ProDocToPdf Hijacker - How to remove

ProDocToPdf is a Chrome extension that offers a free PDF-Doc converter and replaces the new tab page of the browser. This extension also has adware features that allow it to monetize the user’s browsing by showing them ads. Thus, some consider ProDocToPdf to be a browser hijacker – an extension made to advertise to the user and collect information about them.

How ProDocToPdf takes over the browser

ProDocToPdf does convert files between the Doc and PDF formats and can be useful. Yet, it’s also kind of a browser hijacker, which makes it a bit malicious:

ProDocToPdf classification	Adware Browser hijacker
Browser-hijacking features	Taking over the new tab page Promoting affiliate search in the new tab Observing your browsing habits
Advertising to users	Ads are shown in web search results Browsing habits are used for behavioral ads
Remove ProDocToPdf	Uninstall the hijacker manually Check for unwanted programs using an anti-malware program (Combo Cleaner for MacOS, SpyHunter for Windows)

Browser hijackers are applications that manipulate your browser for advertising and tracking. ProDocToPdf does this by reading your search terms and influencing which search engine you use to search the web. Its creators can then monetize your browsing by directing you to certain websites and showing you ads there.

When you install ProDocToPdf, you are shown its permissions:

Read and change your data on all prodoctopdf.com sites
Replace the page you see when opening a new tab

ProDocToPdf changes your new tab page to one of its own. In this new tab, there is a prominent search box that opens whatever search engine ProDocToPdf was programmed to open. This allows the ProDocToPdf’s creators to work with affiliates and to profit by showing you ads in search results. Additionally, ProDocToPdf might make the ads shown to you more effective by targeting them to your interests. It learns them by recording your actions, like your search queries and menu clicks made on this new tab page.

Basically, the new tab page is ProDocToPdf’s domain – everything you do on it is seen by the extension and can be changed by it. And this is not useful for converting documents, which is supposed to be ProDocToPdf’s main purpose. No, it’s only good for tracking and controlling your browsing habits.

Hijackers are usually browser extensions like ProDocToPdf, Anydoctopdf, PDFtoDOC Search, and others, but desktop programs can also be used this way. Whatever the hijacker, they usually change either your new tab page, the search engine, or both.

Though ProDocToPdf does track your activities, it doesn’t overstep certain boundaries. For example, it does not share your information with third parties. Its permissions are also more modest than some other hijackers. But still, ProDocToPdf is not just an innocent free document converter – it’s a bit like adware.

Browser hijackers are adware

I think it would be best to remove the ProDocToPdf hijacker because it doesn’t offer enough benefits for all that it demands. You can find ways to convert files without relying on adware hijackers.

For example, plenty of websites allow you to convert PDF files to documents and other formats. ProDocToPdf uses online-convert.com to convert your files and nothing is stopping you from just adding it to your bookmarks for easy access. Then, you can get rid of ProDocToPdf and keep control over your new tab page while still easily accessing an online conversion service. Though if you need to convert documents regularly, you’d bet better off with an offline application. It would give you control over the conversion settings for better results and you wouldn’t have to upload your files to a server. In summary, ProDocToPdf is just not the best solution to converting Doc and PDF files.

When you’re installing browser extensions, watch out for ones like ProDocToPdf that replace your new tab page for no good reason. This extension could have easily been made to fit its functionality in the extension pop-up (a window that opens when you click the extension’s icon). Instead, ProDocToPdf uses the new tab because that helps it take control over your web search. This “feature” is presented as a positive in ProDocToPdf’s description:

The extension requires this permission in order to provide you with search results. It allows us to provide you with a search feature related to the extension you have chosen to install. It also allows the extension to redirect specific queries to affiliated partners in order to allow you better browsing experience.

But it’s transparent that it’s nothing more than a way for ProDocToPdf to be used as an advertising platform.

How to remove ProDocToPdf

You can uninstall ProDocToPdf on your own by going to browser settings, or simply right-slicking on ProDocToPdf’s icon next to the address bar and choosing to remove the extension.

It’s also a good idea to scan your device with an anti-malware program, such as Combo Cleaner for MacOS or SpyHunter for Windows. That’s not just for removing ProDocToPdf, but also to find other unwanted programs, from PUPs to rogue antivirus tools, that are distributed in the same ways. Indeed, often people who find ProDocToPdf installed in their browser don’t know where it came from because they didn’t install it on their own – another program might have installed it, or a deceptively designed ad might have tricked the person into downloading the hijacker. However ProDocToPdf was downloaded, there’s a risk that other abusive applications ended up on your computer the same way. A scan with a quality anti-malware tool would be beneficial.

Additionally, keep in mind that there are plenty adware browser extensions out there. In fact, ProDocToPdf is a relatively safe example of one. Look for excessive permissions, read the privacy policy, and decide for yourself if the extension is worth it, if you would trust it with the information that it will have access to. And if the extension turns out to not be useful, like ProDocToPdf did, it’s best to just remove or disable it.

Automatic Malware removal tools

TopRemoving ProDocToPdf Hijacker from Chrome

• Click on the menu button on the top right corner of a Google Chrome window. Select “Settings”.
  
• Click “Extensions” on the left menu bar.
• Go through the extensions list and remove programs you do not need, especially similar to Prodoctopdf. Click on the trash bin icon next to ProDocToPdf Hijacker or other add-ons you want to remove.
  
• Press on the “Remove” button on the Confirmation window.
  
• If unsure, you can disable them temporarily.
  
• Restart Chrome.

(Optional) Reset your browser’s settings

If you are still experiencing any issues related to Prodoctopdf, reset the settings of your browser to its default settings.

• Click on Chrome’s menu button (three horizontal lines) and select Settings.
  
• Scroll to the end of the page and click on the Reset settings button.
  
• Click on the Reset button on the confirmation box.
  

If you cannot reset your browser settings and the problem persists, scan your system with an anti-malware program.