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How to uninstall the Drinker adware-type application

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

What kind of app is Drinker?

Drinker is the name of a rogue application that our researchers discovered while inspecting dubious download webpages. This app is endorsed as a tool allowing users to set notifications (reminders) of when to drink water. However, our analysis of Drinker revealed that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware).

Drinker adware install folder

Drinker adware overview

Adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content (various advertisements) on visited websites and other interfaces.

The displayed ads endorse untrustworthy/dangerous sites and software, online scams, and even malware. Furthermore, some intrusive adverts can be triggered (by being clicked) to make downloads/installations without user consent.

It is pertinent to mention that any legitimate products encountered through these adverts are unlikely to be promoted by their developers. This endorsement is usually undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

It has to be mentioned that advertising-supported software may require specific conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, regardless of whether Drinker (or other adware) delivers advertisements - its presence on a system endangers device and user safety.

What is more, Drinker likely has data tracking abilities. Adware usually collects visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The gathered data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like Drinker on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by Drinker
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Supposed Functionality Setting water drinking reminders (notifications)
Detection Names (installer) Zillya (Adware.Alien.Win32.23), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Detection Names (app) Zillya (Adware.Alien.Win32.23), 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, 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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Adware examples

We have analyzed thousands of adware samples; Pop Out PlayerFine Video TuningBest Files Downloader, and Filmatory are merely some examples. This software usually appears ordinary and harmless. Users are enticed into download/installation with promises of "handy" functionalities, which are rarely operational.

How did Drinker install on my computer?

We downloaded Drinker from its "official" promotional webpage. Adware is also distributed via scam websites. Most users typically access these sites through redirects caused by mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, webpages using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Additionally, advertising-supported software is proliferated by intrusive advertisements. Once clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

"Bundling" - packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements - is used to spread adware as well. Download from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) increase the risk of permitting bundled content into the device.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software and downloading it from official and verified sources. Installation must be approached with caution. Therefore, we recommend reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive adverts look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).

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

Screenshot of Drinker adware's installation setup:

Drinker adware installer

Screenshot of the Drinker adware-type application:

Drinker adware app appearance

Screenshots of websites used to promote Drinker adware:

Website promoting Drinker adware Drinker adware-promoting website (2022-08-03)

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:

Drinker 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.

Drinker adware uninstall via Control Panel

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

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

Remove Drinker adware from Internet browsers:

At time of research, Drinker did not install its browser plug-ins on Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, however, it was bundled with other adware. Therefore, you are advised to remove all potentially unwanted browser add-ons from your Internet browsers.

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

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing Drinker  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 all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and remove them.

Removing Drinker ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by drinker, 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 Drinker 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 on "Extensions", in the opened window remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.

Removing Drinker ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with ads by drinker 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 drinker, 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 drinker 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. It is deemed to be a threat to user privacy, as this software usually has data tracking abilities. Adware-delivered ads promote harmful content that can cause severe problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display adverts on visited webpages and/or other interfaces. Additionally, this software may be capable of causing redirects to various websites and gathering private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs by endorsing various sites, products, services, etc. Adware developers can earn commissions from ad clicks, webpage visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove Drinker adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning devices and eliminating installed adware-type apps. It has to be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be effective. In some cases, even after the adware itself has been (manually) removed - various remnants (files) can stay hidden within the system. What is more, these components can continue running and causing issues. Hence, 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 Drinker QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by Drinker on your mobile device.
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