SyncroAd

Overview

SyncroAd, also known as Adware.SyncroAd and Windows SyncroAd, is an adware software component. TROJ_DELF.DS has been reported to download and install SyncroAd. sysinfo.org classify SyncroAd as "BlazeFind 'Windupdates" targeted advertizing".

The following is found inside the SyncroAd.exe file: "http://www.windupdates.com/remove.php
[snip]
Thank You Do you want to keep these important features on your computer? 1. Relevancy of advertisment; 2. Improved capabilities; 3. Enhanced ad support. supports many free software products through its advertising relevancy technology. If you remove from your system, certain free software may no longer function properly and you may have to reinstall them from a backup. Are you really sure that you want to remove from your system? Information Are you sure that you want to permanently remove from your computer? Windows SyncroAd"

The vendors web site describes the sofware as "free ad delivery software which provides targeted advertising offers." SyncroAd is offered as an ActiveX pop-up window on sites that offers free content. SyncroAd is also bundled with other software according to the vendor: "If you do not remember having seen an ActiveX prompt, you might have downloaded Wind Updates from a popular free software product (screensavers, games, file sharing software, etc.). Users always have to opt-in before installing the Wind Updates software.".

SyncroAd may update itself and install new software without user interaction: "UPDATES. You grant WINDUPDATES.COM permission to add/remove features and/or functions to the existing software and/or service, or to install new applications, at any time, in its sole discretion with or without your knowledge and/or interaction."

Classification

Adware

Files

SyncroAd.exe

If you have any of the files related to SyncroAd on your system, please send them for additional analysis. Generally, I have only analysed a few versions for each software component listed at this web site. With your help I will be able to look at both old and more recent versions of the SyncroAd software. Thank you very much for your time!

Log references

Log 1257

Vendor

windupdates.com whois_cache whois

End User License Agreement

2004-10-25

Detection

Bazooka Adware and Spyware Scanner detects SyncroAd. Bazooka is freeware and detects spyware, adware, foistware, trojan horses, viruses, worms and other potentially unwanted applications. Read more »

Uninstall procedure

Uninstall SyncroAd from "Add/Remove Programs" in the Windows® Control Panel.

Uninstall SyncroAd with FreeFixer

I'm working on a general purpose tool for removing unwanted software. The tool is called FreeFixer and can help you remove unwanted Browser Helper Objects, Internet Explorer toolbars and software that starts automatically when you reboot your computer, so it can offer some assistance while uninstalling SyncroAd. The manual removal instructions listed below will help you to identify what to delete with FreeFixer.

Read more about FreeFixer.

Manual removal

Please follow the instructions below if you would like to remove SyncroAd manually. Please notice that you must follow the instructions very carefully and delete everything that is mentioned. In most cases the removal will fail if one single item is not deleted. If SyncroAd remains on your system after stepping through the removal instructions, please double-check by stepping through them again.

1. Start the registry editor. This is done by clicking Start then Run. (The Run dialog will appear.) Type regedit and click OK. (The registry editor will open.)
2. Browse to the key:
   'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Run'
3. In the right pane, delete the value called 'Windows SyncroAd', if it exists.
4. Exit the registry editor.
5. Restart your computer.
6. Start Windows Explorer and delete:
   %ProgramsDir%\Windows SyncroAd\
   Note: %ProgramsDir% is a variable (?). By default, this is C:\Program Files.

Problems uninstalling? Click here.

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Contact information for SyncroAd's vendor

In order to provide correct, accurate and updated information about SyncroAd I encourage the vendor to contact me if any part of this write-up needs a revision.