FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

FabulousDiscounts Virus

Also Known As: Ads by FabulousDiscounts
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is FabulousDiscounts?

Developed by EXACT TARGET SOLUTIONS, S.L., the FabulousDiscounts rogue browser extension claims to help find the best deals, offers, and discounts available online. On initial inspection, this may appear a legitimate plug-in, however, be aware that FabulousDiscounts is categorized as a potentially unwanted application or adware. 

FabulousDiscounts adware employs a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling' (stealth installation of additional applications together with the chosen software) to install on computers, and therefore, most users install it inadvertently without their consent.

Following successful infiltration, this rogue browser add-on tracks users' Internet browsing activity by recording various software and hardware information including, for example, cookies, IP addresses, unique identifier numbers, operating systems, Internet browser types, and other similar details. This behavior may lead to serious privacy issues or identity theft.

fabulousdiscounts virus

Furthermore, FabulousDiscounts generates various intrusive online advertisements (such as text-link and banner ads), which can cause adware or high-risk malware infections. For these reasons, you are strongly advised to remove the FabulousDiscounts add-on from your Internet browsers.

At time of testing, this potentially unwanted application was distributed within freeware download websites via small programs called 'download clients'. Download clients are used by these sites to monetize their free services since they offer installation of promoted 'legitimate' browser extensions together with the chosen software.

Thus, careless download or installation of free software often results in installation of FabulousDiscounts, or other similar adware, such as OffersWizard, SaveBox, and PriceGong.

Although these rogue browser extensions claim to enhance users' Internet browsing experience by enabling various useful features, in fact, they are useless to the user, since they diminish browser performance and may lead to serious computer infections. Their purpose is to generate revenue by the display of intrusive online advertisements.

To prevent installation of FabulousDiscounts, or other potentially unwanted applications, closely study each step during the download of freeware and click the 'Decline' button when installation of additional applications is offered.

If you are installing downloaded software, select the 'Advanced' or 'Custom' installation options, rather than 'Typical' or 'Quick' - this will reveal any hidden applications, and you will be able to exclude them from the installation list. Users who observe ads generated by FabulousDiscounts, should follow this removal guide to eliminate this plug-in from their Internet browsers.

Deceptive free software installer used in Fabulous Discounts adware distribution:

fabulous discounts adware installer sample 3 fabulousdiscounts adware installer sample 2 fabulous discounts adware installer

FabulousDiscounts adware generating intrusive online pop-up ads ('You received a premium offer from FabulousDiscounts'):

fabulousdiscounts generating pop-up ads

Instant automatic malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

FabulousDiscounts adware removal:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.

Windows 10 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.

Windows 7 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.

macOS (OSX) users:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.

fabulous discounts adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for "Fabulous discounts", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted program (which causes the Fabulous discounts virus), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove FabulousDiscounts ads from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:

Internet Explorer logo Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Removing fabulousdiscounts ads from Internet Explorer step 1

Click the "gear" icon Internet Explorer options icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for "FabulousDiscounts", select this entry and click "Remove".

Removing fabulousdiscounts ads from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by fabulousdiscounts, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.

Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows XP

Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 7

Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.

Reseting Internet Explorer settings to default in Windows 8 - accessing

In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - Internet options advanced tab

Click the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - click the Reset button in the Internet options advanced tab

Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - confirm settings reset to default by clicking the reset button

Google Chrome logo Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing fabulousdiscounts ads from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome options icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Tools" and click on "Extensions". Locate: "FabulousDiscounts", select this entry and click the trash can icon.

Removing fabulousdiscounts ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by fabulousdiscounts, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logo Remove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing fabulousdiscounts ads from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click on "Extensions", in the opened window remove "FabulousDiscounts".

Removing fabulousdiscounts ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with ads by fabulousdiscounts removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, firefox menu icon in the opened menu, click Help.

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

removing adware from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

removing adware from safari step 2 - removing extensions

In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.

Optional method:

Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...

resetting safari step 1

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by fabulousdiscounts, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

  • If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

declining installation of adware while downloading free software sampleCommonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.

Post a comment:
If you have additional information on ads by fabulousdiscounts or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

▼ Show Discussion

About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

Our malware removal guides are free. However, if you want to support us you can send us a donation.

About PCrisk

PCrisk is a cyber security portal, informing Internet users about the latest digital threats. Our content is provided by security experts and professional malware researchers. Read more about us.

Removal Instructions in other languages
Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
Ads by FabulousDiscounts QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by FabulousDiscounts on your mobile device.
We Recommend:

Get rid of Windows malware infections today:

▼ REMOVE IT NOW
Download Combo Cleaner

Platform: Windows

Editors' Rating for Combo Cleaner:
Editors ratingOutstanding!

[Back to Top]

To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.