Hotbar is a browser toolbar that installs itself on your PC as a result of clicking on websites that deploy ActiveX controls. Once Hotbar installs itself it will change the toolbar in your browser window and your email client to display search results, new email toolbars, data links, free software, and advertisements from third parties that are associated with Hotbar.
How Hotbar Works
Hotbar can install itself into your PC without your knowledge and as a result of your browsing activity. If you visit a website that uses ActiveX controls, the ActiveX can be infected with a Hotbar file. Hotbar is available as freeware and it usually is accompanied by other malware that can harm your PC and spy on all of your computing activities.
In addition to installing extra toolbars in your browser and email client, Hotbar will also fill these applications with pop-up ads, annoying animations, unusual emoticons, and images that occupy your computer’s memory while spying on all of your online activities so it can send relevant ads to your Desktop.
How to Remove Hotbar
There are several different methods you can use to remove Hotbar from your PC’s operating system.
- Add/Remove Programs: You can use Add/Remove Programs in your Control Panel to get rid of Hotbar by simply clicking the “Start” icon on your main toolbar and then selecting “Control Panel” from the menu. Click on “Add/Remove Programs” and then choose the entry that says “Hotbar” or “Web Tools by Hotbar.” Click “Remove” and then close the window.
- Remove Hotbar Registry Files: Although you can remove Hotbar through the Add/Remove Programs feature, there will still be files left in your PC’s registry. Before removing the registry files you should back up your registry on a separate portable storage device. To access the registry editor, click on “Start” on your main toolbar and then choose “Run” from the menu. Type “regedit” in the dialog box to open your registry editor. Find the files that are associated with Hotbar and delete all of them. When you are finished, close the registry editor and restart your computer.
- Deploy an Adware/Spyware Scanner: Use a reputable spyware/adware removal program that will scan your PC for any files associated with Hotbar and remove them. Make sure the malware software performs scans on a regular basis and looks for the latest updates to prevent any programs like Hotbar from being downloaded in the future.