How to uninstall the WeekiPedia adware from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is WeekiPedia?
WeekiPedia is a rogue application promoted as an easy access tool to Wikipedia - the multilingual open-collaborative online encyclopedia. In other words, this app enables users to access Wikipedia straight from their desktops.
WeekiPedia is classified as adware; it operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns. Additionally, most adware-types have data tracking abilities, which are employed to spy on users' browsing activity.
Due to the dubious methods used to distribute WeekiPedia, it is also categorized as a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application).
WeekiPedia adware in detail
Adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content on any visited website and/or different interfaces. The displayed ads can be pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, and so on.
These advertisements severely diminish the browsing quality by limiting webpage visibility and browsing speed. They are also misleading, untrustworthy, and even harmful.
Intrusive adverts redirect to various sale-based pages (of both legitimate and fraudulent products), rogue, unreliable, deceptive/scam, compromised, and malicious sites. Furthermore, some of these ads can stealthily download/install software (e.g., PUAs) - when they are clicked on.
Adware usually has data tracking functionalities. Targeted information includes: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, IP addresses/ geolocations, personally identifiable details, and so forth.
The gathered data is monetized by being shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals). In summary, the presence of unwanted software on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
To ensure device integrity and user privacy, all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be removed immediately upon detection.
Name | Ads by WeekiPedia |
Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
Supposed Functionality | Easy access to Wikipedia |
Detection Names (application) | ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Adware.BookLot.A), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
Detection Names (installer) | ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Adware.BookLot.A), 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
Chump, Free Xbox Codes 2021- Xbox Gift card codes, YoutubeDownloader, and Oxford Dictionary are some examples of adware. This software appears ordinary and harmless.
Users are enticed into download/installation with offers of various "useful" and "advantageous" features. However, the promised functions are seldom operational.
Luring users with nonexistent functionalities is typical of practically all PUAs. The only goal of unwanted apps is to generate profit for the developers; hence, functionality and user safety are irrelevant.
PUAs are designed to deliver intrusive advert campaigns, force-open untrustworthy and malicious websites, hijack browsers, and collect private data.
How did WeekiPedia install on my computer?
Some PUAs (e.g., WeekiPedia) have "official" promotional/download webpages. They are also distributed through intrusive advertisements. Once clicked on, the ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.
PUAs are most commonly proliferated via downloaders/installers of other programs. "Bundling" is the name of this false marketing technique - packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions. Rushed download/installation processes (e.g., ignored terms, used pre-set options, etc.) increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is advised to always research software products prior to download/installation and/or purchase. Additionally, only official and verified download channels must be used. Untrustworthy download sources, e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - often offer bundled and hazardous content.
When downloading/installing, it is recommended to read terms, explore all available options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt-out from supplementary apps, tools, functions, and so forth.
Intrusive adverts appear legitimate and innocuous; however, they redirect to various questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-sating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such ads and/or redirects, the system must be checked and all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed from it. If your computer is already infected with WeekiPedia, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
WeekiPedia adware's installation setup:
Website used to promote WeekiPedia adware:
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 WeekiPedia?
- STEP 1. Uninstall WeekiPedia application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove WeekiPedia ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by WeekiPedia' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove WeekiPedia extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
WeekiPedia 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 "WeekiPedia", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes WeekiPedia ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove WeekiPedia adware from Internet browsers:
At time of research, WeekiPedia 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 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 ads by weekipedia, 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 plugins 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 ads by weekipedia 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 ads by weekipedia, 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 ads by weekipedia or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware endangers device integrity and user safety. It can decrease browsing quality and system performance. This software usually has data tracking abilities, which also make it a threat to user privacy. Furthermore, adware-delivered advertisements endorse fraudulent/malicious content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, it enables the placement of third-party graphical content (ads) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, advertising-supported software may be capable of force-opening sites and collecting private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate most of their revenue via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, products, services, and similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove WeekiPedia adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate all adware-type apps installed. It has to be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be ideal. In some instances, even after the adware itself has been (manually) eliminated - file leftovers remain in the system. What is more, these remnants might continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is crucial to remove adware thoroughly.
▼ Show Discussion