How to Get Rid of Toolbar Clutter
Some toolbars come with software programs and, unless unchecked, are automatically downloaded when the program is installed. Toolbars can be downloaded by users. Other toolbars may simply appear after visiting a website. A new toolbar can appear without a user knowing why the toolbar was installed or where it came from. Some toolbars such as Google, Yahoo and Bing are useful and are harmless to your computer. However, spyware and adware toolbars present a real security risk. Unwanted toolbars, even if not malicious, take up process memory and space, resulting in toolbar clutter. If your computer is slow to start up, consider removing unwanted toolbars.
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Instructions
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Windows 7
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1
Close all open Web browsers.
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2
Click "Start," then click "Control Panel."
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3
In the Control Panel, under "Programs," click "Uninstall a program."
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4
From the list of installed programs, click the toolbar to be uninstalled, then click "Remove."
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5
Restart the computer.
Windows Vista
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6
Close all open Web browsers.
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7
Click "Start," then click "Control Panel."
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8
In the Control Panel, under "Programs," click "Uninstall a program."
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9
From the list of installed programs, click the toolbar to be uninstalled; click "Uninstall," and then click "Continue."
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10
Restart the computer.
Windows XP
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11
Close all open Web browsers.
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12
Click "Start," then click "Control Panel."
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13
Select "Add/Remove Programs."
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14
From the list of installed programs, click the toolbar to be uninstalled, then click "Change/Remove."
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15
Restart the computer.
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1
Tips & Warnings
"Toolbar clutter" can be reduced by hiding a toolbar. Hiding a tool bar is not the same as deleting a toolbar. Hiding a toolbar removes or "hides" the toolbar from the taskbar but does not remove the toolbar program from the computer. Hiding a toolbar is a simple task. Right-click an empty space on the menu bar or on the task bar to open a list of available toolbars. Toolbars with check marks beside them are currently visible on the taskbar. To hide a toolbar, click to uncheck the toolbar. If you should later want to make the toolbar visible again, click the toolbar in the list to add it to the taskbar.
Be careful downloading freeware and software programs. Many of these programs come with unwanted adware toolbars and spyware toolbars. There are currently thousands of toolbars. Try running a program such as Toolbar Uninstaller 1.0.0.1 to assist in detecting and removing potentially harmful toolbars from your computer.
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Resources
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