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HomeHome Spyware DatabaseSpyware Database Ad-Protect Removal Guide"Ad-Protect Removal Guide"

Ad-Protect Removal Guide

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Ad-Protect Description

Ad-Protect is a fake anti-spyware program that is often downloaded and installed without user knowledge or consent by a Trojan or through browser security holes. Ad-Protect launches on Windows startup and may generate large numbers of popup adverts. Ad-Protect will also display notifications of imaginary security risks in its attempts to get the user to purchase the full version. Ad-Protect is related to VirusBlaster and VirusBlast.
Disclaimer:

  1. SpywareRemove.com IS NOT associated, affiliated, consorted, or connected with the publishers Ad-Protect.
  2. We object, reject, and disapprove all the malicious and objectionable business practices of the publishers of Ad-Protect.
  3. Our goal and objective is to completely eliminate the promotion of Ad-Protect and other malware publishers off the Internet. In addition, we seek the complete deletion of all the malware programs, including all their polymorphic variants, which are developed and distributed all over the Internet, in the same manner as the publishers of Ad-Protect.
The readers of this posting should not confuse, mistake, or associate this article to be a promotion or advertisement of Ad-Protect, since the aim of this posting is to educate users on how to detect and eliminate Ad-Protect off their computer. Any information provided is "as is" for reference and educational purposes only.

How can I Detect Ad-Protect?

The most common spyware removal tactic is to uninstall Ad-Protect by using the "Add/Remove Programs" utility. However, as there may still be hidden Ad-Protect files, it's possible that Ad-Protect will reappear after reboot. Follow the Ad-Protect detection and removal methods below.

Ad-Protect or AdProtect Automatic Detection (Recommended)

Is your PC infected with Ad-Protect? To safely & quickly detect Ad-Protect, we highly recommend you...

Download SpyHunter's Malware Scanner Download SpyHunter's Malware Scanner.

SpyHunter's free version is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter's malware scanner detects Ad-Protect on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove Ad-Protect and other malware threats.

Ad-Protect Manual Removal Instructions

Below is a list of Ad-Protect manual removal instructions and Ad-Protect components listed to help you remove Ad-Protect from your PC. Backup Reminder: Always be sure to back up your PC before making any changes.

Note: This manual removal process may be difficult and you run the risk of destroying your computer. We recommend that you use SpyHunter's malware detection tool to check for Ad-Protect.

Step 1 : Use Windows File Search Tool to Find Ad-Protect Path

  1. Go to Start > Search > All Files or Folders.
  2. In the "All or part of the the file name" section, type in "Ad-Protect" file name(s).
  3. To get better results, select "Look in: Local Hard Drives" or "Look in: My Computer" and then click "Search" button.
  4. When Windows finishes your search, hover over the "In Folder" of "Ad-Protect", highlight the file and copy/paste the path into the address bar. Save the file's path on your clipboard because you'll need the file path to delete Ad-Protect in the following manual removal steps.
  5. "Ad-Protect" files can be found in the directory path(s):

  6. Read more about How to Find Ad-Protect with File Search Tool

Step 2 : Use Windows Task Manager to Remove Ad-Protect Processes

  1. To open the Windows Task Manager, use the combination of CTRL+ALT+DEL or CTRL+SHIFT+ESC.
  2. Click on the "Image Name" button to search for "Ad-Protect" process by name.
  3. Select the "Ad-Protect" process and click on the "End Process" button to kill it.
  4. Remove the "Ad-Protect" processes files:

  5. Read more about How to kill Ad-Protect Processes

Step 3 : Use Registry Editor to Remove Ad-Protect Registry Values

  1. To open the Registry Editor, go to Start > Run > type regedit and then press the "OK" button.
  2. Locate and delete the entry or entries whose data value (in the rightmost column) is the spyware file(s) detected earlier.
  3. To delete "Ad-Protect" value, right-click on it and select the "Delete" option.
  4. Locate and delete "Ad-Protect" registry entries:

  5. Read more about How to Remove Ad-Protect Registry Entries

Step 4 : Use Windows Command Prompt to Unregister Ad-Protect DLL Files

  1. To open the Windows Command Prompt, go to Start > Run > type cmd and then click the "OK" button.
  2. Type "cd" in order to change the current directory, press the "space" button, enter the full path to where you believe the Ad-Protect DLL file is located and press the "Enter" button on your keyboard. If you don't know where Ad-Protect DLL file is located, use the "dir" command to display the directory's contents.
  3. To unregister "Ad-Protect" DLL file, type in the exact directory path + "regsvr32 /u" + [DLL_NAME] (for example, :C\Spyware-folder\> regsvr32 /u Ad-Protect.dll) and press the "Enter" button. A message will pop up that says you successfully unregistered the file.
  4. Search and unregister "Ad-Protect" DLL files:

  5. Read more about How to Remove Ad-Protect DLL Files

Step 5 : Detect and Delete Other Ad-Protect Files

  1. To open the Windows Command Prompt, go to Start > Run > type cmd and then press the "OK" button.
  2. Type in "dir /A name_of_the_folder" (for example, C:\Spyware-folder), which will display the folder's content even the hidden files.
  3. To change directory, type in "cd name_of_the_folder".
  4. Once you have the file you're looking for type in "del name_of_the_file".
  5. To delete a file in folder, type in "del name_of_the_file".
  6. To delete the entire folder, type in "rmdir /S name_of_the_folder".
  7. Select the "Ad-Protect" process and click on the "End Process" button to kill it.
  8. Remove the "Ad-Protect" processes files:

  9. Read more about How to Delete Harmful Files

Ad-Protect Recommendation

RECOMMENDED: To avoid the unnecessary risk of damaging your computer, we highly recommend you use a good malware remover to track Ad-Protect and automatically remove Ad-Protect as well as other spyware, adware, trojans, and virus threats in your PC.

If you believe you have Ad-Protect installed on your computer, check for Ad-Protect with SpyHunter's Malware Scanner.


SpyHunter's free version is only for malware detection. To remove Ad-Protect and other malware threats, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool. Since new Ad-Protect files are constantly being released, it is normally advised to run SpyHunter's scanner weekly to get the latest updates on Ad-Protect and other malware threats.

To learn more on Ad-Protect, see our Ad-Protect resource section below.

Ad-Protect Technical Details

The following Ad-Protect components and their MD5s:

File NameFile SizeMD5
adprotect_setup[1].exe5395260c6359a5ecbc182270f8ad8ff2ce768ae
ad-protect.exe15605761c8174020b019ed66fcc57deb44fd4ac
ADPIEmonitor.dll6963214247a1cc276d400dce3ea1ea179d97a


More Ad-Protect Resources

What is Trojans?


Ad-Protect is a type of Trojans.

Trojans install themselves secretly and quietly onto your computer, most often by the simple downloading of email attachments (usually .avi, .pif, .exe, and even .jpg files.) Most Trojans gain complete control over your system after installation, and with that may delete files, steal passwords, change your system settings, and monitor your computer acitivity.

Think you have Ad-Protect? Run SpyHunter's malware scan and automatically detect Ad-Protect on your PC.

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Ad-Protect Prevention Rules


Protect your computer from Ad-Protect and other spyware by following these four easy prevention rules.

Rule #1: Keep your Windows Security up-to-date

Microsoft provides updates weekly and can always be downloaded manually from the Microsoft website.
Tip: Regularly visit Windows Update and set your computer to receive security & critical updates automatically.

To get Microsoft Update, go to IE > Tools > Windows Update > Product Updates, and select "ALL High-Priority Security Updates" from the list.

Then open IE and go to Internet Options > Security > Internet, then press "Default Level", then OK. Now press "Custom Level."

Rule #2: Download and install a reliable anti-spyware software

A good anti-spyware software that recognizes current Ad-Protect spyware as well as other forms of spyware can can be the answer to all your security issues. Listed below is an anti-spyware program that can effectively reverse the damage of your computer and detect Ad-Protect automatically.

Download SpyHunter's Malware Scanner Download SpyHunter's Malware Scanner

SpyHunter's free version is only for malware detection. To remove Ad-Protect and other malware threats, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool.

Rule #3: Install and keep your firewall turned on

A firewall is essential for a complete protection of your PC. Make sure that your firewall is always turned on. A firewall can prevent unwanted software like Ad-Protect from infecting your computer.

Rule #4: Keep your anti-spyware definitions up-to-date

Since new Ad-Protect files can be created every day, it is important to keep your anti-spyware program up-to-date. Your anti-spyware scanner should have an update feature where with a click of a button you can get new spyware definitions instantly. Often, an anti-spyware software will open an update window reminding you that there are new updates available.

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