Need I Ask?: How can the "ask" toolbar be removed manually.

I tried to remove it using the Add/Remove software wizard in Windows 7 (Home) but aborted after about three minutes when it told me to wait while it gathered information.

The thing took all of a second and a half to install and it needs a lot of time to "gather information" while it uninstalls. What's up with that?

Is there any way of getting rid of this thing painlessly?

The Ask toolbar is such a pain!

I'd recommend disconnect from the internet, then run the uninstaller.

Also have a look here:

autoclean.computersitter.com...

reply to post by ipsedixit


The toolbar is a BHO: Browser Helper Addon.

You need to go into the settings of your browser. Find the area that handles browser addons and remove the addon.

What browser do you use? Name and version please.

Originally posted by ipsedixit
I tried to remove it using the Add/Remove software wizard in Windows 7 (Home) but aborted after about three minutes when it told me to wait while it gathered information.

The thing took all of a second and a half to install and it needs a lot of time to "gather information" while it uninstalls. What's up with that?

Is there any way of getting rid of this thing painlessly?

Using Ask search this is what I got:

How do I uninstall the Ask.com Toolbar?
Answer ID 2908 | Published 10/30/2007 07:05 PM | Updated 06/11/2012 01:47 PM

How do I uninstall the Ask.com Toolbar?

Below are toolbar removal instructions for Windows 7, Vista and XP; just scroll through until you find the version of Windows you’re using. Then, at the bottom are a couple more steps to take no matter which version of Windows you’re using.


If you are using Windows 7:
- Click the "Start" button and select "Control Panel"
- Click "Uninstall a Program" option found under the "Programs" category
- Select the program with the Ask logo and the text "Ask Toolbar"
- Click "Remove"

If you are using Windows Vista:
- Close all open Web browsers
- From the "Start" menu in Windows, select "Control Panel"
- Under the "Programs" icon, select "Uninstall a program"
- Select the program with the Ask logo and the text "Ask Toolbar"
- Click "Uninstall" and then "Continue" to remove the Toolbar

If you are using Windows XP:
- From the "Start" menu in Windows, select "Control Panel"
- Click on "Add/Remove Programs".
- Select the program with the Ask logo and the text "Ask Toolbar"
- Click "Change/Remove"

Now, if the steps for your particular version of Windows didn’t work, or if you received an error message, we’ve got you covered. We've created a small utility you can download and run, and it automates the process of complete toolbar removal (and then you can easily delete the utility -- we promise!)

It can be downloaded here:

apnmedia.ask.com...

Once the toolbar is removed, you may still see Ask.com as your homepage when you open up a new browser window. That’s also very easy to change, and we’ve created a couple documents to walk you through that, depending on which browser you use:

Internet Explorer: about.ask.com...
Mozilla Firefox: about.ask.com...

I finally disconnected from the internet and uninstalled it, . . . I think. It still seems to linger at the bottom of the Add/Remove software wizard as a web link of some kind.

These toolbars are really obnoxious.

reply to post by grey580

I'm using Internet Explorer 9 with Windows 7 Home. I tried to download HijackThis from CNET but i couldn't find it. That used to be my solution to these kinds of problems.

reply to post by kloejen

Thanks for the link. There is some useful stuff there. I ran the removal tool on top of my other manouver. It even took the link off the bottom of the control panel wizard. Top marks. Much obliged.

Thanks to all who replied.