How to remove the Preview AdService

What this program does:

Delivers popups and ads to your computer.

Tools Needed for this fix: Related Tutorials: Symptoms in a HijackThis Log (Maybe different entries but will contain the same domains and hostnames):


O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Preview AdService] C:\Program Files\Preview AdService\PrevAdServ.exe


Removal Instructions:
  1. Connect to the Internet and stay connected throughout this entire removal process.

  2. Download HijackThis from the above link and extract it to c:\hijackthis.

  3. Print out these instructions.

  4. Close Internet Explorer and keep it closed throughout the entire removal process.

  5. Enter the control panel by clicking on the Start menu, then clicking on Run.

  6. Now type control in the Open field and press the OK button.

  7. Double-click on the Add/Remove Programs icon.

  8. Look for and uninstall the following entries if found in the Add/Remove Programs window.

    Preview AdService

    It may prompt about whether or not you are sure you want to remove this program. Always read it carefully and choose the option that states you want to remove all components of this program.

  9. Navigate to the c:\hijackthis directory and double-click on HijackThis

  10. When the program starts, double-click on the HijackThis icon and then click on the Scan button.

  11. Put a checkmark next to the following entries if they exist:


    O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Preview AdService] C:\Program Files\Preview AdService\PrevAdServ.exe

  12. Then click the Fix button

  13. Exit HijackThis.

  14. Reboot your computer

  15. Delete the following directories if they exist:

    C:\Program Files\Preview AdService\
Now your computer should no longer be infected with Preview AdService. It may be possible that you still have some spyware or malware installed on your computer. If you feel this is the case, follow the instructions below to post a HijackThis log and someone will help you to remove the rest.


This is a self-help guide. Use at your own risk.



BleepingComputer.com can not be held responsible for problems that may occur by using this information. If you would like help with any of these fixes, you can post a HijackThis log in our HijackThis Logs and Analysis forum.

If you have any questions about this self-help guide then please post those questions in our AntiVirus, Firewall and Privacy Products and Protection Methods forum and someone will help you.