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  • Active
  • Severity: Medium
  • Adware
  • Windows, Mac
  • Verified · May 2017

How to remove WiseFolderLock ads

A step-by-step removal guide for affected devices. Follow the verified procedure below — most readers complete it in under 10 minutes.

Lucia Danes · Virus researcher

Reasons to stay away from WiseFolderLock ads

WiseFolderLock is a potentially unwanted application[1] which is presented as a useful tool that might help to manage files. However, security experts have put it to adware category because of its negative features, such as an ability to infiltrate computers with the help of freeware, displaying intrusive and misleading ads, redirecting to questionable sites, and a possibility of data tracking. WiseFolderLock adware usually spreads and gets installed on the computers with the help of bundling. On the affected computer, its might start tracking user’s activity online in order to deliver personalized ads. Not only these ads might promote various products or offer discounts, but also provide fake notifications suggesting to install or update programs, such as Adobe Flash or Java.[2] However, we want to point out that such alters might be extremely dangerous and hide malware. In order to protect your computer, files and personal privacy, you should remove WiseFolderLock virus immediately. We highly recommending running a system scan with a professional anti-malware program, for instance, FortectIntego. It’s the quickest method to get rid of all adware-related components.

The image of WiseFolderLock ads

So-called WiseFolderLock virus is designed to generate revenue to the developers. This ad-supported program might display third-party commercial content and benefit of each user’s click. There’s no doubt that creators want to receive as many incomes as possible. As a result, they might flood affected web browser with tons of online ads. Usually, these ads inform about outdated software or detected malware. However, trusting them and agreeing to install software might end up with a malware attack. The problem is that WiseFolderLock ads might not be provided by the reliable sources. Authors of adware do not care about the credibility of their partners and what problems might cause redirect to one or another site. Third-party ads might be displayed on various safe websites that you frequently visit.[3] They might overlay original ads or cover necessary content, so they are more than annoying. What is more, ad-supported programs usually are capable of tracking users’ data to provide personalized ads. This trick helps to encourage people to click on advertisements because they look interesting and relatable. As you already know, trusting such commercial offers is not recommended. Thus, if you found increased amount of ads which has such labels as “Ads powered by XXX,” “Ads by XXX,” “Powered by XXX” or similarly, you should take care of your computer and perform the WiseFolderLock removal.

Potentially dangerous WiseFolderLock redirect tendencies are the main reason why you should not hesitate and get rid of the adware. You might manage to stay away from these ads; however, you cannot avoid sudden redirects to third-party sites. This adware program is known to be capable of initiating redirects to affiliates’ websites when you start typing a web address or out of nowhere. As a result, you might end up on gaming, gambling, adult-themed or phishing[4] sites. Having adware installed on the device increases your chances to become a victim of any cyber crime.

The illustration of ads by WiseFolderLock

Adware distribution is based on bundling technique

The WiseFolderLock virus cannot attack computers alone because it’s not a technical virus. This potentially unwanted application spreads in the software bundle as an optional component. If users install freeware or shareware under quick or recommended settings, they might be installing not a single program but a bunch of third-party apps as well. Thus, WiseFolderLock hijack might occur when installing new programs incorrectly. In order to avoid additional programs,[5] you need to choose reliable sources for software downloads, read Privacy Policy and EULA, and choose Advanced/Custom installation settings. Using this setup, you need to look for the list of pre-selected optional downloads and untick them. Simple as that PUPs are stopped from entering the system

Getting rid of WiseFolderLock ads

In order to remove WiseFolderLock ads from the browser, you need to find and delete adware from the PC. Open a Programs list and look for suspicious applications that might be related to it. If you find something questionable, uninstall it immediately. The next removal step requires checking the list of browser extensions and removing unknown add-ons, extensions, plugins or toolbars. If you are willing to terminate adware manually, our prepared instructions below will guide you through. However, we recommend automatic WiseFolderLock removal option. Scanning computer with professional anti-malware/anti-spyware program helps to get rid of adware quicker and simpler.

Uninstall from Windows

Uninstall from Windows 10/8:

  1. Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
  2. Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 10/8

Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:

  1. Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
  2. In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 7/XP

Remove the unwanted program:

  1. In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
  2. If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.Uninstall the unwanted program from Windows

Delete from macOS

Remove the unwanted application:

  1. From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
  2. In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).Uninstall from Mac

Delete leftover files and folders:

  1. Select Go > Go to Folder.
  2. Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
  3. Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.Delete leftover files from Mac
  4. Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.

Reset Internet Explorer

Remove dangerous add-ons:

  1. Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
  2. Pick Manage Add-ons.
  3. You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.Remove add-ons from Internet Explorer

Change your homepage if it was altered:

  1. Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
  2. Select Internet Options.
  3. In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
  4. Click Apply and then select OK.Reset IE homepage

Delete temporary files:

  1. Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
  2. Under Browsing history, click Delete...
  3. Select relevant fields and press Delete.Clear temporary files from Internet Explorer

Reset Internet Explorer:

  1. Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
  2. Select Reset.
  3. In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.Reset Internet Explorer

Remove from Microsoft Edge

Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:

  1. Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
  2. From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
  3. Click Remove.Remove extensions from Edge

Clear cookies and other browser data:

  1. Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
  2. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  3. Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.Clear Edge browsing data

Restore new tab and homepage settings:

  1. Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
  2. Then find On startup section.
  3. Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.

Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:

  1. Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
  3. Select Details tab.
  4. Now scroll down and locate every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right-click on each of them and select End Task to stop MS Edge from running.Reset MS Edge

Instructions for Chromium-based Edge

Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):

  1. Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
  2. Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chromium Edge

Clear cache and site data:

  1. Click on Menu and go to Settings.
  2. Select Privacy, search and services.
  3. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  4. Under Time range, pick All time.
  5. Select Clear now.Clear browser data from Chroum Edge

Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. On the left side, pick Reset settings.
  3. Select Restore settings to their default values.
  4. Confirm with Reset.
  5. This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.Reset Chromium Edge

Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
  2. Select Add-ons.
  3. In here, select the unwanted extension and click Remove.Remove extensions from Firefox

Reset the homepage:

  1. Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
  2. Choose Settings.
  3. Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.

Clear cookies and site data:

  1. Click Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security section.
  3. Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
  4. Click on Clear Data...
  5. Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.Clear cookies and site data from Firefox

Reset Mozilla Firefox

If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
  2. Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.Reset Firefox 1
  3. Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
  4. Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.Reset Firefox 2

Remove from Google Chrome

Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

  1. Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
  2. In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all suspicious extensions related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chrome

Clear cache and web data from Chrome:

  1. Click on Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
  3. Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
  4. Click Clear data.Clear cache and web data from Chrome

Change your homepage:

  1. Click menu and choose Settings.
  2. Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
  3. Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.

Reset Google Chrome:

If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
  3. Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
  4. Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
  5. Confirm with Reset settings.Reset Chrome 2

Delete from Safari

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
  2. Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.Remove extensions from Safari

Clear history and website data:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
  2. Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.Clear history from Safari

Reset Safari:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
  2. Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
  3. From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.Reset Safari

Did this guide help?

4 comments

  1. Dorianna

    I thought that its not ok to see so many pop-ups informing about Adobe Flash updates. Well, they have never appeared in such form and shape.. So, thank God I looked up for the information and found your article! Its even scary to think what might have happened if I would have agreed to install those updates...

  2. Jenna

    Adware programs are the worst.

  3. Chey

    I am not sure which program was responsible for bringing wisefolderlock adware to my PC, but I am sure that it no longer is in it.

  4. Mitchel

    my browser continuously crashed due to dozens of wisefolderlock ads. thanks for explaining how stop them

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