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How to eliminate the Fetchzilla adware-type browser extension

Also Known As: Ads by Fetchzilla
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What kind of software is Fetchzilla?

Fetchzilla is an adware-type browser extension that our researchers discovered while investigating suspicious websites. It is promoted as a tool that simplifies media (e.g., image) download off the Web. However, this extension runs intrusive advertisements instead. In other words, Fetchzilla feeds users with unwanted and deceptive ads.

Fetchzilla adware asking for permissions

Fetchzilla adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. This software displays ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces.

This third-party graphical content primarily promotes online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

It is worth mentioning that while legitimate content may be encountered via these advertisements – it is highly unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Advertising-supported software may require certain conditions to deliver intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if the Fetchzilla browser extension does not display adverts – its presence remains a threat to device and user safety.

Furthermore, Fetchzilla gathers sensitive information. Data of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, finance-related information, etc. The collected data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

To summarize, the presence of software like Fetchzilla on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by Fetchzilla
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Browser Extension(s) Fetchzilla
Supposed Functionality Tool for simplifying media download from the Internet.
Symptoms Seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing. Intrusive pop-up ads. Decreased Internet browsing speed.
Distribution Methods Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling).
Damage Decreased computer performance, browser tracking - privacy issues, possible additional malware infections.
Malware Removal (Windows)

To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner.
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Adware examples

We have examined thousands of adware samples; AdAssistantShop and WatchAuto Download, and One Click Pic are just a few of our latest finds.

Advertising-supported software usually appears genuine and offers a wide variety of "useful" functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

It must be stressed that even if a browser extension or an app operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did Fetchzilla install on my computer?

We acquired Fetchzilla from a deceptive software-promoting webpage. We also discovered this extension's "official" download page.

Users primarily access such webpages via redirects generated by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Advertising-supported software can be bundled with ordinary programs as well. The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps or sections, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

Additionally, adware is proliferated by intrusive adverts. Some of these advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/trustworthy sources. Installation must be approached with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.

Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements may look harmless – yet redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with ads/redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Fetchzilla, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Screenshot Fetchzilla adware's "official" promotional website:

Website promoting Fetchzilla adware

Screenshot of a deceptive website used to promote Fetchzilla adware:

Deceptive website promoting Fetchzilla adware

Instant automatic malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

Adware removal:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.

Windows 10 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.

Windows 7 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.

macOS (OSX) users:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.

Adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for any unwanted applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the unwanted applications, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove adware from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove Fetchzilla adware using Combo Cleaner:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing unwanted ads from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate "Fetchzilla" and all other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removing unwanted ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by fetchzilla, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing unwanted ads from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Removing unwanted ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with ads by fetchzilla removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, firefox menu icon in the opened menu, click Help.

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

removing adware from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

removing adware from safari step 2 - removing extensions

In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.

Optional method:

Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...

resetting safari step 1

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by fetchzilla, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

  • If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

declining installation of adware while downloading free software sampleCommonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.

Post a comment:
If you have additional information on ads by fetchzilla or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It displays advertisements that endorse content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software also tends to collect private information – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Primary functions can include displaying adverts on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering sensitive data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing various sites, products, applications, browser extensions, services, and so forth.

Will Combo Cleaner remove Fetchzilla adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning computers and eliminating detected adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. Since even after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) can stay hidden within the system. What is more, the remaining components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
Ads by Fetchzilla QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by Fetchzilla on your mobile device.
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