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Removing Shopping Guide adware-type browser extension

Also Known As: Ads by Shopping Guide
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is Shopping Guide?

Discovered by our team while researching deceptive websites, Shopping Guide is an adware-type browser extension. It promises to allow quick access to "the most popular e-commerce company". However, this extension delivers intrusive advertisement campaigns instead.

Shopping Guide adware asking for permissions

Shopping Guide adware overview

After being successfully installed onto our test system, Shopping Guide began displaying various advertisements. However, it must be mentioned that advertising-supported software can require specific conditions (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.) to run intrusive ad campaigns.

Regardless, even if adware does not deliver advertisements - that does not mean that its presence on a system is innocuous, it still endangers device/user safety.

Adware-delivered adverts typically promote untrustworthy/hazardous sites and software, online scams, and even malware. Furthermore, some intrusive ads can be triggered (by being clicked) to download/install software without user consent.

Should any legitimate products be encountered through these advertisements - they are unlikely promoted in this manner by their actual developers. Instead, this advertising technique is mostly used by scammers abusing affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Advertising-supported software usually has data tracking functionalities, and Shopping Guide is not an exception. Adware targets the following information - browsing activity, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, financial/banking data, etc. The collected data is shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of software like Shopping Guide on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by Shopping Guide
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Browser Extension(s) Shopping Guide
Supposed Functionality Easy access to a popular e-commerce platform
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.
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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.

Adware examples

TravelNowPower OffAd 'n Popup-Blocker, and Adless Browsing are just some examples of adware-type apps and browser extensions we have analyzed. Based on our considerable experience, we can conclude that this software usually looks legitimate and offers "handy" functions. However, the features seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.

How did Shopping Guide install on my computer?

Our researchers obtained Shopping Guide from a deceptive download webpage. We also discovered that this browser extension has an "official" promotional page.

Websites of this type are primarily accessed through mistyped URLs or redirects caused by intrusive adverts, spam browser notifications, sites that use rogue advertising networks, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities). Additionally, some intrusive ads can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations (including adware).

"Bundling" - packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious additions - is also used to spread advertising-supported software. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. Furthermore, installation processes must be approached with care, e.g., reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.

Another recommendation is exercising caution when browsing, as illegitimate and malicious content typically looks genuine. For example, intrusive advertisements appear harmless yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

If you experience such ads and/or redirects, inspect your device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Shopping Guide, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Screenshot of Shopping Guide adware's "official" promotional webpage:

Website promoting Shopping Guide adware

Screenshot of the deceptive website used to promote Shopping Guide adware:

Shopping Guide adware promoting deceptive site

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:

Shopping Guide adware removal:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

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:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

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:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

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:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

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.

Shopping Guide adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for "Shopping Guide", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

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

Remove Shopping Guide adware from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing Shopping Guide  ads from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate "Shopping Guide", select this entry and click the trash can icon.

Removing Shopping Guide ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by shopping guide, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing Shopping Guide ads from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click "Extensions", in the opened window, remove "Shopping Guide".

Removing Shopping Guide ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with ads by shopping guide removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, firefox menu icon in the opened menu, click Help.

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

removing adware from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

removing adware from safari step 2 - removing extensions

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...

resetting safari step 1

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) 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.

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by shopping guide, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

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.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

  • If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

declining installation of adware while downloading free software sampleCommonly, 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 shopping guide 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 decrease system performance. This software usually has data tracking abilities, which make it a threat to user privacy. What is more, adware-displayed adverts can be deceptive/malicious and cause serious issues.

What does adware do?

Advertising-supported software (adware) is designed to run intrusive ad campaigns. In other words, it can display adverts on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Some adware-types can also force-open dubious websites.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue primarily via affiliate programs by promoting various websites, products, services, etc. Commission may be earned from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove Shopping Guide adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be an ideal solution as it can be ineffective. In some cases, even after the software itself is (manually) removed - leftover files remain in the system. Furthermore, such components can continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate adware thoroughly.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Removal Instructions in other languages
Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
Ads by Shopping Guide QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by Shopping Guide on your mobile device.
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