This article will aid you to remove Cartwise.me absolutely. Follow the removal instructions for the adware given at the end of the article.
Cartwise.me is a website which features an extension. The website is the home domain of an adware of the same name CartWise. Except the extension, any software related to it will push advertisements on your browsers, which classifies it as adware. The Cartwise.me site is about shopping and many different coupons, deals and discounts, but interestingly enough, the application is not even working properly in its current state. Instead, you can get redirected, and the adware can collect data about you and your browsing habits.
Threat Summary
| Name | Cartwise.me |
| Type | Adware, PUP |
| Short Description | Advertisements generated from this website can display on other sites and redirect you. |
| Symptoms | You see adverts in your browsers, like pop-ups or in-game ads. You can get redirected from ads and links about deals on the website. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Cartwise.me. |
Cartwise.me – Distribution Methods
Cartwise.me might distribute via a third-party installation setup. Applications connected to Cartwise can intrude your computer, without your knowledge of that. Bundled packages and freeware setups could be distributing this adware. Installer setups like those could be set by default to install additional components. To avoid installations of such unwanted applications, you have to search for the Custom or Advanced settings. From there, you should be able to deselect any component that is not necessary.
Above, in the screenshot, you can see the Cartwise.me related extension hosted on the Google Chrome Web Store page, available for free download.
Cartwise.me might distribute itself by using similar websites which are hosting its ads. Websites like those often offer nearly the same shopping deals and can have plenty of redirect links. Clicking on just one redirect link or advert could send the adware to your computer system. In addition, banners, pop-ups as well as more kinds of adverts could be placed on the Internet to popularize this shopping platform. These ad-types might redirect to the main domain of the adware. All browsers which could be affected are: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer and Safari.
Cartwise.me – More Information
Cartwise.me is the main URL for this shopping-related website that bears the name of its accompanying platform, namely Cartwise. The website can load pop-ups and other advertising content as you use it. The website, along with its shopping deals and all kinds of applications associated with it, can generate bulks of advertisements.
You can view the main page of the website here:
Cartwise.me generates advertisements such as pop-up boxes, banners and some few others, as well. Lots of shopping deals are being generated by the website. Except the shopping deals, there are discounts, coupons, and all kinds of related content that is generated in your browsers.
In the case your browser software and your computer machine have any program associated with this adware platform or its browser extension, you can witness a lot of sponsored content, targeted advertisements, and redirect links which show when surfing online.
Advertisements could have one of those texts inside them:
- Advert from Cartwise.me
- Powered by Cartwise.me
- Ad by Cartwise.me
- Ads by Cartwise.me
- Advertisement by Cartwise.me
- Brought to you by Cartwise.me
The Cartwise.me website could spread links that can redirect you to suspicious websites to generate traffic. This traffic can be turned into revenue from using a pay-per-click scheme. A huge number of the advertisements on the site might be associated with affiliates or partners of the shopping-oriented service. The adverts, plus all other sponsored content can collect information about you and your browsing activity. Advertisements tied to Cartwise.me can be in the form of banners, pop-ups, pop-unders, in-game ads, plus in-text links ads. Other ad-types are not excluded from showing as well.
Cartwise.me – Data Collection and Tracking
The Privacy Policy of the Cartwise.me site is nowhere to be found or at least it is not publicly available. Not being able to see what is written in the Privacy Policy of such a site, you do not know what information could be obtained from you, but you can expect it to be bad. Not to mention that the Cartwise.me domain can redirect you to other websites, and they will collect information about you and your computer system as well.
There are six cookies generated on that page, and they are from the following domain:
- cartwise.me
You can see proof of the cookies being active from the main domain of the CartWise adware in the image below:
Most of these cookies may have a small expiration period, but one expires after two years. Those cookies probably collect different information about you, ranging from non-personally identifying one to personal data. That data is stored on servers related to the adware. Your IP address, physical location and similar details could be revealed to the makers of the adware through the related extensions, etc.
More tracking technologies besides browser cookies might be at play, too. If you do not approve of such an intrusion of your privacy, especially when you do not know how deep it goes, then you should consider removing this adware and its related files as fast as possible.
Remove Cartwise.me Adware
To remove Cartwise.me manually from your computer, follow the step-by-step instructions manual provided down here. If the manual removal does not get rid of the ads and shopping website from appearing, you should search for and remove any leftovers with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such a program can keep your computer secure in the future.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Cartwise.me from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Cartwise.me with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Cartwise.me and related software from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by Cartwise.me on Your PC.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Cartwise.me there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Video Removal Guide for Cartwise.me (Windows).
Get rid of Cartwise.me from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Cartwise.me and remove related files and objects
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Cartwise.me. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Cartwise.me via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Scan for and remove Cartwise.me files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Cartwise.me, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Video Removal Guide for Cartwise.me (Mac)
Remove Cartwise.me from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Erase Cartwise.me from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window:
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Uninstall Cartwise.me from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Remove Cartwise.me from Safari
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the Cartwise.me will be removed.
Eliminate Cartwise.me from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
Remove Push Notifications from Your Browsers
Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome
To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.
Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:
Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:
Step 4: Open “Notifications”:
Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:
Remove Push Notifications on Firefox
Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":
Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”
Stop Push Notifications on Opera
Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.
Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.
Step 3: Open Notifications:
Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):
Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.
Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".
Cartwise.me-FAQ
What Is Cartwise.me?
The Cartwise.me threat is adware or browser redirect virus.
It may slow your computer down significantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.
What Are the Symptoms of Cartwise.me?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and have poor performance in general.
Symptom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts recommend that you check your computer for viruses.
What Types of Unwanted Programs Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your Mac can be the following types:
- Rogue Antivirus programs.
- Adware.
- Browser hijackers.
- Clickers.
- Fake optimizers.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like Cartwise.me?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your email passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activities with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these recommendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
How Does Cartwise.me Work?
Once installed, Cartwise.me can collect data about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. This data is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
Cartwise.me can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information and show risky ads, that may redirect to virus sites or scams.
Is Cartwise.me Malware?
The truth is that PUPs (adware, browser hijackers) are not viruses, but may be just as dangerous since they may show you and redirect you to malware websites and scam pages.
Many security experts classify potentially unwanted programs as malware. This is because of the unwanted effects that PUPs can cause, such as displaying intrusive ads and collecting user data without the user’s knowledge or consent.
About the Cartwise.me Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Cartwise.me how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.
How did we conduct the research on Cartwise.me?
Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Cartwise.me threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.