Maps & Directions Online Promos is an adware app that will disturb your web browsing sessions with intrusive ads
Maps & Directions Online Promos is a browser extension that promises to deliver users the most needed information about their location and instructions on how to get to places. However, the app is heavily dependent on advertisements that are delivered to users on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, or another web browser continually. Thus, the extension is classified as adware[1] – a type of a potentially unwanted program, the main goal of which is to deliver users ads. Additionally, Maps & Directions Online Promos uses cookies and other tracking technologies to produce pop-ups, in-text links, deals, banners, offers, and other ads that are targeted.
| Name | Maps & Directions Online Promos |
| Type | Adware, potentially unwanted program |
| Distribution | While the app can be obtained from official sources like Google web store, most users can encounter it after installing free apps from third-party sites (the so-called software bundling method) |
| Symptoms | Persistent ads on all visited websites, redirects to unknown sources, altered search results, slowdown of the web browser, etc. |
| Dangers | Information disclosure to unknown parties, installation of potentially unwanted programs, malware infections, monetary loss, and others |
| Elimination | You can get rid of the PUP by following the guidelines provided below |
| Further actions | If you noticed that the quality of your computer operation diminished after you removed the infection from for it or you are constantly facing lag, crashes, and similar issues, you should fix the system with the help of FortectIntego |
While Maps & Directions Online Promos can be downloaded from Google Web Store, most users install the app unintentionally, as it is often bundled with freeware[2] that is hosted on third-party sites. As a result, users rarely notice the point of entry, although signs of infiltration can be seen immediately, as most of the visited sites are filled with ads, and redirects lead to unknown websites that may, in some cases, be dangerous. Thus, the app should not be kept installed on your machine – follow the instructions below to remove Maps & Directions Online Promos correctly.
Adware, such as Maps & Directions Online Promos, is not considered to be malicious – at least initially, since its primary goal is to display advertisements to as many users as possible and monetizing on this activity. However, such app developers not always pick secure ad networks and sometimes even fail to provide decent functionality of the program that they are advertising. Finally, they distribute adware mostly through software bundles, which results in many unsolicited installations.
As a result, Maps & Directions Online Promos virus is a term that many may use, even though it is not technically correct. Nevertheless, users who keep the add-on installed are potentially at risk, as ads that are delivered through the app might not always be secure. In fact, Maps & Directions Online Promos developers claim that the app is there to provide you ads:
Receive relevant advertisements as you browse the internet. By monitoring your web browsing activity, we can make sure offers and promotions are tailored to you. We use advertisements as a way to support our site so that you can continue taking advantage of Maps & Directions Online for free!
As you can see, they clearly state that targeted advertisements are the main goal of this app – hardly anyone would like this fucking (as a general rule, users despise ads that cover their screens during the web browsing sessions).
Additionally, Maps & Directions Online Promos adware collects a variety of information about users with the help of such technologies like cookies, web beacons,[3] and scripts. The collected data includes:
- Browser information (version, cookies, settings, etc.)
- Device data (model, IP address, unique ID, etc.)
- Approximate location (city, state, country, or zip code)
- Browsing data (links clicked, ads interacted with, sites visited)
If the fact that Maps & Directions Online Promos automatically collects information that could identify you personally does not bother you, you should know that personal information that is provided by you is also collected and shared with third-parties and other entities.
All in all, if you would like to have an app that helps you to get around without spamming your web browsers and collecting an excessive amount of data, you should pick something else, and hurry up with Maps & Directions Online Promos removal. In case you have problems while doing so, you can try resetting your web browsers and scanning the device with anti-malware software. Finally, if you are experiencing issues with your system (lag, crashes, errors), you can employ repair tools like FortectIntego to fix these issues for you.
Avoid potentially unwanted programs and use reputable ones instead
There are thousands of apps that claim to provide users with the most necessary maps, directions, etc. For example, MapsFrontier, MapsGalaxy, Quick Maps And Directions, and many others. In fact, many of the developers simply rebrand the same app in order to avoid being detected by anti-malware programs or trying to provide users with double the number of ads. The truth is, these applications do not have anything that Google Maps would not have, so there is no point in them – unless you like seeing ads on every step while browsing the web.
Thus, you should not install browser extensions or applications that have a poor reputation among users. To find out whether the app is reputable, you can simply read some reviews around the web or check out reviews before installing. However, these tips will be in vain if you get tricked into installing a potentially unwanted program (PUP), as most of them are distributed with the help of a so-called software bundling.
App developers of third-party sites that host freeware often insert optional components into a single installer and, while offering additional apps is not a crime, doing so by deliberately trying to hide them is a deceptive and shady practice. Thus, when installing new programs from third-parties, watch out for pre-ticked boxes, fine print, misleading offers, misplaced buttons, and always opt for Advanced/Custom installation settings instead of Recommended/Quick ones.
Get rid of Maps & Directions Online Promos with ease
Generally, it should not be difficult to remove Maps & Directions Online Promos from your machine. Simply right-click on the extension and select uninstall. If you think that there is an application installed on your computer instead of the browser – follow the instructions below if you are unsure how to terminate programs. Nevertheless, you might have other PUPs that sneaked into your computer without you noticing, so Maps & Directions Online Promos ads might not stop after you get rid of the extension.
If you are unsure what is causing the unwanted activity after performing Maps & Directions Online Promos removal, you should also reset all the installed browsers. In some cases, adware's set settings will continue to deliver you intrusive content even after its elimination. Finally, you should also perform a full system scan with anti-malware software to ensure that no malware is present on your device.
Uninstall from Windows
Uninstall from Windows 10/8:
- Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
Remove the unwanted program:
- In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
- If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.
Delete from macOS
Remove the unwanted application:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).
Delete leftover files and folders:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
- Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.
- Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.
Reset Internet Explorer
Remove dangerous add-ons:
- Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
- Pick Manage Add-ons.
- You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.
Change your homepage if it was altered:
- Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
- Select Internet Options.
- In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
- Click Apply and then select OK.
Delete temporary files:
- Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
- Under Browsing history, click Delete...
- Select relevant fields and press Delete.
Reset Internet Explorer:
- Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
- Select Reset.
- In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.
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 Remove.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- 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.
Restore new tab and homepage settings:
- Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
- Then find On startup section.
- Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.
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.
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.
- This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.
Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
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 the unwanted extension and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Settings.
- Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.
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 and Temporary cached files and pages, then click 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
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 suspicious extensions 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 dangerous extensions:
- Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
- Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.
Clear history and website data:
- Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
- Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari:
- Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
- Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.
Was this guide helpful?
Be the first to comment