WiseFolderLock ads. How to remove? (Uninstall guide)
Reasons to stay away from WiseFolderLock ads
WiseFolderLock is a potentially unwanted application[1] which is presented as a useful tool that might help to manage files. However, security experts have put it to adware category because of its negative features, such as an ability to infiltrate computers with the help of freeware, displaying intrusive and misleading ads, redirecting to questionable sites, and a possibility of data tracking. WiseFolderLock adware usually spreads and gets installed on the computers with the help of bundling. On the affected computer, its might start tracking user’s activity online in order to deliver personalized ads. Not only these ads might promote various products or offer discounts, but also provide fake notifications suggesting to install or update programs, such as Adobe Flash or Java.[2] However, we want to point out that such alters might be extremely dangerous and hide malware. In order to protect your computer, files and personal privacy, you should remove WiseFolderLock virus immediately. We highly recommending running a system scan with a professional anti-malware program, for instance, Reimage. It’s the quickest method to get rid of all adware-related components.
So-called WiseFolderLock virus is designed to generate revenue to the developers. This ad-supported program might display third-party commercial content and benefit of each user’s click. There’s no doubt that creators want to receive as many incomes as possible. As a result, they might flood affected web browser with tons of online ads. Usually, these ads inform about outdated software or detected malware. However, trusting them and agreeing to install software might end up with a malware attack. The problem is that WiseFolderLock ads might not be provided by the reliable sources. Authors of adware do not care about the credibility of their partners and what problems might cause redirect to one or another site. Third-party ads might be displayed on various safe websites that you frequently visit.[3] They might overlay original ads or cover necessary content, so they are more than annoying. What is more, ad-supported programs usually are capable of tracking users’ data to provide personalized ads. This trick helps to encourage people to click on advertisements because they look interesting and relatable. As you already know, trusting such commercial offers is not recommended. Thus, if you found increased amount of ads which has such labels as “Ads powered by XXX,” “Ads by XXX,” “Powered by XXX” or similarly, you should take care of your computer and perform the WiseFolderLock removal.
Questions about WiseFolderLock ads
Potentially dangerous WiseFolderLock redirect tendencies are the main reason why you should not hesitate and get rid of the adware. You might manage to stay away from these ads; however, you cannot avoid sudden redirects to third-party sites. This adware program is known to be capable of initiating redirects to affiliates’ websites when you start typing a web address or out of nowhere. As a result, you might end up on gaming, gambling, adult-themed or phishing[4] sites. Having adware installed on the device increases your chances to become a victim of any cyber crime.
Click 'Start -> Control Panel -> Programs and Features' (if you are 'Windows XP' user, click on 'Add/Remove Programs').
If you are 'Windows 10 / Windows 8' user, then right-click in the lower left corner of the screen. Once 'Quick Access Menu' shows up, select 'Control Panel' and 'Uninstall a Program'.
Right click on each of suspicious entries and select 'Uninstall'
Cick 'Go' and select 'Applications'
Click on every malicious entry and select 'Move to Trash'
Click on menu icon and select 'Manage add-ons'
Right click on each of malicious entries and select 'Disable'
Delete malicious URL, enter your desired domain name and click 'Apply' to save changes
Go to 'Advanced' tab and click on 'Reset' button. Now select 'Delete personal settings' and click on 'Reset' button again
Go to Settings and select 'Choose what to clear'
Select 'Clear' button
Open the start menu and select 'Task Manager'
Right-click 'Microsoft Edge' and select 'Go to details'
Select 'More details' if 'Go to details' option fails to show up
Find Microsoft Edge entries and select 'End Task'
Go to Microsoft Edge folder on your computer, right-click every entry and click 'Delete'
Find Windows PowerShell, right-click it and select 'Run as administrator'
Copy and paste a required command and press 'Enter'
Click on menu icon and select 'Add-ons'
Select 'Extensions' and look for malicious entries. Click 'Remove' to get rid of each of them
Click on menu icon and then on '?'. Select 'Troubleshooting Information'
Click on 'Reset Firefox' button for a couple of times
Click on menu icon. Select 'Tools' and 'Extensions'
Look for malicious entries and delete each of them by clicking on the Trash bin icon
When in 'Settings', select 'Manage search engines...'
Click 'X' to remove malicious URLs
When in 'Settings', scroll down to 'Reset browser settings' button and click on it
Click on 'Reset' button to complete your removal
Click on 'Safari' and select 'Preferences'
Go to 'Extensions' and uninstall malicious add-ons
Click on 'Safari' and select 'Reset Safari...'
Select all options and click on 'Reset' button
Adware distribution is based on bundling technique
The WiseFolderLock virus cannot attack computers alone because it’s not a technical virus. This potentially unwanted application spreads in the software bundle as an optional component. If users install freeware or shareware under quick or recommended settings, they might be installing not a single program but a bunch of third-party apps as well. Thus, WiseFolderLock hijack might occur when installing new programs incorrectly. In order to avoid additional programs,[5] you need to choose reliable sources for software downloads, read Privacy Policy and EULA, and choose Advanced/Custom installation settings. Using this setup, you need to look for the list of pre-selected optional downloads and untick them. Simple as that PUPs are stopped from entering the system
Getting rid of WiseFolderLock ads
In order to remove WiseFolderLock ads from the browser, you need to find and delete adware from the PC. Open a Programs list and look for suspicious applications that might be related to it. If you find something questionable, uninstall it immediately. The next removal step requires checking the list of browser extensions and removing unknown add-ons, extensions, plugins or toolbars. If you are willing to terminate adware manually, our prepared instructions below will guide you through. However, we recommend automatic WiseFolderLock removal option. Scanning computer with professional anti-malware/anti-spyware program helps to get rid of adware quicker and simpler.
You can remove WiseFolderLock automatically with a help of one of these programs: Reimage, Plumbytes Anti-MalwareWebroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus, Malwarebytes Anti Malware. We recommend these applications because they can easily delete potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.
To remove WiseFolderLock ads, follow these steps:
Uninstall WiseFolderLock from Windows systems
By following the steps below, uninstall all programs from the device that might be related to WiseFolderLock adware.
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Click Start → Control Panel → Programs and Features (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
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If you are Windows 10 / Windows 8 user, then right-click in the lower left corner of the screen. Once Quick Access Menu shows up, select Control Panel and Uninstall a Program.
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Uninstall WiseFolderLock and related programs
Here, look for WiseFolderLock or any other recently installed suspicious programs. -
Uninstall them and click OK to save these changes.
Eliminate WiseFolderLock from Mac OS X system
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If you are using OS X, click Go button at the top left of the screen and select Applications.
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Wait until you see Applications folder and look for WiseFolderLock or any other suspicious programs on it. Now right click on every of such entries and select Move to Trash.
Get rid of WiseFolderLock from Internet Explorer (IE)
Follow the instructions to fix Internet Explorer after the hijack.
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Remove dangerous add-ons
Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top right corner of the browser and choose Manage Add-ons. -
You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for WiseFolderLock and other suspicious plugins. Disable these entries by clicking Disable:
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Change your homepage if it was altered by virus:
Click on the gear icon (menu) on the top right corner of the browser and select Internet Options. Stay in General tab. -
Here, remove malicious URL and enter preferable domain name. Click Apply to save changes.
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Reset Internet Explorer
Click on the gear icon (menu) again and select Internet options. Go to Advanced tab. - Here, select Reset.
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When in the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset again to complete WiseFolderLock removal.
Delete WiseFolderLock ads from Microsoft Edge
If Microsoft Edge is installed on your PC, you should take care of it by following these steps:
Reset Microsoft Edge settings (Method 1):
- Launch Microsoft Edge app and click More (three dots at the top right corner of the screen).
- Click Settings to open more options.
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Once Settings window shows up, click Choose what to clear button under Clear browsing data option.
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Here, select all what you want to remove and click Clear.
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Now you should right-click on the Start button (Windows logo). Here, select Task Manager.
- When in Processes tab, search for Microsoft Edge.
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Right-click on it and choose Go to details option. If can’t see Go to details option, click More details and repeat previous steps.
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When Details tab shows up, find every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right click on each of them and select End Task to end these entries.
Resetting Microsoft Edge browser (Method 2):
If Method 1 failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method.
- Note: you need to backup your data before using this method.
- Find this folder on your computer:
C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe. -
Select every entry which is saved on it and right click with your mouse. Then Delete option.
- Click the Start button (Windows logo) and type in window power in Search my stuff line.
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Right-click the Windows PowerShell entry and choose Run as administrator.
- Once Administrator: Windows PowerShell window shows up, paste this command line after PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> and press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml -Verbose}
Once these steps are finished, WiseFolderLock should be removed from your Microsoft Edge browser.
WindowsMac OS XInternet ExplorerMicrosoft EdgeFirefoxGoogle ChromeSafariRemove WiseFolderLock from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
From the list of Mozilla’s extensions, uninstall all entries that might be responsible for delivering WiseFolderLock ads. Then reset the browser in order to delete all adware-related entries.
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Remove dangerous extensions
Open Mozilla Firefox, click on the menu icon (top right corner) and select Add-ons → Extensions. -
Here, select WiseFolderLock and other questionable plugins. Click Remove to delete these entries.
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Reset Mozilla Firefox
Click on the Firefox menu on the top left and click on the question mark. Here, choose Troubleshooting Information. -
Now you will see Reset Firefox to its default state message with Reset Firefox button. Click this button for several times and complete WiseFolderLock removal.
Erase WiseFolderLock from Google Chrome
Look through the list of extension. Do you see some strange and unknown apps? If yes, uninstall them immediately. Then reset Google Chrome in order to delete WiseFolderLock virus entirely.
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Delete malicious plugins
Open Google Chrome, click on the menu icon (top right corner) and select Tools → Extensions. -
Here, select WiseFolderLock and other malicious plugins and select trash icon to delete these entries.
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Click on menu icon again and choose Settings → Manage Search engines under the Search section.
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When in Search Engines..., remove malicious search sites. You should leave only Google or your preferred domain name.
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Reset Google Chrome
Click on menu icon on the top right of your Google Chrome and select Settings. -
Scroll down to the end of the page and click on Reset browser settings.
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Click Reset to confirm this action and complete WiseFolderLock removal.
Uninstall WiseFolderLock from Safari
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Remove dangerous extensions
Open Safari web browser and click on Safari in menu at the top left of the screen. Once you do this, select Preferences. -
Here, select Extensions and look for WiseFolderLock or other suspicious entries. Click on the Uninstall button to get rid each of them.
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Reset Safari
Open Safari browser and click on Safari in menu section at the top left of the screen. Here, select Reset Safari.... -
Now you will see a detailed dialog window filled with reset options. All of those options are usually checked, but you can specify which of them you want to reset. Click the Reset button to complete WiseFolderLock removal process.
About the author
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References
- ^ Potentially unwanted application. Glossary by Symantec. The official website of the Symantec.
- ^ Topher Kessler. Beware of fake Java updates. CNET. Product reviews, how-tos, deals and the latest tech news.
- ^ Julia Kukiewicz. Why do ads follow me around the web?. Choose. The price comparison website.
- ^ Margaret Rouse. Phishing. TechTarget. Includes tips, webcasts, and other advice in a variety of focused enterprise technology channels.
- ^ Here Is How To Download And Install Software Safely Forever (Part 1). SecurityGladiators. Cyber security news, reviews and how to guidelines.