DNS Unlocker: program assignment and removal

It's no secret that installing third-party software on your computer should be done with extreme caution, since it is not known for certain what components it carries in its structure and how they will ultimately affect the performance of the computer as a whole. Any third-party software is distributed with a beautiful sign and an attractive description, where each user is invited to discover the "world of endless possibilities." But is it really? Unfortunately, the majority of the answer is no. This article focuses on the DNS Unlocker program, which at one time caused a lot of skepticism and was ultimately recognized by cyber security experts as malicious and potentially extremely dangerous. How to remove it and avoid negative consequences will be explained further.

Methods to remove the program DNS Unlocker.

Story

But first we should say a few words about the meaning of using / assigning the DNS Unlocker program. So, "DNS Unlocker", according to the developers, is a window into the boundless world of Internet possibilities. Each user will be able to access any blocked site, the DNS server used is several times faster than the speed of the VPN, and at the same time it is the easiest to use and manage. It sounds tempting, isn't it? In addition, the declared functionality is absolutely free. But in fact, it turned out the opposite:

  • blocked sites remained inaccessible;
  • the speed of browsers decreases significantly, as a result of loading a huge amount of various advertising components;
  • arbitrarily carried out changes in computer network settings.
IMPORTANT. It should be understood that the program in question most often spread secretly, penetrating into the installer of popular program categories (players, generators, download managers).

This technique called “banding” has long demonstrated “an excellent level of efficiency, ” since most users, following the recommendations of the installer wizard of a program, blindly follow “imaginary recommendations” and simply click “Next” when asked for it. And nothing more for “DNS Unlocker” is needed, then he will do everything himself. Therefore, the first step in ensuring the security of your computer and your personal data is a thoughtful approach to the installation process, including the choice of advanced settings and viewing the entire contents (including the ill-fated “small print”). Based on the fact that the program in question is distributed secretly, and, consequently, it is not quite legitimate, simply removing the “shortcut” is indispensable. In this case, we need a set of actions, which will be discussed further.

Deletion

It should be noted that even a minimal footprint that may remain with incomplete uninstallation can lead to the re-occurrence of the “DNS Unlocker”. Therefore, all actions described below must be performed in full. So, in order to remove DNS Unlocker and eliminate the consequences of its work, you will need to do the following:

  1. "Regular funds". You should start by simply uninstalling the software using standard Windows operating system tools:
    • Open the “Start” menu - “System Tools” - “Control Panel”;
    • Next, select "Programs and components" - "Uninstall programs";
    • In the list that opens, find "DNS Unlocker" and click on the "Delete" button.

  2. "Correcting network settings." As mentioned earlier, “DNS Unlocker” makes its own changes to the used network settings, which must be corrected. To do this, open the "Network and Sharing Center" - "Change adapter settings", and then:
    • Click on the network adapter and right-click it to call its "Properties";
    • In the list of components, find "Internet Protocol in version 4 TCP / IPv4" and open its "Properties";
    • In the window that opens, find the section with the “DNS server” settings. The considered software, most often, brings the following addresses:
      • 82.163.143.172
      • 82.163.142.174
    • If you have registered these addresses, then delete them and, without closing the active window, click on the "Advanced" button;
    • In this section, you should check for “suspicious addresses” and delete everything that causes suspicion;

TIP. Pre-make screenshots of settings or overwrite addresses, then select “Get DNS server address automatically” and finally click “OK”.
  1. "Cleaning residual traces in the registry." “Tentacles” of virus software often reach the registry, where they, trying to gain a foothold in the system, leave “keys” by which they could later regain control of the computer. This simply can not be allowed:
    • Press the key combination "WIN + R" and execute the command "regedit";

    • In the “Registry Editor” window that opens, click “Edit” - “Find” or simply “ctrl + f”;
    • In the search bar enter the phrase "unlocker";
    • All entries that will pointedly point to the main program must be deleted;
    • Recommendation: pre-create a restore point in order to avoid even more negative consequences as a result of deleting an important system record. But here it should be borne in mind that when you return to this configuration, the “DNS Unlocker” traces will still be in the system. You will need to remove them again.
  2. "Check labels." Very often, viruses prescribe their codes in executable shortcut commands, which automatically starts the process of their work. In this case, this is unlikely, but it is worth checking out. Open the "Property" labels used browsers and check the path that is listed in the same line. Then manually find the location of the label and match the two received addresses, they should be identical.
  3. "Removing extensions and subscriptions." In addition to making changes to the network settings, DNS Unlocker also manages to “inherit” in the work of browsers, incorporating its ads by DNS Unlocker ad units into its settings. Accordingly, check the settings of extensions / additions, settings of start pages, etc.

Completion

The final step in “destroying the troublemaker” is a complete system scan by antivirus software. The best way for this is “AdwCleaner”, which has already proven itself properly, and in combination with it you should apply “Anti-Malware”.

So, as can be seen from the foregoing, the slightest indulgence and lack of vigilance can lead to the fact that the minute installation of any program can lead to many hours of treatment of the computer. And everyone will agree that there is very little pleasant in this procedure.