Solved Need help with ADVERTISEMENTS powered by Provider

[Christoffer]

I've had problems on and off for 6 months now with popups that seem to be coming from something called ADVERTISEMENTS powered by Provider. Another bothersome thing are highlighted kind of hyperlinks with a green symbol next to them. Turns up both in Chrome and Firefox. Computer runs on Windows 10. They have been bouncing back after repeated removals at least for half a year. I've tried most free adware removal tools recommended on various trusted sites and it still comes back, at least after a while. There's nothing suspicious-looking in either browser's list of add-ons or anything, and nothing in Program files files in the computer, so the manual removal guides I google are of little help since nothing is visible in the program files/ add-on lists and consequently cannot be removed. The automatic removal tools I've tried don't seem to have any lasting effect.

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Hello,


Please download Zemana AntiMalware and save it to your Desktop.

• Install the program and once the installation is complete it will start automatically.
• Without changing any options, press Scan to begin.
• After the short scan is finished, if threats are detected press Next to remove them.

Note: If restart is required to finish the cleaning process, you should click Reboot. If reboot isn't required, please restart your computer manually.​

• Open Zemana AntiMalware again.
• Click on
  
  icon and double click the latest report.
• Now click File > Save As and choose your Desktop before pressing Save.
• The only left thing is to attach saved report in your next message.

Fix with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool

This fix was created for this user for use on that particular machine.

Running it on another one may cause damage and render the system unstable.

​

Download attached fixlist.txt file and save it to the Desktop:

Both files, FRST and fixlist.txt have to be in the same location or the fix will not work!

• Right-click on
  
  icon and select
  
  Run as Administrator to start the tool.
  (XP users click run after receipt of Windows Security Warning - Open File).
• Press the Fix button just once and wait.
• If for some reason the tool needs a restart, please make sure you let the system restart normally. After that let the tool complete its run.
• When finishes FRST will generate a log on the Desktop, called Fixlog.txt.

Please attach it to your reply.

 

[Christoffer]

Thank you very much. Please find the fixlog attached. Hope I did it correctly. Am I good to go now or what's the next step?

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Did you run Zemana scan?

 

[Christoffer]

Of course, sorry yes, please find it attached.

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

How is your PC behaving now?

 

[Christoffer]

PC is running OK, so far. Since the problems are browser-related, I've uninstalled Firefox, Explorer and Chrome, only to be using Opera ( installed only after scans, never tried before) very moderately. Earlier the problems have come and gone as well though, but so far everything appears ok. Should I reinstall Chrome to see if it's gone away?

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Yes, you can do it.

 

[Christoffer]

Is it important to make a clean reinstall, or do you think I can just download the regular chrome exe and start up again where I left off?

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

You should uninstall it from Control Panel and then download again from here:

Chrome Browser

 

[Christoffer]

Super, will reinstall tomorrow and report back here after some use. Thanks for now.

 

[Christoffer]

So, now I've been roaming around on Chrome for a few hours and no strange behaviour from the computer. So far, so good. Of course,over the last few months it has went away from time to time, mainly after I've scanned with some programmes, particuarly the free version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. Do you recommend that I do something further or install something else?

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Since there are no more problems, we can declare this PC clean

Now, we can proceed with post-cleanup procedures. Let's remove my tools and create a new, non infected restore point concurrently deleting old ones.


Step 1. - Creation of system restore point and tools removal.


Download DelFix by Xplode and save it to your desktop.

• Run the tool by right click on the
  
  icon and Run as administrator option.
• Make sure that these ones are checked:
  • Remove disinfection tools
  • Purge system restore
  • Reset system settings
• Push Run and wait until the tool completes his work.
• All tools we used should be gone. Tool will create an report for you (C:\DelFix.txt). I don't need it for review.

Tool deletes old system restore points and creates a fresh system restore point after cleaning.


Step 2. - Tips and tricks to keep your computer clean, safe and in a good shape.


Security tips - highly recommended reading:

• Simple and easy ways to keep your computer safe and secure on the Internet

Maintenance tips:

• Optimize Windows for better performance

Additional software that I personally use and install on all my clients devices:

• Zemana AntiMalware (paid version highly recommended) - to work as a supplement for your antivirus but with excellent remediation and protection
• Zemana AntiLogger - keep everything you type on keyboard out of sight of bad guys trying to steal your credantials
• Malwarebytes' Anti-Exploit - to prevent plenty of mostly exploited vulnerabilities.
• McShield - to prevent infections spread by removable media.
• Unchecky - to prevent from installing additional foistware, implemented in legitimate installations.
• CryptoPrevent - tool for protection against Cryptolocker and similar ransomware infections.
• Adblock - to surf the web without annoying ads!
• Qualys BrowserCheck - cloud service that scans your browsers and plugins to see if they’re all up-to-date.

My help is free for everybody.
If you're happy with the help provided and/or wish to show your appreciaton, please consider a donation:
Thank you!​

Stay safe,
TwinHeadedEagle

 

[Christoffer]

Again, many thanks! Just one question? Is any of your recommended programs replaceable by MalwareBytes pay version? The person that forwarded me to you really recommended that, but maybe there's a reason why you suggest Zemena?

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

They are both good, but I give my voice to Zemana because of much better zero day malware prevention and removal and much faster scan time.

 

[Christoffer]

Yeah, I went head and followed your recommendandations. We'll see how many I will upgrade to after the two-week trial period is up. I don't want it to get too costly, even though I know they serve their purpose, but I guess the Zemana AntiMalware is the most important to pay for. Thanks for all your help and patience. Computer is running smoothly know.
All best,
Christoffer