Ads by Clean Browser (Removal Instructions) - guide
Clean Browser ads Removal Guide
What is Ads by Clean Browser?
Clean Browser – adware that launches via the SoftwareDetector.exe command
Clean Browser, developed by Intriguing apps, is another promising browser plug-in that boasts being able to “recognize malicious websites, minimizing your risk of downloading harmful viruses and malware.” It is compatible with all major web browsers, including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or MS Edge, and may smoothly work on each of them.
However, we do not recommend installing this app since it may spy on your browsing activities, initiate various system modifications, deliver commercial advertisements on each website you visit, cause system slowdowns, redirects, and similar issues. Also, when the adware places itself on your computer system, you might be able to recognize it from its main process that is named SoftwareDetector.exe.
| Name | Clean Browser |
|---|---|
| Category | Adware/PUP |
| Main process | SoftwareDetector.exe might be found running in the background |
| Activities | The adware program can relate in intense advertising activities, redirects, collection of browsing-related information, modification of the browser's default homepage/new tab search URL |
| Distribution | The main PUP delivery techniques are “software bundling”, injection into third-party ads and hyperlinks, etc. |
| Removal | You can eliminate the adware program by employing automatic software or by performing the step-by-step guidelines that have been added to the end of this article |
| Repair tip | If the adware has resulted in the comptonization of some system components, you can try recovering them with the help of FortectIntego |
Seeing “Ads by Clean Browser” during browsing is one of the main signs that you have been infected with this adware. The PUP might start delivering unwanted pop-ups and pop-unders whenever you are trying to browse the Internet sphere. Continuously, there is a big chance that you will find additional components such as extensions, plug-ins, and add-ons installed right into your browser settings.
It might also initiate some changes in major browsers' settings and interfere with your browser's homepage and new tab URL sections. It is also set to promote affiliate websites and increase their ranking and sales in any way possible. However, no one guarantees that they are safe and does not take any responsibility if you will be exposed to corrupted websites.
Here we come to another problem – redirecting. Redirects can take you to affiliate sources that are filled with various deals and offers. However, some of these pages might also end up infected with malware and the same parasite might try to sneak into your computer system and perform some damage. As you can see, having a PUP such as adware on your machine makes it indirectly vulnerable to other cyber threat attacks.
Adware might show you ads that promote various offers and deals. Some of these adverts might try to trick you into installing unreliable security utilities. Others might come in the forms of surveys and fake reward claims that might ask you to enter some personally-identifiable information or provide your credentials. You should not do that as your data or money might easily get stolen by malicious actors.
By the way, you should be careful not only with Clean Browser ads but also with its cookies. Once inside, this adware installs HTTP cookies[1] and may track your online activities and browsing history, habits, experience all the time. Even though its targeted information is not considered as personal, such activity implemented behind your back may be associated with privacy violation.
Different data might be targeted for collection – it may include:
- recently visited websites
- hyperlinks and advertisements accessed
- bookmarks saved
- technical device details
- commonly searched offers
- IP address, etc.
Mostly, developers capture this type of information and use it in targeted advertising campaigns. They provide users with beneficially-looking advertisements and look forward to earning income from a marketing scheme known as pay-per-click.
To avoid all of these unwanted activities or to prevent them from continuing, you have to remove the PUP from your affected machine and web browsers. The process can be fully completed by employing reliable antimalware software or by using the step-by-step guidelines that have been added to the end of this article. Also, you can use a tool such as FortectIntego for repairing compromised system objects if there are some.
PUP removal is a necessary task to complete if you want to free your computer and browsers from the adware-related effects. For proper elimination, you have to clean both the OS and web browser apps, otherwise, the adware might easily return. Besides, your web browsers should stop struggling and freezing after freeing them from all the intense advertising and redirecting that has been caused by the PUP.
Adware uses deceptive techniques to appear on computers
Some adware programs have their official website and can be installed right there. However, people seldom run into such websites accidentally and install the PUP willingly. You might be wondering how did the adware reach your computer system if you did not apply for its installation process. The answer is simple – it spreads bundled with freeware and infiltrates the system unless users opt-out of it.
Such a distribution method is called “bundling” and is closely related to various freeware and shareware. It is a big mistake to think that it is enough to click on the “next” button all the time in order not to install a freeware.[2] However, if you want to deselect such programs and keep your computer safe, you have to select Advanced or Custom installation and monitor the entire process as carefully as possible.
Continuously, adware apps can get delivered via third-party sources that come filled with numerous hyperlinks and pop-up ads. This type of content might be placed there intentionally to get clicked on by random users. You should avoid visiting websites that drop a concerning look to you and especially prevent proceeding to networks that have been marked as unsafe to enter by your own web browser app or antimalware program.
In some other cases, adware programs can come camouflaged as fake Flash Player updates. If you receive any offer to upgrade your programs while browsing on the Internet, you should resist such suggestions and close the page immediately. Also, if you are not sure about some type of update, you can always go and visit the developer's official website where all recently-released updates should be provided.
Get rid of Clean Browser adware
Even if this app does not possess the biggest risk of harm possible, it can make your computer vulnerable to other infections, modify your browsers, add processes to your computer system, and modify the Registry section.
You can remove Clean Browser by employing reliable antimalware software or by using the step-by-step guidelines that have been added to the end of this article. We suggest opting for the automatic technique as this method is known to be more effective and reliable.
According to experts from LosVirus.es,[3] adware might leave browsers filled with unwanted objects too. So, if you are looking forward to eliminating the adware permanently, you should not forget to clean your web browser applications and not only just the computer system.
You may remove virus damage with a help of FortectIntego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.
Getting rid of Clean Browser ads. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
To clean your Windows operating system from suspicious applications, you should perform the following guiding steps
Instructions for Windows 10/8 machines:
- Enter Control Panel into Windows search box and hit Enter or click on the search result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
- From the list, find the entry of the suspicious program.
- Right-click on the application and select Uninstall.
- If User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
- Wait till uninstallation process is complete and click OK.
If you are Windows 7/XP user, proceed with the following instructions:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel located on the right pane (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
- Pick the unwanted application by clicking on it once.
- At the top, click Uninstall/Change.
- In the confirmation prompt, pick Yes.
- Click OK once the removal process is finished.
Delete from macOS
Remove items from Applications folder:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for all related entries.
- Click on the app and drag it to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash)
To fully remove an unwanted app, you need to access Application Support, LaunchAgents, and LaunchDaemons folders and delete relevant files:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and click Go or press Enter.
- In the Application Support folder, look for any dubious entries and then delete them.
- Now enter /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders the same way and terminate all the related .plist files.
Remove from Microsoft Edge
Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:
- Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
- From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
- Click on Uninstall at the bottom.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Privacy & security.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Select everything (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.
Restore new tab and homepage settings:
- Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
- Then find On startup section.
- Click Disable if you found any suspicious domain.
Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:
- Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
- Select Details tab.
- 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.
If this solution failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method. Note that you need to backup your data before proceeding.
- Find the following folder on your computer: C:\\Users\\%username%\\AppData\\Local\\Packages\\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe.
- Press Ctrl + A on your keyboard to select all folders.
- Right-click on them and pick Delete
- Now right-click on the Start button and pick Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- When the new window opens, copy and paste the following command, and then press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\\AppXManifest.xml” -Verbose
Instructions for Chromium-based Edge
Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and site data:
- Click on Menu and go to Settings.
- Select Privacy, search and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Under Time range, pick All time.
- Select Clear now.
Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- On the left side, pick Reset settings.
- Select Restore settings to their default values.
- Confirm with Reset.
Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
To delete suspicious components from Firefox, apply the following steps
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
- Select Add-ons.
- In here, select unwanted plugin and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Options.
- Under Home options, enter your preferred site that will open every time you newly open the Mozilla Firefox.
Clear cookies and site data:
- Click Menu and pick Settings.
- Go to Privacy & Security section.
- Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
- Click on Clear Data…
- Select Cookies and Site Data, as well as Cached Web Content and press Clear.
Reset Mozilla Firefox
If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
- Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.
- Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox…
- Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.
Remove from Google Chrome
To fully clean and reverse Google Chrome, use these instructing guidelines
Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
- In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all the suspicious plugins that might be related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and web data from Chrome:
- Click on Menu and pick Settings.
- Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
- Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
- Click Clear data.
Change your homepage:
- Click menu and choose Settings.
- Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
- 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:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
- Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
- Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Confirm with Reset settings.
Delete from Safari
Remove unwanted extensions from Safari:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- In the new window, pick Extensions.
- Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.
Clear cookies and other website data from Safari:
- Click Safari > Clear History…
- From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
- Confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari if the above-mentioned steps did not help you:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- Go to Advanced tab.
- Tick the Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop, and then select Empty Caches.
After uninstalling this potentially unwanted program (PUP) and fixing each of your web browsers, we recommend you to scan your PC system with a reputable anti-spyware. This will help you to get rid of Clean Browser registry traces and will also identify related parasites or possible malware infections on your computer. For that you can use our top-rated malware remover: FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.
How to prevent from getting adware
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.
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- ^ HTTP cookie. Wikipedia. The free encyclopedia.
- ^ Tim Fisher. What Is Freeware?. Lifewire.com. An independent security news source.
- ^ LosVirus.es. LosVirus. Security and spyware news source.