How to remove FinanceAlert (Virus Removal)

[toggle heading=”What is FinanceAlert?”]FinanceAlert by Valid Applications (also known as Finance Alert or the FinanceAlert virus) is a potentially unwanted program that causes many issues for computer users. The program is classified in the adware category because it accesses user browsing data and injects websites with targeted advertisements based off of computer activities, browser history, browser bookmarks, and other data it obtains permission to observe.

FinanceAlert

Once Finance Alert is installed and a new browser window is opened users will notice pop-up advertisements, messages, and news articles on a pop-up window titled “Finance News.” Some reports on the Finance News pop-up window link to dead websites, obsolete websites, and suspicious websites that may contain malicious content.

FinanceAlert virus

FinanceAlert is not technically defined as a computer virus, but the program is still a definite threat and the sign of a serious computer infection. Potential FinanceAlert malware has been identified to positively download and install alongside third-party malware, malicious files, and additional potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), including Browse Pax and Save Video. This means that it will be necessary to uninstall multiple programs and remove multiple browser add-ons and extensions to stop all unwanted activities. Apart from manually eradicating the program and others that it bundles with, files may remain undetected to the average computer user. That is why it is recommended to use a reputable anti-malware product to remove Finance Alert and malicious files that it installs alongside with.

The FinanceAlert extension and browser attachments that it may bundle with have ‘permissions’ set allowing them to perform tasks users may find undesirable. These permissions are listed below.

  • Read and change all your data on the websites you visit.
  • Read and change your browsing history.
  • Manage your apps, extensions, and themes.
  • Manage your downloads.

[/toggle]

[toggle heading=”How does FinanceAlert get onto a computer?”]FinanceAlert adware is usually downloaded and installed without user knowledge alongside free downloadable content from a variety of locations on the web. Free downloadable content includes freeware, shareware, torrents, email attachments, and more.

remove FinanceAlert

Users who wish to install freeware may be given a chance to accept or decline an offer to install Finance Alert adware and similar products during the installation; However, the user request to decline the adware from installing can be ignored by the program or presented in a confusing manner.

In some cases, FinanceAlert and other unwanted programs are deceptively promoted through questionable advertisements. These advertisements may be dishonest, misleading, and cause the program to automatically download and install once clicked on.[/toggle]

How to remove FinanceAlert

Step 1: Remove FinanceAlert add-ons and extensions

Google Chrome

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

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

Step 2: Uninstall FinanceAlert

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.

FinanceAlert removal

3. Search for FinanceAlert by PlayMyVid 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.

4. Restart your computer.

Step 3: Scan your computer for malware

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.

download
buy now

2. Open the Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

malwarebytes

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

4. Once the malware scan is complete, click the Quarantine All button and reboot your computer.

If you are still having issues with potential FinanceAlert malware after using Malwarebytes 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

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

download
buy now

CCleaner Analyze Cleaner

2. Once installed, open the program and navigate to Cleaner > Windows/Applications and click the Analyze button. Afterwards, click the Run Cleaner button on the bottom right of the program interface.

CCleaner Startup

3. Next, navigate to Tools > Startup and search through each tab starting from windows, internet explorer, etc., all the way to Content Menu, for additional suspicious entries and click Disable and Delete once anything is found.

4. To automatically uninstall unwanted programs using CCleaner, navigate to the Uninstall tab and search for the program in the list of installed programs. Uninstall the unwanted software as selected by clicking the Run Uninstaller button.

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

Sean Doyle

Sean is a distinguished tech author and entrepreneur with over 20 years of extensive experience in cybersecurity, privacy, malware, Google Analytics, online marketing, and various other tech domains. His expertise and contributions to the industry have been recognized in numerous esteemed publications. Sean is widely acclaimed for his sharp intellect and innovative insights, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in the tech community. His work not only advances the field but also helps businesses and individuals navigate the complexities of the digital world.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.