Firefox has been invaded by crime watch and I can't get rid of it
Crime Watch which puts ads in Firefox seems to have installed itself somewhere, it does not show up in my programmes and I have used a recommended removal but it is still showing ads. Even turning off add ons doesn't stop it. The last suggestion of the list of ways to get rid of it was to uninstall firefox and reinstall, but of course the site just tells me firefox is up to date when I try to download it and I need to download it before taking it off. The recommendations were to use Adwcleaner, then Malawarebytes and then HitmanPro. Can you help me please Margaret/gencat
Giải pháp được chọn
I realize you have done part of my "standard list" but I'll mentioned it anyway because it may have a slightly different approach than what you've tried before...
(1) Open the Windows Control Panel, Uninstall a Program. After the list loads, click the "Installed on" column heading to group the infections, I mean, additions, by date. This can help surface undisclosed bundle items that snuck in with some software you agreed to install. Be suspicious of everything you do not recognize/remember, as malware often uses important or innocent sounding names to discourage you from removing it. Take out as much trash as possible here.
(2) Supplement your regular security software and earlier scans with several more of the scanning/cleaning tools listed in our support article: Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware. These on-demand scanners are free and take considerable time to run. If they finish quickly and especially if they require payment, you may have a serious infection. I suggest the specialized forums listed in the article in that case.
Success?
If problems persist, you may have a program folder infection. For that I suggest:
Clean Reinstall
We use this name, but it's not about removing your settings, it's about making sure the program files are clean (no inconsistent, corrupted, or alien code files). As described below, this process does not disturb your existing settings. Do NOT uninstall Firefox, that's not needed.
(A) Download a fresh installer for Firefox 41.0.1 from https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/all/ to a convenient location. (Scroll down to your preferred language.)
(B) Exit out of Firefox (if applicable).
(C) Rename the current program folder, either:
(64-bit Windows folder names)
C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox
to
C:\Program Files (x86)\OldFirefox
(32-bit Windows folder names)
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox
to
C:\Program Files\OldFirefox
(D) Run the installer you downloaded in (A). It should automatically connect to your existing settings.
Are the ads finally gone?
Note: Some plugins may exist only in that OldFirefox folder. If something essential is missing, look in these folders:
- \OldFirefox\Plugins
- \OldFirefox\browser\plugins
Otherwise, there's no reason to keep the old folder except research/curiosity.
Đọc câu trả lời này trong ngữ cảnh 👍 0Tất cả các câu trả lời (5)
Giải pháp được chọn
I realize you have done part of my "standard list" but I'll mentioned it anyway because it may have a slightly different approach than what you've tried before...
(1) Open the Windows Control Panel, Uninstall a Program. After the list loads, click the "Installed on" column heading to group the infections, I mean, additions, by date. This can help surface undisclosed bundle items that snuck in with some software you agreed to install. Be suspicious of everything you do not recognize/remember, as malware often uses important or innocent sounding names to discourage you from removing it. Take out as much trash as possible here.
(2) Supplement your regular security software and earlier scans with several more of the scanning/cleaning tools listed in our support article: Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware. These on-demand scanners are free and take considerable time to run. If they finish quickly and especially if they require payment, you may have a serious infection. I suggest the specialized forums listed in the article in that case.
Success?
If problems persist, you may have a program folder infection. For that I suggest:
Clean Reinstall
We use this name, but it's not about removing your settings, it's about making sure the program files are clean (no inconsistent, corrupted, or alien code files). As described below, this process does not disturb your existing settings. Do NOT uninstall Firefox, that's not needed.
(A) Download a fresh installer for Firefox 41.0.1 from https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/all/ to a convenient location. (Scroll down to your preferred language.)
(B) Exit out of Firefox (if applicable).
(C) Rename the current program folder, either:
(64-bit Windows folder names)
C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox
to
C:\Program Files (x86)\OldFirefox
(32-bit Windows folder names)
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox
to
C:\Program Files\OldFirefox
(D) Run the installer you downloaded in (A). It should automatically connect to your existing settings.
Are the ads finally gone?
Note: Some plugins may exist only in that OldFirefox folder. If something essential is missing, look in these folders:
- \OldFirefox\Plugins
- \OldFirefox\browser\plugins
Otherwise, there's no reason to keep the old folder except research/curiosity.
Thank you I have had two replies and done everything in both of them! Just to be sure. I think its gone. It never showed in my programme list because that was the first thing I looked at obviously. It hid itself away which might be something to remember for other people with the same problem. hugs Margaret
Thank you also! hugs Margaret
Glad to help. Safe surfing.