ContentExplorer virus

ContentExplorer is a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) identified as adware and a browser hijacker that may associate with spyware. ContentExplorer malware has been reported to change existing internet browser settings, including the homepage and default search engine, and may display pop-up advertisements on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Internet Explorer by utilizing browser helper objects (BHOs), add-ons, extensions, and plugins.

Once ContentExplorer is installed, the program and programs that have installed alongside the program such as V9 Uninstaller will change existing browser settings, including the homepage, default search engine, and browser shortcut. This causes affected browsers to start-up on and redirect to unwanted websites when a user opens a new browser window or tab, as well as searches the internet using the browser address or omni bar.

ContentExplorer may also observe and collect user information which is used to display targeted advertisements. This information may also be submitted to third-party marketing and mailing lists which can result in unwanted email spam, junk mail, and telephone calls from telemarketers.

If ContentExplorer software is installed, a user will notice pop-under advertisements that take up an entire browser window or browser tab, generic banner and skyscraper advertisements, in-text ads that pop-up when a user hovers over hyper-linked text, and/or pop-up advertisements that appear when a user hovers over images with their mouse pointer. Most of these advertisements will say something similar to “brought by ContentExplorer” or “ContentExplorer Deals.”

ContentExplorer (Content Explorer) often bundles with third-party freeware distributed by websites such as download.com in order to monetize free services, and can also be found in advertisements, torrents, and other items on media related websites such as thepiratebay.se.

Users are sometimes given the opportunity to accept or decline an offer to install ContentExplorer software and other items during the setup process of third-party software; However, the request to decline the offer is often ignored or presented in a very confusing manner.

1. ContentExplorer Removal Software & Tools

Use the instructions below to automatically remove ContentExplorer and third-party malware, as well as automatically remove unwanted search engines from your installed internet browsers.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

1. We highly recommend writing down the toll free number below in case you run into any issues or problems while following the instructions. Our techs will kindly assist you with any problems.

1-888-879-0084
if you need help give us a call

2. Install the free or purchase the full version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software.

3. Once Malwarebytes is installed, run the program and update the database if needed.

4. On the Dashboard click the large green Scan Now button.

5. Once the malware scan is complete, Malwarebytes may state that potential malware or malware was detected. Click the Apply All Action button.

6. If files were quarantined, visit the History section and remove all files in the Quarantine selection.

CCleaner

CCleaner can be used to automatically repair internet browser settings startup up settings, and uninstall ContentExplorer adware and associated third-party software.

1. Install the free or paid version of CCleaner by Piriform.

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.

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 ContentExplorer and other unwanted programs, navigate to the Uninstall tab and search for ContentExplorer, etc. in the list of installed programs. Uninstall the unwanted software as selected by clicking the Run Uninstaller button.

2. Manually Remove ContentExplorer

Use the instructions below to manually uninstall ContentExplorer adware from Microsoft Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8.

How to uninstall ContentExplorer

1. Access Windows Start Menu and navigate to the Control Panel (on Windows 8, right click the bottom left corner to access the Windows 8 Start Menu).

2. Click Uninstall a program or Add and remove a program.

3. In the list of installed programs search for ContentExplorer and other potentially unwanted software. Once the adware program is located, double click the unwanted program(s) or highlight them in the list and click the Uninstall button.

How to remove ContentExplorer add-ons and extensions

Use the instructions below to remove ContentExplorer add-ons and extensions from Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer. It may be necessary to remove third-party browser attachments.

Google Chrome

1. Click on the Customize icon (wrench or 3 bar icon) next to the address bar and navigate to Tools > Extensions.

2. Search for the ContentExplorer extension and remove it by clicking the trashcan icon next to it.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Type Ctrl+Shift+A.

2. On the Extensions and Plugin search for the ContentExplorer add-on and remove it.

Microsoft Internet Explorer

1. Click Tools and select Manage add-ons.

2. On the Toolbars and Extensions tab search for the ContentExplorer add-on and remove it if located.

Helpful Links:

• How to remove Adware
• How to restore Microsoft Windows Operating Systems (XP, Vista, 7)
• How to refresh/Reset Microsoft Windows 8 Operating Systems