Expat Shield Toolbar for IE
What is Expat Shield Toolbar for IE?
This is a Conduit/Perion (ClientConnect) powered toolbar for Internet Explorer (BHO) that provides limited web browser functionality but will modify the user's search and home pages as well as bundle various ad-supported components. Also, the toolbar will bundle additional potentially unwanted features such as Search Protect which will make sure that the browser maintains its modified home and search pages to Conduit. The toolbar is usually bundled with a 3rd-party program or downloaded through a hosted portal page on the OurToolbar network.
Overview
The most used version is 6.17.2.8, with over 98% of all installations currently using this version. It adds a background controller service that is set to automatically run. Delaying the start of this service is possible through the service manager. The program adds a toolbar to Microsoft Internet Explorer. A scheduled task is added to Windows Task Scheduler in order to launch the program at various scheduled times (the schedule varies depending on the version). The software is designed to connect to the Internet and adds a Windows Firewall exception in order to do so without being interfered with. The main program executable is Expat_ShieldToolbarHelper.exe. Typically most users end up uninstalling this just after a few days. It also bundles additional software in the form of the Conduit Engine, which installs a potentially unwanted toolbar, and makes homepage and default search engine changes to a user's web browser. The software installer includes 15 files and is usually about 1.69 MB (1,767,712 bytes).
- Possible malware installed by this program
- Loads into the web browser
- Built on and distributed using the Conduit toolbar
- Installs a Windows Service
- Typically distributed through a pay-per-install bundle
- Hijacks the web browser's home page
- The experts agree, you should remove it!
Warning, multiple anti-virus scanners have detected possible malware in Expat Shield Toolbar for IE.
| Expat_ShieldToolbarHelper.exe (943f313974a830d4634c73beb8103f5e) has been flagged by the following 4 scanners: |
| Anti-Virus software | Version | Detection |
| Comodo Security |
17313 |
Application.Win32.Conduit.~f |
| Dr.Web |
9.0.0.0166 |
Adware.Toolbar.202 |
| Malwarebytes |
v2013.11.22.02 |
PUP.Optional.Conduit.A |
| VIPRE Antivirus |
23610 |
Conduit (fs) |
| prxtbExpa.dll (463f34d012b31fc55660ce2f82dc7f34) has been flagged by the following 8 scanners: |
| Anti-Virus software | Software version | Detection |
| Agnitum Outpost |
5.5.1.3 |
PUA.Toolbar.Conduit! |
| Dr.Web |
7.00.8.02260 |
Adware.Conduit.16 |
| ESET-NOD32 |
9631 |
a variant of Win32/Toolbar.Conduit.X |
| Fortinet FortiGate |
4 |
Riskware/Toolbar_Conduit |
| McAfee |
6.0.4.564 |
Artemis!463F34D012B3 |
| McAfee-GW-Edition |
2013 |
Artemis!463F34D012B3 |
| Panda Antivirus |
10.0.3.5 |
PUP/Conduit.A |
| VIPRE Antivirus |
27982 |
Conduit (fs) |
| tbExpa.dll (975993043e355206a1fba5a702044f0c) has been flagged by the following 6 scanners: |
| Anti-Virus software | Software version | Detection |
| Comodo Security |
17676 |
Application.Win32.Conduit.~A |
| ESET-NOD32 |
9338 |
a variant of Win32/Toolbar.Conduit.B |
| Malwarebytes |
1.75.0.1 |
PUP.Optional.Conduit |
| Panda Antivirus |
10.0.3.5 |
Adware/Conduit |
| TrendMicro-HouseCall |
9.700.0.1001 |
TROJ_GEN.F47V1113 |
| VIPRE Antivirus |
25818 |
Conduit (fs) |
| prxtbExp0.dll (480994ae776f86dc885fd654665ebdfa) has been flagged by the following 5 scanners: |
| Anti-Virus software | Software version | Detection |
| Agnitum Outpost |
5.5.1.3 |
PUA.Toolbar.Conduit! |
| Dr.Web |
7.00.8.02260 |
Adware.Conduit.16 |
| ESET-NOD32 |
9631 |
a variant of Win32/Toolbar.Conduit.X |
| Panda Antivirus |
10.0.3.5 |
PUP/Conduit.A |
| VIPRE Antivirus |
27980 |
Conduit (fs) |
| uninstall.exe (b728fa6a309e5d18141947b95b730e95) has been flagged by the following 2 scanners: |
| Anti-Virus software | Software version | Detection |
| Panda Antivirus |
10.0.3.5 |
PUP/Conduit.A |
| VIPRE Antivirus |
26380 |
Conduit (fs) |
View all 25 all detections
Expat Shield Toolbar for IE has been found to be bundled with 3rd party software. If you have not purposefully installed this, you should be safe uninstalling it.
Program details
Displayed publisher: Expat Shield
URL: ExpatShield.OurToolbar.com
Help link: ExpatShield.OurToolbar.com/help
Installation folder: C:\ProgramData\conduit\ie\ct2549263
Uninstaller: C:\ProgramData\Conduit\IE\CT2549263\UninstallerUI.exe -ctid=CT2549263 -toolbarName=Expat Shield -toolbarEnv=conduit -type=IE
Estimated size: 1.69 MB
This is a Community Toolbar by Conduit, what does that mean?
Conduit is a toolbar monetization platform for software publishers. It provides a utility for developers to create branded generic web browser toolbars. Publishers can bundle these toolbars with their software programs or provide access to download them separately through ExpatShield.OurToolbar.com. Once installed, the toolbar modifies the browser's home page and search settings in order to redirect searches through the Conduit portal (which utilizes Bing or Yahoo! Search engines). Read more...Each publisher enters into a 'Publisher Agreement' with Conduit which defines the revenue structure, known as the 'incentive amount', to be paid each calendar month in which the user has an active toolbar installed. Typically payout is based on the geographic origin of the user and ranges from $2 for a US user per month to just a few cents for other countries. Is it considered dangerous? Well, it's not malware or even spyware, however it changes the browser’s search provider in order to display, but if you read the EULA that is mentioned and presumably agreed on when installing. Users should decide if you need the functionality the toolbar has to offer. But remember, if you uninstall it make sure you reset your web browser, see how.
Files installed by Expat Shield Toolbar for IE
| Program executable: | Expat_ShieldToolbarHelper.exe (Malware detected) |
| Name: | ToolbarHelper Application |
| Path: | C:\Program Files\Expat_Shield\Expat_ShieldToolbarHelper.exe |
| MD5: | 943f313974a830d4634c73beb8103f5e |
Additional files:
-
configutaion.json
-
UninstallerUI.exe - 1.0.0.0
-
(Malware detected) Expat_ShieldToolbarHelper.exe - ToolbarHelper Application
-
hk64tbExpa.dll - Conduit Toolbar
-
hktbExpa.dll
-
ldrtbExpa.dll
-
(Malware detected) prxtbExpa.dll
-
(Malware detected) tbExpa.dll
-
(Malware detected) prxtbExp0.dll
-
uninstall.exe - Conduit Engine Uninstall
-
hk64tbExp0.dll
-
hktbExp0.dll
-
ldrtbExp0.dll
-
(Malware detected) tbExp0.dll
-
UNWISE.EXE
Behaviors exhibited
2 Internet Explorer BHOs
- prxtbExpa.dll is installed in Internet Explorer as a BHO (Browser Helper Object) under the name 'Produtools Maps B Toolbar' with the class of {18272225-4c7f-4445-a7e3-8b260662e407} (Produtools Maps B).
- prxtbExp0.dll is installed in Internet Explorer as a BHO (Browser Helper Object) under the name 'Vafmusic4 Toolbar' with the class of {ec966aaa-1510-4c02-8eb0-b42ad0c25e8b} (Vafmusic4).
Internet Explorer Bar
- prxtbExp0.dll installs an Explorer Bar in Internet Explorer called 'Connect DLC 5 Findbar' with a class of {8FEB0551-B256-479B-92E1-C927F89DC71E}.
2 Internet Explorer Toolbars
- prxtbExpa.dll is loaded as Internet Explorer Toolbar with the name 'Produtools Maps B Toolbar' with the class of {18272225-4c7f-4445-a7e3-8b260662e407}.
- prxtbExp0.dll is loaded as Internet Explorer Toolbar with the name 'Vafmusic4 Toolbar' with the class of {ec966aaa-1510-4c02-8eb0-b42ad0c25e8b}.
2 Internet Explorer URL Search Hooks
- prxtbExpa.dll loads into IE as a URL Search Hook named 'Produtools Maps B Toolbar' with a class of {18272225-4c7f-4445-a7e3-8b260662e407} in order to redirect unknown URL searches.
- prxtbExp0.dll loads into IE as a URL Search Hook named 'ToggleSW Toolbar' with a class of {6dabbda0-1da5-4a2f-bc89-2ae084c572fa} in order to redirect unknown URL searches.
2 Internet Explorer Web Browsers
- prxtbExpa.dll installs an IE Web Browser in Internet Explorer named 'Produtools Maps B Toolbar' with a class of {18272225-4C7F-4445-A7E3-8B260662E407}.
- prxtbExp0.dll installs an IE Web Browser in Internet Explorer named 'Vafmusic4 Toolbar' with a class of {EC966AAA-1510-4C02-8EB0-B42AD0C25E8B}.
2 Scheduled Tasks
- uninstall.exe is scheduled as a task with the class '{42CD7A24-AF4B-44A0-A119-1C6F9B6E2A90}' (runs on registration).
- UNWISE.EXE is scheduled as a task with the class '{F71A9918-1861-4EFE-AE94-530BDDE46DD4}' (runs on registration).
Service
- UNWISE.EXE runs as a service named 'Browser System Enahncer' (671c50b0).
2 Windows Firewall Allowed Programs
- UNWISE.EXE is added as a firewall exception for 'C:\Program Files1\Yahoo!\MESSEN~1\UNWISE.EXE'.
- Expat_ShieldToolbarHelper.exe is added as a firewall exception for 'C:\Program Files\eTvOnline.ro\eTvOnline.roToolbarHelper.exe'.
How do I remove Expat Shield Toolbar for IE?
You can uninstall Expat Shield Toolbar for IE from your computer by using the Add/Remove Program feature in the Window's Control Panel.
- 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.
- When you find the program Expat Shield Toolbar for IE, 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).
- Follow the prompts. A progress bar shows you how long it will take to remove Expat Shield Toolbar for IE.
- 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.
How do I reset my web browser?
If your web browser homepage and search settings have been modfied by Expat Shield Toolbar for IE you can restore them to their previous default settings.
Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Open Internet Explorer and click the Tools button, and then click Internet options.
- 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.
- The changes will take effect the next time you open IE.
Mozilla Firefox
- At the top of the Firefox window, click the Firefox button, go over to the Help sub-menu and select Troubleshooting Information.
- To continue, click Reset Firefox in the confirmation window that opens. It will close and be reset.
- When it's done, a window will list the information that was imported. Click Finish and Firefox will open.
Google Chrome
- Open Chrome and click the Chrome menu on the browser toolbar.
- 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.
- 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.
- Restart Google Chrome.
OS VERSIONS
Win 7 (SP1) 75%
Win 7 1%
|
|
HOW DOES IT RUN?
 |
Plugs into Internet Explorer
|
|
|
USER ACTIONS
 |
Uninstall it 85%
Keep it 15%
|
|
Windows
Which Windows OS versions does it run on?
| Windows 7 |
88.00% |
|
| Windows Vista |
4.00% |
|
| Windows XP |
4.00% |
|
| Windows 10 |
4.00% |
|
Which OS releases does it run on? |
| Windows 7 Ultimate |
42.47% |
|
| Windows 7 Home Premium |
27.40% |
|
| Windows 7 Professional |
8.22% |
|
| Windows 7 Starter |
5.48% |
|
| Windows Vista Home Premiu... |
4.11% |
|
| Microsoft Windows XP |
4.11% |
|
Geography
16.05% of installs come from the United States
Which countries install it?
| United States |
16.05% |
| United Kingdom |
13.58% |
| Iran |
8.64% |
| SY |
8.64% |
| France |
6.17% |
| Ireland |
4.94% |
| Spain |
3.70% |
| Brazil |
3.70% |
| United Arab Emirates |
2.47% |
| Australia |
2.47% |
| Germany |
2.47% |
| Lebanon |
2.47% |
| IQ |
1.23% |
| Norway |
1.23% |
PC manufacturers
What PC manufacturers (OEMs) have it installed?
| Dell |
24.14% |
|
| Acer |
20.69% |
|
| Hewlett-Packard |
17.24% |
|
| GIGABYTE |
12.07% |
|
| Samsung |
5.17% |
|
| Toshiba |
5.17% |
|
| Sony |
5.17% |
|
| ASUS |
3.45% |
|
| American Megatrends |
3.45% |
|
| Intel |
1.72% |
|
| Lenovo |
1.72% |
|
Common models |
| HP Pavilion g6 Notebook P... |
4.69% |
|
| Gigabyte P31-ES3G |
3.13% |
|
| HP G62 Notebook PC |
3.13% |
|
| Hewlett-Packard Compaq Pr... |
3.13% |
|
| Dell Inspiron 1545 |
3.13% |
|
| Dell Inspiron N4050 |
3.13% |
|
About Conduit
Conduit is an online platform that allows web publishers to create custom toolbars, web apps, and mobile apps at no cost.
Publisher URL: www.conduit.com