Coupon-Server virus (CouponServer)
The Coupon-Server virus (also found as CouponServer, Coupon Server virus; though not technically a computer virus) is potential malware categorized as adware and a browser hijacker that installs to a Microsoft Windows computer system and attaches to Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Internet Explorer as a browser add-on, browser helper object (BHO), and extension without user consent. Coupon-Server adware also bundles with third-party items and other potential malware.
Once Coupon-Server malware is installed, it will begin to replace existing internet browser settings and displays unwanted pop-up advertisements, in-text ads, banner ads, and especially drop-down coupons ads. Coupon-Server advertisements can usually be identified by a tab that appears at the top right of a browser window. This tab may claim the user has a certain amount of coupons relating to the visited website. Once this tab is clicked a subtle green and light color menu of coupons and offers from CouponServer will appear. If a link, advertisement, offer, or coupon promoted by CouponServer is clicked it will be applied to the visited website. This may be in order to collect personal purchase information from users.
Furthermore unwanted applications used to promote Coupon-Server pop-up advertisements may violate user privacy by collecting and distributing sensitive user information. CouponServer malware and third-party items have been reported to submit collected user information to third-party marketing and mailing lists without consent. Some users have reported unwanted email spam, junk mail, and have even complained of unwanted telephone calls from telemarketers concerning their recent browser activity and history.
CouponServer adware and similar unwanted bloatware can ruin a computer’s functionality and internet browsing experience (often associated with unwanted browser redirections and start ups).
How does Coupon-Server malware get onto a computer?
Coupon-Server often bundles with third-party freeware and shareware. In some cases users are given the opportunity to accept or decline an offer to install Coupon-Server adware and other items; however, the request to decline the offer is often ignored or presented in a confusing manner and unwanted software will install without permission.
Coupon-Server adware can also be manually and voluntarily downloaded from a variety of sources including www.coupon-server.com.
The unwanted adware platform may also hide inside third-party software and can be contracted from suspicious advertisements, email spam, torrents, etc.
How to remove Coupon-Server adware
- Automatically remove Coupon-Server – Scan for and automatically remove Coupon-Server and third-party malware
- Manually remove Coupon-Server – Remove/Uninstall Coupon-Server software and third-party malware (if necessary)
1. Automatic Coupon-Server removal
Use the instructions below to automatically remove Coupon Server adware and third-party malware, as well as automatically remove unwanted search engines from your installed internet browsers.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
1. Install the free or paid version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.
2. Once Malwarebytes is installed, run the program. If you are using the free version of Malwarebytes you will be prompted to update the database, make sure to do so.
3. On the first tab labeled “Scanner” select the Perform full scan option and click the Scan button to perform a full system scan. Malwarebytes will automatically detect malware infecting the computer system.
4. Once the malware scan is complete, Malwarebytes may prompt a notice stating malicious objects were detected. Select the malicious objects and click the Remove Selected button to completely remove the malicious files from your computer (the image below shows a file that is NOT selected) or click the Delete button to remove quarantined files.
CCleaner
CCleaner can be used to automatically repair internet browser settings startup up settings, and uninstall Coupon-Server adware and associated third-party software.
1. Install the free or paid version of CCleaner by Piriform.
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.
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 Coupon-Server and other unwanted programs, navigate to the Uninstall tab and search for Coupon-Server, etc. in the list of installed programs. Uninstall the unwanted software as selected by clicking the Run Uninstaller button.
2. Manual Coupon-Server removal
Use the instructions below to manually uninstall Coupon-Server adware and third-party software using Microsoft Windows removal procedures.
How to uninstall Coupon-Server
1. Access Windows Start Menu and navigate to the Control Panel.
2. Click Uninstall a program or Add and remove a program.
3. In the list of installed programs search for Coupon-Server and other potentially unwanted software. Once the adware program is located, double click the unwanted program(s) or highlight them in the list and click the Uninstall button. Keep in mind that Coupon-Server may use a different title name and hide inside third-party software.
How to remove Coupon-Server add-ons and extensions
Use the instructions to remove Coupon-Server add-ons, extensions, plug-ins, and toolbars. Please note, it may be necessary to remove multiple third-party items.
Google Chrome
1. Click on the Customize icon (wrench or 3 bar icon) next to the address bar and navigate to Tools > Extensions.
2. Search for the CouponServer extension and remove it by clicking the trashcan icon next to them.
Mozilla Firefox
1. Type Ctrl+Shift+A.
2. On the Extensions and Plugin search for the CouponServer add-on and remove it.
Microsoft Internet Explorer
1. Click Tools and select Manage add-ons.
2. On the Toolbars and Extensions tab search for the CouponServer add-on and remove it if located.
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