How to get rid of the tool bars and parasite programs?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the issue of unwanted toolbars and parasite programs that are installed alongside legitimate software, particularly focusing on how to identify and remove these programs from users' computers. Participants share their experiences and suggest various methods for dealing with these issues across different web browsers.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their experience with a PDF converter that installed unwanted toolbars and altered their homepage settings.
  • Another participant identifies the Whitesmoke toolbar as a specific issue related to the problem.
  • A suggestion is made for Internet Explorer users to reset their browser settings to remove unwanted toolbars and restore their homepage.
  • A participant clarifies they are using Firefox and receives tailored advice for managing add-ons and toolbars in that browser.
  • Multiple participants recommend checking the list of installed add-ons in Firefox to disable or remove unwanted extensions.
  • One user expresses difficulty in finding and uninstalling hidden programs that do not appear in the control panel.
  • A suggestion is made to use tools like Process Explorer and Autoruns to identify active processes and startup programs, with a caution about the risks of removing critical system components.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the existence of unwanted toolbars and the need for removal strategies, but there are differing opinions on the best methods and tools to use for different browsers. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the most effective approach to identify and eliminate these programs.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention specific tools and methods without providing detailed instructions, and there is uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of various approaches. The discussion reflects a range of experiences and solutions that may depend on individual system configurations.

yungman
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I had been trying to get the PDF converter. I down loaded the program, but they also pull in all the craps that really mess up my computer. I start getting the BING, and extra tool bars when I go on internet.

I tried going into uninstall programs and uninstalled all the new programs. But the tool bars still come up. It erased my Yahoo home page and I cannot set it back.

How do I find and uninstall those parasite programs that don't even show up in the uninstall manual?

Also, I just want to find a free program to convert word to PDF, how can I get one that don't have all these parasites?
 
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It is the Whitesmoke tool bar.
 
im assuming you are using internet explorer
try this:
open IE
Tools> Internet Options> Advanced> Reset> Check Delete Personal Settings> Reset
once this is done, close IE and open it again
Tools> Internet Options> Advanced
Under Settings> Browsing
Uncheck "Enable third-party browser extensions"
Click General Tab
Delete what ever is in the homepage and replace it with what you want your home page to be.
Click Security Tab
Click Reset all zones to default level
Click OK>Close and restart IE

then test to see how it works and let us know if you still have the problem or if its fixed.
 
Thanks for the reply, I am using Firefox.
 
with firefox (v13)
click the firefox button then click add ons
go through the list that's been installed. disable/remove the ones you don't want.

you can try http://kb.mozillazine.org/Safe_mode
it shows you how to reset your toolbars and addons
 
Routaran said:
with firefox (v13)
click the firefox button then click add ons
go through the list that's been installed. disable/remove the ones you don't want.

you can try http://kb.mozillazine.org/Safe_mode
it shows you how to reset your toolbars and addons

Thanks, I got on the site and learn how to disable the tool bar.
 
I have been looking for the programs for the toolbars. I want to delete all these. But I cannot find them in the programs for uninstalling in the control panel.

How do I look for these programs and others that are hidden?
 
i use 2 tools, process explorer and autoruns
process explorer will show you a list of all active processes and attached dll's
autoruns will show you a list of all the programs and services that start when the system boots.
then you can decide what you want to stop and delete and whatnot. just keep in mind that if you remove the wrong thing, you can effectively kill the system such that you may have no choice but to do a wipe and reinstall
 

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