How to eliminate Convert Files 4 Free adware and the ads it displays?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is Convert Files 4 Free?
Convert Files 4 Free is an advertising-supported browser extension. It promises to convert files formats, yet it also operates by running intrusive ad campaigns and spying on users' browsing activity. Due to the dubious methods used to distribute adware-type products, they are categorized as PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications).
Convert Files 4 Free adware overview
Adware like Convert Files 4 Free can display various intrusive ads (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, etc.) on any visited website. The delivered advertisements seriously diminish the browsing experience and endanger device/user safety. These adverts promote sale-based, untrustworthy, rogue, deceptive/scam, and malicious sites. Furthermore, some intrusive ads are capable of infiltrating software (e.g., PUAs) into systems - once clicked.
What is more, Convert Files 4 Free has data tracking abilities. Adware usually monitors browsing activity and gathers vulnerable information extracted from it (e.g., IP addresses, personally identifiable details, etc.). The collected data is monetized by being shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, unwanted software can cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | Ads by Convert Files 4 Free |
Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
Browser Extension(s) | Convert Files 4 Free |
Supposed Functionality | File format conversion |
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
TravelBook, Dark place, Browser Guard, Auto Ad Skipper, and MinePass are some examples of adware. This software appears legitimate and offers "handy" features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
This is true of practically all PUAs. Instead of delivering on any promises, unwanted apps can run intrusive ad campaigns, cause redirects, hijack browsers, and collect sensitive data.
How did Convert Files 4 Free install on my computer?
Select PUAs (e.g., Convert Files 4 Free) have "official" promotional/download pages. Intrusive adverts distribute these applications as well. Once clicked on, the ads can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations. PUAs are commonly spread through the "bundling" technique - packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious additions. Rushed downloads/installations increase the risk by allowing bundled content into the device.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is advised to research software and download from official/verified sources. Untrustworthy download channels, e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc. - often offer bundled/dangerous content.
When downloading/installing, it is recommended to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out from all additions. Intrusive adverts look legitimate, yet they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such advertisements and/or redirects, the system must be checked and all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed from it. If your computer is already infected with Convert Files 4 Free, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of an advertisement displayed by Convert Files 4 Free adware:
Screenshot of the website used to promote Convert Files 4 Free 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 Convert Files 4 Free?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Convert Files 4 Free application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Convert Files 4 Free ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Convert Files 4 Free' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Convert Files 4 Free extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Convert Files 4 Free 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 "Convert Files 4 Free", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Convert Files 4 Free ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Convert Files 4 Free adware from 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 "Convert Files 4 Free", select this entry and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by convert files 4 free, 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 "Extensions", in the opened window, remove "Convert Files 4 Free".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by convert files 4 free 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 convert files 4 free, 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 convert files 4 free or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. This software usually has data tracking functionalities, which make it a threat to user privacy. This applies to Convert Files 4 Free as well. Furthermore, the ads displayed by adware - can be deceptive/malicious and cause other serious problems.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software - it is designed to feed users with various advertisements. The ads can be displayed on any visited website and/or different interfaces.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily via affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, products, etc. The developers of this software may earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Convert Files 4 Free adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate adware-type applications installed. It is noteworthy that manual removal might not be thorough enough. In some cases, despite the software itself being eliminated - leftover files stay hidden within the system. What is more, the remnants can continue running and causing issues.
▼ Show Discussion