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How to remove fake Google Docs extension

Also Known As: Unofficial Google Docs extension
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is Fake Google Docs Extension?

This application has nothing to do with the official, legitimate Google Docs extension. It is classified as adware and designed to promote various dubious websites. The initial redirects caused by this adware typically start with the "blob:https://p6vh.com" website which, in turn, redirects elsewhere.

The list of websites that this rogue extension redirects to also includes check.qualitychecker.net and ppae8oe4eku9.com. Additionally, after installation, this app adds the "Managed by your organization" feature to Chrome browsers. Research shows that this adware-type app is distributed using a 'cracking' tool designed to illegally activate licensed software.

fake google docs extension adware promotes shady page

More about the fake Google Docs extension

The main purpose of this fake Google Docs extension is to place invisible layers on visited websites. When unsuspecting users click anywhere on the website that has the layer placed on it, they are redirected to other dubious, potentially malicious websites.

For example, to pages that promote unwanted applications such as browser hijackers, other adware-type apps, or to rogue pages (similar to ahacdn[.]me, newscatch24[.]com, etc.) that promote other sites of this kind, contain dubious content, etc.

It is also possible that this fake Google Docs app might place layers designed to promote web pages that are used to trick people into installing malware (e.g., ransomware, Trojans), various scam pages, phishing sites, etc. Therefore, websites that are opened by browsers with this untrusted app installed cannot be trusted.

If this app is installed on the browser, remove it immediately. Note that this app could also be designed to collect various data. For example, IP addresses, addresses of visited websites, entered search queries, geolocations and other browsing data, and even private, sensitive details (e.g., passwords, credit card details).

Threat Summary:
Name Unofficial Google Docs extension
Threat Type Push notifications ads, Unwanted ads, Pop-up ads.
Detection Names (of the fake 'cracking' tool) Avast (Win32:Trojan-gen), BitDefender (Trojan.GenericKD.34805478), ESET-NOD32 (Multiple Detections), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-PSW.Win32.Fareit.gen), 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, unwanted applications (adware).
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.
▼ Download Combo Cleaner
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.

Examples of other advertising-supported apps

More examples of adware-type apps are Chromium Shield, Shop Together, and Product Connecter. Typically, they serve ads (e.g., coupons, banners, surveys, pop-up ads), however, adware-type apps including this fake Google Docs extension promote dubious pages via invisible layers, which they place on opened pages.

These rogue apps are designed only to generate revenue for the developers and can cause serious problems.

How did adware install on my computer?

This fake Google Docs extension is distributed via an executable file designed to install/launch a 'cracking' tool. Shady apps are commonly distributed by integrating them into the download and/or installation set-ups of other programs, so that a proportion of users inadvertently download and install them together with their chosen software.

This distribution method is known as "bundling". Offers to download and install additionally-included apps usually appear in "Advanced", "Custom" and other settings of the set-ups (where they can usually be declined). Many users fail to check and change these settings, thereby granting permission for unwanted apps to be downloaded and installed by default.

In addition, unwanted downloads and installations are sometimes caused by clicking deceptive advertisements capable of executing certain scripts.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

You are advised to download files and programs from official websites and via direct download links. Other tools and sources such as third party downloaders and installers, unofficial pages, and Peer-to-Peer networks (e.g., eMule, torrent clients) should not be used to download or install software.

Check all "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings (or available checkboxes) for offers to download and/or install unwanted apps. Do not click ads on dubious websites, since they can be designed to open bogus web pages or cause unwanted downloads and installations.

Remove any unwanted, suspicious extensions, plug-ins and add-ons installed on the browser, and software of this kind from the operating system. If your computer is already infected with rogue applications, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

To determine if the installed Google Docs extension is fake, please check its details carefully. The genuine extension is always available on the Chrome Web Store, unlike fake/malicious extensions.

Fake Google Docs Extension details

Invisible layer displayed by Fake Google Docs extension opens an untrustworthy web page (GIF):

fake google docs extension adware promotes rogue page

Invisible layer displayed by Fake Google Docs extension opens another untrustworthy web page (GIF):

fake google docs extension adware promotes untrustworthy page

Screenshot of the "Managed by your organization" feature added to Chrome:

fake google docs extension adds managed by your organization feature

Download website for a fake 'cracking' tool used to distribute an unofficial Google Docs adware-type extension:

fake google docs extension adware download website for a fake cracking tool

Another rogue Chrome extension ("d8yl+Hf7rX"), which behaves in an identical manner to fake Google Docs:

d8yl+Hf7rX rogue Chrome extension

Screenshot of an ad delivered by this extension:

Intrusive ad delivered by d8yl+Hf7rX rogue Chrome extension

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.

Fake Google Docs Extension 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 application that causes Fake Google Docs Extension redirects, 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 unwanted browser add-ons:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing Fake Google Docs Extension  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 the unofficial "Google Docs" extension or other recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and remove them.

Removing Fake Google Docs Extension ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the unofficial google docs extension, 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 Fake Google Docs Extension 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 all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.

Removing Fake Google Docs Extension ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with unofficial google docs extension 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 unofficial google docs extension, 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.

Internet Explorer logoRemove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Removing Fake Google Docs Extension 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 Fake Google Docs Extension ads from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the unofficial google docs extension, 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

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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If you have additional information on unofficial google docs extension or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

It can slow down a computer, diminish the web browsing experience (show annoying ads and open dubious pages), invade privacy, and cause other issues.

What does adware do?

Typically, adware shows unwanted (intrusive) advertisements. Additionally, it can hijack a web browser and gather information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Most adwar developers use adware to promote various products, websites or services. Usually, they earn money via affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will remove adware from the operating system. It will not leave any data belonging to adware. Pretty often, manual removal does not completely work. Therefore, we recommend using apps like Combo Cleaner to remove adware.

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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
Unofficial Google Docs extension QR code
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