Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

Suspected virus, only on FF internet explorer, not IE, not found using anti-virus/malware, not in add-ons, or programs. unwanted adds on every site.

  • 2 replies
  • 2 have this problem
  • 27 views
  • Last reply by c.flynn314

more options

On every not secure website i visit, there are unwanted adds, or games that if glanced at, might seem to be in right place but have a small 'ads not by this site' underneath. If I hover over the ad, it will direct me to a site.

Firefox is my default browser but this does not happen on internet explorer (presumably i got the virus while surfing using FF).

I can't find any add-ons or suspicious programs/services running in the background. Kapersky 2012 and a-squared free did not find any suspicious programs on my laptop.

On every not secure website i visit, there are unwanted adds, or games that if glanced at, might seem to be in right place but have a small 'ads not by this site' underneath. If I hover over the ad, it will direct me to a site. Firefox is my default browser but this does not happen on internet explorer (presumably i got the virus while surfing using FF). I can't find any add-ons or suspicious programs/services running in the background. Kapersky 2012 and a-squared free did not find any suspicious programs on my laptop.

Chosen solution

Scan for Malware

Sometimes a problem with Firefox may be a result of malware installed on your computer, that you may not be aware of.

You can try these free programs to scan for malware, which work with your existing antivirus software:

Microsoft Security Essentials is a good permanent antivirus for Windows 7/Vista/XP if you don't already have one.


Further information can be found in the Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware article.


Reset Firefox

The Reset Firefox feature can fix many issues by restoring Firefox to its factory default state while saving your essential information. Note: This will cause you to lose any Extensions, Open websites, and some Preferences.

To Reset Firefox do the following:

  1. Go to Firefox > Help > Troubleshooting Information.
  2. Click the "Reset Firefox" button.
  3. Firefox will close and reset. After Firefox is done, it will show a window with the information that is imported. Click Finish.
  4. Firefox will open with all factory defaults applied.


Further information can be found in the Refresh Firefox - reset add-ons and settings article.

Did this fix your problems? Please report back to us!

Read this answer in context 👍 2

All Replies (2)

more options

Chosen Solution

Scan for Malware

Sometimes a problem with Firefox may be a result of malware installed on your computer, that you may not be aware of.

You can try these free programs to scan for malware, which work with your existing antivirus software:

Microsoft Security Essentials is a good permanent antivirus for Windows 7/Vista/XP if you don't already have one.


Further information can be found in the Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware article.


Reset Firefox

The Reset Firefox feature can fix many issues by restoring Firefox to its factory default state while saving your essential information. Note: This will cause you to lose any Extensions, Open websites, and some Preferences.

To Reset Firefox do the following:

  1. Go to Firefox > Help > Troubleshooting Information.
  2. Click the "Reset Firefox" button.
  3. Firefox will close and reset. After Firefox is done, it will show a window with the information that is imported. Click Finish.
  4. Firefox will open with all factory defaults applied.


Further information can be found in the Refresh Firefox - reset add-ons and settings article.

Did this fix your problems? Please report back to us!

more options

Brilliant. MalwareBytes took care of it.

Good recommendation!

Thanks