What is Gstatic (Remove Gstatic Virus)

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If you get redirected to Gstatic.com, that is because you have a virus on board. However, you’ve been lucky enough to download one of the least dangerous types of parasites. That means the nuisance is either adware or a PUP (potentially unwanted program). Adware and PUPs are actually more annoying than they are virulent. As they can’t cause you harm directly, they use various lies and tricks. You’re stuck with a stealthy infection which exposes you to malware. Now, what is the connection between an adware-type parasite and your current cyber trouble? Something is causing the Gstatic.com pop-ups. This website didn’t just appear out of thin air. Its constant presence on your PC screen is caused by the adware. Immediately after installation, the parasite modifies your browser settings. You’re not even in charge of your own browsers anymore. The virus adds an extension or a plugin to them. That is how all your browsers get injected with random, useless, obnoxious pop-up ads. In addition, you get redirected to Gstatic.com and other unknown websites. Why is the parasite so stubborn to redirect you? Because by doing so, it generates web traffic to some particular pages. You see, hackers use the pay-per-click mechanism to make money. All they need to do is mess with your browsers and generate sponsored links. Eventually, you end up bombarded with sponsored advertisements in various shapes. Gstatic is just the advertising platform that brings these ads to you. It’s no virus, though. The virus has already been successfully downloaded. Keep in mind that you must tackle the adware-type parasite. That means you must locate it first. As we mentioned, adware is famous for being irritating so take your time and uninstall it for good. There is no reason to tolerate an infection and its endless shenanigans. The more you hesitate, the more problematic and harmful this program will become. Many PC users tend to ignore such parasites thinking they can’t get out of hand. Don’t be gullible. This pest will keep on modifying your default browser settings whether you like it or not. Hence, you will keep on being redirected and attacked by pop-ups. In addition, this virus may collect some private data. Adware mainly spies on browsing-related information such as browsing history and usernames/passwords. It may go one step further, though. If the parasite gets to your bank account data, for example, things will get ugly.

How did I get infected with?

Bundled software is a great way to download many programs at once, right? Unfortunately, it is also the most popular malware infiltration technique out there. All kinds of viruses apply it, including Trojan horses and dreaded ransomware. Next time you install said bundles, opt for the Custom or Advanced option. Do not rush the installation as this may cost you your safety. Always check out the software you give green light to beforehand. Trust us when we say, prevention is much easier than deleting an infection. Go through the Terms and Conditions or EULA (End User License Agreement). There might be some terms or conditions you strongly disagree with. Unless you pay attention, you will compromise your security without even realizing it. Another rule of thumb is to stay away from illegitimate websites and freeware/shareware bundles. The Web is filled with potential parasites. Furthermore, hackers are full of ideas. Don’t overlook any threat online and be cautious. Only download verified programs and be attentive in the process. If you notice something malicious attached to the bundle, don’t hesitate to deselect it.

Why is this dangerous?

The Gstatic pop-ups come in all shapes imaginable. We’re talking discounts, coupons, product deals and offers, price comparisons, “best prices”, etc. All of them could be leading you straight to malicious pages and more infections. To prevent further damage, avoid the misleading commercials generated by the virus. As mentioned, your browsers get modified. Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome and Internet Explorer all fall victims to the parasite. That means you’re left absolutely unable to trust ANY of your browsers. You are constantly redirected, your PC speed is slowed to a crawl and your browsers crash/freeze. Even your Internet connection might become unstable all of a sudden. As if that wasn’t enough, the virus jeopardizes your privacy by stealing personal information. Make sure you prevent financial scams and identity theft by deleting the adware ASAP. To do so manually, please follow our detailed removal guide down below.

How to Remove Gstatic virus

The Gstatic 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 Gstatic 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.

WARNING! Stopping the wrong file or deleting the wrong registry key may damage your system irreversibly.
If you are feeling not technical enough just use Spyhunter Professional Malware Removal Tool to deal with the problem!
>>Download SpyHunter – a Professional Remover.

Please, keep in mind that SpyHunter’s scanner tool is free. To remove the Gstatic infection, you need to purchase its full version.

STEP 1: Track down Gstatic in the computer memory

STEP 2: Locate Gstatic startup location

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

STEP 4: Undo the damage done by the virus

STEP 1: Track down Gstatic 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 Gstatic 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 Gstatic 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 Gstatic traces from Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer

• Open Google Chrome

• In the Main Menu, select Tools then Extensions
• Remove the Gstatic 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 Gstatic

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 Gstatic, 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 Gstatic 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 Gstatic 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.