Top Files Downloader extension can start spamming users with annoying pop-ups
Top Files Downloader is a browser extension that has adware[1] capabilities. It can cause an increased amount of commercial content, like pop-ups, banners, and redirects, even when the browser is closed. However, it is promoted as a handy tool that helps users download files online. There should be no need to say that the application does not provide any benefits.
Such tools are created by crooks who want to generate revenue from pay-per-click advertising. The problem is, that they might be using rogue advertising networks[2] that place ads leading to dangerous websites. People can end up on scam pages that try to trick them into providing personal information, downloading PUPs (potentially unwanted programs),[3] and even malware.
| NAME | Top Files Downloader |
| TYPE | Adware |
| SYMPTOMS | Annoying pop-ups and other types of advertisements start appearing on the screen |
| DISTRIBUTION | Shady websites, deceptive ads, freeware installations |
| DANGERS | Links embedded in the ads might lead to dangerous websites |
| ELIMINATION | Eliminate the extension through your browser settings; scanning the machine with anti-malware tools is recommended |
| FURTHER STEPS | Use FortectIntego to get rid of any remaining damage and to optimize the machine |
Distribution methods
Usually, bogus browser extensions are spread on shady sites. Crooks use social engineering[4] methods to trick people into believing they are getting a good tool or sometimes the extensions are disguised as completely different programs. Most often users use unsafe download sources and unknowingly install something they did not intend to.
We recommend using official web stores. Apps that get listed there go through an extensive review process. However, you should still do your research – read the reviews, look at the ratings, and the number of users. It is best to pick plugins that have plenty of positive feedback and thousands of users.
Beware of claims that seem too good to be true. If an add-on is claiming that it can increase your download speed, it is false because the download speed depends on your Internet connection. You should also read the descriptions fully as fraudsters often make spelling and grammar mistakes.
Protect your privacy
Almost all websites and web applications nowadays require you to accept cookies. Because you experienced pop-up spam without knowing, there is a big chance you were browsing through questionable sites that could still be tracking your browsing activity.
Cookies can store data such as the websites you visit, links you click on, things you type in the search, and what you purchase online. It can alter be sold to advertising networks or other third parties. We recommend using a repair tool like FortectIntego, which can automatically clear your browsers from cookies and cache, clear up space, fix corrupted files, system errors and optimize the performance of the device
Remove Top Files Downloader adware
Top Files Downloader adware can be removed by going to the browser settings and looking at the extension list. We recommend removing plugins one by one to see if you notice any changes.
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.
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.
MS Edge (Chromium)
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions 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 unwanted plugin and click Remove.
Safari
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- In the new window, pick Extensions.
- Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.
Freeware distribution platforms
It is not rare for people to look for applications to install for free which would normally cost money. Many users like to use freeware distribution platforms. However, the owners of these sites often include additional programs in the installers that monetize user activity. You should always pay attention during the installation process.
Choose “Custom” or “Advanced” installation methods, read the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. The most important is to check the file list and untick the boxes next to any unrelated applications. Even though it might get costly, you should always download apps from official sources. You may save in the long run by keeping your system secure and running smoothly.
Scan your system with anti-malware tools
If you completed all the previous steps but you still experience unwanted symptoms, you should check your system for other PUAs. We suggest using SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes anti-malware tools that will scan your machine, eliminate it, and prevent such infections in the future by giving you a warning before a PUP can make any changes.
Manual removal of potentially unwanted programs can sometimes result in the renewal of the infection as users often fail to eliminate all the related files and entries. Besides, crooks often disguise them as “handy” tools so it can be difficult to identify them. If manual removal is what you still prefer, we have instructions for Windows and Mac machines:
Windows 10/8:
- 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.
Windows 7/XP:
- 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.
Mac:
- 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.
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