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.

Avatar for Username

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

This thread was archived. Please ask a new question if you need help.

Why do I keep finding extensions running in my browser that I have NOT installed?

  • 3 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by FredMcD

Inkyfingers
Inkyfingers
more options

The extensions that I keep finding in my extensions list are also ones that seem to all contain AdWare, Malware or both. I've even found programs in my laptop's directory that I NEVER installed, but seem to be related to the mysterious extensions that I've found in my browser's list. (Yes, I'm using a current version of Firefox - 35.0.) AND, I haven't downloaded anything from the web other than work files that I know are safe.

Has this happened to anyone else?

The extensions that I keep finding in my extensions list are also ones that seem to all contain AdWare, Malware or both. I've even found programs in my laptop's directory that I NEVER installed, but seem to be related to the mysterious extensions that I've found in my browser's list. (Yes, I'm using a current version of Firefox - 35.0.) AND, I haven't downloaded anything from the web other than work files that I know are safe. Has this happened to anyone else?

All Replies (3)

ideato
ideato
more options

Hello Inkyfingers, are you sure you are the only user of your pc ? :-)

thank you

the-edmeister
the-edmeister
  • Moderator
more options

Can you provide the names of those extensions and the programs that are installed in Windows that you consider Malware / Adware?

That might help us figure out where that garbage came from, and for us to advise you how to stop that from happening again.

Modified by the-edmeister

FredMcD
FredMcD
more options

It’s very sad, but many of the software down-loaders / installers will trick you into installing not only their program, but other programs as well. You have heard of the fine print in shady contracts, right? Well, some installers you need to look at the itsy bitsy teeny weeny fine print. You are thinking you are giving the installer permission to install the program you want by using the recommended option. But if you use the Manual Option Instead, you discover all kinds of stuff that you do not even know what it is or what it does. From now on, everyone needs to Use The Manual Option to put a stop to this.