Remove FbDownloader and search.fbdownloader.com (Uninstall Guide)

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Written by: Stelian

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FbDownloader is a program that offers a web search engine (search.fbdownloader.com) and a Facebook application, which are being promoted via other free programs, and once installed on your computer, they will hijack your browser homepage, replace your default search engine and post on your Facebook wall.
Futhermore, this program will display ads and sponsored links in your search results, and may colect search terms from your search queries.
[Image: FbDownloader Search]
FbDownloader got on your computer after you have installed another free software or add-on that had bundled into their installer this browser hijacker. For example, when you install vShare, you’ll also install the FbDownloader, set your browser homepage to http://search.fbdownloader.com/ and change your default search engine to http://search.fbdownloader.com.However, when you uninstall vShare from your computer, your web browser’s default settings will not be restored. This means that you’ll have to remove FbDownloader from your favorite web browser manually.
[Image: FbDownloader Installer]
You should always pay attention when installing software because often, a software installer includes optional installs, such as this browser hijacker. Be very careful what you agree to install. Always opt for the custom installation and deselect anything that is not familiar, especially optional software that you never wanted to download and install in the first place. It goes without saying that you should not install software that you don’t trust.

FbDownloader – Virus Removal Instructions

STEP 1 : Uninstall FbDownloader from your computer

FbDownloader may install a program (FbDownloader developed by HTTO Group Ltd) on your computer, which we will need to uninstall.

  1. To uninstall FbDownloader program from your computer, click the Start button, then select Control Panel, and click on Uninstall a program.
    If you are a Windows 8 user, you can right-click on a bottom left hot corner (formerly known as the Start button) and select Control panel from there, then select Uninstall a program.
  2. Search and uninstall FbDownloader and BrowserProtect from your computer.
    [Image: Uninstall FbDownloader]

Please note that on some computers these programs might be renamed or missing,search for any program developed by HTTO Group Ltd, and uninstall it from your computer.

STEP 2 : Remove the FbDownloader residual damage from your browser

FbDownloader has installed a browser extension, has changed your homepage to search.fbdownloader.com, and has changed your default search engine.

Remove FbDownloader Search from Internet Explorer

  1. Remove FbDownloader Search add-ons from Internet Explorer.
    Open Internet Explorer,then click on the gear icon [Image: Internet Explorer gear icon] (Tools for Windows XP users) at the top (far right) and then  select Manage add-ons.
    [Image: Manage Add-ons in Internet Explorer]
    From the Toolbars and Extensions tab, select FbDownloader and Yontoo add-ons, and click on Disable.
    [Image: FbDownloader Internet Explorer add-ons]
  2. Set Internet Explorer default search engine from search.fbdownloader.com to Bing.
    To change your default search engine, click on the gear icon [Image: Internet Explorer gear icon] , select Manage Add-ons, and then, under Add-on Types, click Search Providers.
    Select Bing, and click Set Default, then click FbDownloader Search in the list,and click on Remove.
    [Image: FBDownloader Search hijack in Internet Explorer]
  3. Change your Internet Explorer homepage from http://search.fbdownloader.com to its default
    To change your homepage, click on the gear icon [Image: Internet Explorer gear icon] , select Internet Explore options, and in the General tab,under the Home page section, click on Use default to restore Internet Explorer default home page.
    [Image: FBDownloader home page hijack Internet Exporer]

Remove FbDownloader Search from Mozilla Firefox

  1. Remove FbDownloader Search extension from Internet Explorer.
    At the top of the Firefox window, click the orange Firefox button, then select Add-ons.
    Firefox addon menu
    Select the Extensions tab, then remove Yontoo and FBDownloader extensions from Mozilla Firefox.
    [Image: FBDownloader Firefox extensions]
  2. Reset your default search engine and home page from FbDownloader Search to their default.
    To reset your search engine and homepage to their default, we will use the SearchReset extension.This add-on is very simple: on installation, it backs up and then resets your search preferences and home page to their default values, and then uninstalls itself. This affects the search bar, URL bar searches, and the home page.
    You can download SearchReset from the below link, and then we will just need to install it to revert Firefox to its default settings.
    SEARCHRESET DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open another web page from where you can download the SearchReset Firefox extension)
    [Image: SearchReset extension]

Remove FbDownloader from Google Chrome

  1. Remove FbDownloader extensions from Google Chrome.
  2. Click the Chrome menu Chrome menu  button on the browser toolbar, select Tools and then click on Extensions.
    Google Chrome Extensions
    In the Extensions tab, remove (by clicking on the Recycle Bin) the FbDownloader and Yontoo extensions from your Google Chrome.
    [Image: FBDownloader Chrome extension
  3. Set Google Chrome default search engine from search.fbdownloader.com to google.com .
    Click the Chrome menu Chrome menu  button, then select Settings and click on Manage search engines in the Search section.
    In the Search Engines dialog that appears, select Google and click the Make Default button that appears in the row.
    Search for FbDownloader Search in the Search Engines list, and click the X that appears at the end of the row.
    [Image: Change default search engine from FbDownloader Search to Google]
  4. Change Google Chrome homepage from search.fbdownloader.com to its default.
    The FbDownloader Toolbar has modified your Google settings to open their webpage whenever you start your browser, so we will need to revert this change.
    Click the Chrome menu Chrome menu  button, then select Settings and click on One the New Tab page in the On Startup section.
    [Image: Change Google Chrome homepage to its default]

STEP 3: Remove FbDownloader adware with AdwCleaner.

  1. You can download AdwCleaner from the below link.
    ADWCLEANER DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will automatically download AdwCleaner on your computer)
  2. Before starting this utility, close all open programs and internet browsers.
  3. Double click on adwcleaner.exe to run the tool.
  4. Click on Delete, then confirm each time with Ok. Adwcleaner utility
  5. Your computer will be rebooted automatically. A text file will open after the restart.
  6. NEXT, double click on adwcleaner.exe to run the tool.
  7. Click on Uninstall, then confirm with yes to remove this utility from your computer.

Remove FbDownloader Search with Junkware Removal Tool

Junkware Removal Tool is a powerful utility, which will remove FbDownloader Search from Internet Explorer, Firefox or Google Chrome.

  1. You can download the Junkware Removal Tool utility from the below link:
    JUNKWARE REMOVAL TOOL DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will automatically download the Junkware Removal Tool utility on your computer)
  2. Once Junkware Removal Tool has finished downloading, please double-click on the JRT.exe icon as seen below.
    [Image: Junkware Removal Tool]
    If Windows prompts you as to whether or not you wish to run Junkware Removal Tool, please allow it to run.
  3. Junkware Removal Tool will now start, and at the Command Prompt, you’ll need to press any key to perform a scan for the FbDownloader Search virus.
    [Image: Junkware Removal Tool scanning for FbDownloader Search]
    Please be patient as this can take a while to complete (up to 10 minutes) depending on your system’s specifications.
  4. When the scan Junkware Removal Tool will be completed, this utility will display a log with the malicious files and registry keys that were removed from your computer.
    [Image: Junkware Removal Tool final log]

STEP 5: Run a computer scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

  1. You can download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free from the below link, then double click on it to install this program.
    MALWAREBYTES ANTI-MALWARE DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open a download page in a new window from where you can download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free)
  2. When the installation begins, keep following the prompts in order to continue with the setup process. DO NOT make any changes to default settings and when the program has finished installing, make sure you leave both the Update Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware and Launch Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware checked, then click on the Finish button.
    [Image: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware final installation screen]
  3. On the Scanner tab, select Perform quick scan and then click on the Scan button to start scanning your computer.
    [Image: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Quick Scan]
  4. Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware will now start scanning your computer as shown below.
    [Image: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware scanning for FbDownloader]
  5. When the Malwarebytes scan will be completed, click on Show Result.
    [Image: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware scan results]
  6. You will now be presented with a screen showing you the malware infections that Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware has detected.Please note that the infections found may be different than what is shown in the image. Make sure that everything is Checked (ticked) and click on the Remove Selected button.
    [Image:Malwarebytes removing malware]

STEP 6: Run a computer scan with HitmanPro

  1. Download HitmanPro from the below link, then double click on it to start this program.
    HITMANPRO DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open a new web page from where you can download HitmanPro)
  2. HitmanPro will start and you’ll need to follow the prompts (by clicking on the Next button) to start a system scan with this program.
    HitmanPro installation
  3. HitmanPro will start scanning your computer for malware, as seen in the image below.
    HitmanPro scans for FbDownloader
  4. Once the scan is complete,you’ll see a screen which will display all the infected files that this utility has detected, and you’ll need to click on Next to remove these malicious files.
    HitmanPro scan results
  5. Click Activate free license to start the free 30 days trial and remove all the malicious files from your computer.
    HitmanPro 30 days activation button

STEP 6: Remove FbDownloader application from your Facebook account.

FbDownloader has installed its application on your Faceboo account, so we need to remove this unwanted app from your account.

  1. Click [Image: Facebook Settings button] at the top right of any Facebook page and choose Account Settings
  2. From the menu in the left column, select Apps
  3. Click the X on the right FbDownloader app to remove it from your account.
    [Image: FbDownloader Facebook app]

If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove FbDownloader  from your machine, please start a new thread in our Malware Removal Assistance forum.

10 Rules to Avoid Online Scams

Here are 10 practical safety rules to help you avoid malware, online shopping scams, crypto scams, and other online fraud. Each tip includes a quick “if you already got hit” action.

  1. Stop and verify before you click, log in, download, or pay.

    warning sign

    Most scams win by creating urgency. Verify using a trusted method: type the website address yourself, use the official app, or call a known number (not the one in the message).

    If you already clicked: close the page, do not enter passwords, and run a malware scan.

  2. Keep your operating system, browser, and apps updated.

    updates guide

    Updates patch security holes used by malware and malicious ads. Turn on automatic updates where possible.

    If you saw a scary “update now” pop-up: close it and update only through your device settings or the official app store.

  3. Use layered protection: antivirus plus an ad blocker.

    shield guide

    Antivirus helps block malware. An ad blocker reduces scam redirects, phishing pages, and malvertising.

    If your browser is acting weird: remove unknown extensions, reset the browser, then run a full scan.

  4. Install apps, software, and extensions only from official sources.

    install guide

    Avoid cracked software, “keygens,” and random downloads. During installs, choose Custom/Advanced and decline bundled offers you do not recognize.

    If you already installed something suspicious: uninstall it, restart, and scan again.

  5. Treat links and attachments as untrusted by default.

    cursor sign

    Phishing often impersonates delivery services, banks, and popular brands. If it is unexpected, do not open attachments or log in through the message.

    If you entered credentials: change the password immediately and enable 2FA.

  6. Shop safely: research the store, then pay with protection.

    trojan horse

    Be cautious with brand-new stores, “closing sale” stories, and prices that make no sense. Prefer credit cards or PayPal for dispute options. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, and crypto payments.

    If you already paid: contact your card issuer or PayPal quickly to dispute the transaction.

  7. Crypto rule: never pay a “fee” to withdraw or recover money.

    lock sign

    Common patterns include fake profits, then “tax,” “gas,” or “verification” fees. Another is a “recovery agent” who demands upfront crypto.

    If you already sent crypto: stop paying, save evidence (wallet addresses, TXIDs, chats), and report the scam to the platform used.

  8. Secure your accounts with unique passwords and 2FA (start with email).

    lock sign

    Use a password manager and unique passwords for every account. Enable 2FA using an authenticator app when possible.

    If you suspect an account takeover: change passwords, sign out of all devices, and review recent logins and recovery settings.

  9. Back up important files and keep one backup offline.

    backup sign

    Backups protect you from ransomware and device failure. Keep at least one backup on an external drive that is not always connected.

    If you suspect infection: do not connect backup drives until the system is clean.

  10. If you think you are a victim: stop losses, document evidence, and escalate fast.

    warning sign

    Move quickly. Speed matters for disputes, account recovery, and limiting damage.

    • Stop payments and contact: do not send more money or respond to the scammer.
    • Call your bank or card issuer: block transactions, replace the card if needed, and start a dispute or chargeback.
    • Secure your email first: change the email password, enable 2FA, and remove unfamiliar recovery options.
    • Secure other accounts: change passwords, enable 2FA, and log out of all sessions.
    • Scan your device: remove suspicious apps or extensions, then run a full malware scan.
    • Save evidence: screenshots, emails, order pages, tracking pages, wallet addresses, TXIDs, and chat logs.
    • Report it: to the payment provider, marketplace, social platform, exchange, or wallet service involved.

These rules are intentionally simple. Most online losses happen when decisions are rushed. Slow down, verify independently, and use payment methods and account controls that give you recourse.

26 thoughts on “Remove FbDownloader and search.fbdownloader.com (Uninstall Guide)”

  3. Hi, when I tried to download JRT, the computer says there is a download error and prevents me from opening it. I searched and found JRT_debug.exe. This version opened but nothing happened at all.
    Then, I ran the malware bytes anti-software and did the threat scan. The program found nothing wrong with my computer. But how do I know if fb downloader has been removed or is still on my computer. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

  6. i have windows 8 and i am on internet explorer not google chrome or anything.. when i go to uninstall it is not on the list…i have uninstalled the browser protect to.i am very stuck :(

    • Hello Jay,

      Did you run AdwCleaner? If no, please run AdwCleaner (as seen on STEP 3) to remove this infection!

      Next please run Junkware Removal Tool:

      1.Download Junkware Removal Tool to your desktop from the below link:

      JUNKWARE REMOVAL TOOL : http://thisisudax.org/downloads/JRT.exe

      2. Double-click on the JRT.exe icon to start this utility.

      3. The tool will open and start scanning your system. Please be patient as this can take a while to complete depending on your system’s specifications.

      Waiting for your reply! Stay safe!

  7. hi, I have followed all of these steps yet if I mistype something into my url the fbdownloader still comes up..help please :/

  8. I have followed these instructions and the fbdownloader tab no longer seems to be attached to my chrome browser, however my computer is running slow the same as it was with the fbdownloader tab so I cant help wondering if this annoying malware is still hiding somewhere ??

    • Hello Neil,
      It should be gone from your computer. If you have any doubts, you can run a scan with Junkware Removal Tool.

      1. Download Junkware Removal Tool to your desktop from the below link.
        JUNKWARE REMOVAL TOOL DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will automatically download Junkware Removal Tool on your computer)
      2. You should turn off your antivirus software now to avoid potential conflicts
      3. Double-click to run the tool. For Windows Vista,7 or 8 users, right-click the file and select Run as Administrator.
        The tool will open and start scanning your system. Please be patient as this can take a while to complete depending on your system’s specifications

  9. Awesome…many many thanks..I could not get rid of this tried many times, but followed the steps and all gone!!! Hoorah.

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