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In this article we are going to try and help you remove “Mass Sea”. Our instructions cover all Windows versions as well as most browsers – Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer etc.
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Browsing is fun, browsing is useful and it is something you probably do on a daily basis. For that reason it is quite unpleasant if something starts interrupting your online experience. Unfortunately, there are quite a few things, which do exactly this – make your browsing as frustrating and as unbearable as possible.
Adware – the root of all advertisement platforms
In this article we will be focusing on a particular type of programs that are superb at annoying you and nagging you until you give it up and re-install your OS. By the way, if that’s your case as well, know that there’s no need for a re-installation. This issue can be fixed much faster and much easier. Now that we’ve got this out of the way, let us introduce you to adware. You might have already heard the term and you may have a certain idea as for what it actually means. Either way, there are probably quite a few things that you still don’t know about these programs, which are quite important. Adware (advertising-supported software) is a specific type of browser extension that is developed with one sole purpose – the generation of adverts for people’s browsers. The idea behind all those pop-ups, banners, box messages etc., is so that the adware developers may gain revenue via the pay-per-click method. The more ads people click on, the greater the revenue. Occasionally you might see an adware promoted as being an enhancement to your browser. However, in most cases it is the polar opposite. Adware is notorious for their obstructive nature and annoying behavior – that is also the main reason why it falls under the PUP (potentially unwanted programs) software category.
A bit more info about Mass Sea”virus”and malware in general
Let’s start by stating that contrary to popular belief Mass Sea “virus” is not a virus at all. “Mass Sea” is one of the latest of adware add-ons out there. Therefore, if your browser is currently covered with those rage-inducing ads, the chances are that it is due to this particular program. Now, if that’s your case, you need to remain calm. A lot of people freak out once they realize there’s adware inside their computers. There’s really no reason for that since most adware is not harmful to your PC’s system. There’s a very big difference between adware like “Mass Sea” and malicious software such as Trojan Horses or Ransomware . That is why adware is regarded as PUP and not as viruses. Still, it should be noted that as harmless as adware is, it may still trick you into exposing your PC to potential danger. Occasionally, clicking on any of the ads may result in you being redirected to an illegal and malicious virus-infested site. This happens rarely, but is still a real possibility. Therefore, our advice for you is to avoid clicking on any of the adverts you see – no need to risk your PC’s security and expose yourself to such widespread and grave threats like ransomware.
Methods of distribution
Another important aspect of “Mass Sea” and adware in general that we ought to cover in this article, is how these programs reach people’s computers. Now, there are quite a few distribution methods out there, so we won’t be able to list all potential ones. Instead, we will introduce you to the most commonly used ones.
- File-sharing sites – Theoretically, all sites with downloadable content can be turned into a “Mass Sea” distribution tool. However, you can be pretty sure that you won’t land an adware by downloading stuff from reliable and trustworthy sites. This is also our advice for you: avoid getting files from shady and suspicious sites. Instead, stick to highly-rated and popular ones.
- Spam e-mails – We all know just how widely spread a method for PUP and virus distribution e-mail letters are. In fact, adware is one of the less problematic programs that you can get from a spam e-mail. That is why you should always be careful when opening new e-mail messages, especially from unknown senders. Having good anti-malware software won’t hurt either.
- File-bundling – This method is usually regarded as the most effective when it comes to “Mass Sea” and adware distribution. It should be noted that this one is perfectly legal. The intrusive software is bundled with another program (often cheap or free ones) and when this program gets installed on your PC, you also get the adware. Avoiding this is easy. Simply go for the custom installation instead of the regular one. That way you should be able to see what added content there is to the main install. All you have to do now is uncheck everything that you think may be unwanted and carry on with the actual installation.
If “Mass Sea” has already found its way into your system, make sure to try out our adware uninstallation and removal guide just below this article.
“Mass Sea” Removal
Many types of malware will restrict your access to their core files. It is highly recommended that you reboot your PC in safe mode before attempting to use this guide.
- To enable Safe Mode reboot you PC, then hit F8 repeatedly. When the corresponding menu opens please select Safe Mode with Networking.
WARNING! If you are using Windows 8,0 or later and/or your operating system is installed on a fast SSD drive this may fail to work. In this case click here to see how to start your PC in Safe Mode.
#1: Uninstall the malicious program from your control panel
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Enter control panel to look for any suspicious programs, which may have installed on your PC. To do that:
- Navigate to your Desktop
- Press simultaneously the Win button together with the R button (Win+R)
- In the Run window that just opened type appwiz.cpl
- Go through the list of programs and find “Mass Sea” or anything else that may seem suspicious. Right-click on it and choose the uninstallation option
WARNING! Carefully read any confirmation messages that may be created in the process. Sometimes you may get offers to download more Adware applications and this can be linked to either the Yes or the No answer depending on the wording!
- Optional:
Go through the list of programs again and check online for any potentially unwanted programs. We have an article that covers this awesome free software that makes sure that your computer is free from bloatware and programs that you don’t need.
#2: Remove “Mass Sea” From Chrome
Now we’ll remove the extensions that the malware has attached to your browser.
- Open your Google Chrome browser.
- Type chrome://extensions/ in the URL address bar and press Enter.
- Click on “Developer Mode” on the top right and look for the extension installed by “Mass Sea” and anything that might be related to it. Copy their IDs (the string of letters), then remove them by clicking on the trash bin icon.
- Type Regedit in the Windows Start Menu and press Enter. Go in : HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google\Chrome\Extensions and delete the entries corresponding to the suspicious IDs you recorded.
#3: Remove “Mass Sea” From Firefox
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser.
- Type “about:support” in the URL address bar and press Enter.
- Click on the “Refresh Firefox” button on the right and confirm.
#4 Remove “Mass Sea” From Internet Explorer
- Open your Internet Explorer internet browser.
- Click on the Gear icon on the up right, then on manage add-ons.
- Go through the list disable any suspicious extensions.
#5 Remove any leftover parasitic processes
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From the task manager:
- Use Ctrl + Shift + Esc and open the Task manager, then click on the Processes
- Go through the list of processes and look for unknown or otherwise suspicious entries.
- If you see anything suspicious right click on the process and shoes Open File Location, then terminate the process and delete any files you find in the directory.
WARNING! If the directory you open from this menu has no files inside of it it’s probably because the malware has hidden them. You need to reveal hidden files and folders in order to be able to see them. Click here if you don’t know how to do that.
From the start menu:
- Press simultaneously the Win button together with the R button (Win+R)
- In the Run window that just opened type msconfig
- Click on the Startup tab.
This menu controls which programs are loaded when windows starts after a reboot. Disable anything that seems suspicious. Optionally you can also disable any program that you don’t need and also has a high impact on your startup time.
Feel free to write to us in the comment section with any questions that you may have. Also if we have been helpful to you please share this article to help us reach more people like you.
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