Play-bar-search.com Removal Guide

Do you know what Play-bar-search.com is?

Play-bar-search.com is a browser hijacker. It is a computer security threat that can inadvertently lead you to dangerous websites. Eventually, in the worst-case scenario, there is a chance you could get infected with malware, too. Hence, before any of that happens, you have to make sure you remove Play-bar-search.com and everything associated with this hijacker from your system. We believe you have more than just one threat on-board because these applications have an entire distribution chain that is employed in the scheme. Finally, you have to remain vigilant when you browse the web, to avoid similar intruders in the future.

Computer security experts maintain that prevention is just as important that the battle itself. In other words, protecting yourself from these programs is just as vital to your computer’s security as investing in a powerful security application. Thus, you should stay away from unfamiliar websites that promote freeware. Refrain from indulging in online gaming on web pages that are full of random pop-ups and other commercial advertisements. Such websites are often part of freeware and malware distribution networks. If you were to click a link on such a site, there is a good chance you would get redirected to yet another page that is part of some online marketing scheme. And that happens even before you install a browser hijacker on your PC!

You can only imagine that with Play-bar-search.com on your computer this exposure to third-party content will only get bigger and more annoying. The browser hijacker affects all main browsers: Internet Explorer, Chrome, and Firefox. It changes your default homepage and, as a result, all of your web browsing sessions end up being monitored by tracking cookies. Of course, tracking cookies are often used by various websites to gather data about you and to customize the content, making the web browsing user-friendlier. So, such practice is not illegal, but we have to keep in mind that there is no telling where you would be redirected after clicking such links.Play-bar-search.com Removal GuidePlay-bar-search.com screenshot
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The most important thing is that Play-bar-search.com does not review the third-party content it promotes. In other words, anyone can embed their links and content into hijacker’s advertising space, and sometimes that content would be associated with malware distribution. Thus, the longer this browser hijacker remains on your system, the bigger is the possibility that you could experience a severe malware infection. You might even end up getting infected with a ransomware application, and if that happens, you can pretty much say good-bye to your files.

Now, before any of this happens, you need to take this matter into your hands and get rid of Play-bar-search.com. You should also consider the fact that this browser hijacker gets distributed via freeware pop-ups. Those pop-ups that brought the browser hijacker onto your system were generated by some freeware applications that you (accidentally) installed on your PC while browsing the web. So you will also have to remove those programs, too.

Sometimes, it is possible to uninstall unwanted applications via Control Panel. However, there are also times when that is not enough, as there might be files associated with these programs scattered all over your system. If that is the case, you need to scan your PC with the SpyHunter free scanner. A full system scan will detect all the unwanted files and applications, and you will know exactly which programs need to be deleted ASAP.

Acquiring a reliable security application is the most efficient way to get rid of Play-bar-search.com and other unwanted threats. Not to mention that this program of your choice will protect your system from harm in the future. However, you need to keep in mind that a security program is just of the measures you need to take.

You will have to change your web browsing habits, too. If you must download some program, download one only from the official vendor’s website. Also, be attentive during the setup process, and take your time to read the installation steps because there might be some additional information you need to know. Finally, if you have more questions about Play-bar-search.com or your computer’s security in general, please do not hesitate to leave us a comment in the box below.

How to Delete Play-bar-search.com

Internet Explorer

  1. Press Win+R and type regedit into the Open box.
  2. Click OK and navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main.
  3. Right-click the Start Page value on the right.
  4. Choose Modify and change your homepage address.
  5. Click OK and close Registry Editor.

Firefox

  1. Press Win+R and type %AppData% into the Open box.
  2. Click OK and navigate to Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\[Unique Mozilla user ID].
  3. Find and open the prefs.js file.
  4. Delete the following string: user_pref("browser.startup.homepage", "http://Play-bar-search.com");
  5. Save changes.

Chrome

  1. Press Win+R and the Run prompt will open.
  2. Type %AppData% into the Open box and click OK.
  3. Navigate to Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default.
  4. Delete the Preferences, Secure Preferences, and Web Data files.

In non-techie terms:

Play-bar-search.com is not a dangerous computer infection, but it is annoying and intrusive enough to raise specific security concerns you cannot avoid. If left unattended, the browser hijacker can expose you to other dangerous threats, so you need to get rid of Play-bar-search.com immediately. While you are at it, make sure you terminate other unfamiliar programs, too. You have to protect your system from any potential threats by nipping the problem in the bud.