OpenCandy Adware: What is it?

When you open an installer and you just click and click and read nothing, what happens is that, you have put more programs on your computer without even realizing it. And that’s where OpenCandy come in handy. And yes, OpenCandy is behind the changed or modified search experience; like a new search toolbar or other add-ons, or you might even mining on LiteCoins unknowingly, it’s because you’re paying any attention when installing something into our computer.
Why such adware malware exists? Well, it’s in word: money. It’s all for the money. It is created since developing a software definitely takes time and most users would rather not pay for it, so they thought of a solution for this, for a quick money- it’s the bundled crapware! They get the cut of the revenue through the crapware. In fact, there are many ways to monetize through the crapware, and they don’t say it so publicly but they’re relying on your laziness in reading while installing something on your computer. The people behind your favorite free apps can make a buck.
In short, the OpenCandy is an application that allows to downloads and installation of software including other browsers which basically comes in bundle. Usually, it installs additional programs that you might knowingly or unknowingly agree to install.
 

Programs that usually come with OpenCandy:

OpenCandy has no official list of software that includes it. However, in the Wikipedia article about OpenCandy, it includes the following programs:

• CDBurnerXP
• CutePDF
• Foxit Reader
• Miro
• PeaZip
• µTorrent

All of these were apps we, as a site, have recommended at one point or another – something we feel conflicted about and you may want to remove these crapware and all sort of malware in your computer.
 

What to do: Remove OpenCandy from your computer

How to get rid of OpenCandy?

Microsoft Internet Explorer

1. Lunch the browser.
2. Press Alt+T and click Internet Options.
3. Erase Search.searchutilities.co Enter a new URL.
4. Click OK.

Google Chrome

1. Lunch the browser.
2. Press Alt+F keys.
3. Select Settings.
4. Click Set pages.
5. Erase Search.searchutilities.co
6. Enter a new URL
7. Click OK.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Lunch the browser.
2. Press Alt+T.
3. Click Options and select General.
4. Erase OpenCany and enter a new address.

How to automatically remove the OpenCandy?

These instructions indicate how to get rid of OpenCandy automatically. The instructions need to be applied on the infected computer.

1. Turn the infected computer on. If it is turned on, restart it.
2. When BIOS screen disappears after the reboot, tap F8 key repeatedly. Advanced Options menu will show up. If Windows logo appears, reboot the PC and try pressing F8 again.
3. When you access Advanced Options menu, use arrow keys to navigate and choose Safe Mode with Networking. Press Enter to access the mode.

 

 
 
4. Wait for Windows to load Safe Mode with Networking.
5. Press and hold the Windows key and then press R key.
 


 
6. If you have pressed both keys correctly, Windows Run Box will pop up.
7. Type the following into the Open box:
explorer https://www.fixmypcfree.com/removal
*Note, that there has to be a single space gap in between iexplore and http. Click OK.
8. Internet Explorer will open and a download dialog bar will appear at the bottom of your screen. Click Run to begin the installation automatically once SpyRemover Pro is downloaded.
9. Click OK if your system asks whether you want to run SpyHunter software.
10. Run SpyRemover Pro and perform a full system scan.
11Once all the malicious infections are detected, click Fix Threats. SpyRemover Pro  will ask you to register the software.
12. By registering SpyRemover Pro  you will also be able to protect your computer from other potential threats. Once you have registered the program, the malware will be removed. Reboot your PC to fully implement the malware removal procedure.
 
Prevention:
There are a few quick ways to quick to avoid the OpenCandy to be downloaded into your computer:

• Using Ninite, which lets you install popular Windows freeware in bulk. You’ll skip the installers entirely.
• You can disconnect your computer from the Internet while installing software – OpenCandy can’t operate without a web connection.
• You can execute any OpenCandy-enabled installer from the command line, including the modifier “/nocandy”, to run without OpenCandy offers.

These all work, but if you want to avoid OpenCandy altogether it’s best to block “*.opencandy.com” completely by editing your hosts file.6