How to remove the "Whats This Error" adware-type browser extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of software is Whats This Error?
While investigating dubious websites, our researchers discovered the Whats This Error browser extension. It is promoted as a tool that provides information regarding online errors.
Upon examination, we determined that this extension operates as advertising-supported software (adware). Whats This Error runs intrusive advertisement campaigns and spies on users' browsing activity.
Whats This Error adware overview
Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising. Typically, software within this category displays third-party graphical content (advertisements) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
These ads predominantly endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform sneaky downloads/installations.
It is noteworthy that while genuine products/services may be encountered via these ads – they are unlikely to be promoted by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers motivated to acquire illegitimate commissions by abusing the content's affiliate programs.
Advertising-supported software might not deliver intrusive advert campaigns if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, regardless of whether Whats This Error displays advertisements – it remains a threat to device and user safety.
Data-tracking functionalities are standard for adware, and Whats This Error is not an exception. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, browser cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The collected information can be monetized via sale to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like Whats This Error on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Whats This Error |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Whats This Error |
| Supposed Functionality | Quick access to information concerning online errors. |
| 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). |
| 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. |
Adware examples
Simple Video Downloader, BeachBall Jump, Omni Ad Stopper, and Error Director are just some examples of adware we have investigated recently. Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers various features. However, these functionalities rarely work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be mentioned that even if a browser extension or application operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did Whats This Error install on my computer?
Whats This Error has an "official" promotional webpage. We also found a deceptive site pushing this extension. Adware-endorsing pages are primarily accessed via redirects generated by websites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, mistyped URLs, and spam browser notifications.
Furthermore, advertising-supported supply can be bundled with ordinary programs. The threat of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).
Some intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked. These ads are also used to proliferate adware.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy channels. When installing, it is essential to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be cautious when browsing, as fraudulent and dangerous online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements may look innocuous – however, they redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Whats This Error, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of Whats This Error adware's "official" promotional website:
Screenshot of a deceptive website used to promote Whats This Error 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:
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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:
- What is Whats This Error?
- STEP 1. Uninstall adware applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue extensions from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Adware removal:
Windows 11 users:
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:
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:
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:
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.
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 potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate "Whats This Error" and all other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by whats this error, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the 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.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(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".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by whats this error removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
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...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge 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.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by whats this error, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
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.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
Commonly, 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.
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If you have additional information on ads by whats this error or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It displays advertisements that endorse content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Adware is also deemed to be a privacy threat since it usually gathers sensitive data.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. Typically, adware operates by displaying advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some types can generate redirects and collect private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue through content promotion. Its developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Whats This Error adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate all adware-type applications installed. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security programs) might be ineffective. After the adware has been manually removed – various file remnants can stay hidden within the system. What is more, these components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
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