How to remove software that installs ads and will not allow removal, is administrator contolled
I tried up update my Adobe Flash Player and in the process got a number of ads applied to nearly every website I visit. It looks like the software is Clear Think and the ads all say ClearThink Ads. the software can not be deleted as it says I do not have administrator rights. Norton has been blocking it but need to remove software before something worse happens
Solução escolhida
It's possible that some other malware is "protecting" ClearThink to make it more difficult to remove. In some cases, you may need to use one of Windows' special modes, such as Windows Safe Mode, to deactivate the protection.
But first you might try clearing out any other items installed on the same day that may be part of the same bundle. I suggest starting here:
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 in smoking out undisclosed bundle items that snuck in with some software you agreed to install. Take out as much trash as possible here.
You can "mop up" remaining issues with the scanning/cleaning tools suggested in this support article: Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware.
Finally, open Firefox's Add-ons page using either:
- Ctrl+Shift+a
- "3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Add-ons
In the left column, click Extensions. Then, if in doubt, disable (or Remove, if possible) unrecognized and unwanted extensions.
Often a link will appear above at least one disabled extension to restart Firefox. You can complete your work on the tab and click one of the links as the last step.
Does that clear it up?
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Solução escolhida
It's possible that some other malware is "protecting" ClearThink to make it more difficult to remove. In some cases, you may need to use one of Windows' special modes, such as Windows Safe Mode, to deactivate the protection.
But first you might try clearing out any other items installed on the same day that may be part of the same bundle. I suggest starting here:
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 in smoking out undisclosed bundle items that snuck in with some software you agreed to install. Take out as much trash as possible here.
You can "mop up" remaining issues with the scanning/cleaning tools suggested in this support article: Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware.
Finally, open Firefox's Add-ons page using either:
- Ctrl+Shift+a
- "3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Add-ons
In the left column, click Extensions. Then, if in doubt, disable (or Remove, if possible) unrecognized and unwanted extensions.
Often a link will appear above at least one disabled extension to restart Firefox. You can complete your work on the tab and click one of the links as the last step.
Does that clear it up?
Perfect! You sir, are a genius. Thank you so much!