Vuze Toolbar
Vuze Toolbar is potential malware categorized as a browser hijacker that changes internet browser settings of popular browsers including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Internet Explorer and causes many problems for computer users. Vuze Toolbar changes the home page, managed, default, and provided search engines of the mentioned internet browsers, causing affected internet browsers to redirect to Vuze Search, search.conduit.com, and other websites. Vuze Toolbar also causes internet browsers to start up on unwanted websites upon opening a new browser window or tab.
Vuze Toolbar installs to Microsoft Windows Operating Systems and attaches to internet browsers as a browser add-on, browser helper object (BHO), and extension. Once attached the browser items begin to transform existing internet browser settings in order to cause unwanted browser redirects and change the home page of affected browsers. Redirects to the Vuze Search engine and other websites often occur when attempting to search the web using the affected browser’s address or omni bar. In some cases, Vuze Toolbar may be present at the top of the open browser window and is often identified by a blue icon containing a white frog on the far left of the Toolbar.
The Vuze Toolbar hijacker and related third-party malware have been reported to collect and distribute user information without direct consent or knowledge. In some cases victims have reported excessive email spam, junk mail, and even telephone calls from telemarketers concerning recent computing and browsing activity. For example, if you recently searched for a “iphone” you may receive unwanted email spam and advertisements suggesting deals for new iphones and related products.
Vuze Toolbar and related parties may collect user information manually submitted online while the browser helper object is installed and attached. Information commonly collected includes home addresses, telephone addresses, usernames, passwords, bank account details, credit card information, and more.
In rare cases victims of a browser hijacker computer infection have fallen victim to severe cyber crimes such as credit theft, extortion, and identity theft.
How does Vuze Toolbar malware get onto a computer?
Vuze Toolbar can be manually and voluntarily installed as Vuze Toolbar is promoted by a variety of distributors and also bundles with third-party and first-party items such as the Vuze Peer-to-Peer client and similar objects.
In some scenarios user are given the opportunity to accept or decline an offer to install Vuze Toolbar alongside recently downloaded items; however the request to decline installing Vuze Toolbar is often ignored or presented in a colluding manner.
How to remove Vuze Toolbar
- Automatically remove Vuze Toolbar – Scan for and automatically remove Vuze Toolbar and third-party malware
- Manually remove Vuze Toolbar – Remove/Uninstall Vuze Toolbar and third-party malware (if necessary)
1. Automatic Vuze Toolbar removal
Use the instructions below to automatically remove Vuze Toolbar and third-party malware, as well as automatically remove unwanted search engines from your installed internet browsers.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
1. Install the free or paid version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.
2. Once Malwarebytes is installed, run the program. If you are using the free version of Malwarebytes you will be prompted to update the database, make sure to do so.
3. On the first tab labeled “Scanner” select the Perform full scan option and click the Scan button to perform a full system scan. Malwarebytes will automatically detect malware infecting the computer system.
4. Once the malware scan is complete, Malwarebytes may prompt a notice stating malicious objects were detected. Select the malicious objects and click the Remove Selected button to completely remove the malicious files from your computer (the image below shows a file that is NOT selected) or click the Delete button to remove quarantined files.
CCleaner
CCleaner can be used to automatically repair internet browser settings startup up settings, and uninstall Vuze Toolbar malware and associated third-party software.
1. Install the free or paid version of CCleaner by Piriform.
2. Once installed, open the program and navigate to Cleaner > Windows/Applications and click the Analyze button. Afterwards, click the Run Cleaner button on the bottom right of the program interface.
3. Next, navigate to Tools > Startup and search through each tab starting from windows, internet explorer, etc., all the way to Content Menu, for additional suspicious entries and click Disable and Delete once anything is found.
4. To automatically uninstall Vuze Toolbar and other unwanted programs, navigate to the Uninstall tab and search for Vuze Toolbar, etc. in the list of installed programs. Uninstall the unwanted software as selected by clicking the Run Uninstaller button.
2. Manual Vuze Toolbar removal
Use the instructions below to manually uninstall Vuze Toolbar and third-party software using generic Microsoft Windows removal procedures.
How to uninstall Vuze Toolbar
1. Access Windows Start Menu and navigate to the Control Panel.
2. Click Uninstall a program or Add and remove a program.
3. In the list of installed programs search for Vuze Toolbar, Vuze P2P client, and other potentially unwanted software. Once located, double click the unwanted programs or highlight them in the list and click the Uninstall button.
How to remove Vuze Toolbar add-ons and extensions
Use the instructions to remove Vuze Toolbar add-ons, extensions, plug-ins, and toolbars. Please note, it may be necessary to remove multiple third-party items.
Google Chrome
1. Click on the Customize icon (wrench or 3 bar icon) next to the address bar and navigate to Tools > Extensions.
2. Search for the Vuze Toolbar extension and remove it by clicking the trashcan icon next to them.
Mozilla Firefox
1. Type Ctrl+Shift+A.
2. On the Extensions and Plugin search for the Vuze Toolbar add-on and remove it.
Microsoft Internet Explorer
1. Click Tools and select Manage add-ons.
2. On the Toolbars and Extensions tab search for the Vuze Toolbar add-on and remove it if located.
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