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SysMenu.dll Virus

Also Known As: SysMenu.dll adware infections
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is SysMenu.dll virus?

If a RunDLL pop-up window appears regularly and states that there was a problem starting the "SysMenu.dll" (dynamic-link library) file, it is likely that the computer is infected with adware (advertising-supported software). Apps of this type collect various user-system information and deploy advertisements. This particular adware is installed with the YTDownloader program.

SysMenu.dll virus adware

Adware-type programs feed users with intrusive advertisements such as coupons, banners, surveys, pop-up ads, and other unwanted material. Generally, these ads conceal underlying content of visited websites and can be very annoying.

Furthermore, when clicked, most open untrustworthy websites or run scripts designed to download other potentially unwanted apps (PUAs), some of which gather browsing-related information such as users' geolocations, IP addresses, entered search queries, URLs of visited websites, and other similar details.

Developers of these apps share the gathered information with other parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse it to generate revenue. To avoid problems relating to privacy, browsing safety, or even identity theft, we recommend that you uninstall all adware-type apps immediately.

Threat Summary:
Name SysMenu.dll adware infections
Threat Type Threat detection name, Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus.
Detection Names (SysMenu.dll) Avast (Win32:UnwantedSig [PUP]), AVG (Win32:UnwantedSig [PUP]), ESET-NOD32 (a variant of Win32/SpeedBit.F potentially unwanted), Kaspersky (not-a-virus:AdWare.Win32.Shopper.and), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
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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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.

There are many examples of adware-type apps including BWplayer, PowerGamesNetwork, and AdsRemoved - AdBlocker & PopUp Blocker. Typically, they are presented as useful and legitimate applications, however, once installed, they only cause problems. They are designed to generate revenue for their developers and deliver no real value for regular users.

How did SysMenu.dll virus install on my computer?

As mentioned, this particular adware is installed with YTDownloader and developers promote it using the "bundling" method. Bundling is the inclusion of unwanted apps into set-ups of other software, however, this information is not properly disclosed - developers hide it in "Custom", "Advanced", and other settings.

If people download and install software without checking/changing settings, they also allow adware-type and other PUAs to be installed. Another way to cause unintentional downloads and installations is by clicking the aforementioned intrusive advertisements.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

Avoid using third party software downloaders, Peer-to-Peer networks such as torrent clients, eMule and other such tools, unofficial websites, and so on. The safest way to download software is using official websites and direct download links.

It is also important to check all available options (such as "Custom", "Advanced", "Manual", etc.) of software setups and opt-out of offers to install additionally-included PUAs. Additionally, avoid clicking intrusive ads (especially when visiting untrustworthy/dubious websites), since they cause redirects to dubious pages or download/installation of unwanted apps.

If you encounter intrusive ads or unwanted redirects, check the list of installed applications on your browser and uninstall all unwanted extensions, plug-ins, and add-ons immediately. The same applies to programs of this kind installed on the operating system.

If your computer is already infected with SysMenu.dll virus, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Screenshot of the YTDownloader installer setup that includes adware which causes the SysMenu.dll error:

installer of YTDownloaded that causes SysMenu.dll error

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:

SysMenu.dll virus 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.

SysMenu.dll virus adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for questionable/recently installed applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

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

Remove SysMenu.dll virus adware from Internet browsers:

At time of research, SysMenu.dll virus 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 SysMenu.dll virus 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 SysMenu.dll virus ads from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the sysmenu.dll adware infections, 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 SysMenu.dll virus  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 SysMenu.dll virus ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the sysmenu.dll adware infections, 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 SysMenu.dll virus 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 SysMenu.dll virus ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with sysmenu.dll adware infections 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 sysmenu.dll adware infections, 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.

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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.

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