Ads by OptiSpace

What is OptiSpace?

OptiSpace supposedly improves the Internet browsing experience by displaying content relating to Internet searches performed - "The Software provides a feature that customizes and enhances your interaction with various websites by providing you targeted content based on your search activity."

Some users may find this functionality legitimate and useful, however, OptiSpace is classed as adware and a potentially unwanted program (PUP).

One of the main reasons for these negative associations is stealth installation - OptiSpace usually infiltrates systems without users' permission. Furthermore, this app displays intrusive online ads and collects various user information.

By using a virtual layer, OptiSpace displays search, price comparison, coupons, pop-unders/ups, banner, and other similar ads. Some ads are opened in new browser tabs/windows, thereby increasing the chance of accidental clicks. The virtual layer allows display of various graphical content on any website - content that does not originate from the visited site.

After clicking these ads, users are mostly redirected to commercial websites (for example, online stores), however, the ads may also be infectious and lead to bogus sites - this can result in high-risk computer infections. Furthermore, OptiSpace collects various Internet browsing-related information.

The Privacy Policy states that this adware collects no information that can reveal users' identities, however, these claims are false. Clearly, information such as websites visited, pages viewed, search queries, language settings, etc., can contain personally identifiable details.

Be aware that these details could be misused and lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. Therefore, if you are worried about your privacy and Internet browsing safety, uninstall OptiSpace immediately.

OptiSpace Privacy Policy regarding information tracking:

This information won't enable us to identify the user. They will give us an understanding of a user's online behavior as well as technical information about the user's operating system, browser, keyboard language etc. When it comes to the behavioral information we collect, this includes things like log-ins and time of access. But users don't need to worry. None of the information we collect will enable us to identify them.

OptiSpace shares many similarities with other adware-type applications that install without users' permission. For instance, as with OptiSpace, Great Find, GetPrivate, PriceChomper, and Sail Deals also promise useful features. Yet, these claims are merely attempts to give the impression of legitimate software.

Adware-type applications are developed to employ the 'Pay Per Click' (PPC) advertising model to display ads - when users click ads, developers receive specific payments.

Furthermore, collected data is later shared with third parties - another way to generate revenue. Adware provides no significant value for the user - its purpose is solely to generate revenue for the developers.

How did OptiSpace install on my computer?

OptiSpace is mostly distributed using a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling' - stealth installation of third party software together with regular software. Research shows that most users do not express enough caution and recklessly rush the download/installation procedures.

Bogus applications such as OptiSpace are often hidden within the 'Advanced' or 'Custom' options, and so, skipping this section can lead to inadvertent installation of rogue apps.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

Your chosen software should be downloaded from a trusted source - usually the official website of the software. When downloading from a freeware download website, select the direct download link (if possible).

Note that popular freeware download websites monetize their traffic and free services via small programs called 'download managers' designed to include installation of additional third party software. For this reason, pay close attention when downloading software and follow each step to ensure that no additional programs are included.

Furthermore, installation of downloaded software should be performed with the 'Custom' or 'Advanced' options - this will reveal any bundled apps listed for installation and allow you to decline them.

Deceptive free software installers used in OptiSpace adware distribution:

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Quick menu:

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

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

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

Remove OptiSpace adware from Internet browsers:

At time of research, OptiSpace 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 optispace adware, 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 optispace adware, 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 plug-ins 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 optispace adware 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 optispace adware, 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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