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Removal instructions for Files Downloader Assist adware-type extension

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

What is Files Downloader Assist?

Our researchers discovered the Files Downloader Assist browser extension while checking out suspicious websites. According to the extension's "official" promotional webpage, this piece of software is a download management tool. However, our inspection of Files Downloader Assist revealed that is adware. This browser extension runs intrusive advertisement campaigns and collects browsing-related data.

Files Downloader Assist adware asking for permissions

Files Downloader Assist adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of advertisements on visited webpages and/or other interfaces. The displayed ads endorse various scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive adverts can perform stealthy downloads/installations.

It must be mentioned 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 content's affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Advertising-supported software might need specific conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). Even if Files Downloader Assist does not display adverts – its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user privacy.

Furthermore, this rogue browser extension spies on users' browsing activity. Adware usually targets the following information: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, downloads, bookmarks, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The collected information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

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

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by Files Downloader Assist
Threat Type Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus
Browser Extension(s) Files Downloader Assist
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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Adware examples

We have inspected countless adware-type applications and browser extensions; Block Site AccessToday Weather, Block Access Site, and Page Links Loader are merely some of our latest finds.

Advertising-supported software usually looks harmless and useful. It entices users into download/installation with a broad range of functionalities. However, these features are rarely operational.

How did Files Downloader Assist install on my computer?

We acquired Files Downloader Assist from its "official" promotional page, and we found a deceptive site pushing this browser extension. Users typically enter such webpages via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, websites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

"Bundling" – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements – is also used to distribute advertising-supported software. Downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.

Adware is proliferated by intrusive adverts as well. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software before download/installation and/or purchase. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. It is just as important to treat installation with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, etc.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fake and malicious content typically appears ordinary and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look legitimate yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., adult-dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).

Should you keep encountering advertisements/redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Files Downloader Assist, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Screenshot of Files Downloader Assist adware's "official" promotional website:

Website promoting Files Downloader Assist adware

Screenshots of deceptive websites used to promote Files Downloader Assist adware:

Sample 1:

Deceptive website promoting Files Downloader Assist adware

Sample 2:

Deceptive website promoting Files Downloader Assist adware (2023-02-17)

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.

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 applications, 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 Files Downloader Assist adware using Combo Cleaner:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

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

Removing unwanted ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by files downloader assist, 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 unwanted 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 recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Removing unwanted ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

The presence of adware on a device can result in decreased browsing quality and system performance. This software is considered to be a privacy thread since it usually has data-tracking functionalities. Furthermore, adware displays ads that endorse deceptive/malicious content capable of causing severe issues, such as system infections, financial losses, etc.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to display advertisements on various interfaces (e.g., visited webpages, desktops, etc.). Additionally, some types may be capable of causing redirects and gathering private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs. Adware developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove Files Downloader Assist adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, even after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. These components may continue to run and cause problems. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate 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
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