Welcome to our Gpfree0102 Android removal instructions. They should work on most Android devices.
If you are reading this article, something strange may be going on with your device. Your browser may be literally showering you with ads in different forms. Those ads may even appear outside the browser in certain programs or may self-open as browser tabs without your approval or request. It is likely that the source of your issue is Gpfree0102.
In the paragraphs below we have made an effort to explain the nature and characteristic features of your current issue. What’s more, we have come up with a set of steps to help you deal with your problem and a little advice to help you avoid it from now on.
We sincerely hope that our guide will be the successful solution to what’s been bothering you.
Have you ever heard of Browser Hijackers?
The reason for your current irritation has been a Browser Hijacker. It is a type of software that produces advertisements in different forms – pop-ups, banners, and pop-unders. Generally, this ad-generating software works as a marketing tool. It strives to provide the infected user with as many ads as possible. The more advertisements are displayed, the more money they generate. This is the so-called “pay-per-click” scheme.
Please, note that this marketing strategy is completely legitimate! This is just another way of making profit for the creators of such software.
The way a Browser Hijacker works and the way it gets distributed are interconnected. The usual distribution method is via software bundles. Usually, a software bundle is a free program downloaded from the web that comes together with a secret “bonus”. And the developers of such bundles mix their programs with Browser Hijacker-based apps (the secret bonuses) in order to make money for their further business endeavors as we have mentioned before. When you install the needed program from the bundle, Browser Hijacker gets integrated into your mobile device as well. It should be noted that this unwanted program is able to integrate with all popular browsers such as Chrome, Firefox and IE.
Some essential piece of advice here is to always try to install whatever program you have downloaded properly. If you want to do that, it is recommended that you select the Advanced/Custom installation option instead of the default one and carefully read through all menus. This gives you detailed knowledge of the components that will be installed and you are allowed to opt-out of anything not really necessary for you.
However, software bundling is not the only way to catch Browser Hijacker. It can also be distributed via spam emails, torrents, shareware or already infected web-pages.
Despite the fact that a Browser Hijacker stays hidden in a bundle and installs stealthily, it is not malicious at all! Such ad-generating software CANNOT copy and use your personal data, such as accounts, passwords, banking data and other important private information. It does not work like a virus as it NEVER self-replicates, steals credentials or spies on you.
The only considerably shady practice it may have is to keep track of your surfing history and to display ads relevant to your browsing habits and search requests. There might even be certain Browser Hijacker developers who could sell that data about your preferences to 3rd parties. This contributes to the Browser Hijacker’s notorious reputation.
Characteristics of Gpfree0102
Gpfree0102 is an Browser Hijacker-like program that has been labeled as a PUP {potentially unwanted program}. This is not an equivalent to a malware. Regardless of the label, Gpfree0102 could raise concerns because of the nature of its functions. As a typical Browser Hijacker, it may keep track of your recent search requests in order to predict what product or service you might need, and of course, to promote it to you. Another possibility that bothers some users is the fact that some of the generated ads might redirect you to pages with potentially dangerous content like malicious software, Ransomware, etc. Nevertheless, there haven’t been any reports of that sort as of yet.
Gpfree0102 removal
When it comes to the removal of Gpfree0102, you certainly have options. You may be able to easily uninstall it by using the uninstall function that can be accessed within the “Add/Remove programs” feature of the Windows operating system. However, there is also the possibility that some extra measures should be applied. Our removal guide will help you if your case is more complicated. We hope that it will be useful.
Some words on prevention
It is a universally acknowledged truth that prevention is easily performed than fixation. Every user should practice “smart” web surfing. Make sure that you install a reliable anti-malware software product on your system, as well as that you keep your Firewall ON and your pop-up blocker enabled. It might come in handy if you want to avoid catching Browser Hijacker and malware alike.
Gpfree0102 Android “Virus” Removal
It might be enough to navigate to Settings -> Application Manager -> Downloaded -> Locate Gpfree0102 -> Uninstall
If this option is not active then try this: Settings -> More -> Security -> Device Administrators
Make sure that only the Android Device Manger has permissions to alter your device. Also make sure that under the Security settings you don’t have Unknown Sources marked out.
Remove Gpfree0102 from Chrome
Go to Settings -> More -> Application Manager
Now Go to Application Manager -> Downloaded -> Chrome
Now Force Stop -> Clear Data
Remove Gpfree0102 from Firefox
Again, Go to Settings -> More -> Application Manager
Now Go to Application Manager -> Downloaded -> Firefox
Now Force Stop -> Clear Data
Remove Gpfree0102 From “Internet”
Settings -> More -> Application Manager
Application Manager -> All -> Internet
Force Stop -> Clear Data
Reboot your Android Device. Your problem should now be fixed.
If you run into any trouble – ask us for help in the comments section!