How to uninstall the FileConvertGiant program?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
(updated)
FileConvertGiant removal instructions
What is FileConvertGiant?
FileConvertGiant is advertised as the most comprehensive file converter that works with a wide range of file types including various documents, archive files, spreadsheets, audio and video files. However, this app is categorized as potentially unwanted application (PUA) because of the method that is used to distribute this software. Also, the installer for FileConvertGiant includes an offer to install MySearchGiant - a browser hijacker (another PUA). It is advised not to download and install neither FileConvertGiant, MySearchGiant or other PUAs.
As mentioned in the introduction, FileConvertGiant supposed to function as a file converter that is capable of converting a wide range of files from one format to another. However, it has another purpose - to promote a browser hijacker called MySearchGiant which is included in the installer for FileConvertGiant as extra offer. The problem with browser hijackers is that they change browser settings such as address of a homepage, new tab, default search engine to an address of some fake search engine and do not allow users to undo these changes. Typically, the only way to stop a browser from opening a certain address when users open a browser, new tab and enter search queries into URL bar is to uninstall a browser hijacker and then remove that address from browser settings. It is very likely that users who have FileConvertGiant installed on the operating system have MySearchGiant installed on a browser as well and browser settings are modified. Another reason not to have FileConvertGiant installed on a browser is that it may be designed to collect IP addresses, geolocations, addresses of visited pages, entered search queries, and other browsing data. Also, it may be capable of accessing sensitive details. In such case gathered information could be sold to third parties (potentially cyber criminals) or misused to generate revenue in other ways.
Name | FileConvertGiant potentially unwanted application |
Threat Type | PUP (potentially unwanted program), PUA (potentially unwanted application) |
Supposed Functionality | File converter |
Detection Names | SecureAge APEX (Malicious), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
Symptoms | A program that you do not recall installing suddenly appeared on your computer. A new application is performing computer scans and displays warning messages about 'found issues'. Asks for payment to eliminate the supposedly found errors. |
Distribution Methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers. |
Damage | Monetary loss (unnecessary purchase of fake software), unwanted warning pop-ups, slow computer performance. |
Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Malwarebytes. |
More examples of programs that are categorized as PUAs are Fast!, PCRepairClinic and SuperEasy Registry Cleaner. The problem is that quite often such apps are useless - they do not function as they supposed to and are designed only to trick users into paying money for their activation. Also, there are many cases where their installers are used to distribute other potentially unwanted apps.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
In some cases unwanted downloads, installations are caused when users click deceptive advertisements that are designed to execute certain scripts. Nevertheless, most of the times they download and/or install PUAs together with some other programs. To be more precise, together with programs that have PUAs included in their setups as additional offers. As a rule, users can decline those offers in "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings of setups, or by using certain available checkboxes. Unfortunately, not all users change the aforementioned settings and by not doing so they agree with offers to download and/or install unwanted apps alongside with wanted programs. This distribution method of potentially unwanted apps is known as "bundling".
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Programs and files should not be downloaded (or installed) through unofficial websites, third party downloaders (or installers), Peer-to-Peer networks (like torrent clients, eMule), etc. They should be downloaded from official websites and via direct links. Download and/or installation setups that have settings like "Custom", "Advanced" should be checked for offers to download and/or install additional software, such offers should be declined before completing download and/or installation processes. Furthermore, ads that appear on shady websites should not be trusted (clicked): it is common that they are designed either to open untrustworthy websites or cause downloads, installations of some unwanted, potentially malicious applications. If there are any suspicious, unwanted extensions, add-ons or plug-ins already installed on a browser, then they should be removed from it right away. The same should be applied to programs of this kind that are installed on the operating system. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Malwarebytes for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Installer for FileConvertGiant application:
Installer for FileConvertGiant application with an offer to install MySearchGiant:
Website promoting FileConvertGiant application:
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Malwarebytes is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
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Quick menu:
- What is FileConvertGiant?
- STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
- STEP 6. Remove malicious plug-ins from Internet Explorer.
Removal of potentially unwanted applications:
Windows 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.
Windows XP users:
Click Start, choose Settings and click Control Panel. Locate and click Add or Remove Programs.
Windows 10 and Windows 8 users:
Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.
Mac OSX users:
Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
In the uninstall programs window, look for "FileConvertGiant" and other suspicious/recently-installed applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove rogue extensions from Internet browsers:
At time of research, FileConvertGiant did not install any unwanted browser extensions, however, some unwanted applications can be installed together with adware and browser hijackers. If you experience unwanted ads or redirects when browsing the internet, continue with the removal guide below.
Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and remove them.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the fileconvertgiant potentially unwanted application, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click on "Extensions", in the opened window remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with fileconvertgiant potentially unwanted application removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.
Optional method:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge menu icon (at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the fileconvertgiant potentially unwanted application, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:
Click the "gear" icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for any recently-installed suspicious browser extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the fileconvertgiant potentially unwanted application, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.
Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.
In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.
Click the Reset button.
Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Summary:
Commonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.
Removal assistance:
If you are experiencing problems while trying to remove fileconvertgiant potentially unwanted application from your computer, please ask for assistance in our malware support forum.
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