Anyone seeing malware popup links here?

Now and then, every couple of weeks maybe, I see something like this here...

In main forum menu (where I am currently seeing a BestBuy ad for Sony 4K), and I click a forum link (don't recall which one now- was sort of a surprise) - I get a large popup, this time addressed as ad124m.adk2.net, saying "Please Install Video Performer". Has install buttons with same link addresses. No other ID as to source. I didn't click it, don't know where it goes. Address alone gets "server not found".



This is first time I have seen this one, it varies.. It is infrequent, but it happens.



Too small to reproduce it here, but the Install Later link is as shown.

I'm wondering if the forum can do that, others would see it if so. But am more worried it could be local malware on my own computer. I don't see anything strange in Control Panel Programs, or in Firefox addons.

Is this a popup ad from the forum?

Not seen anything,my firefox pop up blocker used to block stuff all the time but its not doing now so i guess i dont get them.

Not I. Sounds like a localized problem.
I use outdated IE at work and current Firefox & Chrome at home. No issues.

I'm not seeing ads like that because I also use the aforementioned AdBlock Plus extension. If you don't have this installed for whatever browser your use, you need to install it for whatever browser you use. Unless of course you're using Internet Exploder... In which case you also need a new browser, IMO.

....

Running windows 8.1 with IE not seen any pop ups for ads

If there are ads on the forum, I don't see them (Firefox). I thought everyone blocked ads, I'm not entirely sure why you'd choose not to?

Anyhow, if the reason is that you don't know how, download & install Firefox from www.getfirefox.com. Once installed, click on the Hamburger menu at the top right, click Add-ons. Search for Adblock Plus & click it to install. A new tab will open offering various block options. Tick all 3 or leave the middle one unticked if you love social media. Then one more tweak. Hamburger, Add-ons, Filter Preferences & uncheck "Allow some non-intrusive advertising" (sic). Click close, then shut the tab & you're done.

Once that's done, wander over the the forum contribution button & send Admin some dosh. I'd prefer to pay for a service rather than be bombarded with ads, but forums are not free to run.

OK, thanks, and maybe I have found it now. I got and ran Malwarebytes, and it identified this:

PUP.Optional.MindSpark.A, C:\Users\w\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\63oaf400.default\MapsGalaxy_39, Quarantined,

Identified at Remove PUP.Optional.MindSpark (Removal Guide)

File was dated a month ago, no clue where it came from. It was not visible in any normal place. I am assuming that must be the problem.

With that sort of nasty installed, it may be worthwhile for you to download & run Adwcleaner. It's likely to find a few other browser based annoyances hiding away.

This link to download the software: AdwCleaner Download

I have mixed emotions about blockers, like Adblock Plus. It works, and it blocks the ads on the forum here too. I don't mind seeing inline ads, they don't even register with me (if not too obnoxious), but seems to me that I need to see the malware. Removing it seems superior to hiding it.

After what i said firefox has just blocked something,no idea what it was

Just had a Mcafee update and it is continually blocking content now,i dont mind because thats what it should do i have no idea what its blocking as i have no intention of clicking allow,something must be getting on the site.

@mikew

There's no issues with the site that I cans see. "McCrappy" is the king of False Positives, it's more likely that your computer has some infection, or just that your security software is trying to justify it's place on your computer.

Scan with Malwarebytes & Adwcleaner.

Going to reset my pc to day one i think and have a fresh start.

I've never seen a purpose in a destructive computer clean. The issue is that the computer owner will put on the same AV & same non-secure practises as before & get into exactly the same state in a few months. Just clean the adware & install a proper AV - it will take only half an hour or so.

How to uninstall McAfee software: (NSFW or young children - bad language)