ScaryBear Software

Fl-v.org is cross-browser adware programmed to display tricky software install or update recommendations on the infected PC. Capable of affecting Internet Explorer, Chrome and Firefox, this virus triggers an obscure script every time the user opens a new tab or browser window. This script causes extra tabs to open or pop-under windows to appear, telling the user that a new critical install is nearly obligatory for the normal flow of certain processes relating to multimedia, web browsing or operating system security. An example of such pop-up is shown below; it pushes the so-called “Extreme Flash Player” in the intrusive manner outlined above.

Fl-v.org is cross-browser adware programmed to display tricky software install or update recommendations on the infected PC. Capable of affecting Internet Explorer, Chrome and Firefox, this virus triggers an obscure script every time the user opens a new tab or browser window. This script causes extra tabs to open or pop-under windows to appear, telling the user that a new critical install is nearly obligatory for the normal flow of certain processes relating to multimedia, web browsing or operating system security. An example of such pop-up is shown below; it pushes the so-called “Extreme Flash Player” in the intrusive manner outlined above.

If the victim chooses to click the Install or Update button on one of Fl-v.org notifications, chances are a piece of malicious software gets on board along with the advertised app, or even instead of it. The pests promoted this way include spyware, rootkits, homepage hijackers or other adware. To avoid further contamination, it’s advised that no active buttons be clicked on any of the landing pages that Fl-v.org returns.

A common springboard for the emergence of this virus inside a computer system is some third-party software setup. The thing is, even if you’re downloading and installing some app that is safe in itself, the setup package may contain undeclared items such as the adware being described in this guide. It’s fairly hard to determine the actual promoter of Fl-v.org in each particular case due to an extensive network of affiliated freeware carrying the bad payload. One should therefore recall which application was recently installed and determine the temporal correlations between this event and the start of the annoying popup activity.

Sadly, there isn’t one distinct system or browser component whose removal will lead to a complete remediation of the system in terms of this issue. To get rid of the Fl-v.org virus for good, it’s therefore required to apply a compound tactic which is described in the remaining part of this article.

Fl-v.org removal with automatic cleanup tool

An optimal workflow for eliminating Fl-v.org is to leverage a security application which will identify all potentially malicious software on your computer and handle it the right way. This approach ensures thoroughness of the removal and system remediation, and allows avoiding unintended damage that might occur as a result of manual malware deletion.

1. Download and install Fl-v.org removal software. Launch it and click the Start New Scan button. Wait for the application to check your computer for threats

2. When the app is done scanning your system, it will come up with an extensive list of detected objects. Click the Fix Threats option to have the utility completely remove Fl-v.org, affiliated infections and possibly other malware found on your PC.

Uninstall troublemaking software through Control Panel

–  Go to Start menu and select Control Panel on the list

–  Click on the Uninstall a program (Add or Remove Programs) button

–  Take a good look at the software list displayed. Search for an application installed recently and prior to Fl-v.org popup issues. It’s typically free Flash-related software, file format converters, media apps and the like. When found, the probable culprit should be uninstalled

–  Unfortunately, it’s not easy to figure out which program is associated with Fl-v.org virus in your case. If you are unsure, stick to the automatic cleanup advice or try the browser reset option described below.

Remove Fl-v.org virus by resetting the affected browser

FYI: This procedure will lead to the loss of custom browser settings, including bookmarks, cookies, passwords saved, and all browsing history. Please keep this in mind when making a decision to proceed.

Reset Internet Explorer to its defaults

– Go to Tools –> Internet Options

– Select the Advanced tab as shown below and click the Reset button

– Read the warning about the effects of resetting IE. If you are sure, proceed by checking the Delete personal settings option and clicking Reset

Reset Mozilla Firefox

 –  Go to Help – Troubleshooting Information

–  Firefox will come up with the Troubleshooting Information screen. Click the Reset Firefox button to complete the process

Reset Google Chrome

–  Go to the Chrome Menu icon and pick Settings on the list

–  Click on the Show advanced settings button

–  Click on the button reading Reset browser settings

–  On the notification box that pops up, review the consequences of Chrome reset and click Reset if it’s ok with you

Double-checking never hurts

 To make sure the Fl-v.org popup virus has been removed, consider running an additional security scan as a completion of the cleanup procedure