How to remove the Zip Like a Pro adware-type browser extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Zip Like a Pro?
Zip Like a Pro is a rogue browser extension that our researchers discovered while inspecting dubious download pages. This piece of software is presented as a tool designed to extract files and compress them into various formats. Instead, our analysis revealed that Zip Like a Pro operates as adware.
Zip Like a Pro adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software; it displays intrusive adverts on visited sites and/or different interfaces. These advertisements promote online scams, unreliable/harmful webpages and apps, and even malware. Some intrusive ads can be triggered (by being clicked) to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It has to be mentioned that any genuine products encountered via these advertisements are most likely endorsed by scammers abusing their affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Note that advertising-supported software may require specific conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if Zip Like a Pro does not deliver ads - that does not mean that its presence is harmless, it still endangers device/user safety.
Zip Like a Pro likely has data tracking functionalities. Targeted information may include visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data is then monetized through sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of adware like Zip Like a Pro on devices can lead to system infections, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | Ads by Zip Like a Pro |
Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
Browser Extension(s) | Zip Like a Pro |
Supposed Functionality | File compression and extraction |
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 examples
We have analyzed thousands of adware samples; Diet, Magnifying Glass Zoom, style flex, and Top Files Downloader are merely some examples.
Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and innocuous. Users are lured into download/installation with promises of various "handy" functions. However, in most cases, these features are nonfunctional.
How did Zip Like a Pro install on my computer?
We acquired Zip Like a Pro from its "official" promotional webpage. This software is also commonly promoted through scam sites. Most users enter these websites via redirects caused by pages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software can be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs as well. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Furthermore, once clicked on, some intrusive advertisements can download/install software (adware included) without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official and verified sources. When installing, it is important to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all supplements.
We advise being vigilant when browsing since illegitimate and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive adverts look innocuous yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with ads/redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Zip Like a Pro, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshots of the websites used to promote Zip Like a Pro 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 Zip Like a Pro?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Zip Like a Pro application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Zip Like a Pro ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Zip Like a Pro' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Zip Like a Pro extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Zip Like a Pro 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 "Zip Like a Pro", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Zip Like a Pro ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Zip Like a Pro adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove Zip Like a Pro adware using Combo Cleaner:
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 "Zip Like a Pro" and all other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by zip like a pro, 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 and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate "Zip Like a Pro" and all other recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by zip like a pro 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 zip like a pro, 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 decreases browsing quality and system performances. It also endangers user privacy, as this software typically has data tracking functionalities. Additionally, adware-delivered advertisements endorse deceptive/malicious content that can cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, and other intrusive ads) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Furthermore, some types can force-open webpages and gather sensitive data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers mainly generate profit through affiliate programs by endorsing websites, applications, products, services, and so on.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Zip Like a Pro adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, even after the advertising-supported software has been (manually) removed - file leftovers stay within the system. These remnants can continue running and causing problems. Hence, it is paramount to remove adware thoroughly.
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