Remove MediaDownloader Adware

Can’t Remove MediaDownloader ads? This page includes detailed ads by MediaDownloader Removal instructions!

The MediaDownloader adware is exactly what the title says — a nasty adware-type of parasite. You may also see it classified as Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP). In this case, the parasite is both. MediaDownloader is a malicious ad-generating application which pretends to be a legit media downloader. This utility cannot be beneficial to its users. On the contrary — it is an obstacle that prevents you from using your computer normally. It is created with one purpose only — to generate revenue for its owners. To do so, it uses aggressive and misleading marketing strategies. Once on broad, MediaDownloader takes over your web browser. It adds its malicious extension and starts to control what kind of commercials you are exposed to. The furtive app blocks its competitors’ adverts and replaces them with its own. Thus, it limits your sources of information. Eventually, you will lose track of the current situation on the market. Given enough time, the adware will turn you into an easy target. This utility is not your friend. It injects hundreds of discounts for items that you actually need or want. But, don’t you wonder how is it possible for the adware to know what you want? The MediaDownloader adware monitors your web traffic and uses the collected data to select the most appealing commercials for you. Thus, if you enter “sneakers” into some search engine, the adware will display all sorts of adverts for sports shoes. Ad banners, in-text adverts, and hyperlinks will cover every website you open. At the most unexpected times, pop-ups will appear. Even your videos will get paused for commercial breaks. Can you get any work done in such conditions? No, you can’t! The adware will interrupt you constantly. Luckily, you don’t need to put up with this situation. With our help, you can remove this intruder completely. Check out our detailed removal guide down below!

How did I get infected with?

The MediaDownloader adware has an official download. It is also promoted on some questionable websites. If you downloaded this app on purpose, you know exactly how did it enter your PC. Others, however, are not so “fortunate.” This utility is also distributed via software bundles and fake software updates. The key to its successful distribution is your negligence. Whenever you are installing a program, pay close attention to the fine print. Freeware, shareware, and pirated copies of licensed software often become hosts of adware parasites. When you are installing a program, opt for the Advanced installation option in the Setup wizard. Don’t be afraid. The Advanced installation is not complicated. It is a simple step-by-step process. Under it, you will be presented with a list of all additional apps that are about to be installed. Examine the extras carefully. Deselect all suspicious tools. Keep in mind that you can deselect all extras and still install the program you originally planned to set up. A little extra caution can keep your computer clean!

Why is this dangerous?

The MediaDownloader adware should not be tolerated. It can ruin your browsing experience in seconds. It is not just a nuisance. It can be quite dangerous. The adverts it displays are not verified. Anyone willing to spend some money can use the adware to promote. Hackers included. If you click on a corrupted advert, you may download more malware or viruses on your computer. What is worse, the MediaDownloader utility may redirect you to infected websites. There is nothing you can do to prevent the automated redirection. The owners of the furtive app get paid for every website you are redirected to. So, their creation will never stop. All sorts of crooks take advantage of the situation. Be prepared. You will be introduced to numerous “great deals,” PC optimization tools, financial software, gaming websites, etc. Don’t waste your time on these pages. They are not verified. With the MediaDownloader adware on board, you are far more likely to be redirected to a scam web page than to a legit one. Keeping the adware on board is not worth the risk. Take immediate action against this parasite!

How to Remove MediaDownloader virus

The MediaDownloader infection is specifically designed to make money to its creators one way or another. The specialists from various antivirus companies like Bitdefender, Kaspersky, Norton, Avast, ESET, etc. advise that there is no harmless virus.

If you perform exactly the steps below you should be able to remove the MediaDownloader infection. Please, follow the procedures in the exact order. Please, consider to print this guide or have another computer at your disposal. You will NOT need any USB sticks or CDs.

STEP 1: Track down MediaDownloader in the computer memory

STEP 2: Locate MediaDownloader startup location

STEP 3: Delete MediaDownloader traces from Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer

STEP 4: Undo the damage done by the virus

STEP 1: Track down MediaDownloader in the computer memory

• Open your Task Manager by pressing CTRL+SHIFT+ESC keys simultaneously
• Carefully review all processes and stop the suspicious ones.

• Write down the file location for later reference.

Step 2: Locate MediaDownloader startup location

Reveal Hidden Files

• Open any folder
• Click on “Organize” button
  
• Choose “Folder and Search Options”
• Select the “View” tab
• Select “Show hidden files and folders” option
• Uncheck “Hide protected operating system files”
• Click “Apply” and “OK” button

Clean MediaDownloader virus from the windows registry

• Once the operating system loads press simultaneously the Windows Logo Button and the R key.

• A dialog box should open. Type “Regedit”

• WARNING! be very careful when editing the Microsoft Windows Registry as this may render the system broken.

Depending on your OS (x86 or x64) navigate to:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]

• and delete the display Name: [RANDOM]

• Then open your explorer and navigate to: %appdata% folder and delete the malicious executable.

Clean your HOSTS file to avoid unwanted browser redirection

Navigate to %windir%/system32/Drivers/etc/host

If you are hacked, there will be foreign IPs addresses connected to you at the bottom. Take a look below:

STEP 3 : Clean MediaDownloader traces from Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer

• Open Google Chrome

• In the Main Menu, select Tools then Extensions
• Remove the MediaDownloader by clicking on the little recycle bin
• Reset Google Chrome by Deleting the current user to make sure nothing is left behind

• Open Mozilla Firefox

• Press simultaneously Ctrl+Shift+A
• Disable the unwanted Extension
• Go to Help
• Then Troubleshoot information
• Click on Reset Firefox

• Open Internet Explorer

• On the Upper Right Corner Click on the Gear Icon
• Click on Internet options
• go to Toolbars and Extensions and disable the unknown extensions
• Select the Advanced tab and click on Reset

• Restart Internet Explorer

Step 4: Undo the damage done by MediaDownloader

This particular Virus may alter your DNS settings.

Attention! this can break your internet connection. Before you change your DNS settings to use Google Public DNS for MediaDownloader, be sure to write down the current server addresses on a piece of paper.

To fix the damage done by the virus you need to do the following.

• Click the Windows Start button to open the Start Menu, type control panel in the search box and select Control Panel in the results displayed above.
• go to Network and Internet
• then Network and Sharing Center
• then Change Adapter Settings
• Right-click on your active internet connection and click properties. Under the Networking tab, find Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). Left click on it and then click on properties. Both options should be automatic! By default it should be set to “Obtain an IP address automatically” and the second one to “Obtain DNS server address automatically!” If they are not just change them, however if you are part of a domain network you should contact your Domain Administrator to set these settings, otherwise the internet connection will break!!!

You must clean all your browser shortcuts as well. To do that you need to

• Right click on the shortcut of your favorite browser and then select properties.

• in the target field remove MediaDownloader argument and then apply the changes.
• Repeat that with the shortcuts of your other browsers.
• Check your scheduled tasks to make sure the virus will not download itself again.

How to Permanently Remove MediaDownloader Virus (automatic) Removal Guide

Please, have in mind that once you are infected with a single virus, it compromises your system and let all doors wide open for many other infections. To make sure manual removal is successful, we recommend to use a free scanner of any professional antimalware program to identify possible registry leftovers or temporary files.