Virus and Spyware Removal Guides, uninstall instructions

What is HighliteApp?

The HighliteApp browser add-on claims to make users' Internet browsing experience more productive by displaying Wikipedia, Bing, and Google results relating to any selected text within an in-page window. It also adds easy-to-reach vocabulary and translation tools. 

Whilst such functionality may seem legitimate, this browser extension is categorized as adware or a potentially unwanted application since it installs on browsers (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox) without users' consent. Furthermore, the add-on generates intrusive ads and tracks users' Internet browsing activity.

The HighliteApp plugin is distributed using a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling', thus, computer users often install this plugin inadvertently together with free software downloaded from the Internet.

What is BrowserSafeguard?

The BrowserSafeguard application claims to protect users' whilst surfing the Internet by warning of suspicious sites and blocking dangerous content. BrowserSafeguard is compatible with Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, and Mozilla Firefox, and while its initiative to protect Internet users from malware infections is valid, this application has some downsides.

For example, it displays unwanted ads ('RocketTab Ads'), which computer users may find difficult to remove. Furthermore, it is unclear as to which company is responsible for developing and supporting this product.

Users wishing to protect their computers and browsers from potential threats should opt for trusted antivirus and anti-spyware programs. Inadvertent applications installation can occur when users install free software downloaded from the Internet. Since BrowserSafeguard is ad-supported, it may be 'bundled' with free software for monetization purposes.

What is Slick Savings?

The Slick Savings browser add-on displays various coupon and deals advertisements when users visit online shopping websites. Developed by 215 Apps (Innovative Apps), it is compatible with Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox.

While this added functionality (and potential to save money when shopping online) may seem legitimate, Slick Savings is categorized as adware.

Creators of this browser extension 'bundle' it together with free software, and therefore, most Internet users report that Slick Savings was installed on their computers without their consent. Furthermore, this add-on diminishes Internet browser performance and may case serious privacy issues.

What is Gerbillio?

Developed by SuperWeb LLC, Gerbillio is a potentially unwanted browser extension claiming to enhance users' Internet browsing experience by enabling coupons, comparison shopping, and adding other useful functionality. Although Gerbillio may seem a legitimate browser extension, it is considered to be a potentially unwanted application or adware.

Gerbillio employs a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling' (stealth installation of additional applications along with the chosen software) to install on browsers without users' permission.

Following successful infiltration on Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome, Gerbillio generates various intrusive online advertisements including interstitial, transitional, banner, text-link, search, and full page ads.

Furthermore, users' Internet browsing activity is continually tracked, since this rogue browser add-on records diverse software and hardware information such as search queries entered, URLs visited, pages viewed, IP addresses, unique identifier numbers, and other similar information.

What is GrooveDock?

Created by SuperWeb LLC, GrooveDock is a potentially unwanted application claiming to improve the quality of users' Internet browsing experience by displaying website trust ratings, websites containing related content, enabling coupons, comparison shopping, and adding other useful functionality.

Although GrooveDock may seem a legitimate browser extension, be aware that it is categorized as adware. GrooveDock is compatible with Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome and uses a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling' to install on these browsers without users' consent.

Following successful infiltration, GrooveDock monitors users' Internet browsing activity by recording various hardware and software information such as IP addresses, unique identifier numbers, URLs visited, search queries entered, pages viewed, and other similar information.

Furthermore, it generates intrusive online advertisements including search, banner, text-link, transitional, interstitial, and full page ads.

What is CrankWeb?

Developed by SuperWeb LLC, the CrankWeb browser add-on claims to improve users' Internet browsing experience by enabling comparison shopping, coupons, and adding other useful functionality. While CrankWeb may seem a legitimate browser extension, it is categorized as adware or a potentially unwanted application.

CrankWeb employs a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling' to install on Internet browsers (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox) without users' consent. Following successful infiltration, CrankWeb generates various intrusive online advertisements including, for example, transitional, interstitial, banner, search, text-link, and full page ads.

What is WowCoupon?

The WowCoupon rogue browser extension claims to improve online shopping by displaying the latest deals, discounts, providing comparison shopping, and helping users find services to match their budget. This may seem a legitimate browser add-on, however, be aware that it is categorized as a potentially unwanted application or adware.

WowCoupon employs a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling' to install on Internet browsers (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox) without users' permission. Commonly, users install WowCoupon inadvertently during the download of free software from freeware download websites.

Most freeware download websites (such as download.com, soft32.com, softonic.com, and many others) employ small download programs ('download clients') to monetize their free services. These programs offer installation of promoted browser add-ons together with the chosen free software.

Thus, careless download and installation of free software often results in adware or malware infections.

What is royal-search.com?

Royal-search.com is a deceptive website promoted using the Royal-search toolbar. This Internet browser add-on installs together with free software downloaded from the Internet and modifies browser settings by assigning the default search engine and homepage fields to royal-search.com

Common sources of unwanted toolbars such as these are free software download websites, which employ 'download clients' to manage freeware downloads.

Download clients are small programs, which offer (some in a deceptive way) installation of free browser add-ons (commonly, adware) together with the selected free software. Computer users should be attentive when downloading freeware, since reckless installation can result in browser redirects, unwanted ads, and privacy issues.

What is Static.flipora.com?

Created by Infoaxe Inc, the Static.flipora.com browser hijacker infiltrates Internet browsers (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox) through free software downloads. After successful installation, this adware modifies browser settings by assigning the homepage and default search engine fields to Static.flipora.com

Furthermore, this browser hijacker prevents users from rolling back these changes by employing a deceptive browser helper object called 'System Search Settings'.

While the developers of this browser add-on claim that it automatically recommends great websites to users on related topics, the Flipora add-on is a useless plugin and categorized as adware or a potentially unwanted application.

The static.flipora.com website presents users with dubious advertisements, and moreover, the search engine used by this website returns deceptive Internet search results - clicking on these may lead to malware and virus infections.

What is crawler.com?

The Crawler.com meta search engine is used to search the Internet. This website appears legitimate, however, Internet users recently report that the site hijacked their Internet browsers (Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox) by modifying the homepage and default search engine settings.

This situation may occur when Internet users download free software powered by the Crawler download manager. Computer users who do not pay close enough attention when installing freeware can inadvertently install various potentially unwanted applications, which subsequently cause browser redirects, unwanted ads, or privacy issues.