PUADlManager:Win32/OpenDownloadManager Removal Guide

PUADlManager:Win32/OpenDownloadManager is an antivirus detection for maliciously bundled programs. This detection also covers a suspicious code that is being used to create the bundle and manipulates its setup process to avoid being identified by computer users as well as security software. Although there are many threats that are identified with an alias PUADlManager, this detection is very specific to programs and files that are related to OpenDownloadManager (ODM) program.

Image of PUADlManager:Win32/OpenDownloadManager

What is PUADlManager?

Antivirus programs created the term PUADlManager as an identification for malicious programs that are being used for software monetization and distribution. It is a scheme where multiple programs are combined into one installer file. The objective is simple: when a computer user downloads a specific software, other programs may get installed on the computer as a means of promotion. These programs that forcibly load on the computer are often known as potentially unwanted programs (PUP). Most of them do not cause damages, but the mere fact they got installed without the computer user’s approval is an intrusive factor that many are deemed a virus infection.

This software bundling scheme by some software vendors are considered malicious in nature and because of that, a number of antivirus programs flagged it as hazardous.

What is OpenDownloadManager?

The program OpenDownloadManager is promoted as a powerful file download program that supposedly accelerates the process by 500 percent. It claims to support proxy server, FTP, and HTTP protocols for accessibility. In addition, OpenDownloadManager asserts to keep the computer safe with enhanced virus protection and ensures that the obtained file by users is complete and free from threats.

The program OpenDownloadManager itself does not inflict direct damage to the system. Instead, cybercrooks are utilizing it as the main program where they bundle several applications. These added programs are the ones that cause harm. Most of these extra programs that were attached to OpenDownloadManager could trigger a “domino effect,” generating more malicious actions. Below are some of the unusual things we have encountered:

  • Changes to homepage settings as well as the default search engine.
  • When performing an online search, it uses an unwanted search engine that displays inaccurate results.
  • Pop-up advertisements starts to flood the internet browser. It also appears on the notification area.
  • Antivirus program detects numerous malicious outgoing internet traffic which emerges from the unwanted programs.
  • It fetches and install other junk files from a remote server.

Symptoms of infection

The presence of PUADlManager:Win32/OpenDownloadManager could be identified by an antivirus program. It alerts the computer users through pop-up warnings or via the push notification message. Aside from the antivirus messages, computer users may notice unusual activities on the browser, like search hijacking and browser redirects. In addition, PUADlManager:Win32/OpenDownloadManager causes the display of aggressive advertisements such as pop-ups, banners, and push notification ads.

PUADlManager:Win32/OpenDownloadManager is also detected as:
Avast Win32:AdwareSig
Avira ADWARE/Agent.pmmvv
DrWeb Adware.Siggen.33081
ESET-NOD32 A Variant Of Win32/Adware.OpenSUpdater
Fortinet Riskware/OpenSUpdater
QuickHeal Trojan.GenericPMF.S24210697
Sophos Generic Reputation PUA
Symantec Trojan.Gen.MBT
Tencent Win32.Risk.Agent.Xmhl
WithSecure Trojan.TR/ATRAPS.Gen2
Zillya Adware.OpenSUpdater.Win32.3003

How to Remove PUADlManager:Win32/OpenDownloadManager

To totally remove PUADlManager:Win32/OpenDownloadManager from the computer and get rid of relevant viruses and trojans, please execute the procedures as stated on this page. Make sure that you have completely scanned the system with the suggested malware removal tools and virus scanners.

Instant Removal : Scan the computer with antivirus program

Combo Cleaner is a trusted computer security and optimization tool equipped with a powerful virus and malware detection engine. This program can get rid of computer virus like PUADlManager:Win32/OpenDownloadManager through this procedure.

1. Download the application from the following page:

2. Save the file to your preferred location.

3. Double-click the downloaded file CCSetup.exe and install with the default settings.

4. At the end of the setup process, click Finish to run Combo Cleaner.

5. The tool will update the database file; please wait for this process to complete.

6. To begin checking for threats like PUADlManager:Win32/OpenDownloadManager, click on the Start Scan button. Wait for this scan to finish.

Screenshot of Combo Cleaner PC

7. At the end of the scan process, click on Remove all threats to delete PUADlManager:Win32/OpenDownloadManager, including all harmful objects from the computer.

To fully optimize the features of antivirus and privacy scanners, users may have to upgrade to the premium version.

Please continue with the succeeding removal procedures if you are comfortable manually getting rid of the computer virus and malicious items linked to it.

Manual Removal : Steps to get rid of PUADlManager:Win32/OpenDownloadManager

The steps below will guide you to manually remove PUADlManager:Win32/OpenDownloadManager without having to purchase a recommended virus scanner. We have tested the procedures; hence, the attackers may make modifications overtime. As a result, terms, names, and images in the guide may differ from what users are seeing recently.

The procedure may require you to close the browser or restart the computer; therefore, we are suggesting to Boookmark or Print this page. You must be logged in to Windows with an Administrator account to be able to execute some of the tasks. Check here to know if you are currently using an account with Administrative rights. 

Step 1 : Start Windows in Safe Mode With Networking

The method of running Windows in Safe Mode before deleting files, ending system processes, and virus scanning is effective in getting rid of PUADlManager:Win32/OpenDownloadManager. This routine can prevent most viruses and malware from loading, making it easier to detect and remove them.

1. On the Windows Search bar, please type msconfig.

Screenshot of Win 11 Search

2. Select and open System Configutation on the list of found results.

3. Once you are in the System Configuration window, go to the Boot tab.

Screenshot of Msconfig Win 11

4. Under the Boot Options area, please check Safe Boot so that it starts in Safe Mode after restarting.

5. Next, select Network. This will allow Windows to boot in Safe Mode with Networking.

6. Lastly, click on Apply and OK to save the changes.

7. Please restart Windows. The system should run in Safe Mode after the reboot.

Do not forget to restore the normal boot process of Windows after this process. Simply repeat the method above, and this time, uncheck the Safe Boot option to run Windows normally.

Step 2 : Run Sophos Home Virus Scanner

To remove PUADlManager:Win32/OpenDownloadManager hidden files, scanning the computer with this powerful virus and malware removal tool is recommended. This scanner does not just uncover known threats like viruses or malware; it is also effective in discovering harmful files associated to PUADlManager:Win32/OpenDownloadManager.

1. Please click on the link below to download the program.

2. After downloading, locate the file SophosInstall.exe in the Downloads folder.

3. Install by double-clicking on the file.

4. If it prompts "Do you want to allow this app to make changes on your device?" please click Yes.

5. Next, it will display the Terms and Conditions page. Click the Install button to begin.

Screenshot of Terms by Sophos Home

6. Run the installation with the default settings. Please note that an internet connection is required in order to download important updates.

7. After finishing the installation, you must login to the dashboard. If you already have a Sophos account, please login. Otherwise, please enter your details and click on the Create Account button.

8. Once you are in the Sophos Home console, click the Scan button to start checking the computer for PUADlManager:Win32/OpenDownloadManager components.

Screenshot of Sophos Home

9. Scanning may take a while; please wait for this process to finish.

10. After scanning the computer, Sophos Home will start cleaning or deleting files infected with PUADlManager:Win32/OpenDownloadManager.

11. You may now close Sophos Home. The computer is now free from PUADlManager:Win32/OpenDownloadManager, as well as associated malware and viruses.

After executing the above instructions, PUADlManager:Win32/OpenDownloadManager should have been completely removed from the computer. If there are still signs of infection or the computer is displaying unusual behaviors, please continue with the remaining procedures.

Another alternative for Windows 10/11 users is to scan the computer with Microsoft Defender Offline. This will run a virus scan in the recovery environment.

Step 3 : Double Check with Windows Security Apps

Microsoft Windows has a built-in security application that you can use to double-check if your computer is still infected with PUADlManager:Win32/OpenDownloadManager. For Windows 10/11 users, please run Windows Security.

Windows 10 / 11 Instructions:

Windows Security is a free tool that was built to help you remove PUADlManager:Win32/OpenDownloadManager, viruses, and other malicious items from Windows 10/11 systems. Follow these procedures to scan your computer with the tool:

1. Tap or click the Search charm and search for Windows Security

2. Click Open to run the program.

Screenshot of Win 11 Search

3. On the Dashboard, click Virus and threat protection from the sidebar.

Screenshot of Win 11 Virus Protection

4. On the right panel, click on Scan Options to see different levels of checking the computer.

5. Next, please select Full Scan button.

Screenshot of Full Scan Win 11

6. Lastly, click on the Scan now button to start scanning for the presence of PUADlManager:Win32/OpenDownloadManager. The process may take a while to complete.

7. After the scan, Delete/Quarantine identified threats, whether they were relevant to PUADlManager:Win32/OpenDownloadManager or not. You may now restart Windows to complete the virus removal process.

For Windows 8.1 and Windows 7, you can scan the computer for free with the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT 64-Bit). It is a stand-alone virus scanner tool that targets prevalent malware groups.

System Compatibility Notice

Logo of Windows

We ensured that our method to get rid of PUADlManager:Win32/OpenDownloadManager is compatible with the majority of Microsoft operating systems (Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11). To prevent complicated steps, the commands used in the instructions are common, useful, and tested. If you encounter any compatibility problems when following this tutorial, please message us or leave your comment below, and we will reply and make the required modifications.

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