I Didn't ASK For This! - Comments Page 2

Hi Bob, can you let us know how to get rid of Trovi Toolbar?
Also the many PopUps that state we need to update something, which are really Malware.
Thanks.

Bob, this is strictly "off-topic", but when I tried to link to your new Backups Ebook from this topic, this is where it took me.
http://rankinfile.com/

EDITOR'S NOTE: Sorry about that. The correct link should be http://data-diisaster.com

Well, once again you've knocked it out of the park!Now I've gotta print this one out and put it in my computer fix-it binder for future reference.

Haven't personally had any problem with this, but I have seen the pre-checked boxes on software installs.

Great tip on the "alternative anti-biotics" - I'll be looking into those also!

Thank you Bob for another splendid article. I have been so helped by your wise advice. Thanks also to many who have posted additional pieces of advice and recommendations. I recently somehow picked up a PUP. Malwarebytes was the programme that cleared it out.

One word comment... THANKS

I use a slightly different way to remove garbage like ASK.
I use mithicsoft- File Locator Pro. It will find anything on your computer and then open or delete.
Perhaps dangerous, but it works for me and so far (several years of usage) it hasn't done any damage.

Hi Bob, nice explanation about ask.com and its related.
IMHO AdwCleaner is enough to get rid ASK.com (toolbar, homepage browser, default search).
or simply I use Avast browser cleaner.

In one of your earlier articles, about PUP's ... I learned about Unchecky, from one of your readers. I checked it out and immediately, installed it on my own computer!!!

I was and still am, very impressed with this small coded program. It doesn't take up any real space and simply WORKS!!!

As for removing any malware, that might get on my computer ... stuff, still just happens ... I use Privazer, Malwarebytes, CCleaner and Glary Utilities to remove it or them. It really depends on how bad the malware is. Oh, I know, malware is malware. However, there are various levels of malware. Some can be removed, rather easily ... While others, it almost takes an Act of Congress, to remove it or them!!!

When, I have a malware, extremely difficult to remove ... I will use Privazer, to help with cleaning out my browser and what just might be in some of my computer files. Then, I will use Malwarebytes, then CCleaner and finally, Glary Utilities. When I am done and know that I don't have any malware left ... I will Defrag and Optimize my computer, to get it back up to snuff.

But, in all honesty ... I first defense against malware is Unchecky. I have found, that it really does work and helps me to not have to do a whole removal regime!

Bob, you have been my mentor, by routinely reporting to us, about what good programs are out there, to protect us, from our own human failings. Thank you, once again, for all that you do, in helping us to help ourselves!!!

1) AdwCleaner not only gets rid of malware - it also uninstalls perfectly good programs. Therefore it should only be a last choice.

2) JRT (Junkware Removal Tool) is a wonderful DOS program which does just what its name says it does, and it does it very well without the unfortunate side effects of AdwCleaner. RogueKiller used to be a valuable tool in the arsenal against malware but the author sold out and now this program installs the ASK toolbar. Fortunately I have an older copy of this very powerful program from before he sold out to the"forces of evil".

3) Both Ninite (which only installs freeware) and unchecky are valuable tools in anyone's arsenal. SUPERAntiSpyware gets rid of PUPs. If, as I do, one uses Chrome and Gmail it also temporarily gets rid of Chrome's tracking cookies, but Google is not to be denied. While Chrome and Gmail are very secure against outside malware, they load you up with their own trackers in moments.

RevoUninstaller is free, and has been very good at removing some of the worst "Ask"-league offenders. However, using MalwareBytes is also essential, just to be sure.

RevoUninstaller is useful for also non-malware which simply does not uninstall itself completely, leaving folders and other traces in the system.

Whenever I have the slightest question about whether an uninstallation went correctly, I use RevoUninstaller. This judgment is based on having been completely satisfied, but without having tried other applications.

I'm Portuguese and badly understand computers but I want to say: THANK YOU VERY MUCH, BOB!!! Your blog it's being very useful to me. Thank you once more!

The easiest thing I found is the Ask.com Removal Tool at: http://apnmedia.ask.com/media/toolbar/utilities/ApnRemover.exe This seems to get it all out in one fell swoop.

The best way to avoid the ASK assimilation is to simply read the installation windows that pop up during installation and/or update of certain popular software (like Java and Adobe). Read, uncheck, and avoid the hassle!

"Once Bitten Twice Shy" answer should also include to never click on a google link that is sourced from ask.com website! I've been lucky enough to never being hit by this issue!

I managed to get rid of Ask.com. I got rid of the constant PUP crap. Now if you'd please tell me how to get rid of Vosteran. MBAM catches it every day. I want it gone.

Good advice as usual. MBAM should be one of the first programs one installs on any new computer right of the bat.

And I'm going to repeat a comment I made in another one of your discussions:

When installing a new softare download, if a dialog box pops up with "Standard Install (recommended)" and "Custom Install" (or similar wording), ALWAYS pick "Custom." If you do a little investigation you usually find the "Standard" (often also labeled "recommended") install includes such foistware/malware goodies like those unwanted toolbars and search engines. Obviously an attempt to "bury" the crapware in hopes the "typical" user (AKA victim) makes the mistake of trusting the source...