Ads by Not set

What are Ads by Not set?

"Ads by Not set" advertisements are generated by various potentially unwanted adware-type programs (PUPs). These applications often infiltrate systems without users' consent. As well as displaying advertisements, adware-type applications track users' Internet browsing activity by continually gathering various user/system information.

Adware employs a 'virtual layer' to generate pop-up, coupon, banner, and other similar advertisements, some of which are marked as "Ads by Not set". The virtual layer is a tool that enables placement of third party graphical content on any site.

Since none of the displayed ads originate from users' visited websites, underlying content is often concealed, thus significantly diminishing the Internet browsing experience. In addition, these ads can redirect to malicious websites - clicking them is risky and could result in various computer infections. Another downside of adware is data tracking.

Potentially unwanted programs collect various information that might be personally identifiable, including IP addresses, Internet Service Provider (ISP), geo-locations, websites visited, pages viewed, search queries, keyboard and mouse activity, and other similar information.

The data is shared with third parties who generate revenue by misusing personal information. This situation can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. For these reasons, all adware-type applications should be uninstalled immediately.

The Internet is full of adware-type applications that behave as described above. Examples include AppTrailers, Aerojet, LoadLeader, and My Web Shield. All offer a number of so-called 'useful features' that supposedly improve the browsing experience, however, these claims are merely attempts to trick users to install.

The real purpose of adware is only to generate revenue for the developers. Most adware installations are useless for regular users. Rather than providing the functionality promised, adware-type programs collect private data and deliver intrusive advertisements.

How did "Ads by Not" appear in my Internet browsers?

To distribute adware-type programs, developers employ a deceptive software marketing method called "bundling" - stealth installation of PUPs with regular (often free) software.

Many users rush the download/installation processes and skip most steps. Aware of this, developers hide bundled programs within the "Custom/Advanced" settings. Skipping this section often leads to inadvertent installation of rogue third party software.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

To prevent installation of potentially unwanted programs, be very cautious during the download and installation processes. Closely analyze each step using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings and cancel offers to download/install additional applications. Bundled programs should never be installed.

Adware generating intrusive online advertisements marked as "Ads by Not set":

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:

• What is Ads by Not set?
• STEP 1. Uninstall bogus applications using Control Panel.
• STEP 2. Remove adware from Internet Explorer.
• STEP 3. Remove "Ads by Not set" ads from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove adware from Mozilla Firefox.
• STEP 5. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
• STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.

Adware removal:

Windows 11 users:

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:

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:

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:

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.

In the uninstall programs window, look for any recently-installed suspicious applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted program that causes "Ads by Not set" ads, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove adware from Internet browsers:

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

Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Click the "gear" icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for any recently-installed suspicious browser extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the not set ads, 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.

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.

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

In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.

Click the Reset button.

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

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, select these entries and click the trash can icon.

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the not set ads, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the 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.

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

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

Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:

Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with not set ads removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

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

Select Troubleshooting Information.

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

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

Remove malicious extensions from Safari:

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

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...

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

Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Click the Edge 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.

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the not set ads, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon  (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

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.

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

Summary:

Commonly, 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 not set ads or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

▼ Show Discussion