This page aims to help you uninstall the PConverter toolbar. These PConverter toolbar removal instructions work for every version of Windows.
Is PConverter a PUP?
PConverter is an application developed by Mindspark Interactive Network that works as a browser toolbar. On its official website this plug-in is described as a handy tool that helps users to convert different file formats, currency, metrics, etc. Here is what the developers say about the program: “A free File Converter supporting most popular documents, audio files, video files, images and archives. The toolbar is easy to use, simple & fast. Within a few seconds, you can retrieve your converted files.” It seems like a legitimate and useful functionality. However, it is often recognized by the users as a potentially unwanted program (PUP). Why is it so? This is pretty much related to some similarities, that PConverter has with the common behavior of the PUPs in general. It is distributed through the shady practice of software bundling and once installed it may modify the settings of your internet browser. Many people discover this toolbar installed on their machine without any knowledge of how that happened.
Is PConverter dangerous for my PC?
Speaking about the toolbar as a PUP, it is important to differentiate it from other programs that may be considered as dangerous viruses. By its functionality, it is definitely NOT a virus. This is a program that is literally harmless and does not intend to do any malicious actions on your system. At its worst, it may only lead to unpleasant browsing disturbance, related with the changes it may apply on your browser. If you feel that you really don’t want to deal with such things, removing it may look like the best option.
What may PConverter do?
It easily integrates with Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer and if allowed can change your browser’s homepage, default search engine and homepage. A new tab URL settings leading users’ to the ask.com website may appear, where they may continually be redirected to ask.com without their consent. The application may also employ “helper objects” that may prevent users from reverting these unwanted changes, which is also a type of behavior associated with unwanted programs. All of these actions can lead to reduced quality of your browsing experience. It may also collect browsing information that might be shared with other third party companies the developers cooperate with. By monitoring users’ browsing activity, the toolbar may record various data which may contain personally identifiable details. Moreover, sharing such information may compromise the users’ privacy. Having this said, it is not a bad idea to consider removing PConverter toolbar from your PC.
Mindspark Interactive Network has some other plug-ins such as DownShotFree, InternetSpeedUtility and File Send Suite, and although they may offer different functionalities, it is good to have in mind they may have identical behavior that puts them in the category of potentially unwanted programs.
How did PConverter get installed on my computer?
The software of Mindspark Interactive Network is usually distributed through a marketing method known as “bundling”. This method commonly uses the installation of third party applications, packed within installation wizard of a chosen program. When downloading and installing a program, many users don’t pay much attention if there are unwanted applications hidden within the ‘Custom’ or ‘Advanced’ settings. By going directly for the installation, they may skip the advanced settings and this is how they install PUPs in their system unknowingly.
How to keep the potentially unwanted applications away?
If you don’t want to install potentially unwanted programs on your system, it is a good idea to read the simple rules we have for you. First, always pay close attention when downloading applications from the web. Carefully check each checkbox that appears on the installation wizard. Do not hesitate to decline all offers to download or install additional applications. Second, when downloading apps, especially free ones, always perform the “Custom” or “Advanced” installation. Avoid to press the “Quick” install since this is where typically potentially unwanted programs may be hidden.
Should you need assistance in uninstalling this PUP off your PC, you can follow the guide below. It will lead you to the step by step process of safely removing this PUP from your system.
SUMMARY:
Name | PConverter |
Type | PUP |
Detection Tool |
Uninstall PConverter Toolbar
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