![]() Manual Removal Steps of Malware Associated With Prefs.js File Virus If you don’t feel comfortable with manual instructions, download a powerful anti-malware tool that will scan your system for malware and clean it safely for you. Removing important data accidentally can lead to permanent system damage. WARNING! Manual removal of malware files requires being familiar with system files and registries. Remove Malware Associated With Prefs.js File and Restore PC The fix is to remove the potentially unwanted program from the PC with the help of anti-malware software or manually. However, as long as the anti-malware software detects it as dangerous it is a positive trait that Mozilla Firefox browser or any Mozilla-based application is compromised by a spyware program. Related: Browser Hijacker Removal GuideĪs the prefs.js file is not a virus itself but a legitimate system file it should not be deleted. Once the file keeps the changes made by the spyware it could be easily detected by the installed anti-malware. All actions happen without any notification or requested permission. When a malicious browser extension changes the default browser homepage, the destination of each new tab as well as the default search engine the text in prefs.js gets overwritten at the same time. That’s why it is recommendable always to check for Advanced settings where all unwanted programs could be unmarked and prevented from being installed. Some developers of free software do not disclose adequately all programs that are to be installed along with the primary one, and the installation set has bundled potentially unwanted programs that get installed if just following the Default settings in it. Browser hijackers and adware are legitimate programs that are usually distributed via bundling techniques. In most of the cases, prefs.js transforms from legitimate system file into virus file after a browser hijacker or adware is installed along with freeware. As a result, it is detected as dangerous or connected with deceptive PUP. When a browser extension is related to browser hijacker, adware or any other malware is installed on the PC, prefs.js file receives its settings and stores them. In fact, some security programs quarantine prefs.js because it also stores the settings made by some browser extensions. %APPDATA%\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\Įverything sounds good so far then why some anti-malware apps detect prefs.js as potentially unwanted program (PUP)? The file is located in %APPDATA% folder and its exact file path is: *To make a manual change to preferences, you can visit the URL about:config * the changes will be overwritten when the application exits. * If you make changes to this file while the application is running, The file preview opens it in a Notepad window, and the text begins with: As prefs.js is a plain-text file yet another way to edit it is a text editor which however is not recommended as if something goes wrong it can damage the existing user profile. ![]() These changes are saved and recorded into the file once the Mozilla-based application is closed. ![]() The prefs.js file does not actually contain all settings but only changes made to defaults. Each time a new configuration is entered prefs.js file is also modified. This JS (JavaScript) file keeps all settings made by the user via application’s interface. ![]() What is the reason? More About Prefs.js File However, some anti-malware detect prefs.js as a potentially unwanted program (PUP). Its predefined location is %APPDATA%\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\ folder. The prefs.js file is a legitimate system file that stores user preference settings that differ from the default values. Mozilla-based applications like Mozilla Firefox, SeaMonkey, Thunderbird, Classilla and other use prefs.js file to store settings. ![]()
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