Removing the Files Converter Free Online adware-type browser extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is Files Converter Free Online?
While inspecting questionable software-promoting websites, our research team discovered the Files Converter Free Online browser extension. It is promoted as a tool for converting various file formats. However, our analysis revealed that this browser extension also operates as adware. Files Converter Free Online displays ads and tracks users' browsing activity.
Files Converter Free Online adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (advertisements) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
The delivered ads promote scams, unreliable/harmful sites and software, and even malware. Furthermore, some intrusive adverts can perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Note that any legitimate products encountered via these advertisements are most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Adware might not run intrusive ad campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable, e.g., incompatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, particular websites are not visited, etc. However, regardless of whether Files Converter Free Online displays adverts - its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
Furthermore, Files Converter Free Online has data-tracking abilities. Advertising-supported software usually targets visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so on. The collected data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like Files Converter Free Online on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | Ads by Files Converter Free Online |
Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
Browser Extension(s) | Files Converter Free Online |
Supposed Functionality | File format converter |
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
CleanBlocker, Multicheck Checkbox Checker, Web Video Player, Movies, and Streamic are merely some examples of adware that we have analyzed. It typically appears genuine and offers various features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did Files Converter Free Online install on my computer?
We acquired Files Converter Free Online from its "official" promotional page. In addition to such sites, adware is pushed through scam webpages. Users typically 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 also be bundled with (packed alongside) ordinary programs. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing installation processes (e.g., using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive advertisements are used in adware distribution as well. Once clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. Additionally, when installing, it is crucial to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all supplements.
We advise being careful when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually looks harmless. For example, intrusive adverts appear legitimate/innocuous, yet they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such ads and/or redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Files Converter Free Online, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of the permissions asked by Files Converter Free Online adware:
Screenshots of Files Converter Free Online adware's "official" promotional website:
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 Files Converter Free Online?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Files Converter Free Online application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Files Converter Free Online ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Files Converter Free Online' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Files Converter Free Online extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Files Converter Free Online 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 "Files Converter Free Online", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Files Converter Free Online ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Files Converter Free Online 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 "Files Converter Free Online" 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 files converter free online, 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 "Files Converter Free Online" 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 files converter free online 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 files converter free online, 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 promoting dangerous content that can cause severe issues, including system infections, financial losses, and so on. This software usually has data-tracking functionalities - hence, it is also considered to be a threat to user privacy.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It delivers intrusive ad campaigns, i.e., displays advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some types can force-open webpages and collect private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue mainly through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Files Converter Free Online adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed - various file leftovers stay within the system. Furthermore, the remnants can continue operating and causing problems. Hence, adware must be eliminated thoroughly.
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