How to remove MapIt adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of software is MapIt?
After downloading and launching the sample on our testing machine, we have noticed that MapIt displays unwanted advertisements. This program works as typical adware. It is very common for adware to be downloaded and installed mistakenly/unknowingly because it is promoted and distributed using questionable methods.
MapIt adware in detail
During our research, we have learned that MapIt is flagged as adware by more than a couple of security vendors. We found that this advertising-supported program generates ads used to promote various websites and applications. Ads displayed by adware can promote questionable/potentially malicious sites and apps. Thus, it is recommended not to trust the MapIt program.
Name | Ads by MapIt |
Threat Type | Push notifications ads, Unwanted ads, Pop-up ads |
Detection Names (Installer) | Avast (Win32:Adware-gen [Adw]), AVG (Win32:Adware-gen [Adw]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Adware.BookLot.A), Lionic (Riskware.Win32.Generic.1!c), Symantec (Trojan.Gen.MBT), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
Detection Names (Application) | Avast (Win32:Adware-gen [Adw]), AVG (Win32:Adware-gen [Adw]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Adware.BookLot.A), Gridinsoft (Adware.Win32.Adware.vb), Zillya (Adware.BookLot.Win32.1), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
Symptoms | Your computer becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads. |
Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information. |
Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
More about adware
Advertising-supported programs can have features of browser hijackers - they can change the settings of web browsers to promote fake search engines. Additionally, these programs can be designed to collect browsing data and even sensitive information. More adware examples are Twitch Explorer, Power Off, PDFEditor.
How did adware install on my computer?
Adware is distributed via deceptive websites, advertisements, downloaders/installers for other programs. Downloaders/installers containing adware have "Custom", "Manual", "Advanced", or similar settings. Unwanted downloads/installations are caused when software bundled with adware is downloaded/installed without changing those settings.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Download files and programs from official websites and direct links. Do not trust apps/files on unofficial pages, P2P networks, etc. Also, do not click on advertisements and fake buttons on shady web pages. Deselect unwanted apps before downloading/installing programs (it can be achieved using the provided settings).
If your computer is already infected with rogue applications, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Download page for MapIt adware:
Screenshot of the MapIt installer:
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:
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Quick menu:
- What is MapIt?
- STEP 1. Uninstall adware applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue plug-ins from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove adware-type extensions from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove malicious extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. 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 unwanted applications (such as "MapIt - MapIt for Desktop"), select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the unwanted application, 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 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 mapit, 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 ads by mapit 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 mapit, 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 mapit or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
The most common problems with having adware installed on the operating system are diminished web browsing experience, poor computer performance. Sometimes, users encounter issues such as invaded privacy.
What does adware do?
Typically, the main purpose of adware is to generate advertisements. It can have additional functionality - it can hijack a web browser and (or) collect data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware is used to promote services, products, websites, etc. Typically, its developers use various affiliate programs as a source of income.
Will Combo Cleaner remove MapIt adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and remove adware. It will remove adware completely (without leaving any files or other components). It is common that attempts to remove adware are unsuccessful because files belonging to adware remain in the system even after the removal.
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