How to Remove CfHelp33 Virus

Can’t Remove CfHelp33? This page includes detailed CfHelp33 Removal instructions!

CfHelp33.exe is an adware-type PUP. The abbreviation stands for “potentially unwanted program” and CfHelp33 is indeed unwanted. This particular infection can also come with the names of CfHelp44, CfHelp55 or CfHelp66. Now, to make one thing clear – PUPs are relatively harmless. They can’t compare with sneaky Trojan horses or manipulative ransomware viruses, for example. However, at the end of the day, pups are PC infections. They get developed by hackers for one purpose only – to cause damage. Yes, you could have downloaded something much more malicious. That doesn’t mean you’re supposed to ignore the virus currently on board. CfHelp33 gets out of hand impressively quickly so make no mistake. Instead of overlooking the threat it poses, take action. Once installation is complete, CfHelp33 starts messing with your browser settings. The pup adds an extension (a dangerous one) to all your browsers. Now, this add-on is just as unwanted as CfHelp33 itself. Thanks to the plugin, you’re now bombarded with commercials. All types of commercials. All the time. Keep in mind that this virus is ad-supported so none of its pop-ups is to be trusted. They might appear to the harmless, though. That’s the most problematic thing about the pesky CfHelp33 ads. Despite the fact they appear to be safe, that’s not the case. Quite the opposite; these advertisements are potentially corrupted. Do you know what happens when you click a corrupted ad? You compromise your PC. A sponsored commercial may lead you to all kinds of harmful websites full of malware. Then why click any of CfHelp33 ads? It isn’t a risk worth taking and you know it. Do not let hackers cause you even more damage and don’t be gullible. Stay away from all web links generated by the parasite. Pop-ups, pop-unders, banners, interstitials, video ads, etc. They are all equally unreliable. Same piece of advice goes for the software updates CfHelp33 may display. More often than not, such program updates are fake. Last but not least, this program may install additional toolbars to your browsers. It practically takes over your entire browsing experience. In addition, this pest redirects you to dangerous, unknown websites. This way it generates web traffic to some particular websites. The virus might even cause privacy issues by stealing browsing-related data. To prevent further harm, tackle the pup now.

remove CfHelp33

How did I get infected with CfHelp33?

Adware and pups don’t usually manifest the fact they get installed. On the other hand, they travel the Internet in complete and utter silence. Do you see how dangerous that is? You might infect your PC with a whole bunch of parasites without even realizing it. The easiest infiltration method is called freeware or shareware bundling. It’s just as efficient as it sounds. Next time you download bundled programs, watch out for malware. You could easily prevent virus installation if you take your time. For instance, stay away from the Basic option in the Setup Wizard. Opt for the Advanced/Custom one. This way you will be able to spot and deselect any potential intruder trying to sneak in. Remember, it’s much more difficult to uninstall a virus later on. Don’t gamble with your safety. Be cautious instead. Also, make sure you check out the Terms and Conditions or EULA. You have to be informed about the terms and conditions you end up accepting. Rushing towards the “I accept” button provides no information whatsoever. Other popular tactics are spam messages and emails, third-party ads and unverified pages. Take care of your security; you won’t regret it.

Why is CfHelp33 dangerous?

To begin with, surfing the Web isn’t fun anymore. You get constantly interrupted by irritating pop-ups in all shapes imaginable. As mentioned, all CfHelp33 ads must be avoided. These commercials are incredibly misleading and deceptive. They often lead straight to malware thus causing further damage. The parasite’s extension is compatible with some of the most popular browsers out there. Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer fall victims to this infection. All they now generate is potentially harmful and highly questionable. Furthermore, the parasite spies on your personal data. It collects browsing history, IP addresses, usernames and passwords, etc. By doing so, CfHelp33 gives hackers free access to your private details. As you could imagine, that might end very badly. If you’re especially unlucky, you might even experience identity theft. To delete this intruder, please follow our detailed manual removal guide down below.

How Can I Remove CfHelp33?

If you perform exactly the steps below you should be able to remove the CfHelp33 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.

  • Open your task Manager by pressing CTRL+SHIFT+ESC keys simultaneously
  • Locate the process of CfHelp33 .exe and kill it

kill-hpnotify-exe

  • Open your windows registry editor by typing”regedit” in the windows search box

Navigate to (Depending on your OS version)

[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

Simultaneously press the Windows Logo Button and then “R” to open the Run Command

Type “Appwiz.cpl

Locate all unknown programs and click on uninstall/change. To facilitate the search you can sort the programs by date.

Navigate to C:/Program Files and delete UNKNOWN folders. Double check with any antimalware program for any leftovers. Keep your software up-to date!

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