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  • Active
  • Severity: Medium
  • Adware
  • Windows, Mac
  • Verified · Jun 2020

How to remove Js/Adware.Agent.AW

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

Gabriel E. Hall · Passionate web researcher

Js/Adware.Agent.AW is a generic name of adware that settled down on Google Chrome and other web browsers

Js/Adware.Agent.AW generic detection

Js/Adware.Agent.AW is a generic threat detection name[1], which is usually delivered by ESET security software. Usually, a pop-up warning shows up when a PC user is searching the web using Google or Bing search (less frequently in Yahoo or DuckDuckGo) on the Google Chrome web browser. Anyway, the idea behind this detection is the same – the device is infected with a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP), namely adware. 

Js/Adware.Agent.AW Chrome detection warns users about unauthorized attempts to connect to a.xfreeservice.com (https:// a.xfreeservice.com/partner/8oB939m/index.php) server. It means that the adware-typer application is regularly arranging web browsers redirects to potentially dangerous websites that may be involved in malware distribution, data harvesting, or phishing attacks[2]. Such and similar adware programs have to be quarantined without a delay to prevent virus infections or privacy violations. 

Name Js/Adware.Agent.AW
Type It's a generic AV detection name, which points out to the adware or PUP on the system
Related security software The detection is usually delivered by ESET security software
Related server a.xfreeservice.com
Symptoms If this adware infiltrates the machine, it triggers an excessive amount of ads, popups, banners, in-text links, as well as web browsers redirects to suspicious websites. The web browser runs slower, software sometimes freezes
Danger The adware itself does not pose harm to the machine directly. However, AV engine flags it due to connection to suspicious servers, data tracking, and potentially harmful advertising
Removal You can remove Js/Adware.Agent.AW adware from the machine using the AV engine that reports its presence. However, you have to clean the web browser from PUPs manually (follow the guide given below)
Adware damage PUPs change some registry entries, install unwanted entries on the machine, and initiate other tasks that eventually cause web browser's malfunctioning and weaken system's security. Thus, to fix the damage, scan the machine with FortectIntego or similar security tool

Js/Adware.Agent.AW is a generic detection name that is typically delivered by ESET anti-virus software. In most of the cases, this detection is an alarm that the system contains an adware-program, which has hijacked the web browser (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, etc.) and is initiating schematic advertising activities. 

Usually, Js/Adware.Agent.AW ESET notification emerges when the user is trying to initiate regular web browsing activities. According to the reports[3], the problem prevails in Google and Bing search engines, while other search engines like Yahoo, DuckDuckGo, Baidu, Yandex, Ecosia, and others seem not to be affected. 

The Js/Adware.Agent.AW virus detection is reported when browsing via Google Chrome in particular. That's because the problem is usually triggered by Chrome-based extensions, such as AdBlock, YoutubeAdBlock, YTD Video Downloader, Vimeo Video Downloader, and others. Such and similar ad-supported extensions are programmed to connect to the a.xfreeservice.com server, which seems to be malicious and is immediately blocked by the AV engine that has a real-time protection feature. 

Aside from attempts to connect to unwanted servers, the Js/Adware.Agent.AW virus may try to push unwanted ads in various diverse forms, such as banners, pop-ups, full-page ads, and similar. Besides, it may be the reason why the web browser keeps redirecting to suspicious websites that contain false claims that you're a lucky visitor who is on the verge of winning some valuable prize. 

The Js/Adware.Agent.AW redirects can expose users to potentially dangerous websites that contain rogue software downloads, promote fake software updates, or use stealthy cookies that harvest your IP address, geolocation, or even some pieces of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) without notifying users about that. 

This particular detection name is used by ESET antivirus exclusively. However, if you are using another security tool, it may try to warn you about Js/Adware.Agent.AW virus using another generic name. The most common references to this infection are as follows:

  • Adware:JS/Agent.A!MTB
  • Js/Adware.Agent.AA
  • JS:Adware.Lnkr.A
  • JS:Adware.Agent.VTZ
  • Adware.Agent.Win32

Anyway, it's important not to ignore the Js/Adware.Agent.AW virus warnings because having an unwanted program on the machine can cause various inconveniences while web browsing or even serve as backdoor access to more malicious cyber infections. 

Js/Adware.Agent.AW adware

However, sometimes people won't be able to remove Js/Adware.Agent.AW virus from the machine because it's not there. This detection, though rarely, can be a false-positive. It means that the security software that you are using contains a false virus database, which reports non-existent cyber threats. If you suspect this detection to be a false positive, you should disable the current AV software and download an alternative security program. 

If it reports adware-related detection, you should initiate Js/Adware.Agent.AW removal without a delay. You can do that with the help of your AV tool. When it delivers an adware detection, set the software to remove PUPs from the machine. After that, clean your web browser and fix malware damage using FortectIntego tool.

If, however, Js/Adware.Agent.AW virus removal fails, you should manually check the list of installed applications and get rid of each suspicious/unknown entry from your machine. The problem is typically triggered by ad-block extensions, so delete PUPs from the programs' list and then eliminate suspicious extensions from Chrome and other web browsers. A full guide on how to do that is provided at the end of this article.  

PUPs spread silently in disguise with freeware

There are various categories of cyber threats. Some of them are extremely malicious (trojans, spyware, ransomware, etc.) and their infiltration can hardly be foreseen. However, infiltration of a dangerous piece of software can be prevented by not visiting suspicious websites, downloading software from official websites, not using P2P services, avoid torrenting websites, regularly updating software, and having a professional AV security suite installed. 

However, less dangerous applications, such as adware, browser hijackers, and PUPs are being distributed in a legitimate way, though stealthy enough to make people download them without realizing their presence. Ad-supported programs are typically distributed by bundling. This method is closely related to freeware, i.e. freeware providers pack their apps along with unwanted programs and spread them as a single unit. 

Please note that unwanted apps are pre-selected, so accepting the installation of the main freeware installer grants access to the entire bundle. Luckily, it's possible to decompose the bundle. You should opt for the Advanced or Custom installation option and unmark checkmarks saying that you agree with the installation of extensions, add-ons, plug-ins, or whatnot. 

Get rid of Js/Adware.Agent.AW related adware to stop advertising and connections to dangerous servers 

Js/Adware.Agent.AW removal is not a difficult task to accomplish. This detection signals an adware-type program on the machine, which seeks to collect clicks, increase visitors' rate to affiliated websites, or downloads of third-party apps. Although it's non-malicious in its nature, the adware can be very intrusive or sometimes lead to virus infection. Luckily, their removal is not that difficult as it may seem.  

Js/Adware.Agent.AW pop-up warning

According to the NoVirus.uk[4] team, it's best to set a security tool to remove Js/Adware.Agent.AW virus from the machine completely. For that, click on the pop-up warning brought by security software and select quarantine or remove option. After that, make sure to delete unwanted Chrome extensions or, at best, reset the web browser's settings to default. 

If you are not sure which apps are causing the Js/Adware.Agent.AW a.xfreeservice.com redirects, then restart your machine into Safe Mode with Networking and set the security tool to scan the machine again. Detele all PUPs without hesitation and then restore your machine's performance with the help of FortectIntego tool. 

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
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