FAQ
TL;DR: “99% of notification prompts were dismissed or denied,” so disable or revoke site notifications to stop bottom-right desktop ads; then re‑pair Bluetooth headphones if they won’t connect. This FAQ is for Windows users fixing Chrome pop-ups and wireless audio pairing. [“Reducing Notification Permission Prompt Spam in Firefox”]
Why it matters: It’s fast to fix without wiping your PC, and you’ll restore quiet and connectivity.
Quick Facts
- Chrome’s bottom-right desktop ads are usually site notifications you allowed; revoke them in Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Notifications. [“Change site permissions in Chrome”]
- AdwCleaner/Malwarebytes won’t undo Chrome notification permissions; remove allowed sites in Chrome’s Notifications list. [Elektroda, Kolobos, post #17570868]
- FRST fixlist can remove unwanted entries and reset HOSTS; save fixlist.txt beside FRST.exe and press Fix. [Elektroda, krzychupar, post #17569519]
- CryptoTab added startup tasks in this case; disable its tasks or uninstall if you don’t use it. [Elektroda, Kolobos, post #17569562]
- Typical Bluetooth headset range (Class 2) is about 10 meters; keep devices close while pairing. [“Bluetooth”]
Why are ads popping up in the bottom-right corner on Windows?
They are browser push notifications, most often from Chrome. You clicked “Allow” on a website. Open Chrome settings and revoke the site’s permission. This is not malware by itself. It’s a browser feature that sites can abuse for spammy alerts. Clearing those permissions stops the pop-ups instantly. [“Change site permissions in Chrome”]
How do I quickly turn off these Chrome notifications?
Open Chrome. Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Notifications. Remove suspicious sites from Allowed or switch the global toggle to block prompts. How-To: 1. Menu > Settings. 2. Privacy and security > Site settings > Notifications. 3. Remove sites under Allowed, or block prompts. [“Change site permissions in Chrome”]
My scanners found nothing, but ads remain. Why?
Notification spam persists because it’s a permission, not a virus. “It looks like notifications from the site, which you agreed to in Chrome.” Remove the site in Chrome’s Notifications list and the pop-ups stop. Security tools don’t reset these permissions. [Elektroda, Kolobos, post #17570868]
I saw a433.com in HOSTS. Is that causing ads?
No. The entry 127.0.0.1 a433.com points to localhost, which blocks that domain. It doesn’t generate notifications or ads. The HOSTS file may be reset during cleanup to remove custom entries. That helps ensure clean DNS behavior. [Elektroda, Kolobos, post #17570350]
How do I use FRST fixlist safely to clean leftovers?
Create fixlist.txt with helper-provided lines, save it next to FRST.exe, then click Fix. FRST will process items, reset HOSTS if instructed, and remove scheduled tasks or extensions listed. Do not run random scripts; use trusted guidance only. 1. Paste rules into fixlist.txt. 2. Place with FRST.exe. 3. Run FRST > Fix. [Elektroda, krzychupar, post #17569519]
What is CryptoTab and should I remove it?
CryptoTab Browser/Update can add startup tasks and run in the background. If you didn’t intend to use it, remove the tasks from Task Scheduler and uninstall the app. Also clear its autostarts in your user Run entries. [Elektroda, Kolobos, post #17569562]
The pop-ups stopped after I disabled notifications—am I done?
Yes. Clearing the Allowed list removes the spam source. The original poster confirmed the ads disappeared after disabling those permissions. Also check other browsers for similar permissions, then restart the PC to confirm. [Elektroda, mrrobson111, post #17571010]
How can I confirm it’s browser notifications and not malware?
Close Chrome and see if pop-ups stop. Check Chrome’s Notifications Allowed list for odd domains. Disable them and test again. If only Chrome shows them and removing permissions fixes it, it’s notifications, not malware. Capture a screenshot of the site name if unsure. [Elektroda, Kolobos, post #17570868]
What if ads still appear after turning off Chrome notifications?
Check other browsers for allowed notifications and remove them. Scan with an up-to-date antivirus. If needed, boot a Live CD/USB antivirus and scan offline for deeper cleaning. This verifies no system-level adware remains. [Elektroda, Grzegorz740, post #17569480]
My wireless Bluetooth headphones won’t connect—what should I try first?
Turn Bluetooth on, charge both devices, and keep them close. Put headphones in pairing mode, then Windows: Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device. Remove old pairings before re-adding. Update Bluetooth drivers in Device Manager. Run the Windows Bluetooth troubleshooter if pairing fails. [“Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows”]
Could range or interference be blocking pairing?
Yes. Typical Class 2 Bluetooth headsets work to about 10 meters. Walls, USB 3.0 noise, and Wi‑Fi congestion reduce range. Move devices together, avoid metal obstructions, and use front-panel or a cabled USB Bluetooth adapter to reduce interference. [“Bluetooth”]
Will resetting HOSTS via FRST remove my custom blocks?
Yes. FRST’s Hosts directive resets HOSTS to default, removing custom entries. Back up your HOSTS file first if you rely on manual blocks. You can restore safe custom entries after cleanup. [Elektroda, g107r, post #17570286]
Should I share a screenshot of the pop-up when asking for help?
Yes. A screenshot shows the domain sending notifications and UI context, speeding diagnosis. Helpers explicitly asked for a photo in the thread. Include the browser icon or site name visible in the toast. [Elektroda, krzychupar, post #17570246]
