| Name | AnimeUnzipped |
| Type | Browser Toolbar |
| Short Description | The toolbar is advertised as a must-have for the cosplay fan. Compatible with Google Chrome. |
| Symptoms | The browser’s new tab and search page are changed. |
| Distribution Method | Bundling, Chrome Web Store. |
| Detection tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected By AnimeUnzipped |
AnimeUnzipped is a toolbar developed by MindSpark Interactive Network Inc. and Ask.com. AnimeUnzipped has been created for the cosplay fan. It is compatible with Google Chrome. Once the toolbar is added to the browser, the new tab page will be configured to AnimeUnzipped by MyWay, and a search box will be added in the upper left corner. The toolbar is not malicious. However, software developed by MindSpark and Ask.com is usually ad-supported. As a result, the user may start seeing advertisements that will interrupt his browsing activities.
AnimeUnzipped Distribution Method
As already mentioned, the toolbar is designed to work on Google Chrome. It is available for download on Chrome Web Store. It is most likely included in other installers of MindSpark, MyWay and Ask.com. This method is known as bundling. Additional software can be included in an installer as a recommended download. To uncheck it, the user has to pay attention during the setup process. Also, reading the Download Agreement, EULA, Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy is quite essential.
AnimeUnzipped Risk Evaluation
Browser toolbars are usually not malicious, but they could be used to collect personal information from users. In that sense, AnimeUnzipped may have been created to send or sell sensitive user data to MindSpark’s affiliates and third-party partners.
This is what the End User License Agreement of MindSpark Interactive Network Inc. reads:
→ Third-Party Services and Content. The MS Products may integrate, be integrated into, bundled, or be provided in connection with third-party services, feeds and/or content. If you are installing an MS Product that includes third party services and third party content, such services and content are subject to such third party’s terms of services and privacy policies, which may be found on the relevant Third Party Partner’s website. MS Products may provide access to search results or other links to Third Party Partner websites or resources. Mindspark has no control over such sites and resources, in which you acknowledge and agree that Mindspark is not responsible for the availability of such external sites or resources, and does not endorse nor responsible or liable for any content, advertising, products, or other materials on or available from such sites or resources.
In addition, we have also analyzed the Privacy Policy of the infamous adware provider and developer of AnimeUnzipped. This is where it is stated that the company collects both personally identifiable and non-identifiable information. Collected data may be shared with:
→Authorized service providers: We may share your Personal Information with our authorized service providers that perform certain services on our behalf (…).
→Business partners: When you engage in promotions offered through the MS Services, we may share Personal Information with the businesses with which we partner to offer you those products, services, promotions, contests and/or sweepstakes. When you elect to engage in a particular merchant’s offer or program, you authorize us to provide your email address and other information to that merchant.
→Other IAC businesses. We are part of the IAC family of businesses (www.iac.com). We may share information we collect, including Personal Information, with our IAC companies. Sharing information with our IAC family companies enables us to provide you with information about a variety of products and services that might interest you.
As visible, user information collected by MindSpark, and in that sense by AnimeUnzipped, can be given to a range of interested sites. One of the reasons behind data sharing is for the purpose of displaying tailored advertisements.
Moreover, the toolbar is able to:
- Read and change the user’s browsing history.
- Read and change the user’s data on visited websites.
- Manage the user’s downloads.
- Manage the user’s apps, extensions and themes.
Have a look at the image:
AnimeUnzipped Removal Options
The toolbar can be removed manually from the browser. To do so, please refer to the steps below the article. After AnimeUnzipped is removed, scanning the system is recommended. Running a full system scan is crucial, especially if you haven’t willingly downloaded the toolbar. If this is the case, you have been put through a bundled installer, and unknown potentially unwanted programs may be running in the background of your system.
Step 1: Remove/Uninstall AnimeUnzipped in Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps to remove that program. No matter if you are using Windows 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program get left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, mistakes with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Select the program that you want to remove, and press “Uninstall” (fig.3).
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall AnimeUnzipped.
Step 2: Remove AnimeUnzipped from your browser
Remove a toolbar from Mozilla Firefox
Remove a toolbar from Google Chrome
Remove a toolbar from Internet Explorer
Remove a toolbar from Safari
Select the “Add-ons” icon from the menu
Select AnimeUnzipped and click “Remove”
After AnimeUnzipped is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red “X” in the top right corner and start it again.
Select AnimeUnzipped to remove, and then click ‘Disable’. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected toolbar, and some additional toolbars might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click ‘Disable’.
After AnimeUnzipped has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red ‘X’ in the top right corner and start it again.
Open the drop menu by clicking on the sprocket icon in the top right corner.
From the drop menu select ‘Preferences’
In the new window select ‘Extensions’
Click once on AnimeUnzipped
Click ‘Uninstall’
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall AnimeUnzipped. Select ‘Uninstall’ again, and the AnimeUnzipped will be removed.
In order to remove any associated objects that are left after uninstall and detect any other threats, you should:
Step 3: Start Your PC in Safe Mode to Remove AnimeUnzipped.
Removing AnimeUnzipped from Windows XP, Vista, 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu.
2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
Removing AnimeUnzipped from Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 systems:
Substep 1:
Open the Start Menu
Substep 2:
Whilst holding down Shift button, click on Power and then click on Restart.
Substep 3:
After reboot, the aftermentioned menu will appear. From there you should choose Troubleshoot.
Substep 4:
You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu you can choose Advanced Options.
Substep 5:
After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Substep 6:
Click on Restart.
Substep 7:
A menu will appear upon reboot. You should choose Safe Mode by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart and boot into Safe Mode so you can scan for and remove AnimeUnzipped.
Step 4: Remove AnimeUnzipped automatically by downloading an advanced anti-malware program.
To clean your computer you should download an updated anti-malware program on a safe PC and then install it on the affected computer in offline mode. After that you should boot into safe mode and scan your computer to remove all AnimeUnzipped associated objects.
