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SmartWeb

How to remove SmartWeb (Virus Removal Guide)

SmartWeb by SoftBrain Technologies Ltd. (Smart Web) is the title of a potentially unwanted program (PUP) and adware that usually infiltrates a Windows computer system without user consent and attaches to Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer as a browser add-on and extension. SmartWeb adware is essentially used to access and gather browsing data (such as all activities, bookmarks, and history) for a variety of marketing purposes. SmartWeb generates targeted advertisements based off of user browsing activities, bookmarks, history, and other data that it collects

SmartWeb

SmartWeb may bundle with third-party malware, malicious files, and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), including UniDeals. Programs and browser attachments associated with SmartWeb can read and change all your data on the websites you visit, read and change your browsing history, and manage your apps, extensions, downloads, and themes.

How does SmartWeb get on a computer?

SmartWeb is usually contracted without user knowledge alongside free downloadable content. This includes freeware, shareware, torrents, and even email attachments. In some cases SmartWeb and other items are promoted through advertisements and will automatically download and install once an advertisement is clicked.

Users may also be given options to accept or decline an offer to install SmartWeb adware and similar products during the installation process of third-party freeware; However, the user request to decline the program from installing is usually ignored or presented in a confusing manner,

How to remove SmartWeb

Step 1: Remove SmartWeb add-ons and extensions

Google Chrome

1. Click on the Customize icon on the menu and navigate to More tools > Extensions.

2. Search for the SmartWeb extension and other suspicious extensions 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. On the Extensions and Plugin search for the SmartWeb add-on and other suspicious add-ons and remove them if located.

Step 2: Uninstall SmartWeb

1. Access Windows Start Menu and navigate to the Control Panel.

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

SmartWeb virus removal

3. In the list of installed programs, search for SmartWeb and other unwanted programs. Once an unwanted program is located, double click the unwanted program or select it with your mouse and click the Uninstall button.

4. Restart your computer.

Step 3: Scan your computer for malware

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.

malwarebytes

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

4. Once the malware scan is complete, click the Quarantine All button and reboot your computer.

If you are still having issues with potential SmartWeb malware after using Malwarebytes 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

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

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CCleaner Analyze Cleaner

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.

CCleaner Startup

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.

4. To automatically uninstall unwanted programs using CCleaner, navigate to the Uninstall tab and search for the program in the list of installed programs. Uninstall the unwanted software as selected by clicking the Run Uninstaller button.

If you are still experiencing issues removing potential SmartWeb 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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