Removing Shopping Guide adware-type browser extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
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 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.
| 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. |
Adware examples
TravelNow, Power Off, Ad '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:
Screenshot of the deceptive website used to promote Shopping Guide 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:
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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 Shopping Guide?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Shopping Guide application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Shopping Guide ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Shopping Guide' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Shopping Guide extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Shopping Guide 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 "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:
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 "Shopping Guide", select this entry and click the trash can icon.
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 (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 "Shopping Guide".
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, 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 shopping guide, 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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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.
Outstanding!
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