Hi all, I have inadvertently downloaded Ask . com to my netbook and it has taken over my browser. I have tryed downloading a couple of cleaning programs that advertise thay are free but when it comes right down to it they want payment before you can use them. Can any one recomend a good cleaner that really is free. Cheers Landy
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In life it is important to know when to stop arguing with people
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If that doesn't work, Google 'remove ask' for help which should display links that will give advice for whatever browser you're using. Same thing happened to me a while ago and it took a while to eradicate it ... but it worked.
As an aside, those that use the Java platform (not the Javascript that's built in to all browsers) will probably know that each update/patch will try to install the Ask toolbar into your browser along with all of the crap that comes with it. Apparently Oracle has now provided an option to skip over the page that asks if you want to install the Ask toolbar (or defaults the checkbox to off rather than on). I haven't updated Java for a while so my current edition (version 7 update 55) doesn't have it, but with the latest (and hopefully future) versions, you open the Java control panel, click on the Advanced tab and scroll down the bottom to Miscellaneous, and select "Suppress sponsor offers when installing or updating Java" (of course, this choice isn't selected by default!!!) and hopefully from then on you won't have to remember to untick the box wanting to install the Ask toolbar whenever you install an update.
Joe
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Hino Rainbow motorhome conversion towing a Daihatsu Terios
My suggestion is:
1. Go to control Panel - Programs & Features, and see if the offending applications is there. If it is, right click the mouse pointer and uninstall.
2. Download Malware Bytes. It is free. Yes you can buy the Pro version but I would not worry with it as the free version does a great job.
Ask.com is malware rather than a virus and this is why your anti virus software didn't pick it up (assuming that you are running anti-virus software that is). For a comprehensive list of options for removing Ask and it component parts have a look at this. It requires the installation of additional software all of which is free and that will clean out your system. If it doesn't fully remove stuff on the first attempt try switching your computer off and press F8 (on most machines) to start it in safe mode. Once in safe mode run the clean up tools again, reboot and you should be fine.
I run Malwarebytes paid version in addition to my firewall and anti-virus software and this stops most bugs from getting onto the system.
Thanks every one looks like I have a few more things to try. I did go in to the uninstal programs through the control panel but
could not find it on the list. I also Goggled solution's for the problem only to find the free downloads were just that, free to download
but locked until you paid a fee. Any way come scotch o'clock I will have another go.
Cheers All Landy
__________________
In life it is important to know when to stop arguing with people
and simply let them be wrong.
Dump Windows and install any of the free Linux operating systems.
No more problems
The Phantom
you forgot to mention a few of the bugs you might have to put up with doing that though, especially on older machines. been running Mint 16 on this machine for a few months and have problems of browsers crashing (firefox) only being able to run an older version of swf, and sometimes just crashing for no apparent reason.. but I'm still working on it
-- Edited by 03_troopy on Wednesday 8th of October 2014 04:29:00 PM
you forgot to mention a few of the bugs you might have to put up with doing that though, especially on older machines. been running Mint 16 on this machine for a few months and have problems of browsers crashing (firefox) only being able to run an older version of swf, and sometimes just crashing for no apparent reason.. but I'm still working on it
-- Edited by 03_troopy on Wednesday 8th of October 2014 04:29:00 PM
Troopy, also using Mint 16 on one of my computers and use Chromium browser. Never had a crash yet
the easy way is to reset the computer a few days or a week ago ( System restore )
How long ago did this problem occur? When you do a system restore you must select a restore time/date earlier than the date you installed the toolbar. If the install date s too far back then you may find that the restore dates before that time have been deleted (the system only keep the last few restore points.)
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PeterD Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top Retired radio and electronics technician. NSW Central Coast.
Alright Ask has gone. I went back into the instal uninstal program list and second time lucky, dont know why i could not find it there the first time. maybee i was alcoholiclly challenged. Cheers all Landy
__________________
In life it is important to know when to stop arguing with people
and simply let them be wrong.