Threat Database Adware Adware.Comet

Adware.Comet

By CagedTech in Adware
Published:
Last updated:

Threat Scorecard

Threat Level: 20 % (Normal)
Infected Computers: 401
First Seen: July 24, 2009
Last Seen: December 30, 2025
OS(es) Affected: Windows

The detection of Adware.Comet on your system indicates the presence of unwanted software that could be compromising your online experience and potentially exposing you to more severe threats. Understanding what this detection means and how to address it is crucial for maintaining the security and performance of your computer.

What Is Adware.Comet?

Adware.Comet refers to a type of malicious software that is designed to display unwanted advertisements on infected devices. These advertisements can appear in various forms, including pop-ups, banners, and even fake alerts that mimic system notifications. The primary goal of adware like Adware.Comet is to generate revenue for its creators by forcing users to view or interact with advertisements.

How Adware.Comet Operates

Adware programs, including Adware.Comet, typically operate by infiltrating a system through vulnerabilities or by being bundled with other software that a user intentionally installs. Once installed, adware can modify system settings, such as changing the default homepage or search engine in web browsers, to further increase the visibility of its advertisements. It may also collect user data, such as browsing history and search queries, to tailor the advertisements to the user's interests, making them more likely to be clicked.

Symptoms of Infection

Systems infected with Adware.Comet may exhibit several symptoms, including an increase in unwanted advertisements, slower system performance, and changes to browser settings. Users might also notice that their web searches are being redirected to unwanted websites or that fake alerts are popping up, urging them to download or purchase unnecessary software. These symptoms can significantly disrupt the user experience and pose a risk to system security.

  • Increased appearance of pop-ups and banners
  • Changes to browser homepage or search engine
  • Slower computer performance
  • Redirects to unwanted websites
  • Frequent fake alerts or system notifications

How to Remove Adware.Comet

Removing Adware.Comet requires a thorough approach to ensure that all components of the adware are eliminated from the system. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking to prevent Adware.Comet from loading and to allow for internet access to download removal tools.
  2. Perform a full scan of your system using a reputable anti-malware tool, such as SpyHunter, to detect and remove all traces of Adware.Comet.
  3. Uninstall any suspicious programs that were recently installed and are not recognized or trusted.
  4. Reset your web browsers (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge) to their default settings to remove any changes made by the adware.
  5. Reboot your computer and perform another scan with your anti-malware tool to ensure that no remnants of Adware.Comet remain.

Conclusion

The removal of Adware.Comet is crucial for restoring your system's security and performance. By following the steps outlined above and maintaining good computing practices, such as regularly updating your operating system and software, using strong antivirus protection, and being cautious when downloading and installing new programs, you can protect your system from future infections. Remember, vigilance and proactive measures are key to preventing the infiltration of unwanted software like Adware.Comet.

File System Details

Adware.Comet may create the following file(s):
# File Name MD5 Detections
1. A0028999.exe 5793629b4ca0e22ac30ca8f993f7228a 6
2. alot.dll 916cde6394dc4bdcdfd2b2c41ec3d109 1
3. SSSInstaller.dll 6d117a0ea0886f08157805db52c470d1 1
4. s_sinstallerandtoolbar3[1].exe 4cefacc5fe8acbf49758762dc8868419 0
5. screensavers.exe 0f11fe9c10dfa433c3f61d0495fa1ff9 0
More files

Registry Details

Adware.Comet may create the following registry entry or registry entries:
CLSID
{5AA2BA46-9913-4dc7-9620-69AB0FA17AE7}
File name without path
SSSUninst.exe

Directories

Adware.Comet may create the following directory or directories:

%ProgramFiles%\Screensavers.com\SSSInstaller