Hotbar WARNING!
 

Hi everyone...I dont know what I was thinking, but I installed the Hotbar extension to Outlook today...

Fortunately, I rethought my actions and immediately removed it...It just seemed strange to me that the damn thing kept on trying to access the internet.

Well, after doing some research, I found (as I expected) that this program is a Spyware/Adware program, and is just masquerading as a extension to your IE and OL programs.

(They even have the nerve to try and charge you to upgrade this thing!!!! hahaha)

Anyway...if you value your privacy and hate spam, make SURE you do not install this POS. It is a nightmare to uninstall as well, and if you do not completely remove it, it will heal itself by downloading the proper components from the internet.

Sneaky buggers!!!

:hmm: :eek:

I used that a long time ago. I liked it but I think I got rid of it because it created some problems.

Thats crap that the program will fix itself if you try to get rid of it.

Anyway now before I install anything I do a quick google search to see if it's caused anyone else problems.

So many programmes have spyware on these days. Isn't there a way we can send these people tons of wrong info and screw them up ?

Well, not is you get rid of it completely, it will not...however, if you leave some of the components intact that contact the internet, it will go out and download the missing components.

If you google "AdAware" it's a good program to scan/remove spyware from your computer.

I recommend the Google Toolbar (get the latest beta if the final version isn't out), which has neat features like replacing the crappy default MSN search, and also has a really great popup blocker. It's super satisfying to hear the "hollow click" sound of the goole toolbar blocking a popup.

Plus, I'd much rather install software from Google than some random company out there like HotBar who probably sells your contact info to "marketing partners" who spam you. to death.

People install this where I work and whenever there is a problem thats the first thing I remove. Guess what? Problem solved.

Shitty, shitty Hotbar!