Ads by TS X

Learn what Ads by TS X are, why you’re seeing them, and how you can remove adware, malware, and other security threats from your computer.

What is Ads by TS X?

Ads by TS X are advertisements caused by adware, potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), and malicious browser extensions. The adware that is used to display Ads by TS X has the ability to automatically open new browser windows in the background in order to display sponsored search content and adverts. Ads by TS X often appear in search results and can be displayed in multiple browsers including Edge, Internet explorer, Firefox, and Chrome.

To make matters worse, programs used to display Ads by TS X are known to bundle with other unwanted programs, adware, spyware, and malware that can cause additional issues. Cooperating threats that the program bundles with can establish a connection to remote sites in order to track your data, display advertisements while you browse the web or on Windows desktop, and modify your browser and computer settings to show you sponsored search results.

Another concern with these type of programs are that they are advertised on websites that usually display malicious advertisements and host malware. If you see Ads by TS X while you browse the web it is likely that your computer is infected with other threats including PUPs like Zen PC and SMPlayer. Other threats should be eliminated immediately before they put your personal information and computer functionality at risk.

How did adware get on my computer?

Programs that cause the Ads by TS X advertisements are known to download and install without user consent or knowledge. Third-party potentially unwanted programs and malware often install the program in the background without permission from the PC user. Users are typically unaware that the adware has infected their computers until they see the advertisements.

Furthermore, if you download and install other freeware you might be given the option to install programs that display Ads by TS X during the setup process. Freeware installation managers often offer the programs as a custom or advanced installation option and give you a chance to accept or decline to install them. If you do not opt out from installing the program it will begin to install in the background while you install said freeware. The way that the custom installation is presented can also be complex and arranged to trap you into installing programs you chose not to install. It’s advised to be alert when installing free programs from the internet and to keep an eye out for custom installation presentations to avoid any confusion and security risks from reaching your computer.

How to remove Ads by TS X

STEP 1: Remove malware from your computer

1. Download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software to scan your computer and remove malicious files and potentially unwanted programs.

2. To install the program, click the file you just downloaded. It can usually be located in the Download folder.

3. A window that says “Welcome to the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard” will appear. Click Agree and Install to begin the installation. Once complete, click Finish.

4. Now the Malwarebytes is installed, open the program and click the Scan Now button – or go to the Scan tab and click the Start Scan button.

5. When the scan is complete click the Quarantine Selected button.

6. If Malwarebytes says “All selected items have been removed successfully. A log file has been saved to the logs folder. Your computer needs to be restarted to complete the removal process. Would you like to restart now?” click the Yes button to restart your computer.

7. Next, Download HitmanPro to perform a second-opinion scan and remove any remaining malicious trace files.

8. Once installed, open HitmanPro and click Next to start scanning your computer. *If you are using the free version you may chose to create a copy or perform a one-time scan.

9. When the HitmanPro scan is complete click the Next button.

10. To activate the free version of HitmanPro: enter your email address twice and click the Activate button.

11. Click the Reboot button.

Your computer should now be completely free of Ads by TS X Extension and other malicious files; However, you can still use the manual repair and uninstall instructions below if your browser settings have not been repaired or if you think an unwanted program is still installed on your machine.

STEP 2: Remove unwanted extensions

Chrome

1. Open the Customize and control Google Chrome menu and go to More tools > Extensions.

2. Look for any suspicious extensions in the list and click the Remove button to remove them.

• How to change your Google Chrome homepage
• How to change your Google Chrome search engine
• How to remove extensions from Chrome

Firefox

• How to change your Mozilla Firefox homepage
• How to change your Mozilla Firefox search engine
• How to remove add-ons from Firefox

Internet Explorer

• How to change your Microsoft Internet Explorer homepage
• How to change your Microsoft Internet Explorer search engine
• How to remove add-ons from Internet Explorer

Safari

• How to remove extensions from Safari

STEP 3: Uninstall unwanted programs

If you are infected with adware and other unwanted programs you might be able to uninstall unwanted programs from your computer. Use these instructions to uninstall unwanted programs that may have installed on your machine. If you do not find a program installed on your machine make sure to scan your computer for malware using the instructions above.

• How to uninstall a program from Windows
• How to uninstall a program from Mac

How to stay protected against future infections

The key to staying protected against future infections is to follow specific guidelines while you use your computer and to take advantage of reputable Antivirus and Anti-Malware security software that have real-time protection.

Real-time protection

Security software like Malwarebytes and Norton Security have real-time potection features that can block malicious files before they get onto your computer. The two programs bundled together can establish a wall between your computer and cyber criminals in real-time; disallowing threats and hackers from getting onto your machine.

Guidelines

The guidelines listed below are a great way to help you maintain a safe environment and ensure that the files on your computer are intact.

• Backup your computer and personal files to an external drive or online backup service
• Create a restore point on your computer in case you need to restore your computer to a date before infection
• Avoid downloading and installing apps, browser extensions, and programs you are not familiar with
• Avoid downloading and installing apps, browser extensions, and programs from websites you are not familiar with – some websites use their own download manager to bundle additional programs with the initial download
• Avoid visiting fake “spyware removal” blogs and websites that promote “spyware removal software.” These are usually malicious websites designed to phish your personal information, infect your computer with a rogue program and trick you into paying for rogue “spyware removal software.”
• If you plan to download and install freeware, open source software, or shareware make sure to be alert when you install the object and read all the instructions presented by the download manager
• Avoid torrents and P2P clients
• Do not open email messages from senders you do not know