MapsGalaxy Toolbar (Free Guide) - 2021 update
MapsGalaxy Toolbar Removal Guide
What is MapsGalaxy Toolbar?
Maps Galaxy – an infamous PUP capable of altering system settings
Changed browser settings might be the direct sign of an infection of browser hijacker.
Maps Galaxy is a questionable browser extension that allegedly helps users get around with the help of maps, directions, street views, etc. Nevertheless, the app can infiltrate the system without your approval and soon after that initiate suspicious activity related to redirects to sponsored websites, intrusive advertisements, and slow downs on each of web browsers.
MapsGalaxy is set to control user's search results, alter the homepage, the default search engine and similar system settings. The program was created by Mindspark Interactive Network, a New-York-based developer, which is also responsible for TaxCenterNow, My Forms Finder, and GetPoliticalNews browser hijackers.
Summary | |
Name | MapsGalaxy Toolbar |
Main page | www.maps-galaxy.com; www.mapsgalaxy(dot)com |
Type | Browser hijacker, PUP |
Developer | Mindspark Interactive Network |
Compatible browsers | Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, etc. |
Distribution | Software bundling, official website |
Symptoms | Altered homepage and new tab, not genuine search results, intrusive ads, etc. |
Elimination | Download and install FortectIntego for quick removal. Alternatively, use our manual instructions |
Interestingly, according to the statistics, not many PC users make use of the mentioned features. In fact, over half of the people who installed the software do not recommend it for others and suggest to get rid of it right away. Due to the questionable distribution tactics – sudden appearance on the computer – users tend to call the extension “Maps Galaxy virus.” And there are a few reasons why you should remove this extension from the system.
First of all, it has been reported that this potentially unwanted program may install related extensions or browser helper objects, such as SoccerInferno, Search-Results Toolbar, YourVideoChat on Internet Explorer without overtly asking for user's permission. The information about the HBOs and additional software is nowhere to be found in the program's EULA or Privacy Policy, so users have virtually no idea what is the app really up until it lands on their computers.
MapsGalaxy changed default homepage to MyWay one
Also, it may alter system settings by embedding 39SrcAs.dll in the browser and using it as a search hook which then redirects to unknown URLs. Different antivirus software detect this file as Win32:Mindspark-A [PUP], Zango, Adware.Win32.Mindspark.81, Adware/WebSearch, etc.
It also replaces user's current homepage to home.mywebsearch.com (which is an equivalent to Myway search) and the default search engine to mywebsearch. This search engine is known to be displaying a lot of sponsored search results though is not malicious itself. Beware that you may also notice that your new tab page and browser window may also be altered by application.
To protect yourself, make sure you stay away from such browser extensions. Tips to prevent them will be provided further in this article. To removeThe information about the HBOs and additional software is nowhere to be found in the program's EULA or Privacy Policy, so the user has virtually no idea what is the app really up until it lands on their computers. To save your time, we really recommend taking care of Maps Galaxy removal.
MapsGalaxy is also collecting NPII about its users
No matter how harmless the main website looks, it may be used for tracking PC users. We can prove this statement with these lines from Terms of Use document:
We may collect information from you that may identify you, such as your name, address, email address, and telephone number and anonymous Information, such as the number of your page views, link clicks, and login times.
We may use information that we collect about you to […] Enable us and our search and advertising partners to develop and display content and advertising tailored to your interests when you use the MS Services, other websites and services, or mobile applications.
The hijacker alters search results and front page, as well as redirects users to sponsors' websites
As you can see, this data can be used for targeted advertising and similar things, so you should keep it private. There is no guarantee that you will be redirected to safe web sources, “For example, if you click on an advertisement, you may be taken to a website that we do not control,” say the developers of this application. There is no doubt that using this program MIGHT lead you to suspicious web sources, so why take the risk? Even the developers of it agree with that:
MS Products are exposed to various security issues, and should be regarded as unsecure.
Learn how PUPs spread and avoid them
You can install this toolbar on your computer from the official developer's websites. However, we don't recommend doing so because you may run into previously mentioned problems. Besides, you may notice that you are dealing with this issue without installing this app because it seems that not only its official website promotes it.
It might be that the app has entered your computer together with other software as a “recommended download.” However, it is considered to be a legitimate distribution technique. Many computer users end up with additional applications on their computer because they tend not to follow the installation process carefully.
Keep in mind that you should always read program's Terms of Use form and remember that you can refuse to install suggested apps via Advanced/Custom installation settings. Simply deselect these suggestions to receive “recommended downloads,” and that's it!
The application authors try to do everything to prevent its elimination from the computer
You can easily get rid of Maps Galaxy Toolbar
“How to remove Maps from Windows 10?” This question bothers a lot of users. Luckily, security experts always have a solution at hand. As we have already mentioned, you can remove MapsGalaxy and its components or related programs easily if you use trusted security tools for this purpose. We also recommend eliminating YourVideoChat, SoccerInferno, Search-Results and other PUPs that you cannot remember installing.
In case the antivirus tool fails to detect the unwanted program, don't lose hope — you still can perform PUP removal manually. Below we provide more detailed instructions what specific files to looks for and how to restore your system after the elimination.
You may remove virus damage with a help of FortectIntego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.
Getting rid of MapsGalaxy Toolbar. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
In order to uninstall unwanted apps from your PC manually, you must make sure you eliminate all the malicious files the toolbar drags along with itself on your computer. Be sure you don't miss the following files: 39bar.dll, 39SrcAs.dll, 39SrchMn.exe, 39medint.exe, 39barsvc.exe, 39brmon.exe, 39brmon64.exe, APPINTEGRATOR.EXE and AppIntegrator64.exe. These have been indicated as malicious by no less than 8 different security software.
Instructions for Windows 10/8 machines:
- Enter Control Panel into Windows search box and hit Enter or click on the search result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
- From the list, find the entry of the suspicious program.
- Right-click on the application and select Uninstall.
- If User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
- Wait till uninstallation process is complete and click OK.
If you are Windows 7/XP user, proceed with the following instructions:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel located on the right pane (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
- Pick the unwanted application by clicking on it once.
- At the top, click Uninstall/Change.
- In the confirmation prompt, pick Yes.
- Click OK once the removal process is finished.
Delete from macOS
Remove items from Applications folder:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for all related entries.
- Click on the app and drag it to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash)
To fully remove an unwanted app, you need to access Application Support, LaunchAgents, and LaunchDaemons folders and delete relevant files:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and click Go or press Enter.
- In the Application Support folder, look for any dubious entries and then delete them.
- Now enter /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders the same way and terminate all the related .plist files.
Remove from Microsoft Edge
Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:
- Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
- From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
- Click on Uninstall at the bottom.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Privacy & security.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Select everything (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.
Restore new tab and homepage settings:
- Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
- Then find On startup section.
- Click Disable if you found any suspicious domain.
Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:
- Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
- Select Details tab.
- Now scroll down and locate every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right-click on each of them and select End Task to stop MS Edge from running.
If this solution failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method. Note that you need to backup your data before proceeding.
- Find the following folder on your computer: C:\\Users\\%username%\\AppData\\Local\\Packages\\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe.
- Press Ctrl + A on your keyboard to select all folders.
- Right-click on them and pick Delete
- Now right-click on the Start button and pick Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- When the new window opens, copy and paste the following command, and then press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\\AppXManifest.xml” -Verbose
Instructions for Chromium-based Edge
Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and site data:
- Click on Menu and go to Settings.
- Select Privacy, search and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Under Time range, pick All time.
- Select Clear now.
Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- On the left side, pick Reset settings.
- Select Restore settings to their default values.
- Confirm with Reset.
Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
- Select Add-ons.
- In here, select unwanted plugin and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Options.
- Under Home options, enter your preferred site that will open every time you newly open the Mozilla Firefox.
Clear cookies and site data:
- Click Menu and pick Settings.
- Go to Privacy & Security section.
- Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
- Click on Clear Data…
- Select Cookies and Site Data, as well as Cached Web Content and press Clear.
Reset Mozilla Firefox
If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
- Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.
- Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox…
- Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.
Remove from Google Chrome
Don't forget to reset Google Chrome! Before performing the reset, delete any unfamiliar extensions, add-ons or browser helper objects.
Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
- In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all the suspicious plugins that might be related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and web data from Chrome:
- Click on Menu and pick Settings.
- Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
- Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
- Click Clear data.
Change your homepage:
- Click menu and choose Settings.
- Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
- Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.
Reset Google Chrome:
If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
- Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
- Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Confirm with Reset settings.
Delete from Safari
Remove unwanted extensions from Safari:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- In the new window, pick Extensions.
- Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.
Clear cookies and other website data from Safari:
- Click Safari > Clear History…
- From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
- Confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari if the above-mentioned steps did not help you:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- Go to Advanced tab.
- Tick the Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop, and then select Empty Caches.
After uninstalling this potentially unwanted program (PUP) and fixing each of your web browsers, we recommend you to scan your PC system with a reputable anti-spyware. This will help you to get rid of MapsGalaxy Toolbar registry traces and will also identify related parasites or possible malware infections on your computer. For that you can use our top-rated malware remover: FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.
How to prevent from getting browser hijacker
Access your website securely from any location
When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address.
If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for the server or network manager that needs to monitor connections and activities. VPN software providers like Private Internet Access can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world.
Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks
While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various reasons, malware is one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files. More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, and images get encrypted. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them.
Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system. In some cases, Data Recovery Pro can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection.