Do you know what FirstFlix is?
According to the FirstFlix End User License Agreement (EULA), the application “offers a DNS service that enables users to browse freely through the web and access any website around the world (no matter where you are located).” Even though the program’s creators claim that their offered services are fast and reliable, we advise you not to trust them and remove the software from your computer. First of all, the application is categorized as adware, so its main purpose is to generate revenue from third-party advertising. Thus, you could receive regular ads while surfing the Internet and they could redirect you to questionable web pages. If you already regret installing the adware, you can slide below the text and follow the removal guide, although you should read the last paragraph as well, since it gives more details about the deletion process.
The most troublesome part of the software is that it manages to change the DNS settings on user’s computer. As it says in the program’s EULA, “by downloading our Services you hereby allow us to modify your DNS settings so as to enable the provision of the Services; by using the Services you consent to the use of your device in the described manner.” However, you should also know that the adware does so that it could insert third-party ads in the advertising space. Given that the ads come from unknown sources there are many risks to consider and if you continue reading, we will provide you a few examples.
Firstly, we cannot tell you how many of these ads could come from websites with malicious content, but the fact is that your computer could get infected if you enter a site that contains malware. Secondly, the ads could advertise various goods and some of them could redirect you to fictitious e-stores. Obviously, if you purchase anything from such shop you could lose the money, which was spent on particular items, but this is not the worst case scenario. The fictitious e-shop could also gather your data related to your banking account that would allow cyber criminals to log in. Of course, this may not happen to you, but when it comes to suspicious third-party sites, you can never know what sensitive information they could be collecting. Naturally, if you stay away from questionable advertisements, sites, and applications, you can avoid such risks. Another great idea would be to try some security tool of your choice. Many users find these tools helpful when they need to determine if the application or some file is safe to use.
FirstFlix screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
All of the ads should show up as pop-ups on your browser. The bad news is that the adware can display these pop-ups on most of the major browsers, so the only way to get rid of them is to eliminate their source, which is FirstFlix. Also, once you erase the application, you should also reset DNS settings to their previous state. The process is not that difficult, but we will include instructions on how to reset DNS for various Windows operating systems next to the main adware removal guide. We should also inform you that there is another way to get rid of the adware, and it might be easier for you. FirstFlix can be deleted with an antimalware tool like any other threat, so if you ever thought about getting a security tool, this might be a perfect chance. At any case, it is for you to decide which removal option suits you the best. Should you have more questions related to the adware, do not hesitate to contact us.
Delete FirstFlix main folders and Registry Keys
- Open the Explorer.
- Insert these following directories separately: %PROGRAMFILES%
%PROGRAMFILES(x86)% - Check if they have FirstFlix folder.
- If you locate it, right-click the folder and press Delete.
- Close the Explorer.
- Launch The RUN (Windows Key+R).
- Type regedit and press Enter.
- Locate these paths separately:
HKCU\SOFTWARE
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node
HKLM\ SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node
HKLM\ SOFTWARE - Search for FirstFlix keys in the location above.
- If you find any FirstFlix keys, right-click to delete them.
- Close the Registry Editor.
Remove FirstFlix task
- Launch the Explorer and go to: %WINDIR%\System32\Tasks
- Locate a task that has a random name of symbols, e.g. {7E087947-0A0C-0B0A-7811-780804041108} and right-click to delete it.
- Copy and paste given path into the Explorer: C:\Windows\system32\WindowsPowershell\v1.0\powershell.exe
- Find a string named as -nologo -executionpolicy bypass -noninteractive -windowstyle hidden –EncodedCommand.
- If there is such a string, you should delete it.
Reset DNS settings
Windows 10
- Slide your mouse on the Start menu icon.
- Right-click the icon and select Command Prompt (Admin).
- Type in ipconfig /flushdns and click Enter.
Windows 8/Windows 8.1
- Navigate to Windows 8 Start Screen.
- Find Windows Search bar on the top-right corner.
- Type cmd and wait till results appear.
- Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
- Type in ipconfig /flushdns and click Enter.
Windows Vista/Windows 7
- Go to Start, click All Programs and select Accessories.
- Find Command Prompt.
- Right-click it and choose Run as administrator.
- Insert ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
Windows XP
- Open Start and select RUN.
- Type cmd and press OK.
- Insert this command: ipconfig /flushdns and click Enter.
In non-techie terms:
FirstFlix changes DNS settings so it could display annoying ads on your browser. These changes could make your computer more vulnerable as the third-party content that the adware inserts might be malicious. Even if the application could allow you to watch geographically restricted content, it still poses lots of risks, and if you care about your system’s security, you should not take any chances. The simpler way to eliminate this adware is to install an antimalware tool, but you can try to delete it with the instructions provided above too.