. These advertisements are usually dishonest, misleading, and can cause the program to automatically download and install once they’re clicked on.

[fancy_box title=”SmartDownloader overview”]

  • SmartDownloader can read and change all your data on the websites you visit and read and change your browsing history.
  • SmartDownloader can manage your apps, extensions, downloads, and themes.
  • SmartDownloader bundles with other potentially unwanted programs and malware, including Trojan horses that steal banking credentials and passwords to other online accounts.
  • SmartDownloader is usually packed inside installers and downloaders from websites such as Cnet (download.com), Softonic, and others.
  • SmartDownloader injects visited webpages with pop-up and in-text advertisements.
  • SmartDownloader makes unwanted changes to existing Windows settings and schedules new tasks which allow it to run every time Windows starts and check to see if the program has been disabled. If the program is disabled it will enable itself.

[/fancy_box]

How to remove SmartDownloader (Removal Guide)

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Step 1: Remove SmartDownloader extensions

We recommend that you write down the toll free number below in case you run into any issues or problems while removing this infection. Our techs will kindly assist you with any problems.

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if you need help give us a call
Google Chrome

1. Click the Customize and control Google Chrome icon on the top menu and navigate to More tools > Extensions.

2. Search for the SmartDownloader extension in the list. Remove unwanted browser extensions individually by clicking the trashcan icon next to each one.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Type Ctrl+Shift+A.

2. Search for the SmartDownloader add-ons on the Extensions and Plugin tab. Highlight each one individually and click remove.

Apple Safari

1. Click Safari and go to Preferences > Extensions.

2.  Find the SmartDownloader extension in the list and click the Uninstall button.

Step 2: Uninstall SmartDownloader from Windows

1. Open Windows Start Menu and go to the Control Panel.

2. On Windows Control Panel, click Uninstall a program or Add and remove a program in the Programs section.

3. Search for SmartDownloader and other unwanted programs in the list of installed programs. Once an unwanted program is located, double click the item or select it with your mouse and click the Uninstall button. If you can not find this program in the list of installed program please see steps 3 and 4 below.

Step 3: Remove PUP.Optional.SmartDownloader.A with Malwarebytes

1. Download and install the free or full version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. The full version enables real-time protection to block malware and unwanted programs from infecting your computer, while the free version is just a free scan and removal tool.

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2. Open the Malwarebytes Anti-Malware program.

Malwarebytes

3. Click the large Scan Now button or visit the “Scan” tab to manually run a scan.

Malwarebytes 2

4. When the malware scan is complete, click the Remove Selected button and reboot your computer.

If you are still having issues with malware it is recommended to download and install a second opinion scanner such as HitmanPro by Surfright to eradicate existing malicious files and automatically repair corrupted settings.

Step 4: Cleanup and repair settings with CCleaner

1. Download and install the free or full version of CCleaner by Piriform.

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Antivirus PRO 2015 virus

2. Once installed, open the program and navigate to Cleaner > Windows/Applications and click the Analyze button. Afterwards, click the Run Cleaner button on the bottom right of the program interface.

Antivirus PRO 2015 malware

3. Next, navigate to Tools > Startup and search through each tab starting from windows, internet explorer, etc., all the way to Content Menu, for additional suspicious entries and click Disable and Delete once anything is found.

If you are still experiencing issues removing potential SmartDownloader malware after using this removal guide we recommend to perform a system restore/recovery or a reset/refresh for Windows 8.

Jared Harrison

Jared Harrison is an accomplished tech author and entrepreneur, bringing forth over 20 years of extensive expertise in cybersecurity, privacy, malware, Google Analytics, online marketing, and various other tech domains. He has made significant contributions to the industry and has been featured in multiple esteemed publications. Jared is widely recognized for his keen intellect and innovative insights, earning him a reputation as a respected figure in the tech community.

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