FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

How to eliminate the CD Collection malware from your operating system

Also Known As: CD Collection virus
Type: Trojan
Damage level: Medium

What is CD Collection?

While investigating rogue websites, our research team discovered an installer bundled with the CD Collection malicious program. If CD Collection is detected on the system, it is highly likely that adware and/or other unwanted/malicious content has infiltrated it as well.

CD Collection malicious program process on Windows Task Manager (CD Collection - process name)

CD Collection overview

Following installation of the rogue installation setup we acquired from a deceptive website, we discovered that it proliferated the CD Collection program.

At the time of writing, the specific goals of this malware are uncertain. We have previously analyzed similar infections, which were designed to cause chain infections and to collect sensitive data.

To elaborate, "causing chain infections" refers to software that opens a "backdoor" for additional malware and/or malicious component to infiltrate the system. Theoretically, backdoor malware can download/install just about any type of malware onto a machine, e.g., adware, browser hijackers, PUAs, trojans, ransomware, etc. However, in practice, backdoor malware more often infects devices with a specific program or a type of software.

As the name implies, information-stealing malware is designed to extract vulnerable data from devices and/or installed applications. Targeted information may include: device details, system data, user files, browsing activity (e.g., visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, bookmarks, etc.), log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth.

Malware like CD Collection is commonly installed onto systems alongside adware, which operates by displaying advertisements on various interfaces, force-opening websites, and/or gathering private data.

Adware ads typically promote online scams, untrustworthy/dangerous software, and malware. Some intrusive adverts can even be triggered (by being clicked) to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

In summary, the presence of software like CD Collection on devices may occur together with other system infections. Having such software installed on the device can lead to severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name CD Collection virus
Threat Type Malware, Trojan, Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Detection Names (installer) Avast (Win32:Trojan-gen), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.Dropper.ZVD), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/TrojanDropper.Agent.), Kaspersky (Trojan.Win32.Ekstak.anohb), Microsoft (Trojan:Script/Phonzy.C!ml), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Detection Names (CD Collection) Avast (Win32:CrypterX-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Jaik.118905), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Kryptik.HSQZ), Kaspersky (Trojan.Win32.Ekstak.anmrd), Microsoft (TrojanDownloader:Win32/Emotet!ml), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Rogue Process Name CD Collection (process name may vary)
Symptoms Trojans are designed to stealthily infiltrate the victim's computer and remain silent, and thus no particular symptoms are clearly visible on an infected machine. While adware infections can result in seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing, intrusive pop-up ads, and decreased Internet browsing speed.
Distribution Methods Free software installers (bundling), infected email attachments, malicious online advertisements, social engineering, software 'cracks'.
Damage Decreased computer performance, stolen passwords and banking information, identity theft, possible additional malware infections.
Malware Removal (Windows)

To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner.
▼ Download Combo Cleaner
To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Malware and adware examples

We have analyzed thousands of unwanted and malicious programs. PrintManager and GoogleUpdate are a couple examples of software akin to CD Collection. WannaSmileMQsTTangBlackLineWhiteSnake – are some of our newest articles within the malware category, and BuzzMetAI assistantTidingsSimple Ad Blocker – of adware.

It is pertinent to mention that malware can have a wide variety of capabilities that can be in varied combinations. However, regardless of how malicious software operates – its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user safety. Therefore, we strongly advise eliminating all threats immediately upon detection.

How did CD Collection install on my computer?

We downloaded an installer bundled with CD Collection from a deceptive website. Users primarily enter such pages via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware.

Bundled installation setups are also proliferated through various untrustworthy channels, such as freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks (e.g., Torrent clients, eMule, Gnutella, etc.), and other third-party sources.

In addition to these methods, other popular malware distribution techniques include: drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, malvertising, online scams, malicious attachments/links in spam emails and messages, illegal software activation ("cracking") tools, and fake updates.

How to avoid installation of malicious programs?

We recommend downloading only from official and verified sources. Another recommendation is to treat installation processes with care, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.

Additionally, software must be activated and updated using legitimate functions/tools, as illegal activation tools ("cracks") and third-party updaters may contain malware.

We advise being vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears genuine and innocuous. The same vigilance must be extended to incoming emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, and other messages. The attachments or links found in suspicious/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be infectious.

We must emphasize the importance of having a reputable anti-virus installed and kept updated. Security programs must be used to perform regular system scans and to remove threats/issues. If your computer is already infected with CD Collection, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this program.

Screenshot of a deceptive website used to promote CD Collection:

Deceptive website promoting CD Collection

Screenshot of CD Collection's installation setup:

CD Collection installer

CD Collection installation folder:

CD Collection install folder

Screenshot of CD Collection executable's description:

CD Collection malware executable description

Instant automatic malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner 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. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

CD Collection removal:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.

Windows 10 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

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.

Windows 7 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.

macOS (OSX) users:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

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.

CD Collection uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for "CD Collection", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the malicious application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove adware from Internet browsers:

At time of research, CD Collection did not install browser plug-ins on Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, however, it may be bundled with other adware. Therefore, you are advised to remove all potentially unwanted browser add-ons from your Internet browsers.

Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing unwanted ads from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removing unwanted ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the cd collection virus, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing unwanted ads from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Removing unwanted ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with cd collection virus removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, firefox menu icon in the opened menu, click Help.

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

removing adware from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

removing adware from safari step 2 - removing extensions

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...

resetting safari step 1

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) 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.

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the cd collection virus, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

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.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

  • If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the biggest issues that CD Collection can cause?

What threats an infection poses depend on the malicious program's functionalities and the cyber criminals' aims. CD Collection is likely intended to cause chain infections and/or to collect private data. It may also be installed alongside adware and other unwanted/malicious content. Generally, such infections can result in severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

How did CD Collection infiltrate my computer?

CD Collection promoting installers have been noted being spread via deceptive/scam websites. However, bundled installation setups are proliferated using all manner of dubious channels, e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, and other third-party sources. Malware is also commonly distributed via drive-by downloads, spam mail, online scams, malvertising, illegal program activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of eliminating practically all known malware infections. It must be stressed that running a full system scan is essential since high-end malicious software usually hides deep within systems.

▼ Show Discussion

About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

Our malware removal guides are free. However, if you want to support us you can send us a donation.

About PCrisk

PCrisk is a cyber security portal, informing Internet users about the latest digital threats. Our content is provided by security experts and professional malware researchers. Read more about us.

Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
CD Collection virus QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of CD Collection virus on your mobile device.
We Recommend:

Get rid of Windows malware infections today:

▼ REMOVE IT NOW
Download Combo Cleaner

Platform: Windows

Editors' Rating for Combo Cleaner:
Editors ratingOutstanding!

[Back to Top]

To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.