Error Stores adware (Free Instructions)

What is Error Stores adware?

Error Stores is a potentially unwanted application that focuses on delivering ads to users

Error Stores is an adware-type application that might initially seem useful, as it is advertised as a tool that can help “to learn more about errors and find alternate places online.” Also, some people might accidentally install the app due to its deceptive distribution methods, such as misleading ads or bundled software.^[1]

Once on the system, Error Stores adware would not change the homepage or new tab address, nor would it alter the search provider. However, users might see strange redirects when initiating the search process via the search or URL bar – this would lead them to be exposed to an increased number of ads that could come in the form of pop-ups, sponsored links, and auto-play videos, banners, and similar.

In addition to unwanted advertisements, Error Stores may also engage in data tracking with the help of cookies^[2] and other technologies. This information may also be shared with other parties, further increasing the risk of privacy violations. If you have found this extension on your browser, we recommend removing it, as we explain in this article.

What is Error Stores?

While there are plenty of extensions out there, not all of them are considered to be adware. Error Stores is considered to be one due to various reasons – from its distribution to its operation. It is advertised as a browser extension capable of finding alternative websites whenever the requested one is offline, which may seem like a useful tool in theory.

In practice, it brings little to no benefits as websites generally don't go offline frequently. If you can't access some or most of the websites when browsing the web, there must be a technical reason for this to happen, and no extension would fix that. In such a case, we recommend using the FortectIntego system repair tool – it can locate damaged OS components and replace them with working ones. Also, the app can clean browser caches from cookies and other trackers that adware uses.

How adware is spread and how to avoid it

While it is true that adware could be installed intentionally by users whenever they are not away about the capabilities of a certain program (they might simply believe that the app can be useful and install it due to promoted features), more often than not users end up discovering the PUP seemingly out of nowhere.

This happens because adware authors use deceptive distribution techniques that make users themselves install software without intending to do so. There are two main methods this is done – via software bundling or misleading ads.

Error Stores is an adware-type application that shows intrusive ads

1. Software bundling

Bundled software has been around for many years, and it's not necessarily a malicious practice when implemented well. However, potentially unwanted programs are often spread using this method, and the installers are comply littered with carious traps – pre-ticked boxes, fine print, misleading button placements, and similar.

Whenever you download freeware^[3] from third-party websites, always assume that there are going to be optional apps offered to you at some point (usually within the installer). Always choose Advanced/Custom installation settings, read the instructions carefully, and, most importantly, never rush through steps.

2. Malicious websites and fake updates

Adware can also be spread via various websites users may encounter online, especially whenever they visit high-risk places. Pirated software distributors, illegal video streaming, YouTube video converters, suspicious online gaming, and similar sites are known for including links and malicious scripts to various insecure places.

There are plenty of ways how users could be tricked into installing PUPs – they might be told that Flash Player or other popular software is out of date and needs to be updated in order to proceed. Sometimes users might be promised an amazing deal if they download or install the app. In other cases, people can be told that their systems are infected and need to be cleaned to be protected.

Please ignore all requests to install software from such websites, as they are all likely to be fake. Not only might you install adware on your device but also launch a fake installer that would infect the system with ransomware or other dangerous malware.

Error Stores removal explained

Browser extensions are apps that operate within a browser environment. This software is not installed on the system and can be uninstalled via the browser. If you want to remove Error Stores adware from your system, you should go to the settings menu as explained below:

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.

Mozilla Firefox

• 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 the unwanted plugin and click Remove.

MS Edge

• Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
• Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.

MS Edge (legacy)

• 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.

Safari

• Click Safari > Preferences…
• In the new window, pick Extensions.
• Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.

Internet Explorer

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.

Once you get rid of the annoying app, we strongly recommend you perform a full system scan with SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, Malwarebytes, or another powerful anti-malware software. This is especially important if you have found Error Stores installed on your device without doing so yourself or if you frequent websites of dubious nature. Torrents, peer-to-peer networks, software cracks, and similar sites, in particular, can be dangerous, so we recommend staying away from those in the future.