Complete Guide To Removing The Findmefreebies Browser Hijacker

The FindMeFreebies toolbar is a potentially unwanted application that claims to help users find free products, samples, and services online. However, despite its seemingly legitimate purpose, this toolbar is categorized as adware and can cause various issues with your browsing experience. This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions for removing the FindMeFreebies toolbar from your computer and browsers, helping you restore your settings and protect your privacy.

Understanding the FindMeFreebies Browser Hijacker

FindMeFreebies is a potentially unwanted application developed by Mindspark Inc. This browser add-on claims to enhance users' internet browsing experience by helping them find free products, samples, and services. Although this functionality may appear legitimate, security experts classify FindMeFreebies as adware due to its intrusive behavior and potential privacy concerns.

The toolbar typically infiltrates computer systems through a deceptive software marketing method called "bundling." This involves the stealth installation of additional applications along with the chosen software. Users often unknowingly agree to install FindMeFreebies when downloading freeware from websites that use small programs (download managers) to monetize their free services.

Once successfully installed, FindMeFreebies modifies browser settings by assigning the homepage and default search engine to home.tb.ask.com. This redirection can significantly impact your browsing experience and expose you to potentially unwanted content. Additionally, the toolbar tracks users' internet browsing activity by recording IP addresses, browser types, default language settings, search queries, and other information, raising significant privacy concerns.

The presence of FindMeFreebies on your system may result in browser redirects to unwanted websites, decreased browser performance, and an increased number of advertisements. While the toolbar may occasionally direct users to legitimate free sample offers, its primary purpose is to generate revenue for its developers through advertising and affiliate marketing.

Manual Removal Methods for Windows Users

Removing the FindMeFreebies toolbar from Windows requires a systematic approach that addresses both the program files and browser modifications. Follow these steps thoroughly to ensure complete removal.

Step 1: Uninstalling the Program Through Control Panel

The first step in removing FindMeFreebies is to uninstall the program from your system:

1. For Windows 10 and Windows 8 users:

   • Press the Windows key + X and select "Apps and Features" from the menu
   • In the opened window, look for "FindMeFreebies Internet Explorer Toolbar" or similar entries
   • Select the entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove"

2. For Windows 7 users:

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

3. For Windows Vista users:

   • Click the Windows logo
   • In the start search box type "appwiz.cpl" and press Enter
   • Look for "FindMeFreebies Internet Explorer Toolbar", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove"

4. For Windows XP users:

   • Click Start, then Control Panel
   • Select "Add or Remove Programs"
   • Look for "FindMeFreebies Internet Explorer Toolbar", select this entry and click "Remove"

After uninstalling the program, it's important to note that potentially unwanted components may remain on your system. These residual files can cause the toolbar to reinstall or continue causing issues. Therefore, additional steps are necessary to ensure complete removal.

Step 2: Removing Malicious Add-ons from Internet Explorer

If you use Internet Explorer, you'll need to remove the malicious add-ons associated with FindMeFreebies:

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

After removing the add-ons, you should also change your homepage and default search engine settings to complete the removal process:

1. Click on the "gear" icon and select "Internet Options"
2. In the opened window, remove "home.tb.ask.com" from the homepage field
3. Enter your preferred URL, which will open each time you launch Internet Explorer
4. You can also enter "about:blank" to open a blank page when starting Internet Explorer
5. To change your default search engine:
   • Go to "Manage Add-ons"
   • In the opened window, select "Search Providers"
   • Set "Google", "Bing" or any other preferred search engine as your default
   • Remove "Ask Web Search"

Step 3: Resetting Internet Explorer Settings

If you continue to experience problems after following the previous steps, you may need to reset your Internet Explorer settings to default:

For Windows XP users: 1. Click Start, click Run 2. In the opened window type "inetcpl.cpl" 3. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset

For Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: 1. Click the Windows logo 2. In the start search box type "inetcpl.cpl" and click Enter 3. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset

For Windows 8 users: 1. Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon 2. Select Internet Options 3. Click the Advanced tab, then click Reset

Resetting your browser settings will restore them to their original state, which should eliminate any remaining changes made by FindMeFreebies.

Manual Removal Methods for Mac Users

Mac users can also be affected by the FindMeFreebies toolbar. The removal process for macOS differs from Windows but follows a similar approach of uninstalling the application and removing browser modifications.

Step 1: Uninstalling the Application

To remove FindMeFreebies from your Mac:

1. Click Finder
2. In the opened screen select Applications
3. Look for the FindMeFreebies application or any related toolbar
4. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock)
5. Right-click the Trash icon and select "Empty Trash"

Some toolbars may install additional files in other locations. To ensure complete removal:

1. Open your Applications folder
2. Look for a folder called "Toolbars" and delete it if present
3. Also look for folders with the toolbar company's name and delete those as well
4. For invasive toolbars like Softonic, open the Library folder
5. Open the Application Support folder and delete any folders related to the toolbar
6. Check in the Input Managers folder in your Library folder for anything labeled with the toolbar's name
7. Delete any related files

Step 2: Removing Browser Extensions in Safari

If you use Safari on your Mac:

1. Click the Safari menu and select "Preferences"
2. Click the "Extensions" tab
3. Select the toolbar that you want to remove and click the Uninstall button
4. Restart Safari to complete the removal

Step 3: Changing Browser Settings

After removing the application and extensions, you should check and restore your browser settings:

1. Open Safari and go to Safari > Preferences
2. Select the "General" tab
3. Remove any unwanted URLs from the homepage field
4. Select the "Search" tab
5. Choose your preferred search engine from the list
6. Remove any unwanted search engines

Step 4: Resetting Safari

If issues persist, you can reset Safari:

1. Click Safari in the menu bar
2. Select "Reset Safari"
3. Choose which settings you want to reset (you can typically select all options)
4. Click "Reset" to confirm

Resetting Safari will clear your cache, cookies, and other browsing data, which can help remove any remaining traces of the toolbar.

Removing FindMeFreebies from Other Browsers

The FindMeFreebies toolbar can also affect other web browsers. Here's how to remove it from popular alternatives:

Google Chrome

1. Click the Menu (☰) button in Chrome
2. Hover over "Tools", then click "Extensions"
3. Find the FindMeFreebies toolbar in the list of installed extensions
4. Click the trashcan icon to remove it
5. Restart Chrome

Additionally, you should change your homepage and search engine:

1. Click the Menu button and select "Settings"
2. In the "On startup" section, set your preferred homepage
3. In the "Search engine" section, select your preferred search engine
4. If you see unwanted search engines listed, click "Manage search engines" and remove them

Mozilla Firefox

1. Click the Menu (☰) button in Firefox
2. Select "Add-ons"
3. Click the "Extensions" tab
4. Locate the FindMeFreebies toolbar and click "Remove" next to it
5. Restart Firefox

To complete the removal:

1. Click the Menu button and select "Options"
2. Go to the "General" tab and set your preferred homepage
3. Go to the "Search" tab and select your preferred search engine
4. Remove any unwanted search engines

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 by clicking the Reset button

If resetting doesn't resolve the issue, you may need to take additional steps:

1. Click the Edge menu icon and select "Extensions"
2. Look for and remove any suspicious extensions
3. Go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services
4. Under "Clear browsing data", select "Choose what to clear"
5. Check all boxes and click "Clear now"

Using Anti-Malware Software for Complete Removal

While manual removal methods can be effective, using specialized anti-malware software provides a more thorough solution for removing FindMeFreebies and any potentially unwanted components that may remain on your system.

Recommended Tools

Several reputable anti-malware programs can help remove the FindMeFreebies toolbar:

1. Combo Cleaner: This program checks if your computer is infected with malware, including browser hijackers like FindMeFreebies. To use the full-featured product, you need to purchase a license, though a 7-day free trial is available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

2. Malwarebytes: This popular anti-malware tool specializes in detecting and removing potentially unwanted programs, adware, and browser hijackers. The free version can perform scans and remove threats, while the premium version offers real-time protection.

3. AdwCleaner: This specialized tool focuses on removing adware, potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), and browser hijackers. It's lightweight, easy to use, and available for free.

How to Use Anti-Malware Software

1. Download your chosen anti-malware program from a reputable source
2. Install the program following the on-screen instructions
3. Update the program to ensure it has the latest definitions
4. Perform a full system scan
5. Review the scan results and quarantine or remove any threats found
6. Restart your computer if prompted

Using anti-malware software is particularly recommended if: - You're uncomfortable with manual removal procedures - The toolbar persists after manual removal attempts - You want to ensure no residual components remain - You want to scan for other potential threats on your system

These tools can detect and remove files, registry entries, and browser modifications that may be difficult to find manually, providing a more comprehensive removal of the FindMeFreebies toolbar.

Preventing Future Toolbar Infiltrations

Once you've successfully removed the FindMeFreebies toolbar, it's important to take steps to prevent similar issues in the future. By adopting safe browsing and downloading practices, you can reduce the risk of encountering unwanted toolbars and browser hijackers.

Safe Downloading Practices

1. Download software only from official websites or reputable sources
2. Avoid downloading from third-party download sites that bundle additional software
3. Be cautious of "Download" buttons that may actually install unwanted programs
4. Check reviews and ratings before downloading software
5. Keep your operating system and applications updated to patch security vulnerabilities

Reading Installation Carefully

1. Choose "Custom" or "Advanced" installation options rather than "Express" or "Recommended"
2. Read each screen of the installation process carefully
3. Look for checkboxes pre-selected to install additional software
4. Uncheck any offers to install toolbars, adware, or potentially unwanted programs
5. Decline any optional software that you don't recognize or need

Browser Security Measures

1. Keep your browser updated to the latest version
2. Install reputable browser extensions that provide additional security
3. Be cautious of extensions that request extensive permissions
4. Regularly review and remove unused browser extensions
5. Consider using browser extensions that block ads and trackers

General Security Practices

1. Use reputable antivirus and anti-malware software
2. Keep your security software updated
3. Perform regular scans of your system
4. Be cautious of email attachments and links from unknown sources
5. Use strong, unique passwords for your accounts

By implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of encountering unwanted toolbars like FindMeFreebies and maintain a cleaner, more secure browsing experience.

Conclusion

The FindMeFreebies toolbar, while claiming to help users find free products and samples, is actually a potentially unwanted application that can cause significant issues with your browsing experience and privacy. By following the comprehensive removal guide provided in this article, you can successfully eliminate this browser hijacker from your system and restore your browser settings to their proper state.

Remember that prevention is key when it comes to unwanted toolbars and browser hijackers. By practicing safe downloading habits, carefully reading installation processes, and maintaining up-to-date security software, you can protect your computer from similar threats in the future.

If you encounter difficulties during the removal process or if the toolbar persists after attempting manual removal, using reputable anti-malware software can provide an effective solution. These specialized tools are designed to detect and remove even the most stubborn unwanted programs, ensuring your system remains clean and secure.

While the promise of free samples and promotional offers can be appealing, it's important to prioritize the security and privacy of your device. By staying vigilant and following best practices for online safety, you can enjoy the benefits of the internet without the risks associated with potentially unwanted applications like FindMeFreebies.

Sources

1. FindMeFreebies Toolbar Removal Guide
2. How to Get Rid of Unwanted Toolbars
3. How to Remove Unwanted Browser Toolbars