Adware.WindowsAdTools
Threat Scorecard
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecard
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards are assessment reports for different malware threats which have been collected and analyzed by our research team. EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards evaluate and rank threats using several metrics including real-world and potential risk factors, trends, frequency, prevalence, and persistence. EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards are updated regularly based on our research data and metrics and are useful for a wide range of computer users, from end users seeking solutions to remove malware from their systems to security experts analyzing threats.
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards display a variety of useful information, including:
Popularity Rank: The ranking of a particular threat in EnigmaSoft’s Threat Database.
Severity Level: The determined severity level of an object, represented numerically, based on our risk modeling process and research, as explained in our Threat Assessment Criteria.
Infected Computers: The number of confirmed and suspected cases of a particular threat detected on infected computers as reported by SpyHunter.
See also Threat Assessment Criteria.
| Threat Level: | 20 % (Normal) |
| Infected Computers: | 7 |
| First Seen: | July 24, 2009 |
| Last Seen: | January 10, 2022 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
The detection of Adware.WindowsAdTools on your system indicates the presence of unwanted software that could be compromising your computer's security and performance. Adware programs like this are designed to display advertisements, collect user data, and potentially lead to more severe malware infections. It's essential to understand the nature of this threat and take immediate action to remove it.
Table of Contents
What Is Adware.WindowsAdTools?
Adware.WindowsAdTools is a type of malicious software that falls under the category of adware. Adware programs are known for displaying unwanted advertisements, often in the form of pop-ups, banners, or sponsored content. These ads can be intrusive, disrupting the user's browsing experience, and may also pose a risk to the user's personal data. Adware can be distributed through various means, including freeware downloads, infected websites, and email attachments.
How Adware.WindowsAdTools Operates
Once installed, Adware.WindowsAdTools can operate in the background, collecting user data, tracking browsing habits, and displaying targeted advertisements. This adware may also modify system settings, such as changing the default search engine or homepage, to further facilitate its advertising activities. In some cases, adware can also download and install additional malware or potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), which can lead to more severe security issues.
Symptoms of Infection
Common symptoms of Adware.WindowsAdTools infection include an increase in unwanted advertisements, slow system performance, and unexpected changes to browser settings. Users may also notice that their browser is redirecting to unfamiliar websites or that their search results are being manipulated. In some cases, the adware may also cause system crashes, freezes, or errors, indicating a more severe infection.
- Unwanted advertisements and pop-ups
- Slow system performance and responsiveness
- Unexpected changes to browser settings and search results
- System crashes, freezes, or errors
How to Remove Adware.WindowsAdTools
- Boot your system in Safe Mode with Networking to prevent the adware from loading and to allow for a more effective removal process.
- Perform a full scan of your system using a reputable anti-malware tool, such as SpyHunter, to detect and remove all instances of the adware.
- Uninstall any suspicious programs or applications that may be related to the adware infection.
- Reset your web browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, to their default settings to remove any modifications made by the adware.
- Reboot your system and perform a follow-up scan to ensure that all remnants of the adware have been removed.
Conclusion
Removing Adware.WindowsAdTools from your system is crucial to preventing further damage and protecting your personal data. By following the steps outlined above and using reputable anti-malware tools, you can effectively remove this adware and restore your system to a safe and secure state. It's essential to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to prevent future malware infections, such as keeping your operating system and software up-to-date, avoiding suspicious downloads, and using strong antivirus protection.
Aliases
15 security vendors flagged this file as malicious.
| Antivirus Vendor | Detection |
|---|---|
| Symantec | Adware.SyncroAd |
| eSafe | Spyware.SyncroAd |
| ClamAV | Adware.Winad-8 |
| CAT-QuickHeal | AdWare.WinAD (Not a Virus) |
| BitDefender | Adware.Winad.GH |
| AVG | Adware Generic.BYL |
| Avast | Win32:Adware-gen. |
| Authentium | W32/AutoexecDel.C |
| AntiVir | TR/HideRun.A.6 |
| TrendMicro | PAK_Generic.001 |
| Symantec | Adware.WinTaskAd |
| Sunbelt | WindUpdates.AdTools |
| Sophos | WinAd |
| Prevx1 | Worm |
| Panda | Adware/WUpd |
File System Details
| # | File Name | MD5 |
Detections
Detections: The number of confirmed and suspected cases of a particular threat detected on
infected computers as reported by SpyHunter.
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | WinAdCtl.exe | 94c40d18c55ab29752faa07be4017bf7 | 5 |
| 2. | WinAdTools.exe | 4a6186bf553c4c209ac09e6403739d0f | 0 |
| 3. | winadm.exe | 92cdd718b702c30293b532aab45f98d2 | 0 |
