Removal instructions for the Movies adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is "Movies" adware?
"Movies" is a piece of advertising-supported software (adware) belonging to the ChromeLoader malware family. This software operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns.
Furthermore, ChromeLoader apps are known to install multiple unwanted/malicious extensions on Chrome browsers. Hence, if Movies is present on your system, it is likely that harmful browser extensions have infiltrated the device as well.
Our researchers discovered Movies when they downloaded a VHD file from a deceptive website.
Movies adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns, i.e., display ads on various interfaces and/or cause redirects to websites. The delivered adverts promote online scams, untrustworthy/dangerous software, and malware. Some intrusive ads can even perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Note that any legitimate content encountered through these advertisements is most likely endorsed by scammers abusing its affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
It is pertinent to mention that advertising-supported software may need specific conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, even if Movies does not display adverts - its presence endangers device/user safety.
While it did not exhibit such traits when we tested Movies, ChromeLoader software often operates as a browser hijacker (i.e., modifies browsers, causes redirects, etc.).
As mentioned in the introduction, malware belonging to this family typically installs (potentially, a very large number of) browser extensions. These additions can operate as adware, browser hijackers, spyware, etc. Instances have been observed wherein ChromeLoader applications infected devices with ransomware.
It is highly likely that Movies has data-tracking abilities. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. The gathered information can be monetized via sale to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like Movies on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | Ads by Movies |
Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
Detection Names (installer) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
Detection Names (app) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
Rogue Process Name | nwjs (process name may vary) |
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
FLB Music, Mobile, Markets, Cash, Streamlink-twitch-gui, - are some examples of ChromeLoader adware, and Multicheck Checkbox Checker, tabs info, Streamic - are merely a couple of our newest finds within the advertising-supported software classification.
Programs of this kind usually appear legitimate/harmless and offer "handy" features. However, these functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did Movies install on my computer?
We downloaded Movies from a deceptive website. In addition to such sites, adware can have "official" promotional pages. Users typically enter webpages of this kind through redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. Download from dubious sources (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. It is just as important to approach installation with care. Hence, we advise reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing since illegitimate and malicious content usually appears innocuous. For example, intrusive ads look ordinary/harmless, yet they redirect to questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of encounters with such adverts and/or redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Movies, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of the VHD file and its contents:
Screenshot of Movies adware's process on Windows Task Manager ("nwjs" process name):
Screenshot of a deceptive website used to promote Movies 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:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
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Quick menu:
- What is Movies?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Movies application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Movies ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove Movies ads from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Movies 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 "Movies", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Movies ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Movies adware from Internet browsers:
At time of research, Movies did not install its browser plug-ins on Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, however, it was bundled with other software. Therefore, you are advised to remove all potentially unwanted browser add-ons from your 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 all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by movies, 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 all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by movies 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 movies, 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.
Post a comment:
If you have additional information on ads by movies or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware displays ads that promote deceptive/malicious content, which can cause system infections, financial losses, and other severe issues. This software is also considered to be a privacy threat, as it typically has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. Its primary functions can include displaying ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces, causing redirects, and collecting private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue mainly through affiliate programs by endorsing various sites, applications, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Movies adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is designed to detect and remove threats. It can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed - various file leftovers remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, these components might continue to run and cause problems. Hence, adware must be removed thoroughly.
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