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Remove Sweetim.com virus (Removal Instructions) - Jan 2021 update

removal by Ugnius Kiguolis - -   Also known as Search.Sweetim.com virus , Sweetim.com virus | Type: Browser hijacker
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Sweetim.com is a domain related to a malicious extension that hijacks Google Chrome or another browser

Sweetim.comSweetim.com is a potentially unwanted program that usually arrives to your PC via freeware bundle installers

Sweetim.com is a web address that users may see as soon as they install a SweetIM toolbar into their Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, MS Edge, Safari, or another browser. The toolbar can be downloaded from various third-party websites, although most users get infected with Sweetim.com virus when they install freeware apps (multiple programs are packaged into a single installer and optional components purposely hidden from the sight during the installation process).

After the infiltration, Sweetim.com or Search.sweetim.com is immediately applied as a startup page, as well as a new tab URL, accompanied by a customized search engine. Those who attempt to enter search terms will see that returned results are filled with sponsored links and various ads. Besides showing sponsored search results, Sweetim.com browser hijacker[1] may also record information about users' web browsing sessions and expose them to scams, phishing, or even malware-laden sites.

Name Sweetim.com
Type Browser hijacker, potentially unwanted program
Associated app SweetIM toolbar compatible with Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, and other web browsers
Developer MacroGaming LTD, SweetIM Technologies
Symptoms
  • SweetIM.exe process running in the background
  • New tab address and homepage set to Sweetim.com or Search.sweetim.com
  • Customized search engine displays search results filled with sponsored links
  • Intrusive advertisements are shown on all visited websites
  • Web browsers are slow to load particular websites, etc.
Distribution Software bundles, third-party sites, deceptive ads, fake updates, etc.
Removal You can get rid of potentially unwanted programs with the help  anti-malware software or follow our manual guide below
Recovery PUPs can sometimes negatively impact the operating system, which might start showing errors, crashing, lagging, etc. To fix virus damage, you can scan the computer with ReimageIntego

Browser hijackers are generally not considered to be extremely dangerous, as they simply change web browser settings and show sponsored content on a regular basis. While some links might lead to such sites like scam, phishing,[2] push notification scam, and similar, getting infected with dangerous malware like ransomware[3] due to Sweetim.com hijack is highly unlikely.

However, SweetIM is a toolbar that runs its own process (SweetIM.exe) in the background, which implies that it embeds its files into the Windows system. Due to this, users may experience Sweetim.com removal issues, as well as a slowdown of the web browser operation. Besides, the application is also recognized by several anti-malware engines as follows:

  • Adware.SweetIM.2
  • Win32:Downloader-MOM
  • BitCocktail
  • TROJ_SPNR.16AM12
  • Sweetim.4FB
  • PUP.Optional.SweetPacks.A, etc.

As soon as Sweetim.com starts running on the system, users will see an alternative search engine that is marked as Not secure by Google Chrome or any other web browser. This means that the developers of the app did not bother to secure the site with HTTPS protocol, which prevents cyberattacks from external sources. As a result, all the information typed into the search or subsequent pages can be stolen by malicious parties.

Additionally, the homepage Sweetim.com or Search.sweetim.com is also filled with ads, and sometime these might be of dubious nature. For example, some embedded links might indicate that your security software is out of date, you got a message, or that your system might be at risk due to online threats – these are common social engineering tricks in order to make users click on potentially malicious links and make them download unwanted software, disclose personal information, or make them subscribe to useless services, losing money in the process.

Sweetim.com browser hijackerSweetim.com is a browser hijacker that might start disturbing your online sessions with intrusive or malicious ads

Many users try to remove Sweetim.com virus manually via the Control Panel – just like any other regular application. However, the remnants of the hijacker remain on the system most of the time, and the unwanted advertisements, redirects, web browser changes, and other issues continue.

Of that is the case for you, we highly advise you first try getting rid of SweetIM as per instructions below, and then refresh all the installed browsers. If that does not work, you should try scanning your machine with reputable anti-malware software (make sure it is up-to-date). Note that, because Sweetim.com modifies Windows registry and performs other unwanted changes, you might experience stability or functionality issues, even after you get rid of the hijacker. If that is the case, use ReimageIntego to fix virus damage on your system.

Browser hacker infection routine

Browser hijackers like Delta-homes.com or Babylon Toolbar can infiltrate its target PC system unnoticed because it has been actively spread using software bundling. In fact, when this method is used, it tricks people into accepting the installation of a potentially unwanted application that they never wanted in the first place. This practice is extremely prevalent on a third-party website that hosts free programs, so choosing trustworthy sources like Google Web Store, Microsoft Store, Amazon, etc., is always a more wise decision to make when it comes to new software. That being said, sites that host illegal installers or software cracks should be avoided altogether.

If you insist on downloading apps from third parties, you should also acknowledge the risks, namely, the installation of potentially unwanted programs or, in some cases, malware. Therefore, you should always ensure that you don't rush the installation process; for example, clicking “Next” until you are done is a very bad practice that can result in cyber infections. Thus, follow these tips provided by security experts:

  • Never rush the installation process – read each of the instructions carefully;
  • Decline all the offers/deals on the way;
  • Watch out for pre-ticked boxes – unmark those that allow the installer to proceed with additional component installation;
  • Do not skip the fine print, as important information might be hidden there;
  • Always opt for Advanced/Custom installation settings when prompted, as sometimes it is the only way to prevent PUPs from being installed (Recommended/Quick setting will install all the nasties you don't want on your PC).

Sweetim.com siteSweetim.com offers an application that runs a background process once installed

Remove Sweetim.com virus safely

As previously mentioned, Sweetim.com removal might not be successful immediately if the normal program uninstallation method is followed. Nevertheless, we suggest you first check our instructions provided below and follow them closely. If the unwanted activity does not stop even after you get rid of the PUP, you should also try resetting the installed web browsers.

In case you can't remove Sweetim.com virus in a regular way, we highly advise you employ anti-malware software that has a PUP detection feature or specializes in PUP detection. However, please do not forget to bring the security application to the most recent version, and only then perform a full system scan.

You may remove virus damage with a help of ReimageIntego. 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.

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Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Reimage, try running SpyHunter 5.
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Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.
Download Combo Cleaner Review »
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To remove Sweetim.com virus, follow these steps:

Eliminate Sweetim.com from Windows systems

To get rid of SweetIm browser hijacker, try to uninstall it via the Control Panel as explained below:

To remove Sweetim.com virus from Windows 10/8  machines, please follow these steps:

  1. Enter Control Panel into Windows search box and hit Enter or click on the search result.
  2. Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 1
  3. From the list, find entries related to Sweetim.com virus (or any other recently installed suspicious program).
  4. Right-click on the application and select Uninstall.
  5. If User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
  6. Wait till uninstallation process is complete and click OK.Uninstall from Windows 2

If you are Windows 7/XP user, proceed with the following instructions:

  1. Click on Windows Start > Control Panel located on the right pane (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
  2. In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 7/XP
  3. Pick the unwanted application by clicking on it once.
  4. At the top, click Uninstall/Change.
  5. In the confirmation prompt, pick Yes.
  6. Click OK once the removal process is finished.

Delete Sweetim.com from Internet Explorer (IE)

Remove dangerous add-ons:

  1. Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
  2. Pick Manage Add-ons.
  3. You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for Sweetim.com virus and other suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.Remove add-ons from Internet Explorer

Change your homepage if it was altered:

  1. Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
  2. Select Internet Options.
  3. In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
  4. Click Apply and then select OK.Reset IE homepage

Delete temporary files:

  1. Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
  2. Under Browsing history, click Delete…
  3. Select relevant fields and press Delete.Clear temporary files from Internet Explorer

Reset Internet Explorer:

  1. Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
  2. Select Reset.
  3. In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset again to complete Sweetim.com virus removal.Reset Internet Explorer

Get rid of Sweetim.com virus from Microsoft Edge

In case MS Edge is still showing signs of browser hijacking, you should reset it as follows:

Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:

  1. Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
  2. From the list, pick the Sweetim.com virus-related extension and click on the Gear icon.
  3. Click on Uninstall at the bottom.Remove extensions from Edge

Clear cookies and other browser data:

  1. Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Privacy & security.
  2. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  3. Select everything (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.Clear Edge browsing data

Reset MS Edge if that above steps did not work:

  1. Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
  3. Select Details tab.
  4. 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.Reset MS Edge

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.

  1. Find the following folder on your computer: C:\\Users\\%username%\\AppData\\Local\\Packages\\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe.
  2. Press Ctrl + A on your keyboard to select all folders.
  3. Right-click on them and pick DeleteAdvanced MS Edge reset 1
  4. Now right-click on the Start button and pick Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  5. 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” -VerboseAdvanced MS Edge reset 2

Instructions for Chromium-based Edge

Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):

  1. Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
  2. Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chromium Edge

Clear cache and site data:

  1. Click on Menu and go to Settings.
  2. Select Privacy and services.
  3. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  4. Under Time range, pick All time.
  5. Select Clear now.Clear browser data from Chroum Edge

Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. On the left side, pick Reset settings.
  3. Select Restore settings to their default values.
  4. Confirm with Reset.Reset Chromium Edge

Uninstall Sweetim.com from Mozilla Firefox (FF)

To reset Mozilla Firefox and ensure no ads or redirect return, perform the following steps:

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
  2. Select Add-ons.
  3. In here, select plugins that are related to Sweetim.com virus and click Remove.Remove extensions from Firefox

Clear cookies and site data:

  1. Click Menu and pick Options.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security section.
  3. Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
  4. Click on Clear Data…
  5. Select Cookies and Site Data, as well as Cached Web Content and press Clear.Clear cookies and site data from Firefox

In case Sweetim.com virus did not get removed after following the instructions above, reset Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
  2. Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.Reset Firefox 1
  3. Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox…
  4. Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox – this should complete Sweetim.com virus removal.Reset Firefox 2

Erase Sweetim.com from Google Chrome

Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

  1. Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
  2. In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all the suspicious plugins that might be related to Sweetim.com virus by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chrome

Clear cache and web data from Chrome:

  1. Click on Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
  3. Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
  4. Click Clear data.Clear cache and web data from Chrome

If the above-methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the Sweetim.com virus-components:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
  3. Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
  4. Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
  5. Confirm with Reset settings to complete Sweetim.com virus removal.Reset Chrome 2

Eliminate Sweetim.com from Safari

Remove unwanted extensions from Safari:

  1. Click Safari > Preferences…
  2. In the new window, pick Extensions.
  3. Select the unwanted extension related to Sweetim.com virus and select Uninstall.Remove extensions from Safari

Clear cookies and other website data from Safari:

  1. Click Safari > Clear History…
  2. From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
  3. Confirm with Clear History.Clear cookies and website data from Safari

Reset Safari if the above-mentioned steps did not help you:

  1. Click Safari > Preferences…
  2. Go to Advanced tab.
  3. Tick the Show Develop menu in menu bar.
  4. From the menu bar, click Develop, and then select Empty Caches.Reset Safari

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 Sweetim.com 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: ReimageIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.

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.

About the author
Ugnius Kiguolis
Ugnius Kiguolis - The mastermind

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References
Removal guides in other languages
lt Sweetim.com virus šalinimas
nl Sweetim.com virus verwijderen
pl Jak usunąć Sweetim.com virus
de Entferne Sweetim.com virus
fr Supprimer Sweetim.com virus
it Sweetim.com virus la rimozione
pt Remoção do Sweetim.com virus
dk Sweetim.com virus fjernelse
es Eliminación de Sweetim.com virus
se Ta bort Sweetim.com virus
fi Sweetim.com virus-loisen poistaminen
no Bli kvitt Sweetim.com virus
id Mengatasi Sweetim.com virus
gr Ξεφορτώσου το Sweetim.com virus

This entry was posted on 2020-02-10 at 05:24 and is filed under Browser Hijackers, Viruses.

  1. Jeff Wells says:
    September 13th, 2012 at 7:57 pm

    Last night, I downloaded a program from cnet.com: Free RAR Extract Frog. Upon installing it, I was given the opportunity to install three additional items that included SweetIM. I didnt choose any of these add-ons, and unclicked all three boxes. The installation of the program took forever; in fact, I had to manually shut the computer down, but before I did, I saw three new icon shortcuts on my desktop; SweetIM and two others. I deleted the icons, yet SweetIM “had its way” with my system.

    I have Windows XP; Firefox 15.0.1; Internet Explorer 8.

    SweetIM became my preferred homepage whether I used Firefox or Internet Explorer. I went to Add or Remove Programs through my Control panel, but I couldnt find SweetIM, under any name.

    I went to both browsers and changed my homepage back to google, but no matter how many times I did this, SweetIM always hijacked the homepage.

    I went to both browsers in order to disable SweetIM as an add-on. I did this successfully in Firefox (but to no avail; it didnt seem to help); I couldnt find SweetIM as an add-on in IE.

    When I used Firefox, and when I clicked on the little “house” icon which normally takes me to my homepage, seven new tabs tried to open all at once, pages that were convinced that they were all my homepage.

    Luckily, Spybot informed me that SweetIM is a bad program. I did find SweetIM in my program files, but when I clicked on SweetIMs uninstall file, nothing happened. When I clicked on Start and then All Programs, SweetIM did not appear in my program list.

    I wrote to SweetIM, telling them that they ought to be ashamed of themselves for unleashing this malicious program. I asked them to help me; SweetIMs technical support sent me an automatically generated reply and suggested that I read their FAQ page; I even tried to use SweetIMs online uninstall, but to no avail. By the way, that reply did not have word wrap, and the e-mail was just one really long sentence that bled off into Outlooks right margin.

    This morning (remember, SweetIM attached itself to my system late last night), I ran Spybot which detected 118 SweetIM entries (mostly in my computers Registry). Spybot was able to clean 114 of those items, and suggested that I restart my computer, and allow Spybot to run as it restarted. When the computer restarted, Spybot ran for about 90 minutes.

    When Spybot finished, I found SweetIM still in the Program directory, yet there were only four files left (perhaps these were the four that Spybot couldnt fix of the 118 it found the first time through). I deleted those items. I opened Firefox and IE where I found SweetIM as my homepage; I changed the homepages on both, restarted both browsers, and SweetIM is gone.

    Ive reported this problem to cnet. SweetIM is nasty; thank goodness for spyware programs such as Spybot. Thank you for this website because SweetIM is dastardly evil in more ways than one.

  2. Not working says:
    November 10th, 2012 at 9:44 am

    what can i do ?

  3. This isn really helpful says:
    December 24th, 2012 at 10:23 pm

    It seems uninstalling what you think is the problem then scanning would be the first thing to do. I already did that and 10 minutes later, SweetIM started showing up in my processes again. It didnt work, so Im looking up solutions. Obviously this tutorial doesnt work, so what would be the next step in getting rid of this?

  4. keenan says:
    January 30th, 2013 at 2:06 pm

    you can remove sweetim from your system using c-cleaner. I dont know why but on a lot of systems that I have had seen with crap like sweetim uninstalling using traditional methods doesnt work. so just install c-cleaner if you have not already, then just go to tools uninstall and the rest is simple 🙂

  5. davtos says:
    April 8th, 2013 at 12:22 pm

    the damn SweetIM comes up anyhow when a new page in Firefox is opened (not when the first page opens) – even if all the possible links to the program. It places an add right in the middle and invites to seach with a line looking like Google.
    You have the the feeling they check all the sites visited and passwords typed.
    How do I get rid of this nuisance??

    thanks in advance

  6. Michael says:
    June 11th, 2013 at 8:18 am

    Even after it is removed, there are folders it leaves on your hard drive. They are in use so you can not just delete them. THIS is the true virus, just uninstalling will not remove the problem. This program is loaded with viruses.

  7. 1000by1000 says:
    June 16th, 2013 at 12:34 pm

    Yeah,It even takes you to the site of sweetim search (even when you are trying to get drivers from dell)

  8. Marilynn says:
    August 16th, 2013 at 9:26 pm

    An “easy” fix for a number of these nuisances is to:
    -Press ctrl+alt+del
    -Start Task Manager
    -Select the “Processes” tab
    -Right-click the sweetim process
    -Select “End Process Tree”

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