AdSkip

What is AdSkip?

AdSkip looks like a neat reliable and useful application because it claims to block annoying advertisements. However, it does not do that, and we suggest removing it at your earliest convenience. Research has shown that a few months after installing this application it starts to install malicious programs secretly, and we have heard that it can even install Trojans. So this application can jeopardize your computer’s security, and you should get rid of it to ensure that your computer remains malware-free. In this short description, we will tell you about how this application functions, where it comes from and how you can uninstall it.

Where does AdSkip come from?

Our researchers say that the structure of this application indicates that it belongs to the Elex-tech family of software. Nevertheless, it also might have been created by one of the partners of this company as it shares the technologies with its partners. Elex-tech is a notorious company that is known for publishing neat-looking applications that secretly install malware after some time has passed since the installation. This is most likely done to divert attention from this application.

While collecting information about this application, we found that its dedicated distribution website is located at Adskiper.com. This site claims that AdSkip removes banner ads from online videos and various websites. It also argues that this program does not require personal information to work, which is rather an odd thing to say. Apart from being distributed on a dedicated website, we have received information that it can be dropped on your PC via Trojan horse. However, the method used to disseminate the Trojans that drop AdSkip is a complete mystery.

How does AdSkip work?

Evidently, this application’s developers outright lie about what the intentions of AdSkip are. We know that it does not block advertisements, so what can it actually do? Well, our researchers have found that it does not do anything to prevent the ads from appearing. Moreover, they will continue to appear regardless of whether you use this application or not. It was not designed to block ads to begin with because its real purpose is to act as a vehicle for distributing malicious software.

Even though this application was designed to appear as legitimate as possible — it is definitely not. Researchers have found that this program could be the cause of your computer becoming infected with various kinds of malicious software that includes spyware, ransomware, keyloggers, and so on. In the best case scenario, your PC can become infected with the least malicious software that includes adware and browser hijackers which are relatively easy to get rid of. Such malicious applications can severely compromise your computer’s security. If your PC becomes infected with ransomware, then it will encrypt all of your files and demand that you pay a ransom to get them back. In the event it is a key logger, then cyber criminals might obtain your logins and passwords and other personal information as they can see everything you type with the keyboard. Eradicating this seemingly good application is of utmost importance to minimize the chances of your PC becoming jeopardized by malware.

How to remove AdSkip?

Even though AdSkip has a functional uninstaller that you can access via control Panel, it leaves junk files that you have to delete manually to re-establish your system’s security. Therefore, you should visit its directories that include %APPDATA%\ADSKIP or %PROGRAMFILES(x86)%\ADSKIP (depending on your version of Windows,) %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Start Menu\Programs\AdSkip (Win XP,) %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\AdSkip (Win 7 and later,) and delete registry keys. For the full guide on how to remove this potentially unwanted program, you should consult the step-by-step guide provided at the bottom.

Uninstall via Control Panel

Windows XP

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Click Control Panel and select Add or Remove Programs.
3. Find the application and click Uninstall.

Windows 7 or Vista

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Click Control Panel and select Uninstall a program.
3. Find the PUP and right-click on it.
4. Uninstall.

Windows 8 or 8.1

1. Open the Charm bar.
2. Click Settings and select Control Panel.
3. Find the undesirable app and right-click on it.
4. Uninstall.

Windows 10

1. Right-click on the Windows Start menu logo.
2. Select Programs and Features.
3. Find the program and right-click on it.
4. Click the Uninstall button.

Delete the files manually

1. Simultaneously press Windows+E keys on your keyboard.
2. Enter the following file paths and delete their contents.

• %APPDATA%\ADSKIP (Win 32-bit) or %PROGRAMFILES(x86)%\ADSKIP (Win 64-bit)
• %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Start Menu\Programs\AdSkip (Win XP only)
• %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\AdSkip (Win 7 and later)

Delete the registry keys

1. Simultaneously press Windows+R keys on your keyboard.
2. Enter regedit in the box and click OK.
3. Go to the following registry keys and delete the AdSkip-related strings.

• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\ADSKIP
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\services\ADSkipSvc
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\ADSkipSvc
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\ADSKIP

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