“System Alert! Add Extension” pop-up virus (Tutorial) - Simple Removal Guide
“System Alert! Add Extension” pop-up virus Removal Guide
What is “System Alert! Add Extension” pop-up virus?
“System Alert! Add Extension” alerts are more than an annoyance
“System Alert! Add Extension” virus triggers fake alerts urging netizens to install shady extensions. Most likely, you may encounter them while getting redirected by a movie streaming site. The messages ask to install a browser extension in order to assure browsing safety. Enabling the installation this suspicious extension may lead to hijacked web browser, installation of an ad-supported application or even malicious program.
“System Alert! Add Extension” might prevent from closing the misleading website. But you should not agree to install the offered extension, click “Cancel” button or mark “Prevent this page from creating additional dialogs” option. It’s a trick. You will be still forced to install the extension.
In some cases, this notification is followed by a voice message that says: “Click Add button to install the extension.” No matter how convincing or threatening robot’s voice is, you should not do what you are asked.
Once you end up on such website, close the browser’s tab. If you cannot do it, you should force-quit and then scan the computer with anti-malware/anti-spyware. The security program, such as ReimageIntego, will help to remove “System Alert! Add Extension” and forget about other negative features of the adware.
As we have mentioned, redirects to this malicious site are usually initiated by an ad-supported program. This potentially unwanted program (PUP) spread in software bundles and enters the system silently. Once it gets inside, it might alter few settings in Windows and web browsers.
Apart from promoting unknown extension, this program might also:
- apply a virtual layer to display third-party commercial content;
- redirect to promotional websites;
- turn text into hyperlinks;
- deliver fake security alters;
- deliver fake software updates;
- track information about users;
- modify browser’s homepage or/and search engine.
“System Alert! Add Extension” removal is also recommended because adware might deliver third-party ads that lead to infected, phishing or tech support scam websites. Thus, you can easily suffer from cyber criminals, reveal your personal information or let malware[1] to your PC.
Currently, the majority of users who have dealt with this cyber parasite the most are the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.[2] However, it might spread further to other parts of the world too.
The reason behind fake system messages is adware program
When you’re browsing through adult-themed websites or watch movies on illegal video streaming sites, you might receive “System Alert! Add Extension” pop-up any minute. Obviously, you should not use such sites in order to protect yourself from similar cyber infections.
However, redirects to the misleading site are most of the time caused by an adware program. If you have recently installed freeware or shareware, this undesired app may have sneak inside too. It may have happened if you have installed a program under Quick/Recommended setup.
The problem is that these settings do not openly disclose about third-party apps that may have been included in the software package. Thus, relying on this method, you always risk to let PUPs to get inside your device.
To avoid “System Alert! Add Extension” hijack and similar problems, you should always install new software using Advanced/Custom settings. The most important task is to reject installation of “additional downloads” by unmarking pre-selected entries.
Eliminate “System Alert! Add Extension” threat
If you are tired of forced redirects to suspicious websites and want to get rid of fake system alerts for good, you should scan your computer with reputable anti-malware program and perform automatic “System Alert! Add Extension” removal.
However, if you have plenty of time or do not want to use additional software, you can opt for the manual elimination method. Thus, you need to investigate the system, look up for unknown programs and browser extensions that may have been recently installed.
The instructions below will help you to remove “System Alert! Add Extension” manually. Though, you have to be careful and follow each of the steps carefully.
You may remove virus damage with a help of ReimageIntego. 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 “System Alert! Add Extension” pop-up virus. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
Follow the steps below to find and delete adware program that is responsible for delivering “System Alert! Add Extension.” Make sure that any adware-related entries haven't been left on the system. Then check the list of Chrome's extensions and make sure that any unknown add-ons haven't been installed.
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 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)
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 Options.
- 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
Open Chrome's extensions. Carefully look through the list. If you find some unknown extensions that you do not remember installing, remove them immediately. There's no doubt that they are related to “System Alert! Add Extension” adware. Finally, reset the browser in order to get rid of tracking cookies and other virus-related components.
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 “System Alert! Add Extension” pop-up 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: ReimageIntego, 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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- ^ Jeremy Kirk. Malicious, malware-peddling ad campaigns are becoming trickier to detect. PCWorld. News, tips and reviews on PCs, Windows and more.
- ^ Novirus. NoVirus. The website about computer viruses and malware removal.