In some cases, your computer may continue to experience issues even after a successful FixMeStick scan. While FixMeStick is extremely effective at removing viruses, trojans, and malware, there are some unwanted or potentially malicious items that aren't detected by our engines because they aren't classified as viruses, like browser pop-ups or applications that are bundled in with legitimate software you have intentionally installed.
Fortunately, you can easily remove these items and keep your computer clean by following the steps in this guide.
Have a Mac? Click here.
Index:
Cleaning + Protecting Your Web Browser
Cleaning + Protecting Your Web Browser
Removing Browser Add-ons
Unwanted browser add-ons like search engines and extensions can cause pop-ups, display advertisements, or even prevent you from accessing websites.
Firefox
1. Open Firefox and click the icon that looks like three stacked lines at the top right of the browser window.
2. Select Add-ons from the drop-down menu.
3. Select Extensions from the menu on the left side of the window.
4. Select any extension that you did not purposefully install and then click Remove.
5. Click the icon with three stacked lines again, and then select Options.
6. Select Search from the menu on the left side of the window.
7. Select a default search engine that you trust, and remove any search engine options that you do not recognize.
Google Chrome
1. Open Google Chrome and click the icon with 3 vertical dots at the top right of the browser window.
2. Place your cursor over More tools, and then select Extensions from the expanded menu.
3. Select any extension that you did not intentionally install and then click Remove.
4. Click on the icon with 3 vertical dots again, and then select Settings.
5. Scroll down to the Search engine section, and then click Manage search engines.
6. Select a default search engine that you trust, and remove any search engine options that you do not recognize.
Internet Explorer
1. Open Internet Explorer and click on Tools at the top right of the browser window.
2. From the Tools drop-down menu, select Manage Add-ons.
3. Under Show, select All add-ons from the drop-down menu.
4. Select any toolbar, extension, or search provider that you do not trust or recognize and then select Disable. Click Close to exit from the menu.
Microsoft Edge
1. Open Microsoft Edge and click the icon with 3 horizontal dots in the top right of the browser window.
2. Select Extensions from the drop-down menu.
3. Select any extension that you do not trust or recognize and then select Remove.
4. Click on the icon with three horizontal lines again, but this time select Settings.
5. Select the Advanced tab from the menu on the left side of the window.
6. Scroll down to the bottom of the menu to the Address bar search section and then select Change search provider.
7. Select a default search engine that you trust, and remove any search engine options that you do not recognize.
Resetting Your Browser
If your browser is still not functioning properly after removing unwanted add-ons, you can reset it to default settings in order to clear browsing data like cached information, cookies, and browsing history. In addition to enhancing performance, this also ensures that websites or other parties can't track your browsing activity or access personal information like saved passwords and payment data.
Firefox
1. Open a Firefox page and click the icon that looks like three stacked lines at the top right of the browser window.
2. Select the question-mark icon at the bottom of the drop-down menu.
3. Select Troubleshooting information in the slide-out menu.
4. Select the Refresh Firefox... button at the top right of the new Web page.
5. Select Refresh Firefox again in the confirmation pop-up window. It will automatically restart your browser and let you know that it was refreshed successfully.
Google Chrome
1. Click the icon that looks like three vertical dots at the top right of the browser window.
2. Select Settings.
3. Scroll down as far as you can, and click on Advanced settings at the bottom of the Web page.
4. Scroll down as far as you can once more, and select Reset browser settings at the bottom of the page.
5. Select Reset in the confirmation pop-up window.
Internet Explorer
1. Click on the gear icon in the upper right corner of your browser, then click on Internet Options.
2. Click on the Advanced tab, and then click on Reset towards the bottom.
3. When Internet Explorer finishes applying default settings, select Close, and then select OK. Restart your PC to apply changes.
Microsoft Edge
1. Click on your Start Menu, and type Internet Options in the Search bar.
2. From here, the Internet Options are the same as for Internet Explorer. Follow the steps above.
Removing Unwanted Programs
There are some programs that our product might not remove because they can be classified as "grayware" - it falls in between malware and legitimate software. Some software programs come bundled with optional programs that are automatically installed when you agree to the terms of service. These optional programs are often not classified as viruses, but can perform unwanted actions such as tracking your browsing and displaying pop-ups.
1. Navigate to the Control Panel:
- Windows XP/Vista/7: Left-click on your Start Menu, and then click Control Panel.
- Windows 8/8.1/10/11: Right-click on your Start Menu, and then click Control Panel.
2. From Control Panel, click on Uninstall a Program under Programs and Features.
3. Locate the program you want to remove, right-click it, and then click Uninstall.
4. Restart your computer to complete the uninstallation.
Using System Mechanic
If you're still experiencing issues with your computer after taking these steps, it's possible that they aren't caused by a virus. In these cases, we recommend using the PC optimization tool System Mechanic. System Mechanic performs regular maintenance on your PC such as removing clutter, freeing up RAM, and repairing your computer’s registry to help programs run more smoothly.
FixMeStick is partnered with System Mechanic to get customers an exclusive discount, so you can be sure your computer is optimized to peak performance.
To learn how to download and install System Mechanic, click here.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact support@fixmestick.com and we will be happy to help.