How to remove The Error Tool adware-type browser extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of software is The Error Tool?
While investigating dubious sites, our research team discovered The Error Tool rogue browser extension. This software is endorsed as a tool that offers various tips regarding the Internet, such as information on errors, terminology, articles, etc.
However, our analysis revealed that The Error Tool runs intrusive advertisement campaigns. Due to this behavior, this browser extension is classified as adware.
The Error Tool adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of intrusive ads (e.g., pop-ups, banners, surveys, overlays, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
It is noteworthy that software within this classification might need specific conditions to deliver intrusive advert campaigns, such as a compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc. However, regardless of whether The Error Tool displays advertisements – it remains a threat.
Adware-delivered ads primarily endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and potential malware. Some of these adverts can even be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that while legitimate content may be encountered via these advertisements – it is unlikely to be promoted in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
The Error Tool also has data-tracking functionalities. Advertising-supported software usually collects the following information: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This vulnerable data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of software like The Error Tool on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by The Error Tool |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | The Error Tool |
| Supposed Functionality | Tool that provides tips for the Internet (e.g., information on errors, articles, common terms, etc.). |
| 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). |
| 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 examined numerous adware samples; Smarter Surf, Website Security Scanner, and Errors Notify are merely a couple of our latest finds.
While advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and offers various "handy" functionalities, it seldom operates as promised. However, it must be stressed that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of legitimacy or safety.
How did The Error Tool install on my computer?
We obtained The Error Tool from a deceptive webpage. In addition to scam sites, adware is often endorsed on "official" promotional pages.
Most visitors access these webpages via redirects generated by misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, websites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with regular programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).
Intrusive adverts proliferate adware as well. When clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is essential to research software and download it only from official/trustworthy channels. When installing, we recommend reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, features, tools, etc.).
We also advise being vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, despite their ordinary/innocuous appearance – intrusive adverts redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such ads/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with The Error Tool, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of a deceptive website used to promote The Error Tool 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 The Error Tool?
- 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 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 "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate "The Error Tool" 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 the error tool, 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 the error tool 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 the error tool, 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 the error tool or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It displays advertisements that promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other severe issues. Additionally, adware is considered to be a privacy threat since it usually gathers sensitive information.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue predominantly through affiliate programs by endorsing websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, etc. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove The Error Tool adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate all adware-type applications present. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, file leftovers stay hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. What is more, these remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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