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DiscountSmasher

How to remove DiscountSmasher (Virus Removal Guide)

DiscountSmasher (also known as DiscountSmasher virus or Discount Smasher) is advertisement-supported shareware found in the adware and potentially unwanted program (PUP) category of computer threats. DiscountSmasher adware is known to use deceptive marketing methods to infiltrate a computer system alongside other unwanted programs and malware without direct user consent or knowledge.

DiscountSmasher

DiscountSmasher adware alike most adware these days displays generic banner ads, pop-up ads, pop-under ads that take up an entire browser window, and in-text underlined hyperlinked advertisements that usually say something similar to “Ads by DiscountSmasher” on them. This is nothing out of the ordinary; However, the adware is still a serious privacy a concern because it generates ‘targeted’ advertisements and targeted advertisements can only be produced if the program has access to user browsing data. This means that DiscountSmasher can access and gather user browsing data. User browsing data that this program may obtain access to includes all browsing activities, bookmarks, apps, and browser history.

Furthermore, DiscountSmasher bundles with other potentially unwanted programs, malware, and malicious threats. In order to get rid of ads by DiscountSmasher and stop other unwanted symptoms it will probably be necessary to uninstall multiple programs and remove multiple browser add-ons and extensions from Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Safari.

Third-party programs and malware that can bundle with DiscountSmasher adware will cause other issues aside from pop-up advertisements. Other issues include unwanted browser redirects to sponsored webpages, decreased computer productivity, and decreased internet speed.

DiscountSmasher adware and the additional programs that it bundles with also manufacture new tasks and change existing Windows start-up settings in order to run every time the operating system starts and remain enabled if disabled by the user. Programs and browser attachments that may arrive with this deceptive piece of adware can also cause other issues for computer and internet users aside from pop-up advertisements, including browser redirections and a loss in computer functionality and internet connectivity.

Even though the DiscountSmasher virus is not technically defined as a computer virus or malicious parasite, the unwanted program is still a threat or the sign of a very severe computer infection. Since DiscountSmasher is known to download and install alongside third-party malware, malicious files, and additional potentially unwanted programs, including browser hijackers like Jogostempo.com, it will be necessary to uninstall multiple programs and remove multiple browser objects in order to stop all unwanted activities caused by this program and others from occurring. Apart from manually eradicating the program and others that it bundles with, files may remain undetected to the average computer user. That is why the professional internet security community recommends to use a reputable anti-malware product to remove DiscountSmasher and malicious files that it may bundle with.

How did DiscountSmasher get on my computer?

DiscountSmasher adware and the programs and potential threats that it bundles with are usually contracted without user consent alongside freeware, shareware, torrent files, and other downloadable content.

Computer and internet users who seek to download and install free items online may be presented with an opportunity to accept or decline a custom offer to install DiscountSmasher adware and other programs. However, the request to decline DiscountSmasher from installing is often presented in a very deceptive manner, which can make it confusing for a computer user. In some cases, the download manager may completely ignore the user request to decline DiscountSmasher from installing and the adware will install against user consent and knowledge.

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  • DiscountSmasher can read and change all your data on the websites you visit and read and change your browsing history.
  • DiscountSmasher can manage your apps, extensions, downloads, and themes.
  • DiscountSmasher bundles with other potentially unwanted programs and malware.
  • DiscountSmasher is usually packed inside installers and downloaders from websites such as Cnet (download.com), Softonic, and others.
  • DiscountSmasher injects visited webpages with pop-up and in-text advertisements.
  • DiscountSmasher makes unwanted changes to existing Windows settings and schedules new tasks which allow it to run every time Windows starts and check to see if the program has been disabled. If the program is disabled it will enable itself.

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How to remove DiscountSmasher (Removal Guide)

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Step 1: Remove DiscountSmasher extensions

We recommend that you write down the toll free number below in case you run into any issues or problems while removing this infection. Our techs will kindly assist you with any problems.

1-888-986-8411
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Google Chrome

1. Click the Customize and control Google Chrome icon on the top menu and navigate to More tools > Extensions.

2. Search for the DiscountSmasher extension in the list. Remove unwanted browser extensions individually by clicking the trashcan icon next to each one.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Type Ctrl+Shift+A.

2. Search for the DiscountSmasher add-ons on the Extensions and Plugin tab. Highlight each one individually and click remove.

Apple Safari

1. Click Safari and go to Preferences > Extensions.

2.  Find the DiscountSmasher extension in the list and click the Uninstall button.

Step 2: Uninstall DiscountSmasher from Windows

1. Open Windows Start Menu and go to the Control Panel.

2. On Windows Control Panel, click Uninstall a program or Add and remove a program in the Programs section.

3. Search for DiscountSmasher and other unwanted programs in the list of installed programs. Once an unwanted program is located, double click the item or select it with your mouse and click the Uninstall button. If you can not find this program in the list of installed program please see steps 3 and 4 below.

Step 3: Remove DiscountSmasher virus with Malwarebytes

1. Download and install the free or full version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. The full version enables real-time protection to block malware and unwanted programs from infecting your computer, while the free version is just a free scan and removal tool.

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2. Open the Malwarebytes Anti-Malware program.

Malwarebytes

3. Click the large Scan Now button or visit the “Scan” tab to manually run a scan.

Malwarebytes 2

4. When the malware scan is complete, click the Remove Selected button and reboot your computer.

If you are still having issues with malware it is recommended to download and install a second opinion scanner such as HitmanPro by Surfright to eradicate existing malicious files and automatically repair corrupted settings.

Step 4: Cleanup and repair settings with CCleaner

1. Download and install the free or full version of CCleaner by Piriform.

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2. Open the program and go to Cleaner and click the Analyze button. After files and have been analyzed, click the Run Cleaner button on the bottom right of the program interface.

3. Go to Registry and click Scan for Issues. When the scan is complete click Fix selected issues… and then click the Fix All Selected Issues button.

CCleaner startup

4. Go to to Tools > Startup and search through each tab starting from Windows, Internet Explorer, all the way to Context Menu, for additional suspicious entries and click  Delete once anything suspicious is found to remove it.

If you are still experiencing issues removing potential DiscountSmasher malware after using this removal guide we recommend to perform a system restore/recovery or a reset/refresh for Windows 8.

Jared Harrison

Jared Harrison is an accomplished tech author and entrepreneur, bringing forth over 20 years of extensive expertise in cybersecurity, privacy, malware, Google Analytics, online marketing, and various other tech domains. He has made significant contributions to the industry and has been featured in multiple esteemed publications. Jared is widely recognized for his keen intellect and innovative insights, earning him a reputation as a respected figure in the tech community.

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