Getting rid of fast browser search

Discussion in 'Software' started by Luckyneil, Sep 19, 2009.

  1. Luckyneil

    Luckyneil Private First Class

    Suddenly, on Firefox, up in the right upper corner where my fave search engines reside an interloper showed up. I can't get rid of it either. It's this thing that call itself , "Fast Browser Search".

    I want it gone forevermore. Any suggestions?
     
  2. Bugballou

    Bugballou MajorGeek

    http://www.fastbrowsersearch.com/FBS_Toolbar/Help/helpUninstalling.aspx

    Above is what the software maker recommends, if that doesn't do it then possibly Malwarebytes and a full scan. The price listed is for the full real time protection version, the scanner and removal is free. Update the program and run full scan, if Malwarebytes won't run you probably have other problems, and may need help from the malware forums after doing the recommended procedures.

    http://www.majorgeeks.com/Malwarebytes_Anti-Malware_d5756.html

    http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=35407
     
  3. Luckyneil

    Luckyneil Private First Class

    None of those options worked for me. I update and run Malwarebytes regularly but I am still stuck with FastBrowser Search.
     
  4. samtal

    samtal Corporal

  5. sikvik

    sikvik Corporal Karma

  6. Luckyneil

    Luckyneil Private First Class

  7. sikvik

    sikvik Corporal Karma

    Give Revo a run :)
     
  8. Luckyneil

    Luckyneil Private First Class

    I just ran the junk files remover and got rid of a Gig of crap. :)

    The program uninstaller seems to work like windows uninstaller. (I set it to details view.)

    Are you suggesting I unisntall Firefox then re-install it? Or is there a way I can get it to focus just on Fast Browser rsearch?
     
  9. sikvik

    sikvik Corporal Karma

    Locate - Fast Browser in Uninstaller tab and run. Go on and check for registry entries. Check the high lighted items and clean up :)
    Cheers..
     
  10. Luckyneil

    Luckyneil Private First Class

    I did it!

    Right down to the deletion of regisrty values.

    And.....it's ba-a-a-ck.

    I reboted just to be sure and re-started Revo. It's no longer listed in Revo but it's still my default search engine.

    Now what?
     
  11. sikvik

    sikvik Corporal Karma

    :crap TBH had never heard of this Fast Browser I don't see how FF has it as an add-on. Wait for more inputs. I think LauraR is online so hang tight. Don't want to direct you to Malware forums as I'm not sure.
    PS: Sorry Laura :) for the brain drain!
     
  12. plodr

    plodr Major Geek Super Extraordinaire

    Tools, then Addons. Is it listed there? If so, uninstall it through there.
     
  13. plodr

    plodr Major Geek Super Extraordinaire

  14. satrow

    satrow Major Geek Extraordinaire

    Most, if not all, search plugins should be *.xml files in Program files/Mozilla Firefox/searchplugins subdirectory, if you can find a matching .xml file in there, close FF completely and delete the .xml file, restart FF and try to delete the entry from the Manage Search Engines dropdown. Close and restart FF and check again in about:config and the registry.

    EDIT: See also the bottom section of http://www.fastbrowsersearch.com/FBS_Toolbar/Help/helpFaqs.aspx
     
  15. Luckyneil

    Luckyneil Private First Class

    Once the .xml file had been deleted FastBrowser Search was gone without having to take any other steps. Thank you very much!!
     
  16. satrow

    satrow Major Geek Extraordinaire

    I'm pleased we managed to find a workaround for you :)
     
  17. Luckyneil

    Luckyneil Private First Class

    I guess I spoke too soon. After today's re-boot guess what? It's back. :-o

    Incredibly persistant. I will go back and do the other steps in the recommended procedure.
     
  18. hoodie

    hoodie Private E-2

    Type about:config in the address bar in Firefox. In the filter, type fast. This should bring up all the instances of where Fast Browser Search has taken over. Right click on each of the Fast Browser Search entrys and select reset. This should put most of them back to google. And that’s it! WHOOP!
     
  19. Luckyneil

    Luckyneil Private First Class

    IThat was one of the earlier steps I took. As soon as I close FF and re-open it it re-appears.

    After uninstalling Fastbrowser with Revo it no longer appears there eben though it is still my default search engine in FF.

    Deleting the *.xml files in Program files/Mozilla Firefox/searchplugins subdirectory works until re-starting FF also.

    It must be lurking somewhere in my system...

    (I did a search for fast to no avail)
     

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