Is ask and record toolbar malware?

Hi,

I was going through the list of malware programs on chaslang's 'Uninstall Malware via Add/Remove Programs' and the only one i might have is the 'ask toolbar'. What it actually says in the 'add/remove programs' list is one program called 'ask and record toolbar' with an 'ask' icon next to it and immediately below that another program called 'ask and record toolbar 4.01' with an icon of a computer monitor with a disc infront. Their from something called 'Applian Technologies' if that's any help.

Is this malware?

I would like to keep it if possible, it is handy for recording things off the web.

 

Hi Uli again

First I'm really sorry if replying in this way is bumping. I couldn't see how else to provide the attached info without starting another thread.

After having problems un/installing software I have worked my ways through chaslang's READ AND RUN ME FIRST, malware removal guide and attach the required logs.

I will attach the final log in another reply.

Thanks for all the help offered here. It must be hard work.

 

Uli again

The final log.

 

Arrrgh, I never get it all in the one post.

Right, please could you tell me if these logs show my system is clean or not. I would like to clear system restore but need to be sure my system is clean before I do.

Thanks again.

 

The 'Ask & Record Toolbar' is adware. They are bundling the Ask.com software with what is the 'Freecorder Toolbar.' If you want to get rid of the Ask.com adware then uninstall the Ask and Record Toolbar. Then go to this page and click on the Download button under 'Freecorder Toolbar.' During the install be sure to select the button next to Freecorder Toolbar Legacy. This has limited functions. If you don't mind the Ask.com software then it's OK to keep as long as you know it's there. But when software says it's "free" then bundles adware, it's not actually free IMHO.

The Comodo Firewall also installs the Ask.com toolbar unless you unchecked it during the install and I do see that installed.

Go to Add/remove Programs and uninstall:

• Ask Toolbar
• J2SE Runtime Environment 5.0 Update 6

You have WAY too much security software installed.

You should only be running one antivirus and one firewall. Running more than one of each can cause all sorts of problems. Pick one of each and uninstall the others.

Other than that your logs are clean.

If you are not having any other malware problems, it is time to do our final steps:

1. We recommend you keep SUPERAntiSpyware and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for scanning/removal of malware. Unless you purchase them, they provide no protection. They do not use any significant amount of resources ( except a little disk space ) until you run a scan.
2. If we used Pocket Killbox during your cleanup, do the below
   • Run Pocket Killbox and select File, Cleanup, Delete All Backups
3. If we had you use ComboFix, uninstall ComboFix (This uninstall will only work as written if you installed ComboFix on your Desktop like we requested.)
   • Click START then RUN and enter the below into the run box and then click OK. Note the quotes are required
   • "%userprofile%\Desktop\combofix" /u
     • Notes: The space between the combofix" and the /u, it must be there.
     • This will uninstall ComboFix and also reset hidden files and folders settings back to Windows defaults.
4. Any other miscellaneous tools we may have had you install or download can be uninstalled and deleted.
5. If we had you download any registry patches like fixme.reg or fixWLK.reg (or any others), you can delete these files now.
6. If running Vista, it is time to make sure you have reenabled UAC by double clicking on the C:\MGtools\enableUAC.reg file and allowing it to be added to the registry.
7. Go to add/remove programs and uninstall HijackThis.
8. Goto the C:\MGtools folder and find the MGclean.bat file. Double click on this file to run this cleanup program that will remove files and folders related to MGtools and some other items from our cleaning procedures.
9. If you are running Vista, Windows XP or Windows ME, do the below:
   • Refer to the cleaning procedures in step 3 the READ ME for your Window version and see the instructions to Disable System Restore which will flush your Restore Points.
   • Then reboot and Enable System Restore to create a new clean Restore Point.
10. After doing the above, you should work thru the below link:
    • How to Protect yourself from malware!

 

Thanks a million evilfantasy. That's all done. It's good to know I have a clear computer.

 

Your welcome. Safe surfing...