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Xtex Adware

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

What is Xtex?

Xtex is presented as an application that offers useful tools and features, however, it is also known as an adware-type app and a potentially unwanted application (PUA). This type of app is often installed unintentionally, delivers intrusive ads, and collects information.

Xtex-homepeidzas

Once installed, Xtex delivers intrusive ads such as coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups, etc. As a rule, these are displayed using tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site and conceal underlying content. Intrusive ads are annoying and, this case, might lead to untrustworthy websites (potentially malicious websites).

Furthermore, some run scripts that download and install potentially unwanted applications and malware. Do not click them, since this could result in high-risk computer infections. Xtex also collects data that often includes IP addresses, search queries, keystrokes, visited websites, geo-locations, etc.

It is very likely that some of the gathered data will also include personal or sensitive information that is shared with third parties (potentially cyber criminals). This is how PUAs developers generate revenue.

By sharing the collected data, Xtex developers cause various privacy issues and even and identity theft. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you uninstall this adware immediately.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by Xtex
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
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), fake flash player installers.
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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There are many adware applications similar to Xtex on the Internet (for example PQwick, Media Player 1004, and Screen Recorder) that share an identical goal - to generate revenue by collecting and sharing data, and delivering various intrusive ads. Users are often tricked into downloading them when developers promote these apps by offering "useful" tools or features.

In fact, few apps such as Xtex deliver the functionality promised or provide any real value for regular users. It is more likely that adware-type apps of this kind will cause privacy, browsing safety, and other issues.

How did Xtex install on my computer?

Some potentially unwanted applications can be downloaded from their official websites, however, research shows that Xtex is usually installed when developers use a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" - stealth installation of potentially unwanted applications together with free third party software.

Installation of PUAs are not properly disclosed - software developers hide these bundled applications in "Custom", "Advanced" settings (or other similar options) of the installation processes. In some cases, PUAs are installed via intrusive advertisements.

Most users install potentially unwanted applications such as Xtex when they skip installation steps without checking the settings/options, or they click intrusive and untrustworthy ads.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

To avoid installation of PUAs such as Xtex, download software from official and trustworthy sources (websites) and use direct links. Avoid using torrents (or other third party software downloaders), since they often are monetized by promoting potentially unwanted applications.

Do not skip the installation steps and check all available settings such as "Custom", "Advanced" and other settings of the installation process. Deselect additional (potentially unwanted) offers and only then finish the installation.

If clicking an advertisement caused an unwanted redirect to pornography, adult dating, gambling or another untrustworthy website, close it and eliminate (uninstall) all unwanted programs from your computer or extensions, add-ons, and plug-ins from your web browser.

Bear in mind that not all ads displayed on the Internet are legitimate. Cyber criminals invest time and money into intrusive/untrustworthy ad design. They often seem legitimate and tempting to click. If your computer is already infected with Xtex, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Screenshot of deceptive free software installer distributing Xtex:

Xtex third-party installer

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:

Xtex 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.

Xtex adware uninstall via Control Panel

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

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

Remove Xtex adware from Internet browsers:

At time of research, Xtex did not install its browser plug-ins on Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, however, it was bundled with other adware. Therefore, you are advised to remove all potentially unwanted browser add-ons from your Internet browsers.

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

Internet Explorer logoRemove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Removing Xtex 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 any recently-installed suspicious browser extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removing Xtex ads from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by xtex, 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 Xtex  ads from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and remove them.

Removing Xtex ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by xtex, 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 Xtex 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 on "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.

Removing Xtex ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with ads by xtex 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 xtex, 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 xtex 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
Ads by Xtex QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by Xtex on your mobile device.
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