Removal instructions for Files Downloader Assist adware-type extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Files Downloader Assist?
Our researchers discovered the Files Downloader Assist browser extension while checking out suspicious websites. According to the extension's "official" promotional webpage, this piece of software is a download management tool. However, our inspection of Files Downloader Assist revealed that is adware. This browser extension runs intrusive advertisement campaigns and collects browsing-related data.
Files Downloader Assist adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of advertisements on visited webpages and/or other interfaces. The displayed ads endorse various scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive adverts can perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It must be mentioned 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 content's affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might need specific conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). Even if Files Downloader Assist does not display adverts – its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user privacy.
Furthermore, this rogue browser extension spies on users' browsing activity. Adware usually targets the following information: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, downloads, bookmarks, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The collected information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of software like Files Downloader Assist on devices can result in system infections, series privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Files Downloader Assist |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Files Downloader Assist |
| 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 inspected countless adware-type applications and browser extensions; Block Site Access, Today Weather, Block Access Site, and Page Links Loader are merely some of our latest finds.
Advertising-supported software usually looks harmless and useful. It entices users into download/installation with a broad range of functionalities. However, these features are rarely operational.
How did Files Downloader Assist install on my computer?
We acquired Files Downloader Assist from its "official" promotional page, and we found a deceptive site pushing this browser extension. Users typically enter such webpages via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, websites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
"Bundling" – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements – is also used to distribute advertising-supported software. Downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Adware is proliferated by intrusive adverts as well. When 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 before download/installation and/or purchase. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. It is just as important to treat installation with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fake and malicious content typically appears ordinary and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look legitimate yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., adult-dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).
Should you keep encountering advertisements/redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Files Downloader Assist, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of Files Downloader Assist adware's "official" promotional website:
Screenshots of deceptive websites used to promote Files Downloader Assist adware:
Sample 1:
Sample 2:
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 Downloader Assist?
- STEP 1. Uninstall adware applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue extensions from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
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 any unwanted applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the unwanted applications, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove Files Downloader Assist 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 Downloader Assist" 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 downloader assist, 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 recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by files downloader assist 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 downloader assist, 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:
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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 is considered to be a privacy thread since it usually has data-tracking functionalities. Furthermore, adware displays ads that endorse deceptive/malicious content capable of causing severe issues, such as system infections, financial losses, etc.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to display advertisements on various interfaces (e.g., visited webpages, desktops, etc.). Additionally, some types may be capable of causing redirects and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs. Adware developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Files Downloader Assist adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. These components may continue to run and cause problems. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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