AnchorFree US Srdr

What is AnchorFree US Srdr

AnchorFree US Srdr is an error associated with the virtual private network (VPN) Hotspot Shield. Hotspot shield is a legitimate VPN program that allows users to browse more privately. However, it is a paid program that costs €7.99/month and offers only limited free features. The free version offers only 500MB daily data limit and has a 2Mbps speed limit. Once you have reached the 500MB limit, you will get the AnchorFree US Srdr error that says your daily bandwidth limit has been reached. The error will also encourage you to buy the full version, which would allow you to browse with the VPN without limit.

If you’re not entirely familiar with what a VPN is, it stands for virtual private network and it routes your internet connection through your VPN’s private server instead of your internet service provider. VPNs prevent tracking, allow one to securely browse the internet, and can help bypass geo-restricted content.

There have been some reports that Hotspot Shield can come attached to other programs, meaning it may try to install without you noticing. Attaching additional offers to freeware is called freeware bundling, and it’s a characteristic of a potentially unwanted program (PUP). Programs that use this method are usually put in the PUP category because it’s a frowned upon installation method. We will explain this in more detail in the following section of the report.

In order to remove AnchorFree US Srdr error, you either need to uninstall Hotspot Shield or subscribe to one of their paid plans.

PUPs often use software bundling to install unnoticed

Like we said above, software bundling is attaching additional offers to free programs. Those offers are usually minor infections like adware, browser hijackers and PUPs, and they are preselected by default to install alongside the program. The offers are also usually hidden, preventing many users from deselecting them. Fortunately, as long as you pay attention to how you install free programs, you will be able to block those offers.

What you need to do when you install free programs is choose Advanced (Custom) settings when given the option. Unlike Default, Advanced settings will make all extra offers visible, and you will be able to deselect all of them. All you really need to do is uncheck the boxes of those offers, and you can safely continue the installation.

Since most freeware will come with these attached offers, always make sure you deselect the offers. Some of them may seem useful but in reality, all of them will be more annoying than useful. And you should not allow programs that try to sneak past you to install.

Does AnchorFree US Srdr error indicate an infection

Your browser redirecting you to an AnchorFree US Srdr error does not mean there is some kind of malware infecting your computer. It merely means that you have Hotspot shield installed and are using the free version. Like we said above, the error means that the daily bandwidth limit has been reached. You can try disabling the VPN to browse as normal.

It is also possible that Hotspot Shield will also change your browser’s settings and set its own site as your homepage, new tabs and search engine. This isn’t exactly unusual because many programs recommend their sites, but if a program forcefully changes these settings, it should not be tolerated. If your settings have been changed but you cannot remember authorizing these changes, there is no reason to put up with them.

Hotspot Shield is a legitimate VPN programs so you can safely use it. However, the free version won’t be useful for long-term use since it only allows 500Mb/day. For you to be able to browse normally, you’d need to subscribe to one of their plans, which can cost up to €100/year. VPNs aren’t particularly cheap programs so it’s not an unreasonable price.

AnchorFree US Srdr removal

You can delete AnchorFree US Srdr errors and redirects by either uninstalling Hotspot or subscribing to a plan that allows unlimited usage. Again, the AnchorFree US Srdr error is shown when you reach the bandwidth limit, and is not an indication that something malicious is installed on your device.