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Removing HopStrem adware and the advertisements it displays

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

What is HopStrem?

While making a routine inspection of rogue websites, our researchers discovered a deceptive webpage promoting the HopStrem browser extension. It promises to improve users' browsing experience by removing pop-ups and other ads. After installing HopStrem onto our test machine, we determined that this piece of software operates as adware.

HopStrem adware asking data-related permissions

HopStrem adware overview

Adware may require certain conditions to be met to work (i.e., display advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces). For example, software of this kind may need the device/browser specs to be compatible with it or for users to visit specific sites (as the adware injects ads only into those pages).

Therefore, while HopStrem delivered ads during testing, it might not behave the same on other systems. Regardless, the presence of adware on devices endangers system/user safety.

The adverts displayed by adware typically endorse various scams, untrustworthy and harmful software, and even malware. Furthermore, some intrusive ads can be triggered (by being clicked) to download/install software stealthily.

It is noteworthy that any genuine products encountered through these advertisements are unlikely to be advertised in this manner by their developers. Instead, this promotion technique is primarily employed by scammers using affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

What is more, HopStrem requests permission to monitor users' browsing information. Adware usually has data tracking abilities and uses them to collect sensitive information (e.g., browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, etc.) with the goal of selling it to third-parties.

In summary, the presence of software like HopStrem on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by HopStrem
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Browser Extension(s) HopStrem
Supposed Functionality Adblocking tool
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 examples

We have researched thousands of adware samples; Tone, Esperanto Dictionary, Video Explorer, and InstaQuick are just a few of them. Advertising-supported software appears legitimate and offers "advantageous" features, which rarely work. Therefore, not only is it useless, but adware also endangers device/user safety.

How did HopStrem install on my computer?

We have downloaded HopStrem from a deceptive website, which we found while researching untrustworthy sites. However, we have noted several pages promoting HopStrem, including an "official" download webpage. Such websites can be accessed through mistyped URLs or redirects caused by others using rogue advertising networks, deceptive browser notifications, intrusive advertisements, or installed adware capable of force-opening pages.

Adware can infiltrate systems variously. Once clicked on, intrusive adverts can download/install software without user permission. "Bundling" - packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious additions - is also used to proliferate adware. Download from dubious channels and rushed installations - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software and downloading from official/verified channels. Untrustworthy sources, e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc. - commonly offer bundled software/media. We also advise treating installation processes with care, e.g., reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplements.

It is just as important to exercise caution when browsing since dubious/malicious content tends to look legitimate. For example, intrusive adverts appear innocuous yet redirect to questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

If you experience such advertisements/redirects, inspect your system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with HopStrem, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Screenshots of HopStrem adware's "official" promotional websites:

HopStrem adware promoting site 1 HopStrem adware promoting site 2

Appearance of the deceptive website used to promote HopStrem adware (GIF):

HopStrem adware promoting deceptive site appearance (GIF)

Screenshots of this deceptive site's pages:

HopStrem adware promoting deceptive website first page HopStrem adware promoting deceptive website second page

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:

HopStrem 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.

HopStrem adware uninstall via Control Panel

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

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

Remove HopStrem adware from Internet browsers:

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

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing HopStrem  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 "HopStrem", select this entry and click the trash can icon.

Removing HopStrem ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by hopstrem, 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 HopStrem 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 "HopStrem".

Removing HopStrem ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware can negatively affect browsing quality and system performance. This software (e.g., HopStrem) typically has data tracking functionalities, which make it a threat to user privacy. Adware-delivered ads can be deceptive/malicious and cause serious issues.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to enable the placement of adverts on visited websites and/or different interfaces.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

The primary sources of revenue for adware are affiliate programs through which it obtains commissions by promoting websites, software, products, services, and similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove HopStrem adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It is worth mentioning that manual removal is not always a perfect solution. Since even after the software itself is (manually) removed - various file leftovers might remain hidden in the system. Furthermore, these remnants can continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to remove adware thoroughly.

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