Removal instructions for the Movie Database adware-type browser extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of extension is "Movie Database"?
Our researchers discovered the Movie Database browser extension while investigating suspicious software-promoted websites. It is promoted as a quick-access tool to TMDB (The Move Database) - an online database for movies and TV shows. Having analyzed this extension, we determined that Movie Database operates as advertising-supported software (adware) instead.
Movie Database adware overview
Adware displays various ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces. These advertisements promote unreliable/hazardous sites and apps, online scams, and malware. Some intrusive adverts can even make stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Note that any legitimate products encountered via these advertisements are highly unlikely to be endorsed by their developers. Instead, this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
While advertising-supported software might not deliver ads if certain conditions are unsuitable (e.g., incompatible browser/system, specific websites are not visited, etc.) - its presence endangers device/user safety regardless.
Furthermore, Movie Database has data tracking functionalities. Targeted information can include: browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like Movie Database on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Movie Database |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Movie Database |
| Supposed Functionality | Easy access to TMDB |
| 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; EyeEase, Markets, and Quick Online Recipes are merely a few of our newest finds. Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers "useful" functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did Movie Database install on my computer?
We obtained Movie Database from its "official" promotional webpage and found a deceptive site promoting this extension. Most users enter pages of this kind via redirects caused by websites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.
Adware can also be bundled (packed together) with ordinary software. Download from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official and verified sources. Another recommendation is to exercise caution with installation processes, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplementary apps, tools, extensions, etc.
It is just as important to be vigilant when browsing since illegitimate and malicious content usually appears harmless. For example, intrusive adverts may look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Movie Database, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of Movie Database adware's "official" promotional website:
Screenshots of deceptive websites used to promote Movie Database 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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Quick menu:
- What is Movie Database?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Movie Database application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Movie Database ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Movie Database' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Movie Database extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Movie Database 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 "Movie Database", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Movie Database ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Movie Database adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove Movie Database 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 "Movie Database" 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 movie database, 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 "Movie Database" 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 movie database 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 movie database, 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 delivers ads that endorse deceptive/malicious content, which can cause severe issues like system infections, financial losses, etc. This software typically has data tracking functionalities - therefore, it is also considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some types can force-open webpages and gather private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting websites, applications, products, services, etc. The developers may earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Movie Database adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning devices and eliminating all the adware-type apps present. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the adware has been (manually) removed - various remnants (files) stay within the system. What is more, the remaining content might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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