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Removal instructions for HTTP Error Decoder adware and the ads it displays

Also Known As: Ads by HTTP Error Decoder
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What kind of software is HTTP Error Decoder?

Our researchers discovered the HTTP Error Decoder browser extension while inspecting untrustworthy websites. It is promoted as a tool that eases navigation in error-prone sites.

After examining this rogue extension, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware). HTTP Error Decoder is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with unwanted and potentially malicious advertisements.

HTTP Error Decoder adware asking for permissions

HTTP Error Decoder adware overview

Adware runs intrusive advertisement campaigns. It displays ads (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, coupons, banners, surveys, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.

Note that this software might not run intrusive advert campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable (e.g., incompatible browser/system or user geolocation, specific sites not visited, etc.). However, regardless of whether HTTP Error Decoder delivers advertisements – it endangers device/user safety.

Not only does the third-party graphical content displayed by adware diminish the browsing experience and/or system performance, but it also promotes online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and malware. When clicked on, some intrusive adverts can even execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

It is pertinent to mention that while legitimate products or services may be encountered via these ads – they are 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 content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Furthermore, HTTP Error Decoder spies on users' browsing activity. Data of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, etc. The collected data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

To summarize, advertising-supported software like HTTP Error Decoder can cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by HTTP Error Decoder
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Browser Extension(s) HTTP Error Decoder
Supposed Functionality Tool that eases error-prone website navigation
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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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.

Adware examples

Errors ExplainedTab ClearSearch Center, and Your Errors Team are merely some examples of adware we have analyzed recently.

Software within this classification typically appears genuine and harmless. It also offers a wide variety of useful functionalities, which are rarely operational. It must be stressed that functional features are not a guarantee of a software's legitimacy or safety.

How did HTTP Error Decoder install on my computer?

We obtained HTTP Error Decoder from its "official" download webpage. In addition to such legitimate-looking pages, adware is promoted on scam websites.

Most visitors access these webpages via redirects generated by sites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with ordinary programs. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and treating installations with negligence (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.

Intrusive advertisements spread adware as well. Some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.

How to avoid installation of adware?

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

Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements may look ordinary/innocuous – however, they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).

In case of encounters with such adverts and/or redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with HTTP Error Decoder, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Official website used to promote HTTP Error Decoder adware:

Official website promoting HTTP Error Decoder adware

Deceptive website promoting HTTP Error Decoder adware:

Deceptive site used to promote HTTP Error Decoder

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 HTTP Error Decoder 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 "HTTP Error Decoder" 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 http error decoder, 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 http error decoder 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 http error decoder, 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:
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware-displayed ads endorse content that can cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can also decrease browsing quality and system performance. Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying adverts on various interfaces. Additionally, some types can also force-open webpages and gather sensitive information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, browser extensions, products, services, and so on.

Will Combo Cleaner remove HTTP Error Decoder adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential 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
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Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by HTTP Error Decoder on your mobile device.
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