Remove HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 virus (Adware Removal Guide)

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 is an adware program that displays pop-up ads, advertisement banners and sponsored links within Internet Explorer, Firefox and Google Chrome.
Unfortunately, some free downloads do not adequately disclose that other software will also be installed and you may find that you have installed HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 without your knowledge.HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 is advertised as a program that will enhance your experience while watching YouTube and other videos. Though this may sound like a useful service, the HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 program can be intrusive and will display ads whether you want them to or not.
Picture of HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 virus
The HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 adware infection is designed specifically to make money. It generates web traffic, collects sales leads for other dubious sites, and will display advertisements and sponsored links within your web browser.
HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 it’s technically not a virus, but it does exhibit plenty of malicious traits, such as rootkit capabilities to hook deep into the operating system, browser hijacking, and in general just interfering with the user experience. The industry generally refers to it as a “PUP,” or potentially unwanted program.

HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 is an ad-supported (users may see additional banner, search, pop-up, pop-under, interstitial and in-text link advertisements) cross web browser plugin for Internet Explorer, Firefox and Chrome, and distributed through various monetization platforms during installation. HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 is typically added when you install another free software (video recording/streaming, download-managers or PDF creators) that had bundled into their installation this adware program. When you install these free programs, they will also install HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 as well. Some of the programs that are known to bundle HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 include “Youtube Downloader HD”, “Fast Free Converter”, “Video Media Player 1.1” and “DVDX Player 3.2”.
When installed, HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 will display advertising banners on the webpages that you are visiting, stating that they are brought to you by “Ads by HQ-Video-Profession-1.3“.

HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 may also display pop-up advertisements, in-text ads and and as you browse Internet, it will show coupons and other deals available on different websites.
The justification for HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 ads according to its author, is that it helps recover programming development cost and helps to hold down the cost for the user.

You should always pay attention when installing software because often, a software installer includes optional installs, such as this HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 adware. Be very careful what you agree to install.
Always opt for the custom installation and deselect anything that is not familiar, especially optional software that you never wanted to download and install in the first place. It goes without saying that you should not install software that you don’t trust.

How to remove HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 pop-up ads (Virus Removal Guide)

This page is a comprehensive guide, which will remove HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 pop-ups from your computer, and any other adware program that may have been installed during the setup process.
Please perform all the steps in the correct order. If you have any questions or doubt at any point, STOP and ask for our assistance.
STEP 1: Uninstall HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 program from your computer
STEP 2: Remove HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 Ads from Internet Explorer, Firefox and Google Chrome
STEP 3: Remove HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 Ads from Internet Explorer, Firefox and Google Chrome with AdwCleaner
STEP 4: Remove HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 virus with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free
STEP 5: Double-check for the HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 adware infection with HitmanPro

STEP 1 : Uninstall HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 program from your computer

In this first step, we will try to identify and remove any malicious program that might be installed on your computer.

  1. To uninstall the HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 program from Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7, click the Start button, then click on the Control Panel menu option.
    [Image: Control Panel in Windows Start Menu]
    If you are using Windows 8, simply drag your mouse pointer to the right edge of the screen, select Search from the list and search for “control panel” .Or you can right-click on a bottom left hot corner (formerly known as the Start button) and select Control Panel from there.
    [Image: Control Panel in Windows 8]
  2. When the Control Panel window opens click on the Uninstall a program option under Programs category. This option is shown by the arrow in the image below. If you are using the Classic View of the Control Panel, then you would double-click on the Programs and Features icon instead.
    [Image: Uninstall a program]
  3. When the Programs and Features or the Uninstall a Program screen is displayed, scroll through the list of currently installed programs and uninstall HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 and any other recently installed unknown program from your computer.
    [Image: Uninstall HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 program from Windows]
    Depending on what program has installed the HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 adware infection, the above program may have a different name or not be installed on your computer. If you cannot find any unwanted or unknown programs on your machine, then you can proceed with the next step.

If you are having issues while trying to uninstall the HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 program, you can use Revo Uninstaller to completely remove this unwanted program from your machine.

STEP 2: Remove HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 Ads from Internet Explorer, Firefox and Google Chrome

If you are still experiencing issues with the HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 pop-up ads in Internet Explorer, Firefox or Chrome, we will need to reset your browser to its default settings. This step needs to be performed only if your issues have not been solved by the previous steps.

Remove HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 Ads from Internet Explorer

  1. Open Internet Explorer, click on the gear icon [Image: icongear.jpg] (Tools for Windows XP users) at the top (far right), then click again on Internet Options.
    Internet Options in IE
  2. In the Internet Options dialog box, click on the Advanced tab, then click on the Reset button.
    Reset Internet Explorer
  3. In the Reset Internet Explorer settings section, check the Delete personal settings box, then click on Reset.
    Internet Explorer back to its default settings to remove HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 virus
  4. When Internet Explorer finishes resetting, click Close in the confirmation dialogue box and then click OK.
  5. Close and open Internet Explorer.

Remove HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 Ads from Mozilla Firefox

  1. At the top of the Firefox window, click the orange Firefox button, then select Add-ons.
    Firefox addon menu
  2. Select the Extensions tab, then remove HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 and any other unknown extensions from Mozilla Firefox. If you have not installed an extensions, then you should remove it from your web browser.
    Picture of HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 Firefox extension

Remove HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 Ads from Google Chrome

  1. Remove HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 extensions from Google Chrome.
    Click the Chrome menu Chrome menu  button on the browser toolbar, select Tools and then click on Extensions.
    Google Chrome Extensions
  2. In the Extensions tab, remove the HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 any other unknown extensions by clicking the trash can [Image: Remove an extension from Chrome] icon.
    Basically, if you have not installed an extensions then you should remove it from your web browser.
    If you cannot remove the extension, and under the trash can you can see the “Installed by enterprise policy” text, then you will need to follow our “Remove Installed by enterprise policy extension from Chrome” guide.
    Picture of HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 Chrome extensions

STEP 3: Remove HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 adware from Internet Explorer, Firefox and Google Chrome with AdwCleaner

The AdwCleaner utility will scan your computer and web browser for the HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 malicious files, browser extensions and registry keys, that may have been installed on your computer without your knowledge.

  1. You can download AdwCleaner utility from the below link.
    ADWCLEANER DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will automatically download AdwCleaner on your computer)
  2. Before starting AdwCleaner, close all open programs and internet browsers, then double-click on the AdwCleaner icon.
    Picture of AdwCleaner Icon
    If Windows prompts you as to whether or not you wish to run AdwCleaner, please allow it to run.
  3. When the AdwCleaner program will open, click on the Scan button as shown below.
    Picture of AdwCleaner Scan button
    AdwCleaner will now start to search for the HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 malicious files that may be installed on your computer.
  4. To remove the HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 malicious files that were detected in the previous step, please click on the Clean button.
    Picture of AdwCleaner Clean button
  5. AdwCleaner will now prompt you to save any open files or data as the program will need to reboot the computer. Please do so and then click on the OK button. AdwCleaner will now delete all detected adware from your computer. When it is done it will display an alert that explains what PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) and Adware are. Please read through this information and then press the OK button. You will now be presented with an alert that states AdwCleaner needs to reboot your computer.
    Please click on the OK button to allow AdwCleaner reboot your computer.

STEP 4: Remove HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 virus with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free uses industry-leading technology to detect and remove all traces of malware, including worms, Trojans, rootkits, rogues, dialers, spyware, and more.
It is important to note that Malwarebytes Anti-Malware works well and should run alongside antivirus software without conflicts.

  1. You can download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free from the below link, then double click on it to install this program.
    MALWAREBYTES ANTI-MALWARE DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open a new web page from where you can download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free)
  2. When the installation begins, keep following the prompts in order to continue with the setup process.
    [Image: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware final installation screen]
  3. On the Scanner tab,select Perform quick scan and then click on the Scan button to start scanning your computer.
    [Image: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Quick Scan]
  4. Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware will now start scanning your computer for HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 malicious files as shown below.
    [Image: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware scanning for HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 virus
  5. When the Malwarebytes scan will be completed,click on Show Result.
    [Image: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware scan results]
  6. You will now be presented with a screen showing you the malware infections that Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware has detected.Please note that the infections found may be different than what is shown in the image.Make sure that everything is Checked (ticked) and click on the Remove Selected button.
    [Image:Malwarebytes removing virus]

STEP 5: Double-check for the HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 adware infection with HitmanPro

HitmanPro is a second opinion scanner, designed to rescue your computer from malware (viruses, trojans, rootkits, etc.) that have infected your computer despite all the security measures you have taken (such as anti virus software, firewalls, etc.). HitmanPro is designed to work alongside existing security programs without any conflicts. It scans the computer quickly (less than 5 minutes) and does not slow down the computer.

  1. You can download HitmanPro from the below link:
    HITMANPRO DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open a web page from where you can download HitmanPro)
  2. Double-click on the file named HitmanPro.exe (for 32-bit versions of Windows) or HitmanPro_x64.exe (for 64-bit versions of Windows). When the program starts you will be presented with the start screen as shown below.
    HitmanPro scanner
    Click on the Next button, to install HitmanPro on your computer.
    HitmanPro installation
  3. HitmanPro will start scanning your computer for HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 malicious files as seen in the image below.
    HitmanPro scan HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 virus
  4. Once the scan is complete,you’ll see a screen which will display all the infected files that this utility has detected, and you’ll need to click on Next to remove this malicious files.
    HitmanPro scan results
  5. Click Activate free license to start the free 30 days trial and remove all the malicious files from your computer.
    HitmanPro 30 days activation button

Your computer should now be free of the HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 adware infection. If your current anti-virus solution let this infection through, you may want to consider purchasing the PRO version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future, and perform regular computer scans with HitmanPro.
If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove HQ-Video-Profession-1.3 adware from your machine, please start a new thread in our Malware Removal Assistance forum.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

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