How to remove the docpdfsupreme browser hijacker
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
(updated)
How to remove the doctopdfsupreme.com browser hijacker from Mac computers
What is doctopdfsupreme.com ?
doctopdfsupreme.com is a fake search engine which is promoted through a potentially unwanted application (PUA), a browser hijacker called docpdfsupreme (or docpdfsupreme - Search the web and convert PDF). Typically, browser hijackers promote fake search engines by changing certain browser settings, however, most also gather details relating to users' browsing activities. Apps of this type are classified as PUAs, since people usually download and install them inadvertently.
Generally, browser hijackers promote fake search engines by changing settings such as the address of the default search engine, homepage, and new tab. After installation, docpdfsupreme assigns them to doctopdfsupreme.com. Therefore, users visit doctopdfsupreme.com when they open a browser, new tab or enter search queries into the URL bar. In most cases, addresses appointed by browser hijackers cannot be removed, or changed to another URL, since these apps prevent users from performed any modifications. The only way to stop the browser from opening the bogus address is to uninstall the browser hijacker (in this case docpdfsupreme). Note that doctopdfsupreme.com is a fake search engine, since it does not generate any unique results. Fake search engines often provide misleading results. Furthermore, most browser hijackers gather browsing data such as IP addresses, geolocations, entered search queries, addresses of visited websites, and so on. Sometimes they record personal, sensitive details. In any case, developers sell the data to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse it to generate revenue. These actions can cause problems relating to browsing safety, privacy, and it is possible that people might even become victims of identity theft. Therefore, remove any browser hijackers from your system/browser immediately.
Name | docpdfsupreme browser hijacker |
Threat Type | Browser hijacker, Mac malware, Mac virus. |
Browser Extension(s) | docpdfsupreme (or docpdfsupreme - Search the web and convert PDF). |
Symptoms | Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads. |
Damage | Internet browsing tracking (potential privacy issues), displaying of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information. |
Malware Removal (Mac) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
search.pricklybears.com and search.follysway.com are examples of other fake search engines. Typically, people do not use these sites intentionally. In most cases, they are forced browser hijackers that they have inadvertently installed onto the browser and/or operating system. Browser hijackers (and other PUAs) are commonly advertised as useful software, however, they deliver no real value and simply cause problems.
How did doctopdfsupreme.com install on my computer?
Frequently, people download and/or install PUAs through clicked deceptive ads that execute certain scripts, or through the set-ups of other software. In the second case, this happens when developers distribute PUAs using the "bundling" method - they include PUAs into various download and/or installation set-ups and present them as additional offers. Typically, the offers can be found in "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar parts of the download/installation set-ups. Note that download and installation of PUAs only happens when people leave the settings unchanged.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
Do not use third party downloaders, installers, Peer-to-Peer networks (torrent clients, eMule, and other networks of this type), unofficial websites, etc. to download or install software. Download all files and programs only from official websites and via direct links. Furthermore, if download and/or installation setup contains "Custom", "Advanced" or other settings, do not leave them unchecked. Decline any offers to download and/or install additionally-included, unwanted applications. Intrusive ads often redirect people who click them to untrusted websites. Typically, these are the ads that mostly appear on dubious web pages, however, they might also be displayed on legitimate web pages. Furthermore, these ads can be designed to cause download/installation of unwanted applications. Therefore, they should not be clicked. Finally, ensure that there are no unwanted, suspicious extensions, add-ons or plug-ins installed on the browser or programs of this type installed on the computer. They should be removed immediately. If your computer is already infected with browser hijackers, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.
Website promoting doctopdfsupreme.com:
docpdfsupreme asks permission to be added to the browser:
docpdfsupreme installed on Google Chrome:
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available.
Quick menu:
- What is doctopdfsupreme.com ?
- STEP 1. Remove doctopdfsupreme.com related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove doctopdfsupreme.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove doctopdfsupreme.com browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove doctopdfsupreme.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
doctopdfsupreme.com redirect removal:
Remove doctopdfsupreme.com-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:
Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select "Applications". In the applications folder, look for "MPlayerX", "NicePlayer", or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.
Remove docpdfsupreme browser hijacker related files and folders:
Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar, choose Go, and click Go to Folder...
Check for adware-generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents
In the “LaunchAgents” folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - “installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist”, “kuklorest.update.plist”, etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the same string.
Check for adware-generated files in the /Library/Application Support folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/Application Support
In the “Application Support” folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, “MplayerX” or “NicePlayer”, and move these folders to the Trash.
Check for adware-generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents folder:
In the Go to Folder bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents
In the “LaunchAgents” folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - “installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist”, “kuklorest.update.plist”, etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the same string.
Check for adware-generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons
In the “LaunchDaemons” folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example, “com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist”, “com.myppes.net-preferences.plist”, "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist”, “com.avickUpd.plist”, etc., and move them to the Trash.
Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:
If you have followed all the steps in the correct order you Mac should be clean of infections. To be sure your system is not infected run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file double click combocleaner.dmg installer, in the opened window drag and drop Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates it's virus definition database and click "Start Combo Scan" button.
Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide, otherwise it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.
After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.
docpdfsupreme browser hijacker homepage and default Internet search engine removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove docpdfsupreme browser hijacker related Safari extensions:
Open Safari browser. From the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".
In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
Change your homepage:
In the "Preferences" window, select the "General" tab. To set your homepage, type the preferred website URL (for example: www.google.com) in the Homepage field. You can also click the “Set to Current Page” button if you wish to set your homepage to the website you are currently visiting.
Change your default search engine:
In the "Preferences" window, select the "Search" tab. Here you will find a drop-down menu labelled "Search engine:" Simply select your preferred search engine from the drop-down list.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Remove docpdfsupreme browser hijacker related Mozilla Firefox add-ons:
Open your Mozilla Firefox browser. At the top right corner of the screen, click the "Open Menu" (three horizontal lines) button. From the opened menu, choose "Add-ons".
Choose the "Extensions" tab and look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the "Remove" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Mozilla Firefox browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
Change your homepage:
To change your homepage, click the "Open Menu" (three horizontal lines) button and choose "Preferences" from the drop-down menu. To set your homepage, type the preferred website URL (for example: www.google.com) in the Homepage Page.
Change default search engine:
In the URL address bar, type "about:config" and click the "I'll be careful, I promise!" button.
In the "Search:" field, type the name of the browser hijacker. Right click on each of the found preferences and click "Reset" from the drop-down menu.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Remove docpdfsupreme browser hijacker related Google Chrome add-ons:
Open Google Chrome and click the "Chrome menu" (three horizontal lines) button located in the top-right corner of the browser window. From the drop-down menu, choose "More Tools" and select "Extensions".
In the "Extensions" window, look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the "Trash" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Google Chrome browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
Change your homepage:
Click the "Chrome menu" (three horizontal lines) button and choose "Settings". In the "On Startup" section, click the "Set pages" link near to the "Open a specific page or set of pages" option. Remove the URL of the browser hijacker (for example trovi.com) and enter your preferred URL (for example, google.com).
Change default search engine:
Click the "Chrome menu" (three horizontal lines) button and choose "Settings". In the "Search" section, click the "Manage search engines..." button. In the opened window, remove the unwanted Internet search engine by clicking the "X" button next to it. Select your preferred Internet search engine from the list and click the "Make default" button next to it.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
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