How to Remove SyncDrive (Virus Removal Guide)

This SyncDrive removal guide contains steps to completely remove SyncDrive virus, malware, and other potentially unwanted programs and extensions from an infected computer.

Overview

Automatically downloads and installs in the background without user consent or knowledge
Creates and schedules new startup tasks in Windows Task Manager to run every time Windows starts
Uses a large amount of system resources
Simultaneously displays pop-up, pop-under, and in-text advertisements across each browser installed on the infected machine
Bundles with Malware, Adware, Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs), Spyware, Rogue Programs, and Trojan Horses
Remains on system after manual removal procedures

What is SyncDrive?

SyncDrive by Star GRP Co. (or other publisher) is a Potentially Unwatned Program (PUP) that automatically downloads and installs without prior consent or knowledge. Once the program is installed it will create a new task to run every time Windows starts. This can use a large amount of system resources and cause a computer to become slow and sluggish.

In addition to these issues, the potentially unwanted program will cause other symptoms:

Pop-up ads, pop-under ads, in-text ads, and banner advertisements
Sponsored search results and new advertisements that appear when you search the web
Modified homepage, new tab page, and search engine
Slow and sluggish computer
Internet browser crash
Can bundle with malware, PUPs, adware, spyware, and other threats

A major concern with this program is that it bundles along with and is advertised alongside other potentially unwanted programs, malware, and potentially malicious trace files that can remain hidden on an infected computer system. If the victim did not install the program but find it installed on their computer it is likely that the threat was part of a package alongside other malicious objects.

This potentially unwanted program is usually distributed like most common unwanted programs are. It can be contracted via free downloadable content, including freeware and torrent files. It may also be advertised as something it is not in order to trick victims into installing it and other potentially unwanted programs and malware.

It is also advertised across various websites including websites that contain prohibited content (such as video streaming websites, torrent websites, and pornography websites). These websites will also advertise malware and other threats. The advertisements that promote this extension may also promote other threats if clicked.

How to remove SyncDrive (Removal Guide)

STEP 1: Scan your computer for malware
STEP 2: Manually repair your browser settings
STEP 3: Manually uninstall programs
TIPS: How to stay protected against future infections

STEP 1: Scan your computer for malware

The best way to remove SyncDrive 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 Remove Selected button.

4. To finish the Malwarebytes scan and remove detected malware click the Finish button and reboot your computer if promoted to do so.

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 free of SyncDrive and other threats completely; 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 remove extensions from Safari

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: How to stay protected against future infections

The key to staying protected against future infections is to follow common online 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 spread across your computer. These programs bundled together can establish a wall between your computer and cyber criminals.

Common Online Guidelines

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