Malwarebytes is one of the many computer security applications that can detect Adware.Elex. It refers to a family of malware that normally attacks Windows systems and is believed to originate from Chinese cybercriminals. One sign that the computer is infected with Adware.Elex is the appearance of disturbing advertisements that often redirect the web users to Chinese search engines and websites. Sometimes, the advertisements emerging from this malware are meant to install applications or malware, which can have negative effects on users browsing activities.
If the presence of Adware.Elex is identified on the computer, users should run an immediate virus scan to eliminate the threat. Those who ignore the existence of this malware normally end up having more unwanted programs installed on their computer.
How does it infect the computer?
Software Piracy
Adware.Elex usually enters the computer as a file that web users intentionally obtain from the internet. The common sources are websites that are involved in distributing pirated applications. Some examples are torrent sites and doubtful file-sharing websites. In this scheme, the attackers are embedding the malicious code into legitimate files, especially freeware like utilities, file compressors, media players, file converters, and so on.
Malicious Ads
“Malvertising” or malicious advertising campaigns is another conduit for the widespread distribution of Adware.Elex. This is a method where the attackers are investing in an underground ad network and promoting their program as a useful tool that the user needs in order to remedy an issue described in the pop-up ad. By the way, the pop-up ad in this scheme is not ordinary but was rather designed to appear more of a system alert. For example, it was created to appear as a software update that the computer needs in order to function properly. Sometimes, the ads were crafted to look like a virus scanner page that detects numerous threats and advises the immediate download of the supposed scanner.
Trojan Infection
Do not forget the fact that the computer can be infected through another infection, especially Trojan.Elex. This threat was specifically designed to infiltrate the computer and install a module that can download and install Adware.Elex from a remote server.
How does this malware operate?
Adware.Elex starts bugging the computer by installing itself as a browser extension. After that, it begins to override browser settings by placing an unwanted homepage as well as replacing the search engine with a less-reputable one.
In the case where no extension is installed but the browser keeps opening to an unwanted website, it could be due to Adware.Elex.ShrtCln. This is a variant that maliciously modifies the shortcut icon and embeds code in the “Target” field to open the internet program to a specified address. In infection cases we have seen, it added the following strings to the Google Chrome shortcut.
–load-extension=”C:\ProgramData\Google\Chrome\Extension\[script-folder]\[script-name].json
Adware.Elex also injects a code in the browser so that each time that web user is exploring the internet, advertisements continue to pop up on the screen. It manages to display ads related to user’s preferences after gathering critical data from the browser.
Symptoms
The detection of Adware.Elex by Malwarebytes or any antivirus program is a complete testament that the computer is infected. Aside from the warnings and alerts, users may encounter the unwanted modifications carried out on their browser’s homepage and search settings. The continuous display of advertisements , browser redirects, and search hijacking are also hints that the computer is under the Adware.Elex attack.
| Avast | Win32:AdwareSig [Adw] |
|---|---|
| Avira | HEUR/AGEN.1357087 |
| BitDefender | Adware.GenericKD.39645615 |
| DrWeb | Adware.Mutabaha.1819 |
| ESET-NOD32 | A Variant Of Win32/Adware.ELEX.PJM |
| Gridinsoft | Adware.Win32.ELEX.dd!c |
| Kaspersky | Not-a-virus:AdWare.Win32.Elex.sgn |
| McAfee | Ti!3C511E62534C |
| Malwarebytes | Adware.Elex.ShrtCln |
| Microsoft | Trojan:Win32/Chuckenit.A |
| Panda | PUP/Uncheckit |
| Sophos | Troj/Chuckit-A |
| Symantec | ML.Attribute.HighConfidence |
How to Remove Adware.Elex
To totally remove Adware.Elex from the computer and get rid of relevant viruses and trojans, please execute the procedures as stated on this page. Make sure that you have completely scanned the system with the suggested malware removal tools and virus scanners.
Instant Removal : Scan the computer with antivirus program
Combo Cleaner is a trusted computer security and optimization tool equipped with a powerful virus and malware detection engine. This program can get rid of computer virus like Adware.Elex through this procedure.
1. Download the application from the following page:
2. Save the file to your preferred location.
3. Double-click the downloaded file CCSetup.exe and install with the default settings.
4. At the end of the setup process, click Finish to run Combo Cleaner.
5. The tool will update the database file; please wait for this process to complete.
6. To begin checking for threats like Adware.Elex, click on the Start Scan button. Wait for this scan to finish.
7. At the end of the scan process, click on Remove all threats to delete Adware.Elex, including all harmful objects from the computer.
To fully optimize the features of antivirus and privacy scanners, users may have to upgrade to the premium version.
Please continue with the succeeding removal procedures if you are comfortable manually getting rid of the computer virus and malicious items linked to it.
Manual Removal : Steps to get rid of Adware.Elex
The steps below will guide you to manually remove Adware.Elex without having to purchase a recommended virus scanner. We have tested the procedures; hence, the attackers may make modifications overtime. As a result, terms, names, and images in the guide may differ from what users are seeing recently.
The procedure may require you to close the browser or restart the computer; therefore, we are suggesting to Boookmark or Print this page. You must be logged in to Windows with an Administrator account to be able to execute some of the tasks. Check here to know if you are currently using an account with Administrative rights.Step 1 : Start Windows in Safe Mode With Networking
The method of running Windows in Safe Mode before deleting files, ending system processes, and virus scanning is effective in getting rid of Adware.Elex. This routine can prevent most viruses and malware from loading, making it easier to detect and remove them.
1. On the Windows Search bar, please type msconfig.
2. Select and open System Configutation on the list of found results.
3. Once you are in the System Configuration window, go to the Boot tab.
4. Under the Boot Options area, please check Safe Boot so that it starts in Safe Mode after restarting.
5. Next, select Network. This will allow Windows to boot in Safe Mode with Networking.
6. Lastly, click on Apply and OK to save the changes.
7. Please restart Windows. The system should run in Safe Mode after the reboot.
Do not forget to restore the normal boot process of Windows after this process. Simply repeat the method above, and this time, uncheck the Safe Boot option to run Windows normally.Step 2 : Run Sophos Home Virus Scanner
To remove Adware.Elex hidden files, scanning the computer with this powerful virus and malware removal tool is recommended. This scanner does not just uncover known threats like viruses or malware; it is also effective in discovering harmful files associated to Adware.Elex.
1. Please click on the link below to download the program.
2. After downloading, locate the file SophosInstall.exe in the Downloads folder.
3. Install by double-clicking on the file.
4. If it prompts "Do you want to allow this app to make changes on your device?" please click Yes.
5. Next, it will display the Terms and Conditions page. Click the Install button to begin.
6. Run the installation with the default settings. Please note that an internet connection is required in order to download important updates.
7. After finishing the installation, you must login to the dashboard. If you already have a Sophos account, please login. Otherwise, please enter your details and click on the Create Account button.
8. Once you are in the Sophos Home console, click the Scan button to start checking the computer for Adware.Elex components.
9. Scanning may take a while; please wait for this process to finish.
10. After scanning the computer, Sophos Home will start cleaning or deleting files infected with Adware.Elex.
11. You may now close Sophos Home. The computer is now free from Adware.Elex, as well as associated malware and viruses.
After executing the above instructions, Adware.Elex should have been completely removed from the computer. If there are still signs of infection or the computer is displaying unusual behaviors, please continue with the remaining procedures.
Another alternative for Windows 10/11 users is to scan the computer with Microsoft Defender Offline. This will run a virus scan in the recovery environment.Step 3 : Double Check with Windows Security Apps
Microsoft Windows has a built-in security application that you can use to double-check if your computer is still infected with Adware.Elex. For Windows 10/11 users, please run Windows Security.
Windows 10 / 11 Instructions:
Windows Security is a free tool that was built to help you remove Adware.Elex, viruses, and other malicious items from Windows 10/11 systems. Follow these procedures to scan your computer with the tool:
1. Tap or click the Search charm and search for Windows Security
2. Click Open to run the program.
3. On the Dashboard, click Virus and threat protection from the sidebar.
4. On the right panel, click on Scan Options to see different levels of checking the computer.
5. Next, please select Full Scan button.
6. Lastly, click on the Scan now button to start scanning for the presence of Adware.Elex. The process may take a while to complete.
7. After the scan, Delete/Quarantine identified threats, whether they were relevant to Adware.Elex or not. You may now restart Windows to complete the virus removal process.
For Windows 8.1 and Windows 7, you can scan the computer for free with the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT 64-Bit). It is a stand-alone virus scanner tool that targets prevalent malware groups.System Compatibility Notice
We ensured that our method to get rid of Adware.Elex is compatible with the majority of Microsoft operating systems (Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11). To prevent complicated steps, the commands used in the instructions are common, useful, and tested. If you encounter any compatibility problems when following this tutorial, please message us or leave your comment below, and we will reply and make the required modifications.
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