How to remove SweetPacks (Virus Removal Guide)

SweetPacks virus

The SweetPacks virus (SweetPacks Toolbar, Sweet Packs) is term used to describe a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that causes many problems for computer users. Potential SweetPacks malware changes existing internet browser settings of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Internet Explorer, including the homepage and default search engine, which causes affected internet browsers to start up on and redirect to search.sweetpacks.com, sweetpacks-search.com, sweetim.com, and other websites.

The SweetPacks virus (though not technically a computer virus) has been reported to invade the privacy of it’s users. SweetPacks.com and related parties may collect and distribute sensitive user information including your name, home address, email address, internet browsing habits, and more. SweetPacks.com  and sweetpacks-search.com may also use corrupt techniques to collect your age, gender, household income, and occupation. The information collected by SweetPacks and third-party items is often used to include users to mailing and marketing lists without direct consent or knowledge.

Victims of the search.sweetpacks.com redirect virus have reported unwanted email spam, junk mail, and telephone calls from telemarketers. Most communications have been in attempt to sell a victim items relating to their recent internet browser activity.

Search results displayed by SweetPacks Search are often irrelevant and primarily sponsored. Some reports suggest that the SweetPacks Search Engine may promote and advertise non-beneficial software considered scareware.

The SweetPacks extension and browser attachments that it may bundle with have ‘permissions’ set allowing them to perform tasks users may find undesirable. These permissions are listed below.
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• Read and change all your data on the websites you visit.
• Read and change your browsing history.
• Manage your apps, extensions, and themes.
• Manage your downloads.

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SweetPacks adware is usually contracted without user knowledge alongside free downloadable content from a variety of locations on the web. Free downloadable content includes freeware, shareware, torrents, email attachments, and more.

Users who wish to install freeware may be given a “custom installation” option to accept or decline an offer to install SweetPacks adware and similar products during the installation; However, the user request to decline the adware from installing can be ignored by the program or presented in a confusing manner.

In some cases, SweetPacks and other unwanted programs are deceptively promoted through questionable advertisements. These advertisements may be dishonest, misleading, and cause the program to automatically download and install once clicked on.

How to remove SweetPacks (Removal Guide)

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• Step 1: Remove unwanted add-ons and extensions
• Step 2: Uninstall SweetPacks
• Step 3: Remove SweetPacks malware with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
• Step 4: Cleanup and repair settings with CCleaner by Piriform
• For Tech Support Call: 1-888-879-0084

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Step 1: Remove SweetPacks add-ons and extensions

Google Chrome

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

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

Step 2: Uninstall SweetPacks

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 SweetPacks 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.

Step 3: Remove SweetPacks malware 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.

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 Remove Selected button and reboot your computer.

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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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.