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UnknownFile Adware

Also Known As: UnknownFile PUP
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What is UnknownFile?

UnknownFile is presented as a legitimate application used for opening files of unknown types. This application may seem legitimate and useful, however, UnknownFile is classed as adware or a potentially unwanted program (PUP).

UnknownFile is distributed using a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling' (stealth installation of third party applications together with the chosen software), and therefore, users commonly install this adware together with free software downloadable on freeware download websites.

Following successful infiltration on Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox, UnknownFile generates various intrusive online advertisements. Clicking these ads can redirect you to various dubious websites containing infectious content, thereby exposing your computer to infection.

UnknownFile adware

Furthermore, this rogue application continually monitors and collects various information that may be personally identifiable including, for instance, Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, language, geographic location, operating system, etc. Tracking of personal information in this way can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft.

Be aware that UnknownFile is regular adware and similar or identical to other applications including HQ Video Pro, Coupoon, and Shop Time - these are just some examples from many applications distributed using the bundling method.

Adware-type apps such as UnknownFile claim to enable various useful features, however, their purpose is simply to generate revenue by the display of intrusive advertisements and sharing collected data with third parties. For these reasons, you are strongly advised to eliminate UnknowFile from your system immediately.

Research shows that UnknownFile, and many other adware applications, are distributed via small programs called 'installers' (also called 'download managers', 'download clients', etc.) on freeware download websites such as download.com, soft32.com, and softonic.com.

Installers are used to monetize these websites' traffic and free services by offering installation of third party apps together with the chosen software. In some cases, these additional applications are simply hidden within the 'Custom' or 'Advanced' installation options.

These applications are often described as 'legitimate and virus-free', however, most are categorized as adware or malware. Installation of PUPs can be avoided by paying close attention during download of free software and never accepting offers to install additional programs.

Furthermore, applications downloaded from the Internet should be installed using the 'Custom' or 'Advanced' options - this will reveal any concealed applications listed for installation and allow you to opt-out. If you have installed UnknownFile, the following instructions will guide you through removal of this adware from your system.

Deceptive free software installer used in UnknownFile adware distribution:

UnknownFile adware installer

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Quick menu:

UnknownFile 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.

UnknownFile adware uninstall via Control Panel

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

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted program that causes UnknownFile ads, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove UnknownFile adware from Internet browsers:

At time of research, UnknownFile did not install its browser plug-ins on Internet Explorer, 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:

Internet Explorer logoRemove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Removing UnknownFile ads from Internet Explorer step 1

Click the "gear" icon Internet Explorer options icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for any recently-installed suspicious browser extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removing UnknownFile ads from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the unknownfile pup, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.

Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows XP

Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 7

Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.

Reseting Internet Explorer settings to default in Windows 8 - accessing

In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - Internet options advanced tab

Click the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - click the Reset button in the Internet options advanced tab

Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - confirm settings reset to default by clicking the reset button

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing UnknownFile  ads from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome options icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, select these entries and click the trash can icon.

Removing UnknownFile ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the unknownfile pup, 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 UnknownFile 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 UnknownFile ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with unknownfile pup 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 unknownfile pup, 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.

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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.

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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
UnknownFile PUP QR code
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