How to remove the RivalGaming virus (Removal Guide)
RivalGaming virus
The RivalGaming virus (also found as Rival Gaming virus, RivalGaming Toolbar, RivalGaming Search virus, etc. though not an actual computer virus) is potential malware categorized as adware, a browser hijacker, and spyware that downloads and installs to a Microsoft Windows PC and attaches to Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Internet Explorer as a browser add-on, browser helper object (BHO), and extension with or without user consent.
Once RivalGaming is installed, the program will begin to change existing internet browser settings, including the home page, managed, provided, and default search engine. This causes unwanted browser redirects and start ups to RivalGaming.com, search.conduit.com, and other sites, and other complications.
Once RivalGaming is installed, RivalGaming Toolbar or a blank toolbar may appear at the top of an open internet browser window and contain a search box and links to social media and promoted websites including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, as well as links to unknown games and game categories. However, the most common symotpms of the RivalGaming virus is pop-up advertisements.
RivalGaming and similar items may change Microsoft Windows start up settings and corrupt browser shortcuts, which will also help the RivalGaming hijacker and third-party malware into reformatting existing internet browser settings. Furthermore RivalGaming Toolbar may allow additional third-party malware to infect a computer system or install without consent including advertisement serving platforms (adware) and even spyware.
RivalGaming attempts to redirect users to rivalgaming.com in order to promte advertisements and online games, as well as downloadable premium games.
RivalGaming and related parties have been reported to collect sensitive user information including you IP address, your name, telephone number, home address, email address, and more. RivalGaming malware and related parties may even collect and distribute user information manually submitted into online forms while RivalGaming and third-party software is installed and attached to internet browsers, including usernames, passwords, credit card details, bank account information, social media relationships, and more. Cyber crimes relating to the browser hijacker category (though rare in this case) include credit theft, extortion, identity theft, and others.
RivalGaming is advertising supported software and a cross-browser add-on and extension.
Most victims of RivalGaming malware complain of unwanted email spam, junk mail, and even telephone calls from telemarketers. It has been concluded that this particular Toolbar and related parties will submit users to marketing and mailing lists without direct consent.
How does RivalGaming malware get onto a computer?
RivalGaming often bundles with third-party software including freeware and shareware from distributors such as download.com and Softonic.
In some cases users may have the opportunity to accept or decline an offer to install RivalGaming and download games from the website; however the request to decline the installation is often ignored or presented in a colluding manner.
RivalGaming software is not essentially easy to manually install from rivalgaming.com and other websites.
How to remove RivalGaming virus
How to remove RivalGaming virus- Automatically remove RivalGaming virus – Scan for and automatically remove RivalGaming and third-party malware
- Manually remove RivalGaming virusv- Remove/Uninstall RivalGaming promoted software and third-party malware (if necessary)
1. Automatic RivalGaming virus removal
Use the instructions below to automatically remove RivalGaming 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 RivalGaming 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 RivalGaming (RivalGaming Toolbar) and other unwanted programs, navigate to the Uninstall tab and search for RivalGaming, etc. in the list of installed programs. Uninstall the unwanted software as selected by clicking the Run Uninstaller button.
2. Manual RivalGaming virus removal
Use the instructions below to manually uninstall RivalGaming malware and third-party software using generic Microsoft Windows removal procedures.
How to uninstall RivalGaming
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 RivalGaming, recently installed games, 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 RivalGaming add-ons and extensions
Use the instructions to remove RivalGaming Toolbar add-ons, extensions, plug-ins, and additional third-party 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 RivalGaming 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 RivalGaming 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 RivalGaming add-on and remove it if located.
