Have you noticed strange behavior from your computer recently? A new browser extension called counter.wmail-service.com may be to blame. counter.wmail-service.com is a technical virus that infects browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.
One thing this virus can do is make random pop-ups appear. It will change your search results too. And it slows your internet down by doing things in the background. You might notice new add-ons installed without asking you first too. Sites you visit may take you somewhere else now too.
If your computer is doing any of these weird things, counter.wmail-service.com could be the cause. This guide will help you check to see if it’s really there. Then it shows easy steps to remove it for good.
First, I’ll explain how to make sure counter.wmail-service.com is actually on your computer. Things like looking at your browser add-ons, doing a malware scan, or checking your task manager.
Once you find it, don’t worry. I gave instructions for safely deleting it using different programs. This includes removing the add-on, using anti-malware software, and resetting your browser settings.
Finally, some tips to protect your computer in the future are included. Things like updating your security software and being careful what websites you visit. With the steps in this guide, you’ll know how to get rid of this virus and help keep your computer running smoothly!
Understanding the counter.wmail-service.com Trojan Virus
The counter.wmail-service.com virus works by disguising itself as a legitimate browser extension or application. However, its true purpose is to open unwanted advertisements, redirect your searches, and track your online activity without permission. Some common signs that counter.wmail-service.com may be present include:
Strange Pop-up Windows
Has your computer started showing random ads even when you didn’t click anything? That could be this counter.wmail-service.com virus. It’s set to bring up pop-ups at different times so the bad guys can make money off the ads. The virus programmer these pop-ups to appear even if you’re not doing anything on a website. They just pop up out of nowhere to annoy you and make the virus creators cash.
Altered Search Results
Your search engine results may look different than normal, with certain sites omitted or lower ranked. counter.wmail-service.com can intercept search queries and redirect them to generate affiliate commission.
Higher Data Usage
With all the unwanted ads and tracking, counter.wmail-service.com causes higher bandwidth usage in the background. You may notice your internet running slower or your monthly data plan used up faster than normal.
New Extensions Installed
When counter.wmail-service.com infects your browser, it often auto-installs other suspicious extensions without permission. These piggyback on the original infection to cause even more disruption.
Unfamiliar Redirects
Links you click or pages you visit may suddenly take you to inappropriate sites instead of the intended destination. counter.wmail-service.com intercepts clicks to earn ad revenue from the referral traffic.
If you experience any of these issues, it is likely the counter.wmail-service.com virus has found its way onto your device. Let’s discuss how to confirm and remove it.
Verifying the counter.wmail-service.com Infection
To start the removal process, we need to confirm counter.wmail-service.com is actually present. Here are a few methods to verify an infection:
Check Browser Extensions
Visit the extensions page in your browser by entering “chrome://extensions” in Chrome or “about:addons” in Firefox/Edge. Look for anything unfamiliar labeled as an “extension” installed recently. If you see counter.wmail-service.com listed, you have confirmed the infection.
Scan With Malwarebytes
Download and install the free Malwarebytes anti-malware software. Allow it to scan your entire system and check programs/extensions installed. Malwarebytes will be able to detect counter.wmail-service.com if present.
Check Windows Task Manager
Bring up the Windows Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and go to the Processes tab. Look for any programs/extensions running that you don’t recognize, especially ones related to counter.wmail-service.com. Make a note of anything suspicious to remove.
Review Browser Settings
In your infected browser, check settings like Homepage, Default Search Engine, and Extensions again. counter.wmail-service.com may have altered these without permission during infection.
Once you see telltale signs in any of these areas, you can confirm counter.wmail-service.com has found its way onto your device. Let’s move on to removing it completely.
Removing the counter.wmail-service.com Virus
Now that we know for sure it’s there, let’s clean your system. I recommend trying the following removal methods in order until counter.wmail-service.com is fully gone:
Uninstall Suspicious Browser Extensions
Now it’s time to remove any weird add-ons the virus installed on your browser. Go to your browser’s extensions page again (like chrome://extensions for Chrome).
Take a close look at each add-on listed. Delete anything that looks funny or you don’t recognize, especially anything with “counter.wmail-service.com” in the name.
Uninstall the mystery add-ons one at a time. This gets rid of how the virus first got into your browser in the first place. Anything you’re not sure of, get rid of it just to be safe.
Don’t worry if you’re not sure what an add-on does. If it looks the least bit suspicious, remove it. Your browser will work just fine without extras you don’t need. Deleting strange add-ons cleans out where the virus set up shop.
Take some time to fully uninstall unfamiliar or questionable add-ons from your extensions page. This helps remove the main source of the problem
Use Malwarebytes, RKill, Windows Defender & AdwCleaner to Remove It
Run a Malwarebytes scan and select “Quarantine” for any counter.wmail-service.com items detected. Malwarebytes will delete them from your device entirely.
You can try using a special program called RKill. It can stop sneaky programs from running in the background. Go to this website.
On the download page, click the one called “iExplore.exe“. That’s just RKill renamed so the virus can’t block it from working. Renaming it tricks the virus!
RKill will try to shut down anything bad running in secret. This can help wipe out pieces of the counter.wmail-service.com virus that regular programs miss. Give it a try as another way to remove help. Just don’t forget to rename it “iExplore.exe” first.
If you have Windows 10, there’s a built-in virus scanner you can use called Windows Defender. Just search for “virus” and open the “Virus & threat protection” program.
In there, click the button called “Quick scan“. This will get your computer checking very fast for any bad files or programs. Windows Defender is really good at finding viruses now.
Let it do its whole scan. It will look all over for anything sneaky or dangerous like the counter.wmail-service.com virus. If it finds anything, it can remove it right away so your computer stays safe.
Give the quick scan a try with Windows Defender. It only takes a few minutes and could find leftover parts of the virus hiding on your computer.
Another good program to use is called AdwCleaner. It’s really good at finding and deleting annoying ads, toolbars and other crapware that sometimes comes with downloads.
A lot of free programs you get online will automatically install extra junk without asking you first. Things like extra toolbar add-ons, pop-ups and ads. Unless you watch carefully, this unwanted stuff then sticks around on your computer.
AdwCleaner was made just for finding and removing all those types of unwanted programs people get sick of. Download it from their website and run it on your computer.
It will carefully look through everything and remove the bad add-ons, ads and toolbars that don’t belong. Using AdwCleaner is a great way to wipe out the left over junk and make your computer feel clean again!
Give it a try in addition to the other steps. AdwCleaner can help finish off getting rid of the virus for good.
Uninstall Unwanted Software in Control Panel
Check Windows Control Panel > Programs and Features to look for anything suspicious. counter.wmail-service.com may have installed additional payloads here too. Be sure to remove all related entries.
Reset Browser Settings
Once extensions are uninstalled, reset your browser by clearing cache/cookies/site data and changing default search engines/home pages back to your preferred options. This restores fresh settings.
Run a Full Anti-Virus Scan
After removing other components, your anti-virus like Windows Defender, AVG, Avira, TotalAV, McAfee or Bitdefender will be able to fully detect and clean any remaining infection remnants. Be sure to update your AV definitions first.
Restart Your Computer
Finish by fully restarting your computer. This clears all running processes and refuses infected/injected code from reloading when booting up.
With any luck, following all these steps will have successfully removed counter.wmail-service.com from your device. But let’s add some extra protection moving forward.
Maintaining Removal and Preventing Reinfection
Cleaning your device is only half the battle, as viruses are great at sneaking back in if nothing changes. To block counter.wmail-service.com recurring, consider these ongoing strategies:
Update Security Software Regularly
It’s so important to regularly update all the security programs and browser extensions you have installed. These kinds of programs, like antivirus, anti-malware, and popup blockers, work by recognizing harmful files and code signatures.
Software developers are constantly analyzing new viruses and threats out there. When they identify a new type of malicious file, they’ll create a new signature for it. But your programs only know about it once you download the latest definition updates.
I’d recommend checking for updates at least once a week for all your security tools. The virus developers don’t wait to release new malware, so neither should you to keep installing updates. Take a few minutes on your regular schedule to get everything up to the latest version.
Whether it’s Windows Security, Mac antivirus, or a third party product, keeping it current is so important. Newer versions will be able to detect and block threats that your older version might miss. It gives you that extra layer of protection since the last update.
Browser extensions are important to keep updated too. Things like adblockers, password managers and popup blockers all get improved through version upgrades. Don’t let them fall behind on the newest security fixes and features.
Taking five minutes weekly means your security profile stays vigilant and able to recognize even the latest creations from cyber crooks. Regular updates are really worthwhile for your ongoing computer safety. Set a reminder so it becomes part of your regular Internet hygiene routine.
Exercise Caution When Browsing
When you’re browsing the web, use caution where you download things and click links. Sketchy sites are often where viruses like to hide.
Don’t install programs that come from places you’re not familiar with. Be wary of links friends send you too, in case their account got hacked. Stick to downloading only from companies you know.
Also watch for links promising something too good to be true. Things claiming you won a prize you never entered or that ask for your information. These are red flags and could infect your device.
Just follow basic safety rules. Keep your guard up on unfamiliar sites with lots of popups too. Viruses love cluttered pages where their downloads blend in.
Being a little paranoid isn’t a bad thing online. If something feels off, it probably is. Your security is worth taking your time and thinking things through before installing anything new. Safe browsing is important to keep your devices protected.
Use Strong Browser Security Settings
Browsers have some built-in protections you should activate. These can help shield you from sneaky scripts and sites.
First, enable pop-up blocking so ads stop interrupting you. Popups are a common way for viruses to sneak in.
Look for “HTTPS-only mode” too. This protects your connection to sites, stopping people from spying on what page you visit.
And if your browser supports it, try using a “locked-down profile” instead of regular mode. Locked profiles come with safeties turned up higher.
See what tools your browser offers and protect yourself more. A few clicks layers on extra defenses between you and online malware. You’ll feel more secure just knowing some automatic protections are in place.
Consider a Paid Security Product
While free antivirus works, paid options may offer better defense. Programs from companies like Norton and Kaspersky usually have more advanced virus catching skills.
Their regular definition updates can find a wider range of malware than free alternatives. Paid suites also get new hacker tricks faster.
You also tend to get extras like optimized scanning speeds, webcam protection, secure password managers and wifi inspection. Extras that make your whole security profile tougher to invade.
It’s an investment but pays off in strong defense. Test them yourself if you need supreme protection on multiple devices. Don’t feel you must, but paid is very worth considering at times.
Back-Up Data Regularly
Make sure to back up important documents, photos and files regularly. I like using Google Drive or Dropbox so everything is saved online.
That way if your computer gets infected by a virus again in the future, you don’t lose all your irreplaceable data along with it. As long as it’s in the cloud or on external storage, your memories and creations are safe.
Viruses can sometimes delete or encrypt files on your computer to be mean. But with your stuff safely backed up, reinfection is less of a catastrophe.
Take 10 minutes each week to sync your latest files. Then no matter what malware tricks your computer, your memories and work are safe in the backup. It gives some stress-relief knowing your data is protected.
Beware Phishing and Spam
Be wary of any unsolicited messages asking for personal info or app installation, as these are frequently spreading malware downloads.
With computer hygiene top of mind, counter.wmail-service.com and similar threats should no longer be able to infiltrate your devices. Now you have the knowledge and tools to remove it for good if it ever does sneak back in later down the road. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Conclusion
We covered multiple thorough steps in this guide to help remove the counter.wmail-service.com virus infection from an affected computer. First, we looked at signs that it may be present like pop-ups, redirects and unusual browser extensions. Then, methods were provided to definitively verify an infection using tools like Malwarebytes and the Task Manager.
Once confirmed, the instructions detailed how to methodically uninstall suspicious extensions, remove detection file quarantines using anti-malware software, delete installed payloads from the Control Panel, reset browser settings and finally perform a full anti-virus scan. Restarting afterwards ensures everything is cleared out.
For long-term protection, ongoing strategies around updating security software, safe browsing habits, locked-down browser profiles, potential paid options and data backups were recommended. With the combination of removal and prevention covered in this guide, readers should now feel fully equipped to remove any counter.wmail-service.com infection lurking on their computers, as well as block similar threats going forward. Please let me know if any part needs clarification or expansion. I hope these steps help keep your devices clean and running smoothly!
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