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ExpressDirections Adware

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

What is ExpressDirections?

ExpressDirections is a rogue application that supposedly provides users with driving directions. Judging on appearance alone, ExpressDirections may seem legitimate and useful, however, this app is categorized as a potentially unwanted application (PUA) and a browser hijacker.

There are three main reasons for these negative associations: 1) stealth installation without users' consent; 2) display of intrusive advertisements, and; 3) tracking of browsing activity.

ExpressDirections adware

Following infiltration, ExpressDirections delivers banners, pop-ups, coupons, and other similar intrusive advertisements. To achieve this, developers use tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, delivered ads often conceal underlying content, significantly diminishing the browsing experience.

In addition, some intrusive advertisements might lead to infectious websites and execute scripts that download/install malware. Therefore, even a single accidental click can result in high-risk computer infections. This application is also designed to record information relating to browsing activity, which is common behavior to adware-type applications.

These apps usually gather Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, websites visited, pages viewed, queries entered into search engines, geo-locations, and other similar information. The data is likely to contain personal details that adware developers share with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) to generate revenue.

These people misuse private data to generate even more revenue. Therefore, the presence of an information-tracking app can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. For these reasons, ExpressDirections adware should be uninstalled immediately.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by ExpressDirections
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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ExpressDirections is virtually identical to hundreds of other adware-type applications, such as MyPersonalPDF, KraKraGames, Folder Share, BestMapFinder, etc. As with ExpressDirections, these applications also offer useful functions, however, these claims are merely attempts (which are often successful) to trick users to install.

These applications have just one purpose: to generate revenue for the developers. Therefore, most provide no real value for regular users, deliver intrusive advertisements, and gather information, thereby posing a direct threat to your privacy and browsing safety.

How did ExpressDirections install on my computer?

ExpressDirections is available for download on its official website, however, many users install this app inadvertently, since developers proliferate it using the "bundling" method and the aforementioned intrusive advertisements. "Bundling" is essentially stealth installation of third party apps together with regular software.

Developers are not honest enough to adequately disclose installation of third party applications, and thus all are hidden within "Custom/Advanced" settings (or other sections) of the download/installation processes.

Furthermore, many users often rush these processes, skip steps, and click advertisements. This often leads to inadvertent installation of third party apps, such as ExpressDirections.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

The main reasons for computer infections are careless behavior and lack of knowledge of these threats. Caution is the key to computer safety. Pay attention when browsing the internet and downloading/installing software.

Bear in mind that intrusive advertisements usually seem legitimate, since developers invest many resources into their design, however, they often redirect to dubious websites, such as gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc. If you continually encounter such ads, immediately remove all dubious applications and browser plug-ins.

Furthermore, download apps from official sources only, using direct download links. Third party download/installation tools are typically monetized using the "bundling" method (by promoting PUAs). Therefore, these tools should never be used. Carefully analyze each step of the download/installation processes using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings.

Opt-out of additionally-included programs and decline offers to download/install them. If your computer is already infected with ExpressDirections, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this 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:
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Quick menu:

ExpressDirections 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.

ExpressDirections adware uninstall via Control Panel

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

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

Remove ExpressDirections adware from Internet browsers:

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

Internet Explorer logoRemove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Removing ExpressDirections 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 "ExpressDirections", select this entry and click "Remove".

Removing ExpressDirections ads from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by expressdirections, 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 ExpressDirections  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 "ExpressDirections", select this entry and click the trash can icon.

Removing ExpressDirections ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by expressdirections, 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 ExpressDirections 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 "ExpressDirections".

Removing ExpressDirections ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with ads by expressdirections 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 expressdirections, 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 expressdirections 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.

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