Stop Boomerang Junk Coming Back <<<
Webuser|August 09, 2017

Some stubborn software keeps reinstalling no matter what you do to remove it. Robert Irvine explains how to prevent persistent pests from boomeranging back.

Robert Irvine
Stop Boomerang Junk Coming Back <<<

Stop junk Chrome extensions reinstalling

It’s easy to uninstall extensions in Chome: either right-click the toolbar icon and select ‘Remove from Chrome’; or click the menu button, choose ‘More tools’, Extensions and click the dustbin icon next to the offending item. But some stubborn add-ons refuse to be removed permanently in this way and try to reinstall themselves when you next launch Chrome. We’ve experienced this problem with McAfee WebAdvisor and PropertyWizza, for example.

To make matters worse, extensions don’t usually appear in the Windows Control Panel’s ‘Uninstall or change a program’ section, which means you could be stuck with them constantly ‘boomeranging’ back into your browser. Fortunately, there’s a solution: open Chrome’s Extensions page, tick the ‘Developer mode’ box at the top and you’ll notice that an ID number and other details appear below each add-on. Look for a ‘Loaded from’ entry below the unwanted extension, which tells you its location, then find that folder on your hard drive – it’s usually something like C:ProgramData iodfjkodegnfidngbfdgsjdsk – and delete it. This should stop the add-on reinstalling itself.

If you can’t see a ‘Loaded from’ entry, try running the official Chrome Cleanup Tool (bit.ly/cleanup429), which finds and removes potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) that cause problems in the browser, including infamous pests SearchProtect, SmartWeb and Conduit. This tool isn’t particularly thorough, but it’s fast, free, easy to use and certainly worth a try.

Remove adware and other PUPs permanently

This story is from the August 09, 2017 edition of Webuser.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the August 09, 2017 edition of Webuser.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM WEBUSERView All
What you must… NEVER CLICK ONLINE
Webuser

What you must… NEVER CLICK ONLINE

Don’t get caught and scammed by the web’s latest mouse traps. Wayne Williams reveals all the things you should avoid clicking and tapping on the web, and explains how to spot them

time-read
10+ mins  |
February 05 - 28, 2020
Realme X2
Webuser

Realme X2

An affordable Android smartphone with features beyond its price

time-read
2 mins  |
February 05 - 28, 2020
How to... Dual-boot Linux Mint with Windows 10
Webuser

How to... Dual-boot Linux Mint with Windows 10

Dual-booting gives you the ability to use Linux at its best without removing Windows. Wayne Williams shows you how

time-read
4 mins  |
February 05 - 28, 2020
Reverse-search the web using photos
Webuser

Reverse-search the web using photos

Uncover fake pictures, identify faces and catch photo thieves with a reverse image search. Jane Hoskyn reveals the best ways to search the web without words

time-read
4 mins  |
February 05 - 28, 2020
Charge of the fight brigade
Webuser

Charge of the fight brigade

Barry Collins is tired of waking up to rows over unplugged devices

time-read
2 mins  |
February 05 - 28, 2020
STOP USING SOFTWARE
Webuser

STOP USING SOFTWARE

Why download hefty programs when you can run everything in your browser instead? Wayne Williams reveals the best free online alternatives to desktop software

time-read
10+ mins  |
January 22 - February 04, 2020
Restore missing KEYBOARD tools
Webuser

Restore missing KEYBOARD tools

Does your keyboard lack useful options that make typing quicker and easier? Nik Rawlinson explains how to access your keyboard’s missing features and reveal its hidden functions for free

time-read
4 mins  |
January 22 - February 04, 2020
How to... Create your own retro gaming arcade for free
Webuser

How to... Create your own retro gaming arcade for free

Wayne Williams shows you how to play a huge collection of classic games while staying on the right side of the law

time-read
4 mins  |
January 22 - February 04, 2020
Best download managers
Webuser

Best download managers

Whether you need to download a large individual file or multiple items, or you want to schedule a download for later, a dedicated download manager can make things easier. Steve Clark compares six of the best free tools

time-read
4 mins  |
January 22 - February 04, 2020
Beat online obstructions
Webuser

Beat online obstructions

Don’t let annoying popups and widgets block your access to websites. Robert Irvine reveals the best workarounds for common web hindrances and distractions

time-read
4 mins  |
January 22 - February 04, 2020