How to remove FirePlayer (Virus Removal Guide)
What is FirePlayer?
FirePlayer by Installer Technology is detected as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) and is promoted as a free media player that plays high quality videos. The program is known to work well; However, FirePlayer usually bundles with other unwanted programs and adware that connects to remote web sites and transmits and receives information for unknown purposes.
An additional concern with FirePlayer is that it is advertised on websites that also display malicious advertisements and host malware. If you found FirePlayer installed on your computer or have located the .exe file used to install the program it is highly likely that your computer was introduced to other threats such as PCVark adware that should be eliminated before they cause other complications.
How did FirePlayer get on my computer?
You can chose to manually and voluntarily download and install FirePlayer from a variety of websites. You might also notice the program being advertised on several websites and chose to download and install the program through an advertisement. If you chose to download and install FirePlayer via an advertisement it can cause the program to bunch with other unknown programs.
FirePlayer is occasionally distributed by free downloadable content including freeware, torrent files, browser attachments, and other items. The items used to distribute the program are sometimes promoted as something they are not in order to trick you into installing it. They might also use deceptive advertising by claiming to be a necessary java update, browser update, flash player update, and more even though they are not necessary.
Sometimes you have the option to install FirePlayer when you download and install freeware. Freeware download managers often offer FirePlayer as a custom install and give you a chance to accept or decline to install FirePlayer and other programs. If you do not opt out from installing the program it will begin to install in the background. The way that the custom installation is presented can also be complex and arranged to trap you into installing programs you chose not to install. It’s advised to be totally alert when installing free programs from the internet and to keep an eye out for custom installation presentations to avoid any confusion and security risks from reaching your computer.
How to remove FirePlayer (Removal Guide)
Follow the FirePlayer removal guide on this page to remove FirePlayer from your computer. The steps will help you remove other malicious threats that can install alongside FirePlayer such as malware, viruses, adware, and spyware.
- STEP 1: Scan your computer for malware
- STEP 2: Manually repair your browser settings
- STEP 3: Manually uninstall programs
- TIPS: Stay protected against future infections
STEP 1: Scan your computer for malware
The best way to remove FirePlayer and other threats from your computer is to scan your computer for malware using Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and HitmanPro softawre. Malwarebytes and HitmanPro will locate and eradicate this threat and other malicious files installed on your machine automatically.
1. Download and Install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software to run a scan and remove malicious files from your computer.
2. Once installed, open Malwarebytes and click the Scan Now button – or go to the Scan tab and click the Start Scan button.
3. When the Malwarebytes scan is complete click the Quarantine Selected button.
4. If Malwarebytes says “All selected items have been removed successfully. A log file has been saved to the logs folder. Your computer needs to be restarted to complete the removal process. Would you like to restart now?” click the Yes button to restart your computer.
5. Download and Install HitmanPro by Surfright to perform a second-opinion scan and remove any remaining malicious trace files.
6. Once installed, open HitmanPro and click Next to start scanning your computer. *If you are using the free version you may chose to create a copy or perform a one-time scan.
7. When the HitmanPro scan is complete click the Next button.
8. To activate the free version of HitmanPro: enter your email address twice and click the Activate button.
9. Click the Reboot button.
Your computer should now be completely free of FirePlayer and other malicious files; However, you can still use the manual repair and uninstall instructions below if your browser settings have not been repaired or if you think an unwanted program is still installed on your machine.
STEP 2: Manually repair your browser settings
If your browser settings have been changed use these instructions to manually repair your settings.
- How to change your Google Chrome homepage
- How to change your Google Chrome search engine
- How to remove extensions from Chrome
- How to change your Mozilla Firefox homepage
- How to change your Mozilla Firefox search engine
- How to remove add-ons from Firefox
- How to change your Microsoft Internet Explorer homepage
- How to change your Microsoft Internet Explorer search engine
- How to remove add-ons from Internet Explorer
STEP 3: Manually uninstall programs
If you are infected with adware and other unwanted programs you might be able to manually uninstall programs from your computer. Use these instructions to uninstall unwanted programs that may have installed on your machine. If you do not find a program installed on your machine make sure to scan your computer for malware using the instructions above.
TIPS: Stay protected against future infections
The key to staying protected against future infections is to follow guidelines and take advantage of reputable Antivirus and Anti-Malware security software with real-time protection.
Real-time security software
Security software like Malwarebytes and Norton Security have real-time features that can block malicious files before they get onto your computer. The 2 programs bundled together can establish a wall between your computer and cyber criminals in real-time; disallowing threats and hackers from getting onto your machine.
Guidelines
The guidelines listed below are a great way to help you maintain a safe environment and ensure that the files on your computer are intact.
- Backup your computer and personal files to an external drive or online backup service
- Create a restore point on your computer in case you need to restore your computer to a date before infection
- Avoid downloading and installing apps, browser extensions, and programs you are not familiar with
- Avoid downloading and installing apps, browser extensions, and programs from websites you are not familiar with – some websites use their own download manager to bundle additional programs with the initial download
- Avoid visiting fake “spyware removal” blogs and websites that promote “spyware removal software.” These are usually malicious websites designed to phish your personal information, infect your computer with a rogue program and trick you into paying for rogue “spyware removal software.”
- If you plan to download and install freeware, open source software, or shareware make sure to be alert when you install the object and read all the instructions presented by the download manager
- Avoid torrents and P2P clients
- Do not open email messages from senders you do not know
