Understanding And Removing Findmefreebies The Browser Hijacker That Disguises Itself As A Free Sample Finder

FindMeFreebies is a potentially unwanted application that positions itself as a helpful tool for finding free products, samples, and services online. However, security researchers categorize this application as adware due to its deceptive installation methods and intrusive behavior. Developed by Mindspark Inc., FindMeFreebies toolbar typically infiltrates computer systems without users' full consent and modifies browser settings to redirect traffic to specific websites while tracking user browsing activities. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, identifying, and removing FindMeFreebies from various operating systems and web browsers.

What is FindMeFreebies?

FindMeFreebies is a browser toolbar and extension that claims to enhance users' internet browsing experience by helping them locate free products, samples, and promotional offers. Despite its seemingly legitimate functionality, security experts classify FindMeFreebies as a potentially unwanted application and adware. Once installed, the toolbar modifies browser settings, changing the homepage and default search engine to home.tb.ask.com. This redirection serves the primary purpose of generating revenue for the developers through increased traffic and advertising impressions.

The application tracks various user activities, including IP addresses, browser types, default language settings, search queries, and other browsing information. This data collection occurs without transparent user consent and may be used for targeted advertising or sold to third parties. The deceptive installation method, known as "bundling," allows FindMeFreebies to be installed alongside other software, often without users being fully aware of its presence or understanding the changes it will make to their browser settings.

How FindMeFreebies Infiltrates Systems

FindMeFreebies primarily infiltrates computer systems through a deceptive software marketing method called "bundling." This technique involves the stealth installation of additional applications along with the chosen software. Most current freeware download websites utilize small programs, such as download managers, to monetize their free services. These download managers often present installation offers for additional applications like FindMeFreebies during the setup process of legitimate software.

Users who do not pay close attention to installation screens may inadvertently consent to installing FindMeFreebies. The installation screens often use pre-selected checkboxes or minimal disclosure about additional software, making it easy for users to overlook these bundled applications. Once installed, FindMeFreebegies begins modifying browser settings and tracking user activity without further explicit permission.

Privacy Concerns

The privacy implications of having FindMeFreebies installed on a system are significant. The application records various user information, including IP addresses, browser types, default language settings, search queries, and other browsing data. This collection of personal information occurs without transparent user consent and may be used for targeted advertising purposes or potentially sold to third parties.

Websites associated with FindMeFreebies, such as home.tb.ask.com, typically collect and sell information about their visitors. This data can include browsing habits, search history, and potentially sensitive information. The continuous tracking of user activity by FindMeFreebies represents a substantial privacy concern, particularly for users who value their online anonymity and data security.

Manual Removal Instructions

Removing FindMeFreebies requires a systematic approach that addresses both the application itself and the browser modifications it makes. The following instructions provide step-by-step guidance for removing FindMeFreebies from different operating systems and web browsers.

Windows Systems

Windows 11 Users: 1. Right-click on the Start icon 2. Select "Apps and Features" 3. In the opened window, search for "FindMeFreebies Internet Explorer Toolbar" 4. After locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select "Uninstall"

Windows 10 Users: 1. Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen 2. In the Quick Access Menu, select "Control Panel" 3. In the opened window, choose "Programs and Features" 4. Look for "FindMeFreebies Internet Explorer Toolbar", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove"

Windows 7 Users: 1. Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop) 2. Choose Control Panel 3. Locate Programs and click "Uninstall a program" 4. Look for "FindMeFreebies Internet Explorer Toolbar", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove"

macOS Systems

macOS (OSX) Users: 1. Click Finder 2. In the opened screen, select Applications 3. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock) 4. Right-click the Trash icon and select "Empty Trash"

Browser-Specific Removal Instructions

Internet Explorer: 1. Click on the "gear" icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer) 2. Select "Manage Add-ons" 3. Look for FindMeFreebies-related add-ons 4. Select these entries and click "Remove"

Mozilla Firefox: 1. Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window) 2. Select "Settings" 3. In the opened window, disable "FindMeFreebies" 4. Remove hxxp://home.tb.ask.com and enter your preferred domain 5. To change the default search engine: - In the URL address bar, type "about:config" and press Enter - Click "Accept the Risk and Continue" - In the search filter at the top, type: "extensionControlled" - Set both results to "false" by either double-clicking each entry or clicking the button

Optional Method for Firefox: 1. Open Mozilla Firefox 2. At the top right corner, click the Firefox menu 3. In the opened menu, click "Help" 4. Select "Troubleshooting Information" 5. In the opened window, click "Refresh Firefox" 6. Confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking "Refresh Firefox"

Microsoft Edge: 1. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) 2. Select "Settings" 3. In the opened settings menu, select "Reset settings" 4. Select "Restore settings to their default values" 5. Confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking "Reset"

Safari: 1. Make sure Safari browser is active 2. Click Safari menu, then select "Preferences..." 3. In the preferences window, select the "Extensions" tab 4. Locate "FindMeFreebies" and any other suspicious extensions 5. Click on the "Uninstall" button next to each unwanted extension

Using Malware Removal Tools

After manually removing FindMeFreebies, it is recommended to scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. Professional malware removal tools can detect and eliminate potentially unwanted applications that may have been installed alongside FindMeFreebies.

Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. It checks if your computer is infected with malware and can eliminate detected browser-hijacking applications. To use the full-featured product, users must purchase a license for Combo Cleaner, though a 7-day free trial is available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

Prevention Tips

To prevent future infections by browser hijackers like FindMeFreebies, users should adopt several best practices:

1. Pay close attention during software installation processes and decline offers to install additional applications
2. Download software only from official sources or reputable websites
3. Avoid freeware download websites that use download managers, as these often bundle unwanted applications
4. Keep your operating system and web browsers updated with the latest security patches
5. Use reputable antivirus and anti-malware software for ongoing protection
6. Be cautious with browser extensions and only install those from trusted developers

Similar Browser Hijackers

FindMeFreebies is not the only browser hijacker that uses deceptive methods to infiltrate systems. Another example is the FindIt-All browser hijacker, which redirects users to find.findit-all.com. This application follows similar infiltration tactics, primarily through bundled program installers from freeware download websites. The removal process for FindIt-All is comparable to that of FindMeFreebies, involving both application uninstallation and browser setting resets.

Conclusion

FindMeFreebies represents a common type of potentially unwanted application that disguises itself as a helpful tool for finding free samples and products while actually functioning as adware. Its deceptive installation methods, browser modifications, and data collection practices make it a concern for both system performance and user privacy. By following the detailed removal instructions provided in this article, users can effectively eliminate FindMeFreebies from their systems and restore normal browser functionality. Additionally, adopting preventive measures can help avoid similar browser hijackers in the future, maintaining a cleaner and more secure browsing experience.

Sources

1. PCRisk FindMeFreebies Toolbar Removal Guide
2. PCRisk FindIt-All Browser Hijacker Removal Guide