Should I remove Softonic_Search Toolbar?
What percent of users and experts removed it?
77% remove it23% keep it
What do people think about it?
(click star to rate)
How common is it?
Global Rank #38,719
Reach 0.0027%
Lifespan of installation (until removal)
< 11.31 days
333.52 days >
Average installed length: 175.24 days
Versions
| Version | Distribution |
| 6.8.5.1 |
3.77% |
|
| 6.8.2.0? |
1.89% |
|
| 6.8.2.0 |
1.89% |
|
| 6.5.2.8 |
1.89% |
|
| 5.7.2.2 |
90.57% |
|
Other programs by Softonic International S.L
Rankings
- #38,714 MAGIX Video Pro X6 (proDAD Mercalli V2)
- #38,715 Wolfram Mathematica 6
- #38,716 TopGun - Hardlock by 505 Games
- #38,717 Freemake Video Converter version 2.0.0 by Ellora Assets
- #38,718 Aiseesoft MP4 Converter Suite
- #38,719 Softonic_Search Toolbar
- #38,720 Phoenix Service Software 2011.02.000.44842 by Sant Tech
- #38,721 Clean Virus MSN by AxBx
- #38,722 Rayman3 by Ubisoft
- #38,723 Crawler Smileys
- #38,724 Igneous by DigiPen (USA)
Softonic_Search Toolbar
What is Softonic_Search Toolbar?
Softonic Search Toolbar is a Conduit toolbar for Intenet Explorer and Firefox. The toolbar collects and stores information about your web browsing habits and sends this information to Conduit so they can suggest services or provide advertising via the toolbar. It will attempt to change your home page and search provider if you are not careful during installation and provides a search box and various other generic features. If the home page and search settings were modified by this toolbar, they need to be manually reverted back by the user if the user decides to uninstall the toolbar. It also may automatically download and install updates without notifying the user. From the EULA: The Application may also collect and store information about your web browsing locally on your device. This locally saved information may interact with the Application and send us information about your web browsing so we can suggest services or provide you ads that may be more relevant to you. Only generalized inferences are passed from the Application to our servers."
About (from Softonic International S.L)
Each Application includes a new search box for your use and enjoyment. In addition, while installing the Application, you may voluntarily opt to change your home page, other search related preferences, add components, receive notifications, offers or enable other features provided to you by the Publisher or other third... Read more
Overview
- Malware detected in the program
- Integrates into the web browser
- Built on and distributed using the Conduit toolbar
- Installs a Windows Service
- Known to reinstall itself
- Hijacks the web browser's home page
- Hijacks the browser's default search provider
- The experts agree, you should remove it!
Warning, multiple anti-virus scanners have detected possible malware in Softonic_Search Toolbar.
| tbSoft.dll (469b44ae63d2ae02b512ec92c64d4a06) has been flagged by the following 4 scanners: |
| Anti-Virus software | Version | Detection |
| Bkav FE |
1.3.0.4246 |
HW32.Stranact |
| ESET-NOD32 |
7.9314 |
a variant of Win32/Toolbar.Conduit.B |
| Panda Antivirus |
14.01.26.11 |
Adware/Conduit |
| VIPRE Antivirus |
25620 |
Conduit (fs) |
| prxtbSof0.dll (4c163bd2a5905d18893ee311608e8c54) has been flagged by the following 5 scanners: |
| Anti-Virus software | Software version | Detection |
| AVware |
1.5.0.16 |
Conduit (fs) |
| Baidu-International |
3.5.1.41473 |
Adware.Win32.Conduit.45 |
| ESET-NOD32 |
10172 |
Win32/Toolbar.Conduit.O |
| Panda Antivirus |
10.0.3.5 |
PUP/Conduit.A |
| VIPRE Antivirus |
31726 |
Conduit (fs) |
| Softonic_SearchToolbarHelper.exe (a320df2b47cfcaf98d06eb59cd72084c) has been flagged by the following 5 scanners: |
| Anti-Virus software | Software version | Detection |
| Bkav FE |
1.3.0.6379 |
W32.HfsAdware.C534 |
| Dr.Web |
7.0.12.3050 |
Adware.Conduit.300 |
| G Data |
25 |
Win32.Adware.Conduit.B |
| IKARUS anti.virus |
T3.1.6.1.0 |
PUA.ClientConnect |
| Panda Antivirus |
4.6.4.2 |
PUP/Conduit.A |
| tbSof2.dll (cef32b574f8c732bacafd93210642dbb) has been flagged by the following 4 scanners: |
| Anti-Virus software | Software version | Detection |
| Bkav FE |
1.3.0.4246 |
HW32.Stranact.ckae |
| ESET-NOD32 |
9702 |
a variant of Win32/Toolbar.Conduit.B |
| Panda Antivirus |
10.0.3.5 |
PUP/Conduit.A |
| VIPRE Antivirus |
28454 |
Conduit (fs) |
View all 18 all detections
Program details
Displayed publisher: Softonic_Search
URL: SoftonicSearchToolbar.OurToolbar.com
Help link: SoftonicSearchToolbar.OurToolbar.com/help
Installation folder: C:\Program Files\softonic_search
Uninstaller: C:\Program Files\Softonic_Search\uninstall.exe
Estimated size: 14.16 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 SoftonicSearchToolbar.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 Softonic_Search Toolbar
| Program module: | tbSoft.dll (Malware detected) |
| Name: | Conduit Toolbar |
| Signed by: | Conduit Ltd. |
| Path: | C:\Program Files\softonic_search\tbSoft.dll |
| MD5: | 469b44ae63d2ae02b512ec92c64d4a06 |
Additional files:
-
tbSof1.dll (by Conduit) - Conduit Toolbar Automatic Update (Conduit Toolbar)
-
uninstall.exe (by Conduit) - Conduit Engine Uninstall
-
(Malware detected) Softonic_SearchToolbarHelper.exe - ToolbarH Application
-
(Malware detected) prxtbSof0.dll - Conduit Toolbar
-
(Malware detected) tbSof2.dll
-
(Malware detected) tbSoft.dll
-
UNWISE.EXE
Behaviors exhibited
2 Internet Explorer BHOs
- prxtbSof0.dll is installed in Internet Explorer as a BHO (Browser Helper Object) under the name 'MyMatch_v2b Toolbar' with the class of {b860e266-f38a-4e23-a639-0fda18b1beaa} (MyMatch_v2b).
- tbSoft.dll is installed in Internet Explorer as a BHO (Browser Helper Object) under the name 'ToggleSW Toolbar' with the class of {6dabbda0-1da5-4a2f-bc89-2ae084c572fa}.
3 Internet Explorer Bars
- tbSoft.dll installs an Explorer Bar in Internet Explorer called 'HotSpot International Findbar' with a class of {E7B933F6-FC68-4603-8C33-69AF90051503}.
- prxtbSof0.dll installs an Explorer Bar in Internet Explorer called 'Vuze Remote Findbar' with a class of {644597E7-96EC-4DC8-BDE1-D150A08E8D92}.
- tbSof0.dll installs an Explorer Bar in Internet Explorer called 'mako LIVE Findbar' with a class of {E4FBCEE4-B3B5-4FD1-933E-98130DB1E104}.
2 Internet Explorer Toolbars
- prxtbSof0.dll is loaded as Internet Explorer Toolbar with the name 'MyMatch_v2b Toolbar' with the class of {b860e266-f38a-4e23-a639-0fda18b1beaa}.
- tbSoft.dll is loaded as Internet Explorer Toolbar with the name 'ToggleSW Toolbar' with the class of {6dabbda0-1da5-4a2f-bc89-2ae084c572fa}.
2 Internet Explorer URL Search Hooks
- prxtbSof0.dll loads into IE as a URL Search Hook named 'MyMatch_v2b Toolbar' with a class of {b860e266-f38a-4e23-a639-0fda18b1beaa} in order to redirect unknown URL searches.
- tbSoft.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
- prxtbSof0.dll installs an IE Web Browser in Internet Explorer named 'Free Lunch Design TB Toolbar' with a class of {A5AE8924-4036-420F-B7F6-A47E4B8F692E}.
- tbSoft.dll installs an IE Web Browser in Internet Explorer named 'ToggleSW Toolbar' with a class of {6DABBDA0-1DA5-4A2F-BC89-2AE084C572FA}.
3 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).
- Softonic_SearchToolbarHelper.exe is scheduled as a task with the class '{B8E8E278-F25D-478A-BAB2-24A5EDB01F6C}' (runs on registration).
Service
- UNWISE.EXE runs as a service named 'Browser System Enahncer' (671c50b0).
Windows Firewall Allowed Program
- UNWISE.EXE is added as a firewall exception for 'C:\Program Files1\Yahoo!\MESSEN~1\UNWISE.EXE'.
Resource utilization averages
Show technical details
| Softonic_SearchToolbarHelper.exe |
| Total CPU: | 0.4892737327% | |
| Kernel CPU: | 0.29804920% | |
| User CPU: | 0.19122453% | |
How do I remove Softonic_Search Toolbar?
You can uninstall Softonic_Search Toolbar 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 Softonic_Search Toolbar, 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 Softonic_Search Toolbar.
- 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 Softonic_Search Toolbar 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 XP 77%
Win 7 2%
|
|
HOW DOES IT RUN?
 |
Plugs into Internet Explorer
|
|
|
USER ACTIONS
 |
Uninstall it 77%
Keep it 23%
|
|
Windows
Which Windows OS versions does it run on?
| Windows XP |
81.13% |
|
| Windows 7 |
16.98% |
|
| Windows Vista |
1.89% |
|
Which OS releases does it run on? |
| Microsoft Windows XP |
80.39% |
|
| Windows 7 Ultimate |
15.69% |
|
| Windows Vista Home Premiu... |
1.96% |
|
| Windows 7 Starter |
1.96% |
|
Geography
25.00% of installs come from Spain
Which countries install it?
| Spain |
25.00% |
| United States |
23.21% |
| Mexico |
10.71% |
| Peru |
8.93% |
| Venezuela |
7.14% |
| Uruguay |
5.36% |
| Argentina |
5.36% |
| Colombia |
3.57% |
| Costa Rica |
3.57% |
| Chile |
1.79% |
| France |
1.79% |
| Ecuador |
1.79% |
| Panama |
1.79% |
PC manufacturers
What PC manufacturers (OEMs) have it installed?
| Acer |
23.33% |
|
| Dell |
13.33% |
|
| GIGABYTE |
13.33% |
|
| American Megatrends |
13.33% |
|
| Intel |
10.00% |
|
| Lenovo |
10.00% |
|
| Toshiba |
6.67% |
|
| Hewlett-Packard |
6.67% |
|
| ASUS |
3.33% |
|
Common models |
| GBT AWRDACPI |
5.88% |
|
| Acer TravelMate 5720 ... |
5.88% |
|
| VIA KM266A-8237 |
2.94% |
|
| LENOVO 20081 |
2.94% |
|
| ECS G31T-M7 |
2.94% |
|
| BIOSTAR Group P4M89-M7A |
2.94% |
|
About Softonic International S.L
Softonic operates a Website for software downloads as well as distributes an application programming interface that allows developers to build applications and mashups based on Softonic's content; and Softonic Answers, a user community for exchanging information and opinions about software.
Publisher URL: en.softonic.com