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What is Adware.ConvertAd?

Adware.ConvertAd is a known form of adware, a type of malicious software that runs on your computer to display unwanted ads without your consent. Adware.ConvertAd is referred to as a web browser plug-in: it is installed without your knowledge as a plug-in or extension in your browser.

After installation, Adware.ConvertAd starts displaying unwanted ads when you browse the Internet with your browser. This type of adware does not just display ads, but can also redirect you to other malicious websites and constantly display annoying pop-up ads.

The most common methods by which Adware.ConvertAd can gain access to your browser are by accidentally clicking on “sponsored links”, installing legitimate software bundled with this type of adware, or installing an infected browser plugin or plugin. Adware.ConvertAd can also infect your computer if you open an email attachment or download a program already infected by Adware.ConvertAd.

Once your computer is infected by Adware.ConvertAd, it will immediately start behaving in a malicious manner. Along with displaying unsolicited advertisements, Adware.ConvertAd may ask you to install fake software updates or submit your personal and sensitive information for collection.

At the same time, adware like Adware.ConvertAd can also change your browser settings. It is common for browsers infected by Adware.ConvertAd to change their default settings in an unwanted way. In extreme cases, Adware.ConvertAd can cause very serious damage to your system by manipulating the Windows registry and security settings on your computer.

Details of Adware.ConvertAd

  • Name of adware: Adware.ConvertAd
  • Risk level: Means, medium
  • File length: Unknown
  • Subtype: Adware
  • Category: Adware

What is adware?

Adware is a software application that displays advertisements while a program is running. Advertisements are provided through pop-up windows or bars that appear within the program's user interface. Adware is often created for computers, but it can also be found on mobile devices. The rationale behind adware is that it helps cover program development costs for the software developer and lower or eliminate costs for the user.

Adware generates revenue for its developer by automatically displaying business promotion in the software's user interface or on a screen that appears on the user's face throughout the installation procedure. Plus you can open new tabs, see a change to your home page, see the results of a search engine you've never heard of, or even be redirected to an NSFW web portal.

How did Adware.ConvertAd get on my computer?

Adware.ConvertAd is sometimes bundled into free software (Freeware) that a user has downloaded from somewhere. After installation, the user has the option of continuing to use the software as is with commercial promotion or to purchase a version of the software without commercial promotion.

Software makers pay for ads to appear when you search for certain software. These ads will lead you to download software that may not even install the software you are looking for, but you will still get adware. So while you think all you get is decent free software, you really get a lot of ads.

Along with replacing the ads with its own and taking money from search engines, the adware will also come up with even more questionable offers, like asking you to install an “update” for Adobe Flash. All this for something that the customer can download for free from the right site. None of the proceeds go to the free software developer; in reality, their status has probably been damaged.

What are the symptoms of Adware.ConvertAd?

If you suspect that your computer is infected with adware, look for any of the following signs:

  • Your browser suddenly runs slower than before and / or crashes very frequently.
  • Banners and advertisements appear on sites they have never had before.
  • Your home page has changed in some way and you cannot reset it.
  • Every time you want to visit a web portal, you will be redirected to a different page.
  • You will notice new toolbars, plugins or extensions in your browser.
  • Clicking anywhere on the page will open one or more pop-up windows.
  • Your computer starts installing unwanted applications without your permission.

How to remove Adware.ConvertAd?

Disconnect from the Internet

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Close all open applications and browser windows (including email), then disconnect your computer from the Internet.
If you are connected to the Internet via an Ethernet cable, the easiest way to disconnect is to basically remove the cable from your computer.
If you are connected via Wi-Fi

For Windows 10:

  1. When searching, type "Network Connections" and select "Show Network Connections". Identify the connection that you want to disable.
  2. Right-click on the connection and select Disable / Enable.

For Windows 8:

  1. Press the Windows button to launch the start interface, then type wirelessly.
  2. Click Settings to display a list of wireless settings.
  3. Click Enable or disable wireless communication.

Uninstall any malicious programs from Windows

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In this step, we will try to identify and delete any malware that may be installed on your computer.

  1. Go to "Programs and Features".
  2. Find the malware and uninstall it.
  3. The Programs and Features screen displays a list of all the programs installed on your computer. Scroll down the list until you find the malware, then click on it to highlight it, then click on the "Uninstall" button that appears on the top toolbar.
  4. Follow the instructions on the screen to uninstall the program.

In the next message box, confirm the uninstallation procedure by clicking Yes, then follow the instructions to uninstall the program.

Clean Adware.ConvertAd from your browser

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Even if the previous step worked for you, it is likely that the adware has already infected your browser and uninstalling the program will not remove the ads. To clean up the browser, basically restart your search engine (if it has changed) and look for extensions or add-ons that it doesn't recognize.

To reset the search engine:

  • Go to your browser settings and look for the search header. It should be in the general section.
  • From the drop-down menu, select the search engine you want to clean (for example, Google).

To search for an adware extension or add-on, I recommend that you use a third-party tool that displays all the extensions and add-ons from all your browsers in one window, including the hidden ones.

Use an anti-spyware program

In conclusion, you surely need a anti-spyware program that works in the background on your computer. Requires a program that can detect and intercept spyware when it tries to access your computer; it should also be able to scan your computer for existing spyware and isolate it. Be sure to keep your anti-spyware program up-to-date with new daily or weekly "definition files" to keep it working effectively. You never want to leave your computer unprotected and exposed to spyware or adware.

R Marketing Digital