Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

Unsolicited by me, a new tab will open saying I need a new video player or PC cleaner. Why? And how do I stop that?

more options

Sometimes, when Firefox has been open on my laptop for a few minutes but I've not been active on it, a new tab will automatically open up with a message saying, for example, that I should download a new video player or some PC cleaner software. I know it must be some kind of spam or malware, and I normally just close the tab, but I'm curious as to why this happens and how I can stop it from happening again.

Sometimes, when Firefox has been open on my laptop for a few minutes but I've not been active on it, a new tab will automatically open up with a message saying, for example, that I should download a new video player or some PC cleaner software. I know it must be some kind of spam or malware, and I normally just close the tab, but I'm curious as to why this happens and how I can stop it from happening again.

All Replies (4)

more options

This could be walware. If you want to see if your programs are up to date, go to the site that owns the program. For example; to check Firefox, go to Mozilla.com. Check your computer for viruses and malware. I have come across FF ad-ons that turned out to be malware. And always should you find a problem with FF, post it in the forum.

more options

I have run several malware and virus programs and still doing this, it just started with the newest firefox update

more options

That says a plugin needs updating. Open Firefox > Add-ons > Plugins. Above the first plugin is a link that will check your plugins. Please use it.

more options

Thank you. worked great, just updated them a few weeks ago so just naturally thought it was ok, thanks again  :)