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How to remove External Links Tool adware

Also Known As: Ads by External Links Tool
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What kind of application is External Links Tool?

We discovered the External Links Tool application after using an installer downloaded from a deceptive website, claiming that a browser extension may be outdated. After analyzing this app, we found that it generates ads (it functions as adware). Although, it is described as a tool that examines external links of domains.

External Links Tool pop-up redirects

External Links Tool in detail

While External Links Tool was present (added to our browser), it generated various advertisements. Those ads were promoting questionable websites and applications. It is important to mention that adware can generate ads used to promote various scams and other untrustworthy pages or even designed to cause unwanted downloads/installations.

Another problem with adware is that it can function as a browser hijacker - it can change the settings of a web browser. In such cases, adware/browser hijacker forces users to visit a certain address/use a fake search engine. It also keeps its settings unchangeable as long as it is present.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by External Links Tool
Threat Type Adware
Symptoms Your computer becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites.
Distribution methods Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads.
Damage Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information.
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.

More about adware

Adware can be capable of collecting browsing-related and even sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, etc. Depending on the gathered data, it may be misused to steal identities, hijack online accounts, make fraudulent purchases, etc.

More adware examples are SpeedTestMe, Adskip Love, Routes. It is worth mentioning that External Links Tool shares certain similarities with another app of this type called TikTok Finder.

How did adware install on my computer?

External Links Tool is distributed via a deceptive website, suggesting that an extension installed on a browser might be outdated. Another page used to promote this adware claims that its installation is recommended. It is very common for adware to be distributed via fake/deceptive installers. Also, adware can often be found bundled with other software. It is included in downloaders or installers as an extra offer.

Adware gets installed alongside other software when users install that software without changing "Advanced", "Custom", or other settings provided in the installer. Sometimes, adware gets downloaded or installed after clicking on an advertisement designed to run certain scripts.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Always check downloaders and installers that have ticked checkboxes or settings like "Custom", "Advanced", and deselect unwanted apps before finishing downloads and installations. Use official pages and direct links as sources for downloading files and software.

Do not trust advertisements displayed on pages related to adult dating, gambling, and similar sites. The same applies to fake "Download" or similar buttons. They can cause unwanted downloads/installations and open malicious sites. If your computer is already infected with rogue applications, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

Official page used to promote External Links Tool:

external links tool adware official page

Deceptive pages used to promote External Links Tool:

external links tool adware deceptive page used to promote adware external links tool adware deceptive download 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:

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.

External Links Tool 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, 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 External Links 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 "External Links Tool", and other suspicious browser add-ons and remove them.

Removing External Links Tool ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by external links 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 plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing External Links 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 all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.

Removing External Links Tool ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

In most cases, adware affects computer performance (a computer operates slower while adware is present), diminishes the Internet browsing experience. In some cases, software of this type can invade privacy.

What does adware do?

Adware generates pop-ups, banners, coupons, or other types of advertisements. Additionally, it can hijack a web browser and gather information about its user.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Typically, they use adware to promote various websites, services, products. The most popular way to monetize adware is to use affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove External Links Tool adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and remove adware from the operating system/browser. It is often difficult to remove adware manually because its components remain in the system even when adware itself is no longer present/installed. Apps like Combo Cleaner removes adware and other unwanted software without leaving any leftovers.

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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 External Links Tool QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by External Links Tool on your mobile device.
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Platform: Windows

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