UnknownFile Adware

What is UnknownFile?

UnknownFile is presented as a legitimate application used for opening files of unknown types. This application may seem legitimate and useful, however, UnknownFile is classed as adware or a potentially unwanted program (PUP).

UnknownFile is distributed using a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling' (stealth installation of third party applications together with the chosen software), and therefore, users commonly install this adware together with free software downloadable on freeware download websites.

Following successful infiltration on Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox, UnknownFile generates various intrusive online advertisements. Clicking these ads can redirect you to various dubious websites containing infectious content, thereby exposing your computer to infection.

Furthermore, this rogue application continually monitors and collects various information that may be personally identifiable including, for instance, Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, language, geographic location, operating system, etc. Tracking of personal information in this way can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft.

Be aware that UnknownFile is regular adware and similar or identical to other applications including HQ Video Pro, Coupoon, and Shop Time - these are just some examples from many applications distributed using the bundling method.

Adware-type apps such as UnknownFile claim to enable various useful features, however, their purpose is simply to generate revenue by the display of intrusive advertisements and sharing collected data with third parties. For these reasons, you are strongly advised to eliminate UnknowFile from your system immediately.

Research shows that UnknownFile, and many other adware applications, are distributed via small programs called 'installers' (also called 'download managers', 'download clients', etc.) on freeware download websites such as download.com, soft32.com, and softonic.com.

Installers are used to monetize these websites' traffic and free services by offering installation of third party apps together with the chosen software. In some cases, these additional applications are simply hidden within the 'Custom' or 'Advanced' installation options.

These applications are often described as 'legitimate and virus-free', however, most are categorized as adware or malware. Installation of PUPs can be avoided by paying close attention during download of free software and never accepting offers to install additional programs.

Furthermore, applications downloaded from the Internet should be installed using the 'Custom' or 'Advanced' options - this will reveal any concealed applications listed for installation and allow you to opt-out. If you have installed UnknownFile, the following instructions will guide you through removal of this adware from your system.

Deceptive free software installer used in UnknownFile adware distribution:

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Quick menu:

• What is UnknownFile?
• STEP 1. Uninstall UnknownFile application using Control Panel.
• STEP 2. Remove UnknownFile adware from Internet Explorer.
• STEP 3. Remove UnknownFile ads from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove 'Ads by UnknownFile' from Mozilla Firefox.
• STEP 5. Remove UnknownFile extension from Safari.
• STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.

UnknownFile 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 "UnknownFile", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted program that causes UnknownFile ads, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove UnknownFile adware from Internet browsers:

At time of research, UnknownFile did not install its browser plug-ins on Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, however, it was bundled with other adware. Therefore, you are advised to remove all potentially unwanted browser add-ons from your Internet browsers.

Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:

Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Click the "gear" icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for any recently-installed suspicious browser extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the unknownfile pup, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.

Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.

In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.

Click the Reset button.

Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, select these entries and click the trash can icon.

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the unknownfile pup, 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". Click "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with unknownfile pup 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 unknownfile pup, 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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