Skip to main content

I found mindspark toolbar platform when I did MSconfig is this safe on my Pc

  • June 3, 2015
  • 2 replies
  • 156 views

Forum|alt.badge.img+1
On viewing MSconfig. startup, I noted Mindspark toolbar platform, is this safe to be on my PC, what does this do and  can I remove it safely.

2 replies

Ssherjj
Moderator
Forum|alt.badge.img+62
  • Moderator
  • June 3, 2015
Hello @,
 
Welcome to the Webroot Community,
 
Mindspark Toolbar got on your computer after you have installed a freeware software (video recording/streaming, download-managers or PDF creators) that had bundled into their installation this browser hijacker. This browser hijacker is also bundled within the custom installer on many download sites (examples: CNET, Brothersoft or Softonic), so if you have downloaded a software from these websites, chances are that the Mindspark tooolbar was installed during the software setup process. Very often users have no idea where did it come from, so it’s not surprising at all that most of them assume that Mindspark Toolbar is a virus.The Mindspark Toolbar it’s technically not a virus
 
What you are seeing and describing sounds like it may be what we on the Community refer to as a PUA. (Potentially Unwanted Application) These are very annoying at best in that they cause pop-us, redirect your browser home page, and other behavior that may slow down the computer and direct ads your way, but they are not actually doing anything bad like damaging files or stealing information. Often they are installed intentionally by you the user as browser add-ons for various tasks such as quick search tools.. but they also come with the result of added annoying pop-ups and ads. Other times they 'piggy back' with other software that you installed, or try to 'sneak' onto your system entirely.
 
WSA does detect and remove many PUA's, and more are being added, but WSA does not detect all of them. A simple browser add-on with PUA behavior that is easy to identify and easy to remove is not likely to be detected and removed by WSA. Those that are intentionally difficult to locate and remove are. Please see THIS LINK for more information regarding Webroot's stance on these annoying programs.
 
For those that are not detected by WSA, please see this KB Article. It has some easy to follow directions on locating and removing PUA's. You may also want to submit a Trouble Ticket, especially if you cannot remove it easily from the directions in the KB Article.
 
For those that ARE detected by WSA, but cannot be removed automatically, you can submit a Trouble Ticket.  Webroot Support will help you get these annoying 'crapware' off your computer at no extra charge, and the additional examples may help to better automatic removal of that particular PUA for all users in the future.
 
Note: If you have trouble removing Mindspark then use the Revo Removal tool. You will also  have to remove Mindspark Toolbar and search.tb.ask.com from your favorite web browser manually.
 
Revo Uninstaller  Information and Download
  • Third Party Utility  Included even though a third party utility due to recommendation.  Free and fuller featured pro versions available, this utility helps remove stubborn remnants standard uninstalls can leave behind.  Suggestion provided by: TripleHelix
 
Hope this helps,
 
 
 
 
 

Ssherjj
Moderator
Forum|alt.badge.img+62
  • Moderator
  • June 3, 2015
Hello @,
 
Welcome to the Webroot Community,
 
Mindspark Toolbar got on your computer after you have installed a freeware software (video recording/streaming, download-managers or PDF creators) that had bundled into their installation this browser hijacker. This browser hijacker is also bundled within the custom installer on many download sites (examples: CNET, Brothersoft or Softonic), so if you have downloaded a software from these websites, chances are that the Mindspark tooolbar was installed during the software setup process. Very often users have no idea where did it come from, so it’s not surprising at all that most of them assume that Mindspark Toolbar is a virus.The Mindspark Toolbar it’s technically not a virus
 
What you are seeing and describing sounds like it may be what we on the Community refer to as a PUA. (Potentially Unwanted Application) These are very annoying at best in that they cause pop-us, redirect your browser home page, and other behavior that may slow down the computer and direct ads your way, but they are not actually doing anything bad like damaging files or stealing information. Often they are installed intentionally by you the user as browser add-ons for various tasks such as quick search tools.. but they also come with the result of added annoying pop-ups and ads. Other times they 'piggy back' with other software that you installed, or try to 'sneak' onto your system entirely.
 
WSA does detect and remove many PUA's, and more are being added, but WSA does not detect all of them. A simple browser add-on with PUA behavior that is easy to identify and easy to remove is not likely to be detected and removed by WSA. Those that are intentionally difficult to locate and remove are. Please see THIS LINK for more information regarding Webroot's stance on these annoying programs.
 
For those that are not detected by WSA, please see this KB Article. It has some easy to follow directions on locating and removing PUA's. You may also want to submit a Trouble Ticket, especially if you cannot remove it easily from the directions in the KB Article.
 
For those that ARE detected by WSA, but cannot be removed automatically, you can submit a Trouble Ticket.  Webroot Support will help you get these annoying 'crapware' off your computer at no extra charge, and the additional examples may help to better automatic removal of that particular PUA for all users in the future.
 
Note: If you have trouble removing Mindspark then use the Revo Removal tool. You will also  have to remove Mindspark Toolbar and search.tb.ask.com from your favorite web browser manually.
 
Revo Uninstaller  Information and Download
  • Third Party Utility  Included even though a third party utility due to recommendation.  Free and fuller featured pro versions available, this utility helps remove stubborn remnants standard uninstalls can leave behind. 
 
Hope this helps,