Removal instructions for the Files Download Enhancer adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Files Download Enhancer?
While checking out suspicious sites that endorse software, our research team discovered the Files Download Enhancer browser extension. It is presented as a download management tool. However, our analysis of this browser extension revealed that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware) instead.
Files Download Enhancer adware overview
Adware like Files Download Enhancer is designed to display ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. The delivered advertisements promote online scams, unreliable/fraudulent/harmful software, and malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive adverts can perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is pertinent to mention that while legitimate content can be encountered through these ads – it is highly unlikely to be promoted by its developers. In many such cases, the endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse affiliate programs of genuine products in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might need the browser/system or user geolocation to be compatible, specific sites to be visited, or other conditions to be suitable – to run intrusive ad campaigns. However, even if this browser extension does not display adverts – its presence endangers device and user safety.
Furthermore, Files Download Enhancer spies on users' browsing activity. Targeted information may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, download data, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The collected data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like Files Download Enhancer on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | Ads by Files Download Enhancer |
Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
Browser Extension(s) | Files Download Enhancer |
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
Video Finder, Simple AdBlock, and Sites usage are merely some examples of adware that we have inspected recently. Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and offers "handy" features. However, these functionalities are rarely operational. Even if they work – that is not a guarantee of the software's legitimacy or safety.
How did Files Download Enhancer install on my computer?
We acquired Files Download Enhancer from its "official" download webpage, and we found a deceptive page promoting this extension. These sites are seldom accessed intentionally. Most enter them through redirects caused by misspelled URLs, websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with webpage force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software is also proliferated using the bundling marketing tactic – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions. Download from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive advertisements spread adware as well. When clicked on, some of the adverts 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. Furthermore, installation must be treated with care. Hence, we advise reading terms, exploring available options, and using the "Advanced/Custom" settings to opt-out of supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads look ordinary yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).
If you keep encountering advertisements/redirects of this type, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Files Download Enhancer, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of Files Download Enhancer adware's "official" promotional website:
Screenshot of a deceptive website used to promote Files Download Enhancer 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 Files Download Enhancer?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Files Download Enhancer application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Files Download Enhancer ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Files Download Enhancer' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove Files Download Enhancer extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Files Download Enhancer 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 Download Enhancer", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Files Download Enhancer ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove Files Download Enhancer adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove Files Download Enhancer 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 "Files Download Enhancer" 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 download enhancer, 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 Download Enhancer" 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 download enhancer 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 download enhancer, 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?
The presence of adware on a device can result in decreased browsing quality and system performance. This software displays ads that promote dangerous content, which can cause system infections, financial losses, and other serious issues. Additionally, adware is considered to be a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of ads on various interfaces. Some types can also cause redirects and gather private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue mainly through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Files Download Enhancer adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate all 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 hidden within the system. Furthermore, these components can continue to run and cause issues. Hence, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.
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