This site will have limited functionality while we undergo maintenance to improve your experience. If an article doesn't solve your issue and you want to ask a question, we have our support community waiting to help you at @FirefoxSupport on Twitter and/r/firefox on Reddit.

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

I had some malware downloaded with my Firefox . How do I get rid of it?

  • 2 replies
  • 8 have this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by kobe

more options

The malware is totally screwing up my computer with unwanted ads. I can even watch netflix anymore because the ads cause the picture to shift down and I can't see the whole picture. I want this adware2 gone. My norton can't handle it and other places will charge between 100 and 200 dollars for help. Is there any way to get rid of it without emptying my wallet?

The malware is totally screwing up my computer with unwanted ads. I can even watch netflix anymore because the ads cause the picture to shift down and I can't see the whole picture. I want this adware2 gone. My norton can't handle it and other places will charge between 100 and 200 dollars for help. Is there any way to get rid of it without emptying my wallet?

Chosen solution

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.

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

Read this answer in context 👍 1

All Replies (2)

more options

hello, this sounds like you did download firefox from a bogus site which bundles the browser with ad&malware. please only download firefox from the official location at mozilla!

  • go into the windows control panel/programs section, sort it by install-date and remove all entries that were installed around the time you added the presumably adware-bundled firefox. also have a look for other unwanted toolbars...
  • run a full scan of your system with different security tools like the free version of malwarebytes & adwcleaner.
  • go to getfirefox.com and download a fresh installer for firefox. after installation go to firefox > addons > extensions and see if there are any toolbars listed - if so, reset the browser.

Remove a toolbar that has taken over your Firefox search or home page Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware

more options

Chosen Solution

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.

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