L00k Jul 13, 2015 @ 3:31pm
Can't remove adware on steam
So basically I've been struggling with an adware that has appeared on my computer after I've installed some kind of malicious program.

I've managed to clean it from all my browsers and my computer seems to work just fine, but for some odd reason I'm still having problems with add pop ups on steam, before you guys recommend any kind of malware/adware removal program, I've tried already:

Malwarebytes, adwcleaner, combofix, hitmanpro, junkware removal tool, CCleaner, unistall and reinstall steam twice, AVG scanner, look for suspicious services on task manager and remove any toolbars/scam programs.

I mean i don't want to reboot windows just because of an adware that just appears on steam, computer works fine, even steam, but those pop ups aren't common and that means I'm still infected :( any tips/ solutions?

I've printed the main page of steam to show how these adds look like, they are in russian and everytime I click to close them they direct me to a magnet link called "turnefo.ru".

http://imgur.com/hNnpwjP,gTus1xK#0

Thanks in advance.
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Showing 1-15 of 20 comments
Numberone Jul 13, 2015 @ 3:32pm 
You need to remove some lines in your registry
L00k Jul 13, 2015 @ 3:32pm 
Could you explain me how?
76561193903991391 Jul 13, 2015 @ 3:34pm 
What you need to do is restart your PC in safe mode, use Malware Bytes, and enable rootkit detection. That should clean it out. If not, a reformat would be your safest bet.
L00k Jul 13, 2015 @ 3:36pm 
I could try that and see if it works, not looking for a reformat though :( seems a little bit too extreme for an adware.
Pcnuttie Jul 13, 2015 @ 3:40pm 
Reformatting is the only last option to have a clean install. Go in safe mode and delete those with malwarebytes.
[K]asual Jul 23, 2015 @ 5:05pm 
I have the same problem. Did you managed to removed it ?
My Win7 laptop was infected with adware/malware when I was looking for Chrome and ended up on a bogus webside. Even though the downloaded filename said chrome it was a crooked Binkiland browser. I uninstalled the Binkiland browser right away, but installimg Malwarebytes at that point did not remove the adware/malware even after rebooted to safe mode.

Fortunately I have an eSATA/USB drive caddy, so I pulled out the laptop drive and scanned it fomr my work PC. Then Malwarebytes was able to remove a bunch of files and AVG also quarantined one. Then back in the laptop I booted to safe mode, uninstalled/reinstalled Malwarebytes, and it was then able to remove remaining garbage in the registry.
Pcnuttie Jul 23, 2015 @ 6:25pm 
Originally posted by MaddDoktor Linux:
My Win7 laptop was infected with adware/malware when I was looking for Chrome and ended up on a bogus webside. Even though the downloaded filename said chrome it was a crooked Binkiland browser. I uninstalled the Binkiland browser right away, but installimg Malwarebytes at that point did not remove the adware/malware even after rebooted to safe mode.

Fortunately I have an eSATA/USB drive caddy, so I pulled out the laptop drive and scanned it fomr my work PC. Then Malwarebytes was able to remove a bunch of files and AVG also quarantined one. Then back in the laptop I booted to safe mode, uninstalled/reinstalled Malwarebytes, and it was then able to remove remaining garbage in the registry.


AVG isn't that nearly good but Malwarebytes can do more especially in premium mod but hey at least you removed it.
Pcnuttie Jul 23, 2015 @ 6:25pm 
Originally posted by meene:
try to use google dns:8.8.8.8
ANyone would be stupid to do this..
L00k Jul 23, 2015 @ 6:43pm 
Originally posted by KEVIN:
I have the same problem. Did you managed to removed it ?

I actually did, I've solved it by using a program called Zoek: http://download.bleepingcomputer.com/smeenk/

I hope this works for you too!
Last edited by L00k; Jul 23, 2015 @ 6:43pm
Balance Mar 10, 2016 @ 6:28pm 
Late comment. I had a very bad problem with this. After using all the suggested malware removal software, uninstalling/reinstalling steam, the ads were still popping up on my steam.

There is a very good guide at malewaretips.com. The first steps are to use all the software mentioned above. The final steps include uninstalling steam first. Then, MOST importantly, they guide you on how to remove a hidden folder, AppData\Local\steamfolder. It is very important to delete this folder if none of your previous attempts have worked. Afterwards you can reinstall steam, and God willing, the ads will be gone. I hope this tip can help someone who finds this thread on Google and are at their wits end.
[K]asual Mar 10, 2016 @ 6:42pm 
For me what solved was changing the router. Aparently the malware was installed in my router, which didnt have a password (actually it was the usual password 0000 ate the time), which made it easy for any virus to install itself in it.
Birb Fire May 4, 2016 @ 11:10pm 
Necroing an old thread, because someone might need it.

Cleared my adware issues through completely wiping the /appdata/local/steam/htmlcache .

Might not work for all but it might do the trick.
[K]asual May 6, 2016 @ 8:02pm 
Also in case anyone needs, cleaning my pc wanst enough, I also had to chage the router, apperently it can get infected too.
Atmos Aug 25, 2016 @ 4:05pm 
If you've got ad's popping up on steam and reinstalling doesn't work, first thing's first! (close steam first)

Use Malwarebytes and AdwCleaner to get rid of the adware and malware. Afterwards, check your dns settings for your wifi/ethernet adapter (depending on how you're connecting to the internet). It's likely that the malware/adware changed the preferred dns server that your IPv4 uses.

-Go to Control Panel\Network and Internet\Network Connections

-Right click on your adapter.

-Click Properties.

-Look for "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)".

-Select it then click Properties. Select "Obtain DNS server address automatically" and clear any existing "Preferred DNS server" or "Alternate DNS server". After that, click ok.

Next, check C:\Users\...\AppData\Local\Steam\

Go ahead and delete the entire htmlcache folder that's in there.

After you've done all this, restart your computer.

Make sure to scan your computer with Malwarebytes and AdwCleaner afterwards!
Last edited by Atmos; Aug 26, 2016 @ 1:52am
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Date Posted: Jul 13, 2015 @ 3:31pm
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