Remove unwanted toolbars, browser add-ons, extensions, and adware from your Windows computer

These unwanted toolbars are a type of adware also known as browser hijackers. A browser hijacker changes your web browser's home page and default search provider to a different one without your permission.

The toolbars are usually bundled with certain free programs that you normally download and install. These bundles include a licensing agreement that you must accept to download and install the software. The agreement applies to all software in the bundle including the unwanted toolbars. Since a licensing agreement was agreed to, your Norton product currently will not detect them as malicious even though the toolbar behaves suspiciously.

To remove the unwanted toolbars, run LiveUpdate and then run a Full Scan. If the problem persists, then manually remove them by using the Add/Remove Programs or Uninstall a Program in the Control Panel.

STEP 1

Run LiveUpdate

Open your Norton device security product.

If you see the My Norton window, next to Device Security, click Open.
In the Norton product main window, double-click Security, and then click LiveUpdate.
When Norton LiveUpdate is finished, click OK.
Run LiveUpdate until you see the message, "Your Norton product has the latest protection updates."
Exit all programs, and restart the computer.

STEP 2

Run Full Scan

Open your Norton device security product.

If you see the My Norton window, next to Device Security, click Open.
In the Norton product main window, double-click Security, and then click Scans.
In the Scans window, select Full Scan and click Go.
When the scan is finished, click Finish.
Restart the computer.

If you are still able to see unwanted toolbars or applications, go to step 3.

STEP 3

Uninstall the unwanted application

If Norton Power Eraser does not remove the unwanted toolbars, then manually remove them by using the Add/Remove Programs or Uninstall a Program in the Control Panel.

Press the Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type in the following text, and then press Enter.
```
appwiz.cpl
```
In the list of currently installed programs, search for the unwanted programs.
Click Remove or Uninstall.
Follow the on-screen instructions.
When the uninstall completes, restart the computer.

STEP 4

Check for incorrect DNS settings

Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
Type in the following text, and then press Enter.
```
control
```
Click the Network and Internet icon, and then click Network and Sharing Center. In the left pane, click Change adapter settings.

On Windows XP: Double-click the Network Connections icon.
Right-click the network adapter that is currently active, and then click Properties.

If the User Account Control prompt appears, click Yes or Continue.
In the Network Connection Properties window, under "This connection uses the following items", click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) or Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
Click Properties.
In the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties window, on the General tab, check the DNS server settings.
- If the Obtain DNS server address automatically radio button is selected, then the DNS server address is automatically configured.
- If Use the following DNS server addresses radio button is selected, check the server addresses. Make sure that the DNS server addresses displayed are the same that are provided to you by your Internet service provider or your network administrator.

STEP 5

Reset your browser settings

Depending on your browser, reset the browser settings to completely remove the unwanted toolbar and search engine.

Google Chrome

Start Google Chrome.
On the top-right corner, click Customize and control Google Chrome, and click Settings.
Click Advanced.
Under Reset and cleanup, click Restore settings to their original defaults.
In the Reset settings window, click Reset settings.

Mozilla Firefox

Start Mozilla Firefox.
On the top-right corner, click Open menu, and then click Help .
On the Help menu, select Troubleshooting Information.
In the Troubleshooting Information window, click Refresh Firefox.
In the confirmation window, click Refresh Firefox.
Click Finish.
Click Open menu, click Library > History, and then click Clear Recent History.
In the Time range to clear drop-down, select Everything.
Select all options, and click Clear Now.

Microsoft Edge

Start Microsoft Edge.
On the top-right corner, click Settings and more, and select Settings.
In the Settings window, select Reset settings.
On the right pane, under Reset settings, click Restore settings to their default values.
In the Reset settings window, click Reset.

Microsoft Edge (older version)

Start Microsoft Edge
On the top-right corner, click Settings and more, and select Settings.
On the left tab, click Privacy & security.
In the Privacy & security window, under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear.
Select Browsing History, Cookies and saved website data, Cached data and files, and Download history.
Click Clear.

Need more help?

Visit our threat removal support page for more solutions

Offer for existing members: Upgrade for Free*