Remove FreeAuctionFinder (PC and Mac)

By | Posted on August 30, 2019 |

FreeAuctionFinder is a questionable browser extension that claims to provide easy access to various online auction websites instantly via the homepage or new tab pages. The tool is also offering to enhance browsing and searching experience by providing accurate results especially if user is finding auctions in specific areas. Though, there were complaints that even people who are not interested in this subject are affected by FreeAuctionFinder browser takeover. They are even clueless how it manages to enter the computer in the first place.

The cases of unsolicited installation of software or potentially unwanted program (PUP) are still unfamiliar to some computer users. Perhaps, this incident will give them a hint that internet is the main source for adware and other freeware that was maliciously developed and spread to override browser settings even without user’s consent. One example is FreeAuctionFinder. It normally enters the computer through software bundles. Users may not intend to install it, but since they have downloaded the host program (free games, utilities, etc…), FreeAuctionFinder also gets installed because it is part of the bundle.

Some clever users can evade this assertive technique by potentially unwanted program via the ‘Custom’ installation mode. By processing the installation method using this manner, one can easily cross-out or exclude surplus applications from software bundles. As such, only the host or preferred application will get loaded. Unfortunately, this safe method is irrelevant to nearly all computer users and they normally proceed with the ‘Typical’ way of installing downloaded application where every content gets on-board by default, including adware like FreeAuctionFinder, Fast Mail Tab, Quick Audio Converter, and Quick Local Weather.


Obviously, user always want to get rid of uninvited application. For this reason, we made a simple solution to get rid of FreeAuctionFinder from both Mac and PC systems. Please execute the guide in exact order to ensure complete removal of the malicious browser extension.

FreeAuctionFinder Removal Procedure for PC



Step 1: Delete Browser Extension


Remove FreeAuctionFinder Extension from Google Chrome

1. Open Google Chrome browser.


FreeAuctionFinder Chrome Extension

3. Find FreeAuctionFinder or relevant entry and remove it from Google Chrome.

Uninstall FreeAuctionFinder Extension from Firefox

1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser.


FreeAuctionFinder Firefox Extension

3. Choose Extensions on sidebar menu.

4. Look for object that is pertaining to FreeAuctionFinder and remove it from the browser.

Delete FreeAuctionFinder Extension from Safari

1. Run Safari browser application.


3. Choose Preferences from the drop-down list.

4. On Extension window, select Extensions tab.

5. Select FreeAuctionFinder or relevant entry and remove it from Safari.


7. If Freeauctionfinder.safariextz is present, click on Clear button to remove the unwanted extension.

Remove FreeAuctionFinder Add-ons from Internet Explorer and Edge Browser

1. Open Internet Explorer program.


Internet Explorer Add-ons

3. Look for and Remove or Disable entries of FreeAuctionFinder from Toolbars and Extension and Search Providers section.

4. Close the window and restart Internet Explorer.

If FreeAuctionFinder is still present on the IE browser, another option is to remove the adware from Windows Control Panel.



Add-Remove Adware
7. Select FreeAuctionFinder or recently installed unwanted entry. Then, click on Uninstall to remove it from Windows system.

Step 2: Scan the computer with Anti-malware Program







7. Click Start Scan button to begin checking the computer.



Step 3: Scan and Delete Adware with AdwCleaner

In addition to the procedure, we suggest scanning the computer with AdwCleaner tool. Possibly, there are some traces of FreeAuctionFinder on the browser that was not deleted during the preceding steps. This tool will scan the computer and check for presence of malicious applications.


2. When the download has completed, please close all running programs on the computer especially browsers affected by FreeAuctionFinder.






Procedures to Remove FreeAuctionFinder from Mac



Step 1 : Quick Fix - Scan the System with Combo Cleaner

Combo Cleaner is a trusted Mac utility application with complete antivirus and optimization features. It is useful in dealing with adware, malware, and PUP's. Moreover, it can get rid of malicious browser hijacker like FreeAuctionFinder. You may need to purchase full version if you require to maximize its premium features.

1. Download the tool from the following page:

Click here to Download Combo Cleaner





Start Combo Scan



Step 2 : Remove Browser Extensions that belongs to FreeAuctionFinder





2. Once you have located FreeAuctionFinder or MyWay, MindSpark, click on Remove or Uninstall, to get rid of it.

3. Close the browser and proceed to the next steps.

Step 3 : Delete Malicious Files that have installed FreeAuctionFinder





Command + V


  • unknown.ltvbit.plist
  • unknown.update.plist
  • com.unknown


- MyWay, MindSpark

If you cannot find the specified file, please look for any unfamiliar or suspicious entries. It may be the one causing FreeAuctionFinder to be present on your Mac. Arranging all items to see the most latest ones may also help you identify recently installed unfamiliar files. Please press Option + Command + 4 on your keyboard to arrange the application list in chronological order.

Option + Command + 4



6. Please restart the computer.


~/Library/Application Support



/Library/Application Support



2. Select the process you want to quit.

Force Quit Locked Files

3. Click on Force Quit button.

4. You may now delete or remove locked files that belongs to FreeAuctionFinder homepage hijacker.

Step 4 : Double-check with MBAM Tool for Mac


Click here to download MBAM for Mac




Malwarebytes Anti-malware for Mac

5. After the scan, Malwarebytes Anti-malware for Mac will display a list of identified threats, FreeAuctionFinder is surely part of it. Be sure to select all items in the list. Then, click Remove button to clean the computer.

Step 5 : Remove FreeAuctionFinder from Homepage and Search


- Open your Safari browser.
- Lastly, remove FreeAuctionFinder from the Homepage field. Replace it with your preferred URL to be set as your default homepage.

Google Chrome

- Open Chrome browser.
- Look for 'On Startup' area.
- Click on More Actions and select Edit.
- Enter the desired web address as your home page, replacing FreeAuctionFinder. Click Save.

Mozilla Firefox

- Run Mozilla Firefox browser.
- Under Home Page field, type the desired URL to replace FreeAuctionFinder settings.
- Under Default Search Engine list, please select one.

Step 6 : Delete FreeAuctionFinder Login Items

Some browser hijacker may also install login item into compromised account under System Preferences. This object automatically runs FreeAuctionFinder during user log in.

1. Go to Apple menu and choose System Preferences.

2. Select Users & Groups from the preferences window.


4. Next, select user account that runs FreeAuctionFinder.

5. Click on Login Items tab.

6. Select FreeAuctionFinder, MyWay, MindSpark, or any suspicious entries from the list and click on the minus [-] button and confirm your actions. Please see image below for reference.

Login Items


Some user complains that there is no way to change browser settings because it is grayed out by FreeAuctionFinder. In such situation, it is important to check if there is unwanted profile. Please do the following:


2. Under System Preferences, click Profiles.

3. Select MyWay, MindSpark, FreeAuctionFinder or any relevant profile from the left pane. See image below.

Remove Profile


5. Close the Profiles window and open the affected browser to change all settings associated with FreeAuctionFinder.

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