[SOLVED] Can't uninstall TopArcadeHits extension?
I downloaded something from download[dot]com (I'm not typing in the address because I don't want anyone to link there without proper warning). I've searched and done *everything* I've found for removing this extension. MBAM, Spyware Terminator, Windows Defender (I'm on W8 and it's built in, so no reason not to use it), uninstall manually, nothing.
It's not listed *anywhere* on my computer. But while searching, I did find something. It creates a Windows Task object that re-installs the extension and it's component software (i.e. a separate program that collects user data) on startup if it's removed.
Can anyone provide help? I've even found the solutions listed here and they don't work anymore.
EDIT: for anyone else reading this, you have to find and delete the global folder that the extension has placed itself in.
Modified by Jof16s
Chosen solution
All Replies (20)
I downloaded the exact same program and really is a pain! I got rid of it successfully, but I can't remember how because it was so long ago. I will try to remember.
Is it listed in the Firefox extensions? Is it listed in the Programs list on your computer? Can you locate the program folder on your computer's hard drive?
I have Windows XP, so it may be harder for me to figure out how to help you because the two operating systems are quite different and I may need you to tell me if something I am tell you doesn't work on Windows 8.
ComputerWhiz: It's listed when I click ctrl+shift+a, but it doesn't even have the remove option. It's *nowhere* under the extensions folders in any place that they exist.
I found the actual global folder. But when I try to access it, the software closes my explorer.exe and I have to re-start trying to get to it. I'm deleting via command line now.
I think it's safe to say that firefox should find a way to stop this before the next update.
Also, it creates a javascript file.
Modified by Jof16s
It isn't anything to do with Firefox, it is a problem with the extension.
It installs with another program. I have reported the problem to the company that created the extension and they are looking into fixing the issue (they say).
I have scanned the program with McAfee Anti-Virus and there are no viruses or other damaging content in the program.
Can you find the extension's folder in the Mozilla Firefox installation folder?
Can you post a screenshot of the Windows Task that it creates?
There is no damaging content, but it puts ads on every page I visit. And I suspect it was collecting my login data (though I can't confirm that).
The fact that it almost can't be uninstalled makes it malware in my opinion. Add the fact that it creates a task schedule to automatically re-install the thing and I figure it should be blocked. I use RequestPolicy, so I don't know how it installed itself.
I've removed it. I'll see if it comes back again.
and it wasn't in the extensions folder of the Firefox installation folder. The global install was somewhere else.
cor-el Did that. Didn't work. I also downloaded their "uninstaller" It just re-installed the stuff I had managed to remove.
hi please refer to here => https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/960863 this has been solved and is malware
Waka: Tried all of that stuff already. It doesn't work anymore.
I believe that when I deleted the global folder it was permanently removed, but if it doesn't remove it please comment.
NOTE: RequestPolicy does NOT replace an anti-virus or firewall program. To assure a secure browsing experience, you should have 1 firewall and 1 anti-virus program installed and active.
ComputerWhiz: I know. I have a firewall and anti-virus in addition to that (I've stopped a lot of stuff with just RequestPolicy alone). But it installed despite all of that.
I did delete the global folder it installed itself in, so it should be gone. I don't know for sure yet, but I'll know next re-start.
@Waka
The solution at that page are no longer correct.
Yeah.
Considering that thread wasn't even two months ago, that's a big surprise.
hi, this is malware, you can see which antiviruses and antimalwares detect TopArcadeHits.
Seçilmiş Həll
@ Jof16s
Did deleting the global folder work?
The Reset Firefox feature can fix many issues by restoring Firefox to its factory default state while saving your essential information. Note: This will cause you to lose any Extensions, Open websites, and some Preferences.
To Reset Firefox do the following:
- Go to Firefox > Help > Troubleshooting Information.
- Click the "Reset Firefox" button.
- Firefox will close and reset. After Firefox is done, it will show a window with the information that is imported. Click Finish.
- Firefox will open with all factory defaults applied.
Further information can be found in the Refresh Firefox - reset add-ons and settings article.
Did this fix your problems? Please report back to us!
Thank you.
Waka: MBAM didn't detect it (despite what that list says)
Computer: Nothing yet. It seems so because I've rebooted.
Waka: No need. It seems deleting the global folder did the job.
@ Waka
Resetting Firefox is NOT necessary!
@ Jof16s
Give it until tomorrow. If the issue is still fixed tomorrow then please mark this question as solved.
Will do ComputerWhiz.
Thank you for the help.
ComputerWhiz, I can't find a "global folder" to delete.... can you please help me out.