Removal instructions for the Shopping Pal adware-type browser extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Shopping Pal?
While investigating dubious websites, our research team discovered the Shopping Pal browser extension. It promises easy access to exclusive deals straight from the Google search engine. However, our inspection of the Shopping Pal extension revealed that it is adware.
Shopping Pal adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by running intrusive advert campaigns, i.e., displaying various ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
These advertisements promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent – upon being clicked.
Note that any genuine products or services encountered through these ads – are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers/creators. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers abusing the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Adware may not deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are incompatible. However, regardless of whether Shopping Pal displays ads – its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
Furthermore, Shopping Pal has data-tracking abilities. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The collected information be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of software like Shopping Pal on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Shopping Pal |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Shopping Pal |
| Supposed Functionality | Easy access to exclusive deals |
| 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-type apps and extensions; Breaking News, Files Downloader Assist, Block Site Access – are merely a couple examples of our latest finds.
Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and offers "handy" abilities. However, the promised functions are seldom operational. Even if they do work – that is not proof of the software's legitimacy or safety.
How did Shopping Pal install on my computer?
We acquired Shopping Pal from its "official" promotional page. In addition to such sites, adware is endorsed on scam webpages. Most users enter these types of websites through redirects caused by misspelled URLs, sites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with regular programs. Downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing installation processes (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.
Adware is proliferated by intrusive advertisements as well. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. Installation must be approached with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of supplementary apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to approach browsing with caution – since fake and malicious content usually appears harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements may look legitimate yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such ads/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Shopping Pal, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of the official website used to promote Shopping Pal adware:
Screenshot of a deceptive website used to promote Shopping Pal 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 Shopping Pal?
- 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 Shopping Pal 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 "Shopping Pal" 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 shopping pal, 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 shopping pal 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 shopping pal, 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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. It displays advertisements endorsing deceptive and malicious content capable of causing serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, this software usually has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. It enables the placement of ads on various interfaces. Some types can also cause redirects and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by promoting websites, applications, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Shopping Pal adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all the adware-type apps present. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers can remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components can continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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