Should I remove Follow?

Versions

Version	Distribution
1.28.153.4	50.00%
1.27.153.8	50.00%

from follow.net

Remove Follow

Follow is a potentially unwanted application that runs in the web browser as a toolbar and web extension. The web extension is primarily designed to take control of the user's browser in order to modify the search provider and redirect web searches to the search engine partner the publisher has a revenue relationship with. In doing so, the toolbar performs a number of behaviors in order to maximize the potential of a user to click on sponsored advertising through search. It is typically installed via a bundled offer within a 3rd-party distribution.

Functionality of the toolbar includes:
- Changing the web browser's default home page to the affiliate search portal.
- Changing the browser's search provider, built-in search box as well as the address bar.
- Ability to modify the 'new tab' functionality to launch the modified search portal page.
- Adds an alternative error page, DNS error and 'page not' found functionality.
- Adds additional functionality that is designed to protect the search and home page settings.
- May 'inject' advertising in the form of context ads, links and pop-ups.

The most used version is 1.28.153.4, with over 98% of all installations currently using this version. It adds a Browser Helper Object (BHO) to Internet Explorer. The main program executable is Follow-helper.exe. A vast majority of those who have this installed end up removing it just after a couple weeks. The software installer includes 10 files and is usually about 4.22 MB (4,420,989 bytes).

The program is built using the Crossrider framework, a cross browser monetization platform used to deploy a toolbar and extension for modern web browsers with monetization features including browser search and homepage redirection, contextual coupons and in-line text advertising. Crossrider extensions include background processes to monitor, update and automatically download new features/code without direct user interaction.

URL: follow.net

Installation folder: C:\Program Files\follow

Uninstaller: C:\Program Files\Follow\Uninstall.exe /fromcontrolpanel=1

Estimated size: 4.22 MB

1. On the Start menu (for Windows 8, right-click the screen's bottom-left corner), click Control Panel, and then, under Programs, do one of the following:
• Windows Vista/7/8/10: Click Uninstall a Program.
• Windows XP: Click Add or Remove Programs.
2. When you find the program Follow, click it, and then do one of the following:
• Windows Vista/7/8/10: Click Uninstall.
• Windows XP: Click the Remove or Change/Remove tab (to the right of the program).
3. Follow the prompts. A progress bar shows you how long it will take to remove Follow.
4. If for some reason uninstallation fails, please install Microsoft's uninstall fixer utility which will help fix problems with programs that can't be uninstalled at support.microsoft.com.

1. Open Internet Explorer and click the Tools button, and then click Internet options.
2. Click the Advanced tab, and then click Reset. Select the Delete personal settings check box if you would also like to remove search providers, Accelerators and home pages. When Internet Explorer finishes applying default settings, click Close, and then click OK.
3. The changes will take effect the next time you open IE.

1. At the top of the Firefox window, click the Firefox button, go over to the Help sub-menu and select Troubleshooting Information.
2. To continue, click Reset Firefox in the confirmation window that opens. It will close and be reset.
3. When it's done, a window will list the information that was imported. Click Finish and Firefox will open.

1. Open Chrome and click the Chrome menu on the browser toolbar.
2. Select Settings. In the "Search" section, click Manage search engine. Check if (Default) is displayed next to your preferred search engine. If not, mouse over it and click Make default. Mouse over any other suspicious search engine entries that are not familiar and click X to remove them.
3. When the "Show Home button" checkbox is selected, a web address appears below it. If you want the Homepage button to open up a different webpage, click Change to enter a link.
4. Restart Google Chrome.

USER ACTIONS Uninstall it 63% Keep it 37%

MOST USED OS ~99% Windows 10

COUNTRY POPULARITY 80.00% United States

United States	80.00%
Israel	20.00%

What PC manufacturers (OEMs) have it installed?

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