Solved Ads still persist even after removal

[TofuFist]

Yes.

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Uninstall Chrome

Export your bookmarks
https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/96816?hl=en


Close all Chrome windows and tabs.
Go to the Start menu > Control Panel.
Click Programs and Features.
Double-click Google Chrome.
Click Uninstall from the confirmation dialog. Delete your user profile information, like your browser preferences, bookmarks, and history, select the "Also delete your browsing data" checkbox.


Click Start, copy in search %LOCALAPPDATA%\ and remove folder Google

Download Chrome
https://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/browser/desktop/




- Uninstall Firefox (Programs and Features)

Then

Click Start, copy in search %appdata%\ Then delete folder Mozilla
Click Start, copy in search %LOCALAPPDATA%\ delete folder Mozilla

Then delete following folders:

C:\Program Files (x86)\mozilla firefox
C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Maintenance Service


Restart your PC.
Then install Firefox again.

https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/

 

[TofuFist]

I did all of the above, but nothing seem to has changed. I still get ads in both browsers.

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Scan with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool

Please re-run Farbar Recovery Scan Tool to give me a fresh look at your system.

• 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).
• Make sure that Addition option is checked.
• Press Scan button and wait.
• The tool will produce two logfiles on your desktop: FRST.txt and Addition.txt.

Please include their content into your next reply.

 

[TofuFist]

Done.

 

[TofuFist]

Do you know why the ad never completely goes away even after using so many different tools, scans, and programs to try to remove it?

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

I think I found the cure:

FRST search

Once again we shall use FRST for additional checks. Re-run FRST/FRST64 by double-clicking:

• Copy dnsapi.dll into the Search: field in FRST then click the Search Files button.
• FRST will search your computer for files and when finished it will produce a log Search.txt in the same directory the tool is run.
• Please attach it to your reply.

 

[TofuFist]

I sure hope so.

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

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 finished FRST will generate a log on the Desktop, called Fixlog.txt.

Please attach it to your reply.

 

[TofuFist]

Done.

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

How is the situation now?

 

[TofuFist]

Still there

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Can you now reinstall all browsers?

 

[TofuFist]

I reinstalled both browsers and as far as I can see, there are no more redirects or shopping assistant ads.

 

[TofuFist]

Would it be okay for me to upload my bookmarks back onto Google Chrome now?

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Yes, you can do it now.

 

[TofuFist]

Is everything okay now?

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

You tell me.

 

[TofuFist]

Well, all the ads and whatnot have gone away. I've decided to just stick to using Google Chrome as my primary browser. It seems to be back to normal. I'll be more careful with what I download in the future and I'll be back if anything else comes up. I sincerely appreciate the time you've spent with me to help me fix this problem. Thank you very much and have a good one.

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Glad I could help. We will delete all used tools and I'll give you some tips to harden your security and learn how to protect yourself

Recommended reading:
​

MUST READ - security tips:

• Computer Security - a short guide to staying safer online.
• Simple and easy ways to keep your computer safe and secure on the Internet

MUST READ - general maintenance:

• What to do if your Computer is running slowly?

The Importance of Software Updating:
​

In order to stay protected it is very important that you regularly update all of your software. Cybercriminals depend on the apathy of users around software updates to keep their malicious endeavor running.​

Operating systems, such as Windows, and applications, such as Adobe Reader or JAVA, are used by tens of millions of computers and devices around the world, making them a huge target for cybercriminals. Downloading updates and installing them can sometimes be tedious, but the advantages you get from the updates are certainly worth it.

• How to configure and use Automatic Updates in Windows
• How to update Java
• How to update Adobe Reader

Recommended additional software:
​

CCleaner - to clean unneeded temporary files.

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware - to scan your system from time to time in search for malware.

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.

Adblock - to surf the web without annoying ads!

Post-cleanup procedures:​

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)

The tool will also record healthy state of registry and make a backup using ERUNT program in %windir%\ERUNT\DelFix
Tool deletes old system restore points and create a fresh system restore point after cleaning.

My help is free for everybody.
If you're happy with the help provided and/or wish to buy me a beer for the assistance you received, then you can consider a donation:
Thank you!​

Stay safe,
TwinHeadedEagle