What is WebDiscover browser?
This application is categorized as both adware and Potentially Unwanted Program. It is a browser that supposedly allows you to browse the internet, directly from your desktop and has features like VPN, music streaming, weather forecasts, etc. This adware and PUP can mess with all the browser applications you have installed on your computer and has the power to modify your browser’s default homepage, search providers and other browser settings. This can also cause a never-ending parade of pop-ups, banners and ads with unreliable links. This browser seemingly looks like Google Chrome since it uses the open source Chromium project making it look like a legitimate browser. If installed, this browser can create and schedule tasks in order to run every time you start your computer, using up your computer’s system resources that can slow down computer performance.
Furthermore, this application has the ability to monitor your browsing activities, display ads like in-text links and coupons according to your preferences which they based on your browsing activities like your search queries and can even cause browser redirects. If you try to open a new tab or search the internet, you will be redirected to trovi.com website, then to the Bing search engine. Although most ads are from online stores, there are a few that often leads you to bogus websites and other potential threats. As stated, this browser monitors your online activity like websites you frequently visited, pages you’ve viewed, search queries and other details that can contain personal information. They share the information gathered to third-parties that can be misused and can put your security at risk. So having this kind of browser can lead to serious privacy issues and even identity theft.
How is WebDiscover being distributed?
WebDiscover browser has an official download website; even so, it is also distributed through bundled software together with third-party applications. Software bundling is one of the most common way to distribute unwanted programs like this, that’s why you should be careful when installing a software especially if it’s free, since most free software are bundled and can even have a harmful file or application attached to it. Pay close attention when during the installation process don’t just click ‘Next’ to get it over and one with; be sure to read if not most then at least some parts of License Agreement and whatnot.
How to uninstall WebDiscover:
Step 1: Reboot your computer into Safe Mode.
Step 2: Go to the Windows Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc at the same time. Proceed to the Processes tab and look for WebDiscover and any suspicious processes.
Right-click on the files, then click Open File Location and scan them using your updated antivirus. After opening their folders, end their processes and delete their folders. If the virus scanner fails to detect something that you know is suspicious, don’t hesitate to delete it.
Step 3: Go to Control Panel by pressing the Start key+R to launch Run and type appwiz.cpl in the search box and click OK.
Locate the WebDiscover application and then Uninstall. Then click the Windows button and type msconfig in the search box and hit Enter to Open System Configuration. Go to Startup and unmark items with an unknown manufacturer.
Step 4: Press the Start key+R and type the following:
Notepad %windir%/system32/Drivers/etc/hosts
This file will open which will determine if you are hacked through a bunch of IP addresses at the bottom:
Open the start menu by clicking the Windows button and search for Network Connections using the search box and hit Enter.
- Right-click on your Network Adapter, go to Properties, Internet Protocol Version 4 (ICP/IP), then click Properties.
- The DNS line will be set to Obtain DNS server automatically.
- Select Advanced on the DNS tab, and if there is anything there, remove it and click OK.
Step 5: Removing WebDiscover from Google Chrome.
- Find the Google Chrome’s shortcut on your computer and Right-click and select Properties.
- After selecting Properties, go to Shortcut, erase everything under after .exe, and click OK.
Google Chrome Properties
- Close Google Chrome and Navigate to:
C:/Users/!!!!USER NAME!!!!/AppData/Local/Google/Chrome/User Data
- Look for the folder named Default and rename it to Backup Default.
- Restart Google Chrome.
Internet Explorer:
- Launch Internet Explorer and click the Settings icon and select Manage Add-ons.
- Look for the threat and select Disable. Go to Settings, then Internet Options and change the URL to anything you use and click Apply.
Prevention is always better than cure so it would be good if you have a good and trusted antivirus like SpyRemover Pro to identify threats like WebDiscover before it can infect your computer. Click here to download SpyRemover Pro.
