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How to eliminate Page Ranking Tool adware and the adverts it displays?

Also Known As: Ads by Page Ranking Tool
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is Page Ranking Tool?

Page Ranking Tool is an adware-type browser extension. This piece of software is endorsed as a tool allowing users to check a website's reputation. Due to the dubious methods used to distribute adware products, they are also categorized as PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications).

Page Ranking Tool adware asking data-related permissions

Page Ranking Tool adware overview

Adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, full-page, and other intrusive ads) - on any visited website and/or different interfaces. In addition to diminishing the browsing experience, this software also endangers device/user safety.

The displayed advertisements endorse various sale-oriented, rogue, deceptive/scam, and even malicious sites. Furthermore, when clicked on - some intrusive adverts can download/install software (e.g., PUAs) without user consent.

Page Ranking Tool like most adware-type products - can track data. The gathered information (e.g., browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, etc.) is monetized by being shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of unwanted software on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by Page Ranking Tool
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Browser Extension(s) Page Ranking Tool
Supposed Functionality Tool to check the reputation of visited websites
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

Rocket Speed Booster, Fast Dark, Cent Browser, and Prime Dark are some examples of adware. This software looks legitimate and offers "handy" functionalities, which are rarely operational.

In fact, this is true of nearly all PUAs. Unwanted apps have but one goal - to generate revenue at user expense. Therefore, instead of delivering only promises, PUAs can run intrusive ad campaigns, force-open unreliable and malicious sites, hijack browsers, and collect private information.

How did Page Ranking Tool install on my computer?

PUAs can be downloaded/installed together with other programs. This technique of packing regular software with various supplements - is called "bundling". Rushed downloads/installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.

Additionally, when clicked on, intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations. Some PUAs (e.g., Page Ranking Tool) also have "official" download webpages.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

It is advised to research software and download only from official/verified channels. Untrustworthy sources, e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - often offer bundled and harmful content.

Download/Installation processes must be approached with care; that entails - reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out from all additions. Intrusive adverts appear innocuous, yet they redirect to various questionable sites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).

If such ads/redirects are encountered, the system must be inspected and all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - removed immediately. If your computer is already infected with Page Ranking Tool, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Screenshot of a website promoting the Page Ranking Tool adware:

Page Ranking Tool adware promoting site

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:

Page Ranking Tool 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.

Page Ranking Tool adware uninstall via Control Panel

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

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

Remove Page Ranking Tool adware from Internet browsers:

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

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing Page Ranking Tool  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 "Page Ranking Tool", select this entry and click the trash can icon.

Removing Page Ranking Tool ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by page ranking tool, 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 Page Ranking Tool 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 "Page Ranking Tool".

Removing Page Ranking Tool ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with ads by page ranking tool 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 page ranking tool, 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 page ranking tool or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware can decrease system performance and negatively affect the browsing experience (e.g., overlay website content, slow down the browsing speed, etc.). This software is also considered to be a privacy threat, as it typically has data tracking functionalities. Furthermore, adware-delivered adverts can be deceptive/malicious and cause other serious problems.

What does adware do?

Adware or advertising-supported software is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, it displays ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers primarily generate profit from affiliated programs by endorsing various websites, applications, products, services, and similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove Page Ranking Tool adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning devices and eliminating installed adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, even after the software itself is (manually) deleted - leftover files remain within the system. Furthermore, such 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.

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