Folder Share Adware

What is Folder Share?

The Folder Share app supposedly helps users to share folders (read Windows folders and distribute files within), however, it is also classified as a potentially unwanted application (PUA), an adware-type app. Many users install PUAs unintentionally. These rogue apps then go on to feed users with advertisements and gather data relating to browsing habits.

Generally, adware (advertising-supported software) apps deploy banners, coupons, surveys, pop-ups, and other ads. They are commonly displayed using tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. They conceal underlying content of visited websites, which can be annoying and distracting.

Furthermore, when clicked, they open dubious (deceptive) websites and can sometimes run scripts designed to download/install even more unwanted apps. Adware-type apps commonly gather browsing-related data such as IP addresses, search queries, geo-locations, and other similar details.

Developers continuously share this information with third parties who misuse it to generate revenue. These third parties might be cyber criminals. Therefore, having information-tracking apps installed can lead to privacy, browsing safety issues, or even identity theft. Do not use these apps and uninstall them immediately.

Threat Summary:

Name	foldershare adware
Threat Type	Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner 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.

PackTrackPlus, EasyDirections, and RinoReader are just some examples from many other similar PUAs. Most adware-type apps are promoted as providing 'useful' tools and features, however, once installed, they are more likely to cause problems than provide any of the functionality promised.

PUAs generate revenue for their developers various ways, usually by feeding users with ads, recording data, and so on.

How did Folder Share install on my computer?

Typically, PUAs are promoted using the "bundling" method. Software developers use this deceptive marketing method to trick people into downloading apps of this type together with regular software. This is achieved by not disclosing information properly - hiding PUAs in "Custom", "Advanced", and other settings of the installation/download set-ups.

Furthermore, many users skip installation or download steps and leave all settings unchanged. This careless behaviour is the most common reason for unintentional installations of potentially unwanted applications such as Folder Share.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

There are several ways to prevent PUA installations. Do not use third party software downloaders (or installers), peer-to-peer networks (such as torrents, eMule, etc.), untrustworthy/unofficial websites, and other similar sources to download software. The best way to download software is using official, trustworthy websites and direct links.

Do not skip download and installation steps, check "Advanced", "Custom" and other settings, deselect unwanted apps, and only then finish the installation/download process. Avoid clicking intrusive advertisements - they may seem legitimate, but often redirect to untrustworthy websites (gambling, pornography, adult dating, and so on).

If you encounter these redirects, check for unwanted/unknown extensions, plug-ins, and add-ons installed on your browser. Also check the list of installed programs on your computer.

Remove all suspicious entries immediately. If your computer is already infected with Folder Share, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Deceptive installer setup promoting Folder Share adware (presented as Folder Scan):

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 Folder Share?
• STEP 1. Uninstall Folder Share application using Control Panel.
• STEP 2. Remove Folder Share adware from Internet Explorer.
• STEP 3. Remove Folder Share ads from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove 'Ads by Folder Share' from Mozilla Firefox.
• STEP 5. Remove Folder Share extension from Safari.
• STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.

Folder Share 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 "Folder Share" (or "foldershare"), select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Folder Share ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove Folder Share adware from Internet browsers:

At time of research, Folder Share 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 foldershare 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 "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and remove them.

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the foldershare 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 on "Extensions", in the opened window remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with foldershare 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 foldershare 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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