How to get complete clean install to get rid of AdChoices.
I have a problem with firefox having AdChoices in it. I hate all the ads. I've tried uninstalling it. Then reinstalling it and AdChoices come back. It isn't part of either MS edge or Chrome. Chrome has the same bookmarks as Firefox for me. I also have X-marks to be able to get my bookmarks back. I need help in getting rid of the damn AdChoices. BTW I do have a 64 bit PC. I'm running Avast anti-virus pro paid for anti-virus software. What can I do to get rid of AdChoices?
All Replies (2)
First, remove the malware. Then worry about re-installing.
Bing search "remove AdChoices" https://www.bing.com/search?q=AdChoices+remove&qs=n&form=QBRE&pq=adchoices+remove&sc=8-16&sp=-1&sk=&cvid=6DF13CC45E794B0DA7E10CF54AD171BB
You may have ad / mal-ware. Further information can be found in the Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware article.
Run most or all of the listed malware scanners. Each works differently. If one program misses something, another may pick it up.
I suspect you have an add-on that is causing this problem. As you note, you can use the Refresh feature or a complete removal to strip out many add-ons, but external software may re-inject it so I suggest approaching it from a different starting point...
Here's my suggested procedure for tracking down and cleaning up bad add-ons and other hijackers. I know it seems long, but it's really not that bad.
(For Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10; XP is somewhat different)
(1) Open the Windows Control Panel, Uninstall a Program. After the list loads, click the "Installed on" column heading to group the infections, I mean, additions, by date. This can help in smoking out undisclosed bundle items that snuck in with some software you agreed to install. Be suspicious of everything you do not recognize/remember, as malware often uses important or innocent sounding names to discourage you from removing it. Take out as much trash as possible here.
(2) Open Firefox's Add-ons page using either:
- Ctrl+Shift+a
- "3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Add-ons
- in the Windows "Run" dialog, type or paste
firefox.exe "about:addons"
In the left column, click Plugins. Set nonessential and unrecognized plugins to "Never Activate".
In the left column, click Extensions. Then, if in doubt, disable (or Remove, if possible) unrecognized and unwanted extensions. All extensions are optional; none come with Firefox.
Often a link will appear above at least one disabled extension to restart Firefox. You can complete your work on the tab and click one of the links as the last step.
Any improvement?
(3) You can search for remaining issues with the scanning/cleaning tools listed in our support article: Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware. These on-demand scanners are free and take considerable time to run. If they finish quickly and especially if they require payment, you may have a serious infection. I suggest the specialized forums listed in the article in that case.