Remove DNS Changer Virus

DNS Changer just keeps popping up and you cannot remove it?

DNS Changer is a particularly problematic Trojan horse. It modifies your DNS settings thus exposing you to unreliable, untrustworthy, unsafe websites. As you could imagine, these modifications occur completely behind your back. One of the many reasons why Trojan horses are considered to be among the most dangerous types of infections out there is the fact they wreak havoc in silence. Apart from the overall sluggishness of your computer, there are hardly signs of the parasite’s malicious presence. DNS Changer is a master in the art of disguise. Its aggressive manipulations begin the very minute you machine gets infected. As its name suggests, DNS Changer goes after the DNS servers. No surprises there. Due to this program’s manipulations, you’re now forced to use the specific DNS servers hackers want you to use. That means the virus redirects you towards potentially very harmful websites. Those might be infested with malware and, unfortunately, they usually are. Every single time you attempt to visit a certain website, you’re taking the huge risk of landing on a malicious page instead. It goes without saying that you can no longer surf the Web now that your computer is compromised. You might accidentally cause your very own PC much greater damage that the one DNS Changer already created. Unless for some reason you’re actively trying to install more infections, you will proceed to remove the Trojan. Don’t waste time. Once your DNS settings have been modified, this program practically gets out of hand. You’re constantly redirected, you might be forced to waste your time dealing with random (and unreliable) commercials/ pop-ups, you are denied access to numerous websites and  some security updates might be disabled as well. Did you think that was all? It isn’t. Actually, DNS Changer’s trickery is just getting started. Due to the Trojan’s undesirable presence, your PC speed is now significantly slowed down and the system frequently crashes or freezes. As if that wasn’t enough, Trojans make unauthorized changes in your system registry. They might also damage important system files. DNS Changer is no exception. This pest is impressively resourceful and very stubborn. It serves as a back door to malware and collects personal information as well. Obviously, no one could possibly feel safe knowing that their private life online is no longer private. Hackers usually sell the data they collect to questionable third parties with equally questionable intentions. However, if you’re particularly unlucky, DNS Changer could grant hackers remote control over your computer. Long story short, this nuisance is held responsible for tons of cyber threats and problems. The sooner you manage to get rid of it, the better.

How did I get infected with?

Trojans don’t usually tend to announce the fact your computer gets infected. The more time you spend oblivious to the installation, the more harm infections could cause you. You’re stuck with DNS Changer on board because some malicious code has been executed. Now, how did this code get to you? There are many plausible scenarios. For example, you might have recently visited an illegitimate, harmful website. Some of the oldest tricks in the books still work like a charm, such as spam email-attachments, spam messages from unknown senders, corrupted third-part ads, etc. A single moment of haste/ distraction online is enough to get your device seriously infected. That is why it’s highly recommended to constantly pay attention to your safety. Don’t be gullible to think hackers can’t infect your PC; crooks are incredibly creative when it comes to spreading malware on the Web. Another rather popular infiltration technique is called freeware/shareware bundling. In order to protect your machine, stay away from unverified bundles and always check out the programs you’re installing one by one. There might be some sneaky virus as a bonus or, even worse, a whole bunch of dangerous infections attached to the safe bundled programs. Keep in mind that protecting your security online should be your number one priority.

Why is this dangerous?

The DNS Changer virus exhibits a rich variety of malicious traits. This pest modifies your DNS settings without any kind of permission or authorization first. Basically, your entire Internet experience is no longer up to you because DNS Changer only serves hackers’ purposes. The Trojan starts leading you towards potentially corrupted websites thus exposing you to financial scams, frauds and malware. It also changes your system settings in order to cause you even more damage. Furthermore, keep in mind this pest steals private data like nobody’s business. That directly exposes to danger even your bank account information and, as you could imagine, hackers will find dubious monetizing platforms for all the data their stealthy Trojan horse collects. Remember, you’re dealing with an extremely unreliable program that could easily cause irreversible damage. To get rid of this nasty  infection manually, please follow the detailed removal guide that you’ll find down below.

Manual DNS Changer Removal Instructions

STEP 1: Windows 8 Removal

STEP 2: Windows 7/XP/Vista Removal

STEP 1: Start Your Computer into Safe Mode with Networking in Windows 8

• Make sure you do not have any floppy disks, CDs, and DVDs inserted in your computer
• Move the mouse to the upper right corner until the windows 8 charm menu appears
  
• Click on the magnifying glass

• select Settings
• in the search box type Advanced
• On the left the following should appear

• Click on Advanced Startup Options
• Scroll down a little bit and click on Restart Now

• Click on Troubleshoot

• Then Advanced options

• Then Startup settings

• Then Restart

• When you see this screen press F5 – Enable Safe Mode with Networking

 

STEP 2: Start Your Computer into Safe Mode with Networking in Windows 7/XP/Vista

• Make sure you do not have any floppy disks, CDs, and DVDs inserted in your computer
• Restart the computer
  
• When you see a table, start tapping the F8 key every second until you enter the Advanced Boot Options

• in the Advanced Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode with Networking , and then press ENTER.

STEP 3: Locate the startup location

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

• A dialog box should open. Type “Regedit”

 

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: backgroundcontainer

 

• Then open your explorer and navigate to:

%LocalAppData%\uqgtmedia

where %LocalAppData% refers to:

C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local

• delete the whole folder

Double check with any antimalware program for any leftovers. Keep your software up-to date.