MediaGet Toolbar (Virus Removal Guide) - updated Aug 2018
MediaGet Toolbar Removal Guide
What is MediaGet Toolbar?
MediaGet – a browser hijacker that affects Google Chrome, IE, Mozilla Firefox and other browsers
MediaGet is a potentially unwanted application[1] that changes the settings of all installed browsers, including the addition of the MediaGet toolbar and the alternative search engine Mediaget Customized Web Search. The browser hijacker usually enters machines via software bundling when users install shareware or freeware carelessly. As soon as MediaGet toolbar settles, users start experiencing unpleasant effects of the hijacker – their web browsing sessions are interrupted continuously by intrusive ads and frequent redirects to questionable sites. While this activity can be noticed straight away, some features of the PUP are not that apparent (for example, information gathering).
| SUMMARY | |
| Name | MediaGet |
| Type | Browser hijacker/Potentially unwanted program |
| Distribution | Software bundling, suspicious sites |
| Symptoms | Altered browser settings, intrusive ads and redirects, etc. |
| Main dangers | Malware infiltration, data leek |
| Elimination | For quick solution, use FortectIntego. Alternatively you can make use of our manual instructions below |
Potentially unwanted programs like MediaGet are a big problem for the users, as many are not aware of how they enter computers, neither how to get rid of them altogether. It is not surprising, as many adware and browser hijacking tools often lack the uninstallation executable. Even if it present, the altered search engine and homepage do not return to the previous stage. Thus, the only way to recover a normal operation of the machine is to remove MediaGet virus and reset each of the browsers individually.
PUPs can often inject additional apps that that are not needed by the user. The problem is that some of these applications are hard to detect. For that reason, security experts[2] recommend using security software to perform MediaGet removal automatically. We recommend using FortectIntego for the purpose, although other security software can be used as well.
Most users who are affected by MediaGet will be concerned that their browsing sessions are being ruined by constant redirects, fake search results, and pop-up ads. However, the main danger in such behavior is the malware infection. Unfortunately, MediaGet authors do not check the domains their application can redirect users to, and refrain from any responsibility for it. Thus, legally, the victim cannot demand any compensation for lost data or similar issues.
Additionally, MediaGet toolbar may gather the following information about its users:
- IP address;
- Geolocation;
- Technical data;
- Sites visited;
- Search data;
- Links clicked, etc.
This data is harvested using tracking technologies like cookies[3] and used in marketing campaigns, for example, targeted advertisement. Unfortunately, these personalized ads might bring users to phishing sites where they can easily lose money or insert personal information that can be used by cybercriminals.
Avoid PUPs by carefully installing new software
As we already mentioned, potentially unwanted applications usually are included within installers of freeware and shareware. While security experts argue whether or not the bundling technique is acceptable, it is widely used among many software developers. Why? Because it is effective and benefits both parties – freeware authors and the PUP creators. Unfortunately, no benefits are left for the end user, as he or she is being used in the big scheme just to gain more revenue.
Thus, we suggest you being wise and carefully check the installation of the new software. First of all, make sure you pick a legitimate source. Third-party websites often use modified installers which include additional components. Secondly, do not rush the installation, and read through ToS and Privacy policy – a lot can be learned there. Finally, opt for Advanced or Custom installation mode and eliminate all the marks from the pre-ticked boxes.
Eliminate MediaGet from your computer
If you want to remove MediaGet virus from your computer and fix each of hijacked web browsers, you should use our manual instructions below this article. However, make sure that you proceed with caution, as incorrect elimination might damage your system instead of fixing it. Additionally, this method will not protect your the future infections.
We highly recommend you to scan your machine using reputable repair software after MediaGet removal is performed. There are several traces that the PUP might have left, like corrupt Registry entries, altered browser settings or even DNS configuration. Security software can take care of everything automatically, so it is much more safe that the manual 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 MediaGet Toolbar. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
To remove MediaGet virus from Windows, follow these steps:
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
Reset Google Chrome to make sure all the traces of the infection are eliminated:
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 MediaGet 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 stealing programs
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online. One of the basic means to add a layer of security – choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features. However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN – it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.
Lost your files? Use data recovery software
While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable. Family photos, work documents, school projects – these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur: power cuts, Blue Screen of Death errors, hardware failures, crypto-malware attack, or even accidental deletion.
To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, Data Recovery Pro can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.
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- ^ Potentially Unwanted Application. Trend Micro. Cybersecurity experts.
- ^ LesVirus. LesVirus. Malware research.
- ^ Tracking Cookies: What They Are, and How They Threaten Your Privacy. Tom's Guide. Articles about technology.