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How to eliminate Convert Files 4 Free adware and the ads it displays?

Also Known As: Ads by Convert Files 4 Free
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is Convert Files 4 Free?

Convert Files 4 Free is an advertising-supported browser extension. It promises to convert files formats, yet it also operates by running intrusive ad campaigns and spying on users' browsing activity. Due to the dubious methods used to distribute adware-type products, they are categorized as PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications).

Convert Files 4 Free adware asking for data-related permissions

Convert Files 4 Free adware overview

Adware like Convert Files 4 Free can display various intrusive ads (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, etc.) on any visited website. The delivered advertisements seriously diminish the browsing experience and endanger device/user safety. These adverts promote sale-based, untrustworthy, rogue, deceptive/scam, and malicious sites. Furthermore, some intrusive ads are capable of infiltrating software (e.g., PUAs) into systems - once clicked.

What is more, Convert Files 4 Free has data tracking abilities. Adware usually monitors browsing activity and gathers vulnerable information extracted from it (e.g., IP addresses, personally identifiable details, etc.). The collected data is monetized by being shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

To summarize, unwanted software can cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by Convert Files 4 Free
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Browser Extension(s) Convert Files 4 Free
Supposed Functionality File format conversion
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.

Adware in general

TravelBookDark placeBrowser GuardAuto Ad Skipper, and MinePass are some examples of adware. This software appears legitimate and offers "handy" features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.

This is true of practically all PUAs. Instead of delivering on any promises, unwanted apps can run intrusive ad campaigns, cause redirects, hijack browsers, and collect sensitive data.

How did Convert Files 4 Free install on my computer?

Select PUAs (e.g., Convert Files 4 Free) have "official" promotional/download pages. Intrusive adverts distribute these applications as well. Once clicked on, the ads can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations. PUAs are commonly spread through the "bundling" technique - packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious additions. Rushed downloads/installations increase the risk by allowing bundled content into the device.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

It is advised to research software and download from official/verified sources. Untrustworthy download channels, e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc. - often offer bundled/dangerous content.

When downloading/installing, it is recommended to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out from all additions. Intrusive adverts look legitimate, yet they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

In case of encounters with such advertisements and/or redirects, the system must be checked and all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed from it. If your computer is already infected with Convert Files 4 Free, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Screenshot of an advertisement displayed by Convert Files 4 Free adware:

Advert delivered by Convert Files 4 Free adware

Screenshot of the website used to promote Convert Files 4 Free adware:

Convert Files 4 Free adware promoting website

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:

Convert Files 4 Free 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.

Convert Files 4 Free adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for "Convert Files 4 Free", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes Convert Files 4 Free ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove Convert Files 4 Free adware from Internet browsers:

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

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing Convert Files 4 Free  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 "Convert Files 4 Free", select this entry and click the trash can icon.

Removing Convert Files 4 Free ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by convert files 4 free, 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 plugins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing Convert Files 4 Free 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 "Convert Files 4 Free".

Removing Convert Files 4 Free ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with ads by convert files 4 free 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 convert files 4 free, 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 convert files 4 free or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. This software usually has data tracking functionalities, which make it a threat to user privacy. This applies to Convert Files 4 Free as well. Furthermore, the ads displayed by adware - can be deceptive/malicious and cause other serious problems.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software - it is designed to feed users with various advertisements. The ads can be displayed on any visited website and/or different interfaces.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue primarily via affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, products, etc. The developers of this software may earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove Convert Files 4 Free adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate adware-type applications installed. It is noteworthy that manual removal might not be thorough enough. In some cases, despite the software itself being eliminated - leftover files stay hidden within the system. What is more, the remnants can continue running and causing issues.

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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 Convert Files 4 Free QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by Convert Files 4 Free on your mobile device.
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