Movies Toolbar is a PUP which claims to provide easy access to movie trailers, and video tools

Movies Toolbar is a browser hijacker[1] which is advertised as a useful tool for regular computer users. According to the compelling description, this add-on should help users see the latest movie trailers and access online video tools. Although, experts categorize it as a potentially unwanted program, as it might modify settings of most popular browsers, like Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Safari, etc.
| Name | Movies Toolbar |
|---|---|
| Type | Browser hijacker |
| Sub-type | Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) |
| Targeted browsers | Safari, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, and others |
| Developer | APN LLC |
| Distributor | Bandoo Media |
| Modifications | Browser settings are altered to redirect users to search.ask.com search engine each time they open a new tab or window |
| Spreading techniques | It can infect the system together with freeware or shareware |
| Removal | Scan your device with FortectIntego to uninstall Movies Toolbar |
Usually, computer users might not even notice how and when Movies Toolbar is installed on their computers. Experts warn that this potentially unwanted program (PUP) spreads via software-bundles. Users should be aware that they might encounter various names of this browser hijacker used online, including the following:
- Movies Toolbar for Internet Explorer;
- Movies Toolbar for Chrome;
- Movies Toolbar for Firefox;
- Etc.
Once Movies Toolbar infiltrates the targeted system, specific browser alterations are initiated. In other terms, users are continuously redirected to search.ask.com site when browsing. Note that this is a fraudulent search engine which can display deceptive search results in order to promote affiliate sites.
Keep in mind that Movies Toolbar virus is a term used by annoyed computer users who cannot get rid of this program. Even though this browser hijacker is not malicious itself, Movies Toolbar redirect tendency can put your computer's security at risk. Researchers report that some of the websites which are promoted by this add-on[2] can include potentially dangerous content and lead to malware infections.

If that is not enough for you to consider Movies Toolbar removal, we want to warn you that browser hijackers are programmed to collect non-personally identifiable information about its users. That includes ISP, browser history, clicked ads, IP address and other data.
We would like to encourage you to switch to more reliable tools to enhance your browsing experience and get Movies Toolbar removal tool. The easiest way to protect your system from potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) is to scan the computer with FortectIntego or similar software.
Additionally, you can try to remove Movies Toolbar by yourself. For that, our experts have prepared detailed instructions to guide you through the process. The elimination guide also includes steps to reset each of the affected browsers and help you get rid of redirects to search.ask.com website.
Freeware and shareware help distributing PUPs
Regular computer users can install this add-on from the official Bandoo Media website. Although, we have received reports that it might enter the system stealthily as well. This happens when people download and install various third-party apps without closely monitoring the procedure.
If you desperately need to download the similar application, you should always check every installation window and eliminate unwanted entries. For that, choose Custom or Advanced installation mode and opt out all additional suspicious components, including the following:
- I agree to install Movies Toolbar for Internet Explorer;
- Get Movies Toolbar for Chrome;
- Install Movies Toolbar for Firefox;
- Etc.
Steps to remove Movies Toolbar from your computer
If you have decided that you want to clean your computer from potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) and remove Movies Toolbar, you have two essential steps to take — uninstall all suspicious applications and reset your browser settings to the defaults.
Researchers[3] note that you can complete Movies Toolbar removal either automatically or manually. You will find the list of recommended security programs to run the full system scan and eliminate all potentially unwanted programs, including so-called Movies Toolbar virus.
In case you opt to uninstall Movies Toolbar manually, check the instructions presented below. In addition to them, you will see the guidelines showing how to reset all the affected browsers and complete the final steps of the elimination.
Uninstall from Windows
Uninstall from Windows 10/8:
- Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.

Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.

Remove the unwanted program:
- In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
- If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.

Delete from macOS
Remove the unwanted application:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).

Delete leftover files and folders:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
- Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.

- Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.
Reset Internet Explorer
Remove dangerous add-ons:
- Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
- Pick Manage Add-ons.
- You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.

Change your homepage if it was altered:
- Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
- Select Internet Options.
- In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
- Click Apply and then select OK.

Delete temporary files:
- Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
- Under Browsing history, click Delete...
- Select relevant fields and press Delete.

Reset Internet Explorer:
- Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
- Select Reset.
- In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.

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 Remove.

Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. (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 Remove next to any suspicious startup page.
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.

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.
- This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.

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 the unwanted extension and click Remove.

Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Settings.
- Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.
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 and Temporary cached files and pages, then click 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
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 suspicious extensions 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 dangerous extensions:
- Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
- Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.

Clear history and website data:
- Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
- Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.

Reset Safari:
- Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
- Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.

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1 comment
Tony
I have noticed that Movies Toolbar has recently been added to the Torch browser. It was not present on version 29.0.0.5530, but it is on the latest version, as of 16th. July 2014. There is no choice about installing the toolbar, but it is stated in the small print, that you agree to. Fortunately I had kept the offline installer for 29.0.0.5530 (47.4 MB) and was able to use that for a new installation. This version does not seem to cause any problems. It is a pity, because I liked Torch for its proxies, video downloader and torrent client all built in. I guess they just got greedy or wanted some money for their efforts.