PUA:Win32/AskToolbar is a potentially unwanted application (PUA) categorized as adware that often comes bundled with freeware or shareware downloads. It is primarily associated with the Ask Toolbar, a browser extension that alters browser settings and injects unwanted advertisements into search results.
PUA:Win32/AskToolbar may negatively impact the user experience by displaying intrusive ads, modifying search engine preferences, and tracking browsing habits. While it is not considered a severe threat like malware, it is generally recommended to remove PUA:Win32/AskToolbar to restore a clean and ad-free browsing experience.
| Name | AskToolbar |
| Type | Adware, PUP |
| Detection Name | PUA:Win32/AskToolbar, Adware.AskToolbar |
| Distribution Method | Software bundling, Intrusive advertisement, redirects to shady sites etc. |
| Removal | Download and install GridinSoft Anti-Malware for automatic PUA:Win32/AskToolbar removal. |
Remove PUA:Win32/AskToolbar with Gridinsoft Anti-Malware
We have also been using this software on our systems ever since, and it has always been successful in detecting viruses. It has blocked the most common PUA as shown from our tests with the software, and we assure you that it can remove PUA:Win32/AskToolbar as well as other malware hiding on your computer.
To use Gridinsoft for remove malicious threats, follow the steps below:
1. Begin by downloading Gridinsoft Anti-Malware, accessible via the blue button below or directly from the official website gridinsoft.com.
2.Once the Gridinsoft setup file (setup-gridinsoft-fix.exe) is downloaded, execute it by clicking on the file.
3.Follow the installation setup wizard's instructions diligently.
4. Access the "Scan Tab" on the application's start screen and launch a comprehensive "Full Scan" to examine your entire computer. This inclusive scan encompasses the memory, startup items, the registry, services, drivers, and all files, ensuring that it detects malware hidden in all possible locations.
Be patient, as the scan duration depends on the number of files and your computer's hardware capabilities. Use this time to relax or attend to other tasks.
5. Upon completion, Anti-Malware will present a detailed report containing all the detected malicious items and threats on your PC.
6. Select all the identified items from the report and confidently click the "Clean Now" button. This action will safely remove the malicious files from your computer, transferring them to the secure quarantine zone of the anti-malware program to prevent any further harmful actions.
8. If prompted, restart your computer to finalize the full system scan procedure. This step is crucial to ensure thorough removal of any remaining threats. After the restart, Gridinsoft Anti-Malware will open and display a message confirming the completion of the scan.
Remember Gridinsoft offers a 6-day free trial. This means you can take advantage of the trial period at no cost to experience the full benefits of the software and prevent any future malware infections on your system. Embrace this opportunity to fortify your computer's security without any financial commitment.
Trojan Killer for “PUA:Win32/AskToolbar” removal on locked PC
In situations where it becomes impossible to download antivirus applications directly onto the infected computer due to malware blocking access to websites, an alternative solution is to utilize the Trojan Killer application.
There is a really little number of security tools that are able to be set up on the USB drives, and antiviruses that can do so in most cases require to obtain quite an expensive license. For this instance, I can recommend you to use another solution of GridinSoft - Trojan Killer Portable. It has a 14-days cost-free trial mode that offers the entire features of the paid version. This term will definitely be 100% enough to wipe malware out.
Trojan Killer is a valuable tool in your cybersecurity arsenal, helping you to effectively remove malware from infected computers. Now, we will walk you through the process of using Trojan Killer from a USB flash drive to scan and remove malware on an infected PC. Remember, always obtain permission to scan and remove malware from a computer that you do not own.
Step 1: Download & Install Trojan Killer on a Clean Computer:
1. Go to the official GridinSoft website (gridinsoft.com) and download Trojan Killer to a computer that is not infected.
2. Insert a USB flash drive into this computer.
3. Install Trojan Killer to the "removable drive" following the on-screen instructions.
4. Once the installation is complete, launch Trojan Killer.
Step 2: Update Signature Databases:
5. After launching Trojan Killer, ensure that your computer is connected to the Internet.
6. Click "Update" icon to download the latest signature databases, which will ensure the tool can detect the most recent threats.
Step 3: Scan the Infected PC:
7. Safely eject the USB flash drive from the clean computer.
8. Boot the infected computer to the Safe Mode.
9. Insert the USB flash drive.
10. Run tk.exe
11. Once the program is open, click on "Full Scan" to begin the malware scanning process.
Step 4: Remove Found Threats:
12. After the scan is complete, Trojan Killer will display a list of detected threats.
13. Click on "Cure PC!" to remove the identified malware from the infected PC.
14. Follow any additional on-screen prompts to complete the removal process.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer:
15. Once the threats are removed, click on "Restart PC" to reboot your computer.
16. Remove the USB flash drive from the infected computer.
Congratulations on effectively removing PUA:Win32/AskToolbar and the concealed threats from your computer! You can now have peace of mind, knowing that they won't resurface again. Thanks to Gridinsoft's capabilities and commitment to cybersecurity, your system is now protected.
What is PUA:Win32/AskToolbar Malware?
Name: AskToolbar
Description: PUA:Win32/AskToolbar is a detection name used by certain antivirus software to identify and classify the AskToolbar application as a potentially unwanted program (PUP). PUA:Win32/AskToolbar is categorized as adware due to its intrusive behavior and negative impact on the user's browsing experience. It is important to note that this classification does not label AskToolbar as a dangerous or malicious threat like viruses or malware. However, it signifies that it exhibits unwanted characteristics and may have adverse effects on the user's system and browsing activities.
Offer price: 0.0
Operating System: Windows
Application Category: PUA
Author: Ask.com
