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Removing the "Saving Files" browser extension and the ads it delivers

Also Known As: Ads by Saving Files
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is Saving Files?

Our researchers discovered the Saving Files browser extension while inspecting dubious software promoting websites. This piece of software is promoted as a download management tool. However, our analysis revealed that Saving Files operates as adware instead.

Saving Files adware asking for permissions

Saving Files adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. These adverts push online scams, unreliable/dangerous sites and software, and even malware. Additionally, when intrusive ads are clicked, some can perform downloads/installations without user consent.

Note that while legitimate content can be encountered via these advertisements - it is unlikely to be promoted by its actual developers. Instead, this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the product's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Adware may need certain conditions to operate as designed, e.g., compatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc. However, even if Saving Files does not deliver adverts - its presence endangers device/user safety.

This rogue browser extension is also capable of displaying spam browser notifications, which endorse likewise harmful content.

Furthermore, Saving Files collects private data. Targeted information may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The gathered information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of software like Saving Files on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by Saving Files
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Browser Extension(s) Saving Files
Supposed Functionality Download management 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 analyzed thousands of adware samples; Secure Audio RelayFLB MusicFree Game Loop, and Weather Forecast Online are merely some of our newest finds.

Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers "handy" functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.

How did Saving Files install on my computer?

We acquired Saving Files from its "official" promotional webpage, and we found a scam site endorsing it. Most users enter these websites via redirects caused by pages that use rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

Additionally, advertising-supported software can be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) increase the risk of inadvertently permitting bundled content into the system.

Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. When installing, it is important to read terms, inspect possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.

We recommend being cautious when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive advertisements look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

If you experience ads/redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Saving Files, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Screenshot of Saving Files adware's "official" promotional website:

Website promoting Saving Files adware

Screenshot of a deceptive website used to promote Saving Files adware:

Deceptive website promoting Saving Files adware

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:

Saving Files 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.

Saving Files adware uninstall via Control Panel

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

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

Remove Saving Files adware from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove Saving Files adware using Combo Cleaner:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing Saving Files 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 "Saving Files" and all other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removing Saving Files ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by saving files, 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 Saving Files 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 and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate "Saving Files" and all other recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Removing Saving Files ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with ads by saving files 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 saving files, 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 saving files 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 delivers ads that promote deceptive and malicious content, which can lead to privacy issues, system infections, financial losses, etc. Furthermore, this software is considered to be a threat to user privacy, as it usually has data tracking functionalities.

What does adware do?

Adware operates by displaying ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some types can force-open sites and collect private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Most of the profit comes from various affiliate programs. Adware developers may earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove Saving Files adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed - various files remain within the system. What is more, the remnants may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software 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 Saving Files QR code
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