Removing the "Saving Files" browser extension and the ads it delivers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Saving Files?
Our researchers discovered the Saving Files browser extension while inspecting dubious software promoting websites. This piece of software is promoted as a download management tool. However, our analysis revealed that Saving Files operates as adware instead.
Saving Files adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. These adverts push online scams, unreliable/dangerous sites and software, and even malware. Additionally, when intrusive ads are clicked, some can perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Note that while legitimate content can be encountered via these advertisements - it is unlikely to be promoted by its actual developers. Instead, this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the product's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Adware may need certain conditions to operate as designed, e.g., compatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc. However, even if Saving Files does not deliver adverts - its presence endangers device/user safety.
This rogue browser extension is also capable of displaying spam browser notifications, which endorse likewise harmful content.
Furthermore, Saving Files collects private data. Targeted information may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The gathered information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like Saving Files on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Saving Files |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Saving Files |
| Supposed Functionality | Download management tool |
| 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; Secure Audio Relay, FLB Music, Free Game Loop, and Weather Forecast Online are merely some of our newest finds.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers "handy" functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did Saving Files install on my computer?
We acquired Saving Files from its "official" promotional webpage, and we found a scam site endorsing it. Most users enter these websites via redirects caused by pages that use rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Additionally, advertising-supported software can be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) increase the risk of inadvertently permitting bundled content into the system.
Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. When installing, it is important to read terms, inspect possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
We recommend being cautious when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive advertisements look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
If you experience 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 Saving Files, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of Saving Files adware's "official" promotional website:
Screenshot of a deceptive website used to promote Saving Files 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 Saving Files?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Saving Files application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Saving Files ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Saving Files' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Saving Files extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Saving Files 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 "Saving Files", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Saving Files ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Saving Files adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove Saving Files 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 "Saving Files" 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 saving files, 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 "Saving Files" 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 saving files 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 saving files, 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 system performance. It delivers ads that promote deceptive and malicious content, which can lead to privacy issues, system infections, financial losses, etc. Furthermore, this software is considered to be a threat to user privacy, as it usually has data tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware operates by displaying ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some types can force-open sites and collect private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit comes from various affiliate programs. Adware developers may earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Saving Files adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed - various files remain within the system. What is more, the remnants may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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