| Name | HowToSimplified Toolbar |
| Type | Toolbar |
| Short Description | The toolbar promises to find home improvement tips, DIY tutorials, money-saving suggestions, recipe ideas, etc. |
| Symptoms | The search provider is changed to guard-search.com. |
| Distribution Method | Via freeware packages (bundling), or from its official website. |
| Detection tool | Download SpyHunter, to See If Your System Has Been Affected By HowToSimplified Toolbar |
Threat Summary
| Name | HowToSimplified Toolbar |
| Type | Toolbar, PUP |
| Short Description | The toolbar promises to find home improvement tips, DIY tutorials, money-saving suggestions, recipe ideas, etc. |
| Symptoms | The search provider is changed to guard-search.com. |
| Distribution Method | Via freeware packages (bundling), or from its official website. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss HowToSimplified Toolbar. |
What Is HowToSimplified Toolbar?
HowToSimplified Toolbar is yet another browser extension that you do not want to have on your computer. This toolbar promises that it will provide users with help you find home improvement tips, DIY tutorials, money-saving suggestions, recipe ideas, etc. Right now you may think that the program is useful, but there is more to it. HowToSimplified Toolbar is classified as a browser hijacker. This means that once it has been installed, it will change the homepage and default search provider on Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox. Such programs are considered as potential risks for the system, and it is advised that you do not keep them on your PC.
What Does HowToSimplified Toolbar Do?
HowToSimplified Toolbar is yet another program by Mindspark Interactive Network, Inc. This means that it is the same as other unwanted applications such as EasyMailLogin Toolbar, FindMeFreebies, and MapsGalaxy.
After being installed, the program will immediately change the settings of your browser. Mywebsearch.com will be set as your default search provider and homepage. This search engine is not one that we recommend using. It is not as reliable as Google, Yahoo or Bing, for instance, and will display sponsored links. The toolbar will also start presenting pop-up and banner advertisements, and you can expect sudden redirects to unknown websites.
Is HowToSimplified Toolbar Dangerous?
The browser extension itself is harmless. However, its activities, apart from being really irritating, can expose you to online risks. It is possible for some of the ads and sponsored links that it shows to lead to malicious websites. Cyber criminals are known to exploit such programs in order to advertise their harmful websites. So, with the presence of HowToSimplified Toolbar, you can easily end up on a web page operated by hackers. Then, your PC will be at risk of being infected. Even if malware does not attack your computer, some other scam, such as a phishing scam, may be attempted.
How Did HowToSimplified Toolbar Get on My PC?
This program can be acquired from its official website. Still, programs such as this try to get installed without being noticed. This is why HowToSimplified Toolbar can be found attached to a variety of free programs. Because of this, it is strongly advised that you be careful when installing free applications. Here are some things you can do to avoid bundled downloads:
- Do not download any programs from third-party websites.
- Take your time with the installation. Carefully read all information presented to you.
- Choose Advanced/Custom installation, so that you will be able to decline additional software featured on the installer.
How to Remove HowToSimplified Toolbar
You can get rid of this program by uninstalling it the way you would any other program. Go to Control Panel, then to the list of programs, find the toolbar and uninstall it. Next, you need to reset your browser’s settings in order to remove the unwanted search engine.
You should know that this is not enough to ensure your system’s security. After all, more unwanted programs could have been uninstalled without you noticing. And your system is definitely susceptible to infection. It is strongly recommended that you install powerful security software on your computer that will get rid of all intruders and protect the PC against any future attempts at compromising it.
Milena Dimitrova
An inspired writer and content manager who has been with SensorsTechForum since the project started. A professional with 10+ years of experience in creating engaging content. Focused on user privacy and malware development, she strongly believes in a world where cybersecurity plays a central role. If common sense makes no sense, she will be there to take notes. Those notes may later turn into articles! Follow Milena @Milenyim
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- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove HowToSimplified Toolbar from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for HowToSimplified Toolbar with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall HowToSimplified Toolbar and related software from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 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 are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by HowToSimplified Toolbar on Your PC.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by HowToSimplified Toolbar there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Video Removal Guide for HowToSimplified Toolbar (Windows).
Get rid of HowToSimplified Toolbar from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall HowToSimplified Toolbar and remove related files and objects
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to HowToSimplified Toolbar. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove HowToSimplified Toolbar via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Scan for and remove HowToSimplified Toolbar files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as HowToSimplified Toolbar, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Video Removal Guide for HowToSimplified Toolbar (Mac)
Remove HowToSimplified Toolbar from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Erase HowToSimplified Toolbar from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window:
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Uninstall HowToSimplified Toolbar from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Remove HowToSimplified Toolbar from Safari
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the HowToSimplified Toolbar will be removed.
Eliminate HowToSimplified Toolbar from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
Remove Push Notifications from Your Browsers
Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome
To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.
Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:
Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:
Step 4: Open “Notifications”:
Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:
Remove Push Notifications on Firefox
Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":
Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”
Stop Push Notifications on Opera
Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.
Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.
Step 3: Open Notifications:
Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):
Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.
Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".
HowToSimplified Toolbar-FAQ
What Is HowToSimplified Toolbar?
The HowToSimplified Toolbar threat is adware or browser redirect virus.
It may slow your computer down significantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.
What Are the Symptoms of HowToSimplified Toolbar?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and have poor performance in general.
Symptom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts recommend that you check your computer for viruses.
What Types of Unwanted Programs Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your Mac can be the following types:
- Rogue Antivirus programs.
- Adware.
- Browser hijackers.
- Clickers.
- Fake optimizers.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like HowToSimplified Toolbar?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your email passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activities with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these recommendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
How Does HowToSimplified Toolbar Work?
Once installed, HowToSimplified Toolbar can collect data about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. This data is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
HowToSimplified Toolbar can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information and show risky ads, that may redirect to virus sites or scams.
Is HowToSimplified Toolbar Malware?
The truth is that PUPs (adware, browser hijackers) are not viruses, but may be just as dangerous since they may show you and redirect you to malware websites and scam pages.
Many security experts classify potentially unwanted programs as malware. This is because of the unwanted effects that PUPs can cause, such as displaying intrusive ads and collecting user data without the user’s knowledge or consent.
About the HowToSimplified Toolbar Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this HowToSimplified Toolbar how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.
How did we conduct the research on HowToSimplified Toolbar?
Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the HowToSimplified Toolbar threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.