Playbar.biz virus. How to remove? (Uninstall guide)
Playbar.biz is a potentially unwanted program that modifies web browsr settings without permission
Playbar.biz is a questionable application that enters users'machines via software bundling and applies several changes to browsers without permission.
Questions about Playbar.biz virus
Playbar.biz is a dubious website that gives users the opportunity to pick from a variety of different games and play them directly from Google Chrome, Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox web browsers. However, the suspicious app is considered to be a browser hijacker which is distributed with the help of a deceptive marketing technique called software bundling. It allows the potentially unwanted program to stay off-radar during freeware installation and users can then see the color-changing background as their front page every time they want to browse the web. Additionally, despite the efforts of developers, users soon notice that redirecting, advertisement, slowdowns, and other issues are forcing them to look for Playbar.biz removal methods.
| Name | Playbar.biz |
|---|---|
| Type | Browser hijacker |
| Symptoms | Homepage, new tab, search engine settings changed |
| Distribution | Software bundles |
| Dangers | Can attract malware |
| Elimination | Use Reimage for the Playbar.biz removal |
Playbar.biz PUP tends to sneak into the computer system unnoticed. It might get installed alongside a free game or another free app downloaded from the Internet. As a consequence, it places hxxp://Playbar.biz/ as default homepage and search engine provider to start annoying the victim right away.[1] The worst is that it clutters search findings with sponsored links. Some of these are considered dangerous as they can trigger redirects to shady external sites, and that is how Playbar.biz can cause malware infections.
You should remove Playbar.biz from the device as soon as you notice this activity. You can do it quickly with the help of Reimage. These are the main features why browser hijacker are not wanted on the computer or another device:
- Hijacker might spy on your browsing preferences. It might attempt to collect data such as your IP address, search queries, clicks and similar.
- The quality of search results might not be satisfying as more advertising domains are presented. Clicking on them might lead to insecure web domains.
- All those browser changes result in useless online searches because results are filled with commercial content.
- The later you eliminate the described hijacker, the more unwanted tools might get attached to the browser.
Users can find hundreds of games directly from their browser. However, these games are usually of a low quality and are filled with advertisements.
Though there are multiple PUPs which try to allure users with a basic design, others attract attention with eye-attracting themes and designs. Quick access links to gaming websites that Playbar.biz provides are another tools to catch users' attention. The latter is a common feature of many browser hijackers. However, such promotion of third-parties has its negative flaws. You might get redirected to affiliate websites forcefully. This intrusive and unwanted activity makes people eager to call it Playbar.biz virus.
Playbar.biz browser hijacker might also implant its “helper elements.[2]” They are not only responsible for consolidating the hijacker’s position on the system but they might also accelerate the installation of additional plug-ins and browser extensions. They are rarely practical. They might also trouble the uninstallation process.
Finally, the Playbar.biz collects a variety of non-personal information, such as IP address, web search data, technical information, etc. Although many websites do it for marketing purposes, it is highly unlikely that users would be kept on such behavior. In other words, Playbar.biz knows everything about your hobbies, which cinemas you like to visit, etc.
According to Playbar.biz' Policy Policy, some personal information can be collected and stored when users provide it themselves. The worst part is that this data might be transferred in case of a merger:
In the event Via Advertising goes through a business transition, such as a merger, being acquired by another company, or selling a portion of its assets, users' personal information will, in most instances, be part of the assets transferred.
All in all, if you want to play games online, pick a legitimate source which will not spam you with advertisements, redirect you to dubious sites and display not so genuine search results.
Click 'Start -> Control Panel -> Programs and Features' (if you are 'Windows XP' user, click on 'Add/Remove Programs').
If you are 'Windows 10 / Windows 8' user, then right-click in the lower left corner of the screen. Once 'Quick Access Menu' shows up, select 'Control Panel' and 'Uninstall a Program'.
Right click on each of suspicious entries and select 'Uninstall'
Right click on browsers' icon and select 'Properties'
Select 'Shortcut' tab and delete 'http://isearch.babylon.com...' or other suspicious URL
Cick 'Go' and select 'Applications'
Click on every malicious entry and select 'Move to Trash'
Click on menu icon and select 'Manage add-ons'
Right click on each of malicious entries and select 'Disable'
Delete malicious URL, enter your desired domain name and click 'Apply' to save changes
Go to 'Advanced' tab and click on 'Reset' button. Now select 'Delete personal settings' and click on 'Reset' button again
Go to Settings and select 'Choose what to clear'
Select 'Clear' button
Open the start menu and select 'Task Manager'
Right-click 'Microsoft Edge' and select 'Go to details'
Select 'More details' if 'Go to details' option fails to show up
Find Microsoft Edge entries and select 'End Task'
Go to Microsoft Edge folder on your computer, right-click every entry and click 'Delete'
Find Windows PowerShell, right-click it and select 'Run as administrator'
Copy and paste a required command and press 'Enter'
Click on menu icon and select 'Add-ons'
Select 'Extensions' and look for malicious entries. Click 'Remove' to get rid of each of them
When in 'General' tab, delete malicious URL from 'Home Page' section or click on 'Restore to Default' button. Click 'OK' to save changes
Click on menu icon and then on '?'. Select 'Troubleshooting Information'
Click on 'Reset Firefox' button for a couple of times
Click on menu icon. Select 'Tools' and 'Extensions'
Look for malicious entries and delete each of them by clicking on the Trash bin icon
After clicking on menu and 'Settings', select 'Set pages'
Click 'X' to remove malicious URLs
When in 'Settings', select 'Manage search engines...'
Click 'X' to remove malicious URLs
When in 'Settings', scroll down to 'Reset browser settings' button and click on it
Click on 'Reset' button to complete your removal
Click on 'Safari' and select 'Preferences'
Go to 'Extensions' and uninstall malicious add-ons
When in 'General', delete malicious URL and enter your desired domain name
Click on 'Safari' and select 'Reset Safari...'
Select all options and click on 'Reset' button
Freeware providers and virus developers bundle their products together
This browser hijacker might have sneaked into the PC while you recklessly installed another application. Specifically, the browser hijack occurs when you quickly rush through the installation of software or updates. Spyware distributors are aware of such common tendency, thus, they place the unwanted tools to freeware.
Unfortunately, the method still proves to be effective as users dash through the stages without giving a second look. Furthermore, within seconds the hijacker finds its place in the system. If you are willing not to commit the same mistake again, keep in mind this advice. After installing any application, opt for “Custom” settings. Likewise, you will see optional applications. Unmark the unnecessary applications and proceed with installing the preferred program.
Playbar.biz removal requires professional help
To remove Playbar.biz, you need to use anti-malware tools. These applications are specifically designed for locating all elements of the hijacker and other PUPs. If you try to remove all additional parts of the hijacker yourself, it might take time.
Google Chrome states that the site is not secure and none of the personal information should be entered while using this site.
If you would rather avoid additional software on your computer, follow the Playbar.biz removal instructions below. We have prepared a step-by-step guide with possible methods of virus termination and some helpful tips. Security experts[3] advise users do not forget to keep anti-spyware tools up-to-date and running. An occasional scan with anti-malware tools can help users to avoid infection repetition.
You can remove virus damage automatically with a help of one of these programs: Reimage, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, Malwarebytes Malwarebytes. We recommend these applications because they detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.
To remove Playbar.biz virus, follow these steps:
Get rid of Playbar.biz from Windows systems
Remove browser hijacker from your Windows OS:
-
Click Start → Control Panel → Programs and Features (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
-
If you are Windows 10 / Windows 8 user, then right-click in the lower left corner of the screen. Once Quick Access Menu shows up, select Control Panel and Uninstall a Program.
- Uninstall Playbar.biz and related programs
Here, look for Playbar.biz or any other recently installed suspicious programs. -
Uninstall them and click OK to save these changes.
- Remove Playbar.biz from Windows shortcuts
Right click on the shortcut of Mozilla Firefox and select Properties. -
Go to Shortcut tab and look at the Target field. Delete malicious URL that is related to your virus.
Repeat steps that are given above with all browsers' shortcuts, including Internet Explorer and Google Chrome. Make sure you check all locations of these shortcuts, including Desktop, Start Menu and taskbar.
WindowsMac OS XInternet ExplorerMicrosoft EdgeFirefoxGoogle ChromeSafariEliminate Playbar.biz from Mac OS X system
These are the steps if you got Playbar.biz virus on your Mac:
-
If you are using OS X, click Go button at the top left of the screen and select Applications.
-
Wait until you see Applications folder and look for Playbar.biz or any other suspicious programs on it. Now right click on every of such entries and select Move to Trash.
Uninstall Playbar.biz from Internet Explorer (IE)
If you choose manual elimination, precisely follow the guidelines. The hijacker must be fully eliminated with all its registry keys.
-
Remove dangerous add-ons
Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top right corner of the browser and choose Manage Add-ons. -
You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for Playbar.biz and other suspicious plugins. Disable these entries by clicking Disable:
-
Change your homepage if it was altered by virus:
Click on the gear icon (menu) on the top right corner of the browser and select Internet Options. Stay in General tab. -
Here, remove malicious URL and enter preferable domain name. Click Apply to save changes.
-
Reset Internet Explorer
Click on the gear icon (menu) again and select Internet options. Go to Advanced tab. - Here, select Reset.
-
When in the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset again to complete Playbar.biz removal.
Erase Playbar.biz virus from Microsoft Edge
Reset Microsoft Edge settings (Method 1):
- Launch Microsoft Edge app and click More (three dots at the top right corner of the screen).
- Click Settings to open more options.
-
Once Settings window shows up, click Choose what to clear button under Clear browsing data option.
-
Here, select all what you want to remove and click Clear.
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Now you should right-click on the Start button (Windows logo). Here, select Task Manager.
- When in Processes tab, search for Microsoft Edge.
-
Right-click on it and choose Go to details option. If can’t see Go to details option, click More details and repeat previous steps.
-
When Details tab shows up, find every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right click on each of them and select End Task to end these entries.
Resetting Microsoft Edge browser (Method 2):
If Method 1 failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method.
- Note: you need to backup your data before using this method.
- Find this folder on your computer:
C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe. -
Select every entry which is saved on it and right click with your mouse. Then Delete option.
- Click the Start button (Windows logo) and type in window power in Search my stuff line.
-
Right-click the Windows PowerShell entry and choose Run as administrator.
- Once Administrator: Windows PowerShell window shows up, paste this command line after PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> and press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml -Verbose}
Once these steps are finished, Playbar.biz should be removed from your Microsoft Edge browser.
WindowsMac OS XInternet ExplorerMicrosoft EdgeFirefoxGoogle ChromeSafariRemove Playbar.biz from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
-
Remove dangerous extensions
Open Mozilla Firefox, click on the menu icon (top right corner) and select Add-ons → Extensions. -
Here, select Playbar.biz and other questionable plugins. Click Remove to delete these entries.
-
Change your homepage if it was altered by virus:
Click on the menu (top right corner), choose Options → General. - Here, delete malicious URL and enter preferable website or click Restore to default.
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Click OK to save these changes.
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Reset Mozilla Firefox
Click on the Firefox menu on the top left and click on the question mark. Here, choose Troubleshooting Information. -
Now you will see Reset Firefox to its default state message with Reset Firefox button. Click this button for several times and complete Playbar.biz removal.
Delete Playbar.biz from Google Chrome
Find all entries associated with PlayBar.biz virus and delete them. If you do not know where to look for such entries in Chrome, enter chrome://extensions in the URL bar.
-
Delete malicious plugins
Open Google Chrome, click on the menu icon (top right corner) and select Tools → Extensions. -
Here, select Playbar.biz and other malicious plugins and select trash icon to delete these entries.
-
Change your homepage and default search engine if it was altered by your virus
Click on menu icon and choose Settings. -
Here, look for the Open a specific page or set of pages under On startup option and click on Set pages.
- Now you should see another window. Here, delete malicious search sites and enter the one that you want to use as your homepage.
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Click on menu icon again and choose Settings → Manage Search engines under the Search section.
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When in Search Engines..., remove malicious search sites. You should leave only Google or your preferred domain name.
-
Reset Google Chrome
Click on menu icon on the top right of your Google Chrome and select Settings. -
Scroll down to the end of the page and click on Reset browser settings.
-
Click Reset to confirm this action and complete Playbar.biz removal.
Get rid of Playbar.biz from Safari
- Remove dangerous extensions
Open Safari web browser and click on Safari in menu at the top left of the screen. Once you do this, select Preferences. -
Here, select Extensions and look for Playbar.biz or other suspicious entries. Click on the Uninstall button to get rid each of them.
-
Change your homepage if it was altered by virus:
Open your Safari web browser and click on Safari in menu section. Here, select Preferences as it was displayed previously and select General. -
Here, look at the Homepage field. If it was altered by Playbar.biz, remove unwanted link and enter the one that you want to use for your searches. Remember to include the "http://" before typing in the address of the page.
-
Reset Safari
Open Safari browser and click on Safari in menu section at the top left of the screen. Here, select Reset Safari.... -
Now you will see a detailed dialog window filled with reset options. All of those options are usually checked, but you can specify which of them you want to reset. Click the Reset button to complete Playbar.biz removal process.
About the author
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References
- ^ Eric Chien. Techniques of Adware and Spyware. Symantec Security Response. Security Information of a Time critical Nature.
- ^ Browser Hijack Objects (BHOs). Malwarebytes Blog. Latest Security News, Threat Research.
- ^ NoVirus. NoVirus. Cyber Security Experts Share Their Opinion, Malware and Spyware News.
October 31st, 2016 at 8:12 am
Are they not bored themselves with those playbar hijackers?
October 31st, 2016 at 8:13 am
And people still fall for such poor bait?
October 31st, 2016 at 8:14 am
I noticed it a while ago, removed it but then another playbar hijacker showed on the PC!