How to remove FirePlayer adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is FirePlayer?
FirePlayer is a deceptive application that supposedly allows users to play various media in the HD format. On initial inspection, FirePlayer may appear legitimate and useful, however, this app is categorized as an unwanted program and adware.
There are three main reasons for these negative associations: 1) stealth installation without consent; 2) display of intrusive online advertisements, and; 3) tracking of users' Internet browsing activity.
More about FirePlayer adware
Following infiltration, FirePlayer employs a "virtual layer" to generate pop-up, coupon, banner, and other similar advertisements. The virtual layer is a tool that enables placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, displayed ads often conceal underlying content.
In addition, they might redirect to malicious websites and even accidental clicks can result in high-risk adware or malware infections. Another downside is information tracking.
Be aware that FirePlayer continually record various user-system information that might be personally identifiable (for example, Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, etc.) This information is shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who generate revenue by misusing personal information.
Thus, the presence of an information-tracking app such as FirePlayer can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. We strongly advise you to uninstall FirePlayer adware immediately.
| Name | FirePlayer Adware |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Supposed Functionality | Media player. |
| Detection Names | Avast (FileRepMalware [PUP]), DrWeb (BackDoor.Radmin.171), Microsoft (PUA:Win32/PCAcceleratePro), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | Seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing. Intrusive pop-up ads. Decreased Internet browsing speed. |
| Distribution Methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers. |
| Damage | Decreased computer performance, browser tracking - privacy issues, possible additional malware infections. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Adware in general
FirePlayer has very similar characteristics to ShareWithUs, WiseFolderLock, Navigate Pro, Tools Plus, and many others. Note that all of these apps offer different functionality, but have identical behavior. The only purpose of adware-type applications is to generate revenue for the developers.
They merely deliver intrusive online advertisements and continually record various user-system information. Claims to provide 'useful functionality' are just attempts to give the impression of legitimacy. Apps such as FirePlayer are useless for regular users.
How did FirePlayer install on my computer?
This adware has an official download website, however, developers also proliferate it by employing a deceptive marketing method called "bundling". Therefore, users often install FirePlayer inadvertently, without their consent. Bundling is stealth installation of third party applications with regular software/apps.
Developers know that users often rush the download/installation processes and skip steps. Therefore, bundled applications are hidden within the "Custom/Advanced" settings of these procedures. By skipping these sections, users expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Unwanted apps are distributed using the "bundling" method. Therefore, never rush the download or installation processes. Select the "Custom/Advanced" settings, closely analyze each step, and decline offers to download/install additional applications. Bundled applications are commonly malicious and should never be installed.
Official FirePlayer adware installation set-up:
Screenshot of FirePlayer application:
Crooks promoting FirePlayer via browser notifications delivered by various deceptive websites (e.g., activationkeys[.]org):
Screenshot of a deceptive site promoting FirePlayer adware:
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Quick menu:
- What is FirePlayer?
- STEP 1. Uninstall FirePlayer application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove FirePlayer adware from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove FirePlayer ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove 'Ads by FirePlayer' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove FirePlayer extension from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
FirePlayer 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 "FirePlayer", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted program that causes FirePlayer ads, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove FirePlayer adware from Internet browsers:
At time of research, FirePlayer did not install its browser plug-ins on Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, however, it was bundled with other adware. Therefore, you are advised to remove all potentially unwanted browser add-ons from your 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 fireplayer adware, 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 fireplayer adware, 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 fireplayer adware 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 fireplayer adware, 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
In most cases, adware displays ads that cover contents of visited pages, slows down a computer, invades privacy, manipulates the settings of a web browser, and (or) causes other issues.
What does adware do?
Adware generates annoying advertisements. Additionally, it can be designed to promote fake search engines, and (or) collect information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Usually, they monetize adware through affiliate programs. They use adware to promote various services, products, websites, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove FirePlayer adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will completely remove adware from the operating system. It will not leave any files or other components belonging to adware. When the adware is removed manually, some of its files can remain in the system even after the removal. Thus, we recommend using Combo Cleaner for adware removal.
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