Why is bitdefender having to block sync.contectualadv.com almost every day. In researching this issue, some say my computer is infected with malware trying to allow ads to come through. How do I get rid of this malware?
And how did I get this malware in the first place. I optimize, check for vulnerabilities daily, and update when ever required.
sync.contextualadv.com is a malicious site that redirects your browser to ads, fake updates, and unwanted programs. You may see it due to malware, bad push notifications, or shady websites.
Kindly check if the following steps help you:
1) Open the Run command and execute the following commands one by one:
temp – delete all the files in the folder.
%temp% – delete all the files in the folder.
prefetch – delete all the files in the folder.
2) Reset the Windows host file to default. You can find instructions here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/how-to-reset-the-hosts-file-back-to-the-default-c2a43f9d-e176-c6f3-e4ef-3500277a6dae
3) Run Disk Cleanup using this guide: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/disk-cleanup-in-windows-8a96ff42-5751-39ad-23d6-434b4d5b9a68
4) Reset your web browsers:
Google Chrome: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/3296214?hl=en
Mozilla Firefox: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/refresh-firefox-reset-add-ons-and-settings
Microsoft Edge: https://malwaretips.com/blogs/reset-microsoft-edge/
Opera: https://browsersolution.com/reset-opera-browser
Vivaldi: https://help.vivaldi.com/desktop/install-update/full-reset-of-vivaldi/
Brave: https://support.brave.com/hc/en-us/articles/360017903152-How-do-I-reset-Brave-settings-to-default-
You can also check the link provided below.
https://www.bitdefender.com/consumer/support/answer/2574/
Regards
I'm having the same issue when
sync.contextualadv.com is concerned. My question is "who posted [
Kindly check if the following steps help you: ] ???? Can we follow this advice with assurance it's the right thing to do??
Look forward to a reply. "I say that because usually, forums can be a waste of time" - not say this one is. Or isn't.
We are happy to assist you with your query. We understand that technical issues can be frustrating, and we are committed to helping you find a solution.
Kindly be aware that every system is unique, and as such, there is no single solution that works for all cases. The troubleshooting steps we provide are based on common solutions that have worked for others. Resolving an issue often involves a process of elimination and trying different methods.
We kindly ask you to review the links below, as they contain potential solutions that may help you resolve the web browser redirect issue.
https://malwaretips.com/blogs/sync-contextualadv-com/
Thank you @Flexx I truly appreciate the care and empathy shown in acknowledging the frustration that can come with technical issues. It's reassuring to know that your team is committed to helping us, your customers, navigate these challenges with patience and professionalism.I also understand that every system is different, and I’m grateful for the guidance and resources you’ve provided. I’ll take the time to carefully review the links and try the suggested troubleshooting steps. Hopefully, one of the solutions will work in my case.Thank you again for your support. It means a lot to know there’s a dedicated team willing to assist every step of the way. In fact, in today's climate, it's the only differentiator between who is truly committed and who is not. If support like this continues, you will continue to have me as a Bitdefender customer.
It takes quite a bit of time to run all these tests and resets. In the end, the error remains. Bitdefender should treat this as a real threat and quarantine sync.contextualadv.co
@Gmann2, did you also try the steps listed on the website mentioned below?
@Alexandru_BD, it's strange that all known solutions which are supposed to resolve this type of issue have failed to address it. It sounds weird to me. Do you have anything to say about it?
@Gmann2, if nothing works or has worked, the best option is to kindly contact Bitdefender support by visiting https://www.bitdefender.com/consumer/support/help/
Select, How to's & Troubleshooting Bitdefender products→Troubleshooting→I don't know→Contact Support→ You will get the option of chat, call or email.
To get an immediate update, kindly use the chat option. Also, ensure that no ad blockers or privacy extensions are enabled in your web browser, as they may prevent the chat window from appearing.
Bitdefender support may request diagnostic logs and will guide you through the process of generating them.
Hi Bitdefender Community,
I recently encountered a suspected malware issue on my system — specifically sync.contextualadv. I was grateful to receive guidance from @Flexx, who provided a helpful step-by-step link for removal.
https://malwaretips.com/blogs/sync-contextualadv-com
One of the steps recommended installing Malwarebytes, which I followed as advised. However, after doing so, I received a message from Bitdefender warning that running multiple antivirus/malware programs simultaneously can interfere with results or even system performance.
This has left me with a few questions I was hoping the community or support could help clarify:
I fully respect both products and simply want to ensure I’m not compromising my system’s protection or performance by running both.
Appreciate any insights or official clarification from the Bitdefender team or experienced users here.
Thanks again,Olivio
Hi again,
This is a quick follow-up to my previous message regarding the sync.contextualadv issue and the instructions I was following from the malwaretips.com guide, which was shared by a Bitdefender expert (Flexx).
As mentioned earlier, I’ve already completed:
Now the next steps in the guide are:
At this stage, I’m genuinely unsure how to proceed. Bitdefender warned me about using multiple malware scanners — especially with real-time protection — and I don’t want to compromise system stability or security.
So I’m left wondering:
I’m not trying to be difficult — just feeling stuck. I followed the advice of an expert, but now I’m left mid-process and not sure what the safest or most effective path is.
Looking forward to some guidance from the Bitdefender team or experienced community members — I’d really appreciate your insight.
Following on from my previous messages regarding the sync.contextualadv issue and the malware removal steps I’ve been working through — I now have an even more concerning update.
After running Malwarebytes, as instructed, the Dashboard returned a Protection Score of only 73/100 — labelled as “Fair.”
This has really shaken my confidence.
I’ve had Bitdefender installed and active all along — so why is my protection score not close to 100? Why did Malwarebytes detect that my system’s protection is only fair, even after Bitdefender has supposedly been keeping me secure?
This raises several serious concerns:
I genuinely don’t want to jump to conclusions, but after following the exact advice from a Bitdefender expert and now seeing a less-than-satisfactory protection score from a trusted third-party tool, I feel confused, concerned, and let down.
I’m hoping for a clear and honest explanation from the Bitdefender team. I really need to understand whether I’m truly protected — or just assuming I am.
Sincerely,Olivio
1) Should you use HitmanPro and AdwCleaner even though Bitdefender is active?
Yes, you can safely use both HitmanPro and AdwCleaner alongside Bitdefender. These software are on-demand scanners, not real-time antimalware softwares, meaning they perform one-time scans without conflicting with your primary antimalware software.
You do not need to disable or uninstall Bitdefender to run these software. Just ensure that you’re only running one software at a time, and avoid enabling any real-time protection features (which these software) typically don’t offer anyway).
Start by running HitmanPro, allow it to complete, and review the results. Then run AdwCleaner. This approach helps ensure that any lingering adware or browser-based infections—like sync.contextualadv—are detected and removed (if present).
2) Should you disable or uninstall Bitdefender temporarily to avoid interference?
No, there’s no need to disable or uninstall Bitdefender. HitmanPro and AdwCleaner are designed to work alongside existing antimalware software without causing conflicts. Disabling Bitdefender could reduce your system’s protection and expose you to unnecessary risks.
3) Should you stop now and trust Bitdefender to take care of the rest?
Not yet. If you’re following a malware removal guide from a trusted source like MalwareTips, it's best to complete all recommended steps.
HitmanPro and AdwCleaner are specifically recommended because they can detect adware and web browser-based threats that standard antimalware software—including Bitdefender—sometimes miss.
4) About the Malwarebytes Protection Score (73/100 – “Fair”)
This score is not an evaluation of Bitdefender. It's a proprietary metric used by Malwarebytes, influenced by several factors, such as:
A score of 73 does not mean Bitdefender is underperforming. It more likely reflects the absence of Malwarebytes-specific protections or some leftover low-level threats—which you're already addressing.
5) Should you consider switching security solutions?
No, there's no need to change your antimalware software.
Bitdefender remains one of the top-performing antimalware software, consistently earning high scores in independent lab tests such as AV-TEST, AV-Comparatives, and MRG Effitas for malware detection.
It provides robust real-time protection, frequent updates, and has a strong reputation in the cybersecurity industry. Unless you're facing ongoing issues that can't be resolved, there's no reason to switch.
If the issue persists, kindly contact Bitdefender support by visiting https://www.bitdefender.com/consumer/support/help/
Also, tell them what solutions you’ve tried so far, or simply share the link to the Bitdefender community thread.
Hi @Flexx Thank you for being thorough and clear! Much appreciated. Therefore, in lieu of the the above response. I will:
Should I encounter any issues or difficulties, I hope to get som
Thanks again and have a great day!
Liv
Hi Olivio,
When trying to access sync.contectualadv.com initially I got a message to disable my adblocker, which leads me to believe that the url may have something to do with tracking or pushing adware. Next thing, it was blocked as well for me. This sync.contextualadv.com gains access either by tricking you into clicking “Allow” on a fake prompt or by sneaking directly into the system by being bundled with other downloads. This kind of repeated detection is often caused by malicious or unwanted browser extensions quietly redirecting traffic. And once it’s in, it starts messing with your homepage, your default search engine, and even your notification settings. You’ll probably also see some pop-ups warning you about fake threats and urging you to download some “security” app, and that's a classic scare tactic to push shady apps or scam sites.
To get rid of this, start by launching your preferred web browser, whether it’s Chrome, Edge, or Firefox. Locate the settings icon, typically found in the upper-right corner, appearing as dots, lines, or an ellipsis depending on the browser version you’re using. Next, proceed carefully to the Extensions or Add-ons section within the settings menu. Browser hijackers frequently conceal themselves as harmless extensions, so thoroughly examine each installed item to identify any suspicious programs. If you encounter any extensions or add-ons that appear unfamiliar, unnecessary, or suspicious, particularly those claiming to “improve performance,” “enhance security,” or offer similar promises, immediately uninstall or disable these questionable items. Afterwards, navigate to the Privacy & Security settings area and specifically locate Site Permissions. Browser hijackers often exploit permissions granted here, especially those related to notifications, pop-ups, or website access. Carefully review permissions and promptly revoke any granted to suspicious, unknown, or undesired websites. Remove permission from any entry that seems unfamiliar or untrustworthy to restore control over your browser.
After completing these steps, restart your browser.
The protection is there, since Bitdefender is blocking access consistently, however, it cannot take action against a browser hijacker by itself, because it cannot alter the browser settings/preferences that were previously set and it cannot remove browser extensions or toolbars that may be causing this redirect. No antivirus can, really. This has to do with the browser, and it can be resolved in most cases by reviewing its settings and resetting it. What Bitdefender can do in this scenario is to simply block access to such malicious pages, but the root cause, the browser hijacker will continue to redirect, unless removed.
Let us know if this worked for you.
Regards,
Alex
