SMPlayer

Learn what SMPlayer is and how to remove it from your computer. Also, remove associated viruses and malware with free our instructions.

What is SMPlayer?

SMPlayer by Ricardo Villalba is a potentially unwanted program (PUP) and adware that utilizes deceptive advertising methods. Once SmPlayer is installed it will display advertisements and automatically open new browser windows in the background in order to display sponsored search content and ads. The setup process for the program can also introduce your computer to other unwanted programs, malware, and threats with or without your consent (shown in the second image below).

SMPlayer is known to bundle with other unwanted programs, adware, spyware, and malware that can cause additional issues. Cooperating threats that the program bundles with can establish a connection to remote sites in order to track your data, display advertisements while you browse the web or on Windows desktop, and modify your browser and computer settings to show you sponsored search results.

Another concern with SMPlayer is that it is advertised on websites that usually display malicious advertisements and host malware. If you found SMPlayer installed on your computer or notice advertisements for the program while you browse the web it is likely that your computer was introduced to other threats such as Free FLV Player. Other threats should be eliminated immediately before they put your personal information and computer functionality at risk.

How did SMPlayer get on my computer?

SMPlayer utilizes aggressive and deceptive marketing tactics in order to persuade you to install it. Advertisements that promote SMPlayer might claim that you cant play a video you want to view unless you download the program. But, that’s not true. It’s a trick to get you to to download and install SMPlayer. As shown in the image below, an advertisement says “can’t play this video, perhaps your browser doesn’t allow video playback, click allow or download to continue.” This deceptive message is designed to make it sound like the program is needed to view videos on your computer even though it is not.

If you come across an advertisements promoting SMPlayer you can chose to manually and voluntarily download and install SMPlayer. If you download and install SMPlayer via an advertisement it can cause the program to bundle with other unknown programs.

Furthermore, if you download and install other freeware that is not SMPlayer you might be given the option to install SMPlayer during the setup process. Freeware download managers often offer SMPlayer as a custom or advanced installation option and give you a chance to accept or decline to install SMPlayer and other programs. If you do not opt out from installing the program it will begin to install in the background while you install said freeware. 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 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 SMPlayer

Scan your computer for malware

1. Download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software to scan your computer and remove malicious files and potentially unwanted programs.

2. To install the program, click the file you just downloaded. It can usually be located in the Download folder.

3. A window that says “Welcome to the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard” will appear. Click Agree and Install to begin the installation. Once complete, click Finish.

4. Now the Malwarebytes is installed, open the program and click the Scan Now button – or go to the Scan tab and click the Start Scan button.

5. When the scan is complete click the Quarantine Selected button.

6. 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.

7. Next, Download HitmanPro to perform a second-opinion scan and remove any remaining malicious trace files.

8. 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.

9. When the HitmanPro scan is complete click the Next button.

10. To activate the free version of HitmanPro: enter your email address twice and click the Activate button.

11. Click the Reboot button.

Uninstall SMPlayer from your computer

1. On most versions of the Windows Operating System, right click the start menu (bottom left corner of the task bar) and go to Apps and Features.

2. Find SMPlayer in the list of installed programs, click it with your mouse, and click the Uninstall button that appears to uninstall SMPlayer.

• How to uninstall a program from Windows
• How to uninstall a program from Mac

How to stay protected against future infections

The key to staying protected against future infections is to follow specific guidelines while you use your computer and to take advantage of reputable Antivirus and Anti-Malware security software that have real-time protection.

Real-time protection

Security software like Malwarebytes and Norton Security have real-time potection features that can block malicious files before they get onto your computer. The two 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