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Ads by Related Program

Also Known As: Related Program adware
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is Related Program?

Developed by SuperWeb LLC, Related Program is a dubious application that falsely claims to enable a number of 'valuable functions' that will supposedly improve users' web browsing experience. "We're passionate about improving web by providing the best tools to enhance the browsing experience, from searching the web to comparing online deals to find the best prices.

We've combined all of our great ideas into the Related Program product suite, a FREE set of tools that work to make your browsing experience... better!" On initial inspection, this application may seem legitimate and even useful, however, due to rogue behavior, Related Program is classed as adware and a potentially unwanted program (PUP).

One of the main reasons for these negative associations is stealth installation without users' consent. In addition, Related Program delivers intrusive online advertisements and continually gathers various information relating to Internet browsing activity.

Related Program adware

After system infiltration, pop-up, banner, coupon, price comparison, full-page, transitional, interstitial, and many other ads are generated. To achieve this, SuperWeb LLC employs a 'virtual layer' - a tool that enables placement of third party graphical content on any site.

None of these ads originate from users' visited websites and conceal underlying content, significantly diminishing the web browsing experience. In addition, these advertisements often redirect to malicious websites often containing infectious content - clicking them risks further adware or malware infections.

Furthermore, users' web browsing activity is continually monitored, since Related Program records IP addresses, website URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, unique identifier numbers, and other similar data types.

Initially, this data might seem insignificant, however, it will contain personally identifiable details that SuperWeb LLC shares with third parties (who are likely to misuse private data to generate revenue). This behavior can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. Therefore, we strongly advise you to uninstall Related Program immediately.

Related Program Privacy Policy statement regarding data collection:

We only share or sell your non-public personal information with non-affiliated third parties when we believe doing so is permitted by you or authorized by this Privacy Policy. In addition, the Company may share your personal information with our parent, subsidiary or affiliate companies without restriction.

There are hundreds of PUPs that are identical to Related Program including Search Passage, HooplaSearch, and Browser Toolbox - these are just some examples from a long list also developed by SuperWeb LLC.

This company aims to generate as much revenue as possible. Neither Related Program, nor any other products from this company, provide any real value for regular users. These apps simply generate intrusive online advertisements and gather various user/system information.

How did Related Program install on my computer?

Research shows that SuperWeb LLC employs a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling' - stealth installation of potentially unwanted programs with regular software.

Many users skip download/installation steps. Aware of this, developers intentionally hide PUPs within the 'Custom/Advanced' settings. By carelessly skipping this section, users expose their systems to risk of various infections and threaten their privacy.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

Installation of potentially unwanted programs can be prevented by taking two simple steps. Firstly, closely analyze the download/installation processes, select 'Custom/Advanced' settings, and observe each step. Secondly, all offers to download/install additional programs should be declined and those already included, cancelled.

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Quick menu:

Related Program 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.

Related Program adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for "Related Program", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted program that causes Related Program ads, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove Related Program adware from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:

Internet Explorer logoRemove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Removing Related Program ads from Internet Explorer step 1

Click the "gear" icon Internet Explorer options icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for "Related Program", select this entry and click "Remove".

Removing Related Program ads from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the related program adware, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.

Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows XP

Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 7

Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.

Reseting Internet Explorer settings to default in Windows 8 - accessing

In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - Internet options advanced tab

Click the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - click the Reset button in the Internet options advanced tab

Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - confirm settings reset to default by clicking the reset button

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing Related Program  ads from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome options icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate "Related Program", select this entry and click the trash can icon.

Removing Related Program ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the related program adware, 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 plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing Related Program 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". Click "Extensions", in the opened window, remove "Related Program".

Removing Related Program ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with related program adware 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 related program adware, 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 related program adware or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

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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
Related Program adware QR code
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