Remove Babylon Toolbar and “Search the web (Babylon)”

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Written by: Stelian

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Babylon is an adware program that has changed your browser home page and default search engine to search.babylon.com.
Apart from this changes, Babylon has added a useless toolbar on your browser and whenever your are doing a search,it will display on the first search results their own ads.
Babylon Toolbar Firefox
Babylon got on your computer after you have installed another program that had bundled in their installer the Babylon toolbar.Recently CNET has stared to bundled into some programs installer this unwanted application so this might be one of the sources of this program.
You should always pay attention when installing software because often, a software installer includes optional installs, such as this Babylon Toolbar. 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.

Removal Instructions for Babylon Toolbar

STEP 1 : Uninstall Babylon Search from your computer

  1. To uninstall Babylon Search 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. Seach and uninstall Babylon, Babylon toolbar on IE, Yontoo, BrowserProtect and any other programs related to Babylon LTD.
    [Image: Uninstall Search Babylon ]

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

STEP 2 : Remove the Babylon Search residual damage from your browser

Babylon has installed a browser extension, has changed your homepage to isearch.babylon.com/, and has changed your default search engine.

Remove Babylon Search from Internet Explorer

  1. Remove Babylon 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 Babylon toolbar, Babylon toolbar helper, Babylon IE plugin, babylonToolbar.com and everything related to Babylon Ltd, and click on Disable.
    [Image: Babylon Internet Explorer add-ons]
  2. Set Internet Explorer default search engine from isearch.babylon.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 on Search the Web (Babylon) in the list and click on Remove.
    [Image: Babylon Search Internet Explorer hijack][Image: Remove Babylon Search from Internet Explorer]
  3. Change your Internet Explorer home page from http://isearch.babylon.com/ to its default
    To change your home page, 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: Set Internet Explorer to its default homepage]

Remove Babylon Search from Mozilla Firefox

  1. Remove Babylon 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 Babylon toolbar, Yontoo, Babylon OCR, babylonToolbar.com and any other extensions related to Babylon Ltd from Mozilla Firefox.
    [Image: Babylon Firefox extensions]
  2. Reset your default search engine and home page from Babylon 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 Babylon Search from Google Chrome

  1. Remove Babylon 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) Babylon toolbar, Yontoo, Babylon OCR, babylonToolbar.com and any other extensions related to Babylon Ltd from your Google Chrome.
    [Image: Babylon Chrome extensions]
  3. Set Google Chrome default search engine from isearch.babylon.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 Search the web (Babylon) in the Search Engines list, and click the X that appears at the end of the row.
    [Image: Set Chrome search engine from Search the web (Babylon) to Google]
  4. Change Google Chrome homepage from search.Babylon.com to its default.
    The Babylon 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 Babylon Toolbar registry keys 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.

STEP 4: 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 Babylon Toolbar]
  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 5: 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 Babylon Toolbar
  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

If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove Babylon Toolbar 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.

53 thoughts on “Remove Babylon Toolbar and “Search the web (Babylon)””

  4. Thanks for providing this step by step guide. I have been p.o.’ed at the babylon search malware for a year, but have not yet been able to get rid of it.
    I think that this will work.

  5. Thanks very much for this info BUT I cannot access the link you provide in step3.
    Is it still operational?

    • Hello Josh,
      Yes,it is…however you can also follow this instructions:

      STEP 1: Run a scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware in Chameleon Mode in Norman mode:

      1. Download Malwarebytes Chameleon from here and extract it to a folder in a convenient location
      2. Make certain that your PC is connected to the internet and then open the folder where you extracted Chameleon to and double-click on the Chameleon help file and then follow the onscreen instructions to use it.
      3. If the Chameleon help file itself will not open, then double-click each file one by one until you find one that works, which will be indicated by a black DOS/command prompt window Note: Do not attempt to open mbam-killer as that is not a Chameleon executable and serves a different purpose)
      4. Follow the onscreen instructions to press a key to continue and Chameleon will proceed to download and install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for you
      5. Once it has done this, it will attempt to update Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, click OK when it says that the database was updated successful
      6. Next, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will automatically open and perform a Quick scan
      7. Upon completion of the scan, if anything has been detected, click on Show Result
      8. Have Malwarebytes Anti-Malware remove any threats that are detected and click Yes if prompted to reboot your computer to allow the removal process to complete
      9. After your computer restarts, open Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and perform a Full System scan to verify that there are no remaining threats

      STEP 2: Run a scan with RogueKiller

      1. Please download the latest official version of RogueKiller.
        RogueKiller Download Link (This link will automatically download RogueKiller on your computer)
      2. Double click on RogueKiller.exe to start this utility and then wait for the Prescan to complete.This should take only a few seconds and then you can click the Scan button to perform a system scan.
      3. After the scan has completed, press the Delete button to remove any malicious registry keys.
      4. Next we will need to restore your shortcuts, so click on the ShortcutsFix button and allow the program to run.

      STEP 3 Please perform a scan with HitmanPro as seen on the guide.
      If you are having problems starting this program please use the ForceBreach mode as described in the guide.

      STEP 4: Run a scan with ESET Online Scanner:

      1. Download ESET Online Scanner utility.
        ESET Online Scanner Download Link (This link will automatically download ESET Online Scanner on your computer.)
      2. Double click on the Eset installer program (esetsmartinstaller_enu.exe).
      3. Check Yes, I accept the Terms of Use
      4. Click the Start button.
      5. Check Scan archives
      6. Push the Start button.
      7. ESET will then download updates for itself, install itself, and begin scanning your computer. Please be patient as this can take some time.
      8. When the scan completes, push Finish

      Waiting for your reply to tell me how everything is running!
      Good luck…

  6. Brilliant…Babylon gone!
    Hitmanpro was a bit alarming though – it discovered all sorts of stuff, particularly tracking cookies from deleted programmes, even though I have been using other Malware programmes for the past three years.
    Thank you very much for this.
    Graham

  8. Thanks for your help. Your instructions helped to remove Babylon as default IE/MFF search engine. Scanning now with Malwarebytes…so far, nothing.

  10. Thank you so much. Great Info. I tried everything and it didn’t work (not even Malwarebytes. The damn Babylon was still there. But the Hitmanpro eventually did the job and remove this stupid Babylon.

  11. I am really upset. I was on majorgeek and tried to install reimage, thats how I got this dang browser. I am having issues posting on their forums, so I contacted them via fb. I am really mad. I heard they were reputable, not like cnet. They review good and bad software, and this one was highly recommended by them (reimage).. getting a massive headache with all this. I am currently scanning with your malware link.

    Your instructions were easy to follow. Thank you. I hope I get rid of it soon. sigh.

  12. You my friend, are the Greatest!
    All of my issues are solved with your posts. And I’m finding unwanted issues I didn’t even know I had in my Laptop. Thanks for making my life a little easier.

  13. Thankfully, I’ve gotten rid of much of babylon – I have firefox (through I.E.) and followed the instructions, but if I try to open a new tab, it opens up with babylon – please help if you can.

    • Hello,
      Please perform the below steps:
      Please download and run a scan with Emsisoft Anti-Malware:

      1. Please download the latest official version of Emsisoft Emergency Kit.
        EMSISOFT EMERGENCY KIT DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open a download page in a new window from where you can download Emsisoft Emergency Kit)
      2. After the download process will finish , you’ll need to unpack EmsisoftEmergencyKit.zip and then double click on EmergencyKitScanner.bat
      3. A pop-up will prompt you to update Emsisoft Emergency Kit , please click the “Yes” button.After the Update process has completed , put the mouse cursor over the “Menu” tab on the left and click-on “Scan PC”.
      4. Select “Smart scan” and click-on the below “SCAN” button.When the scan will be completed , you will be presented with a screen showing you the malware infections that Emsisoft Emergency Kit has detected.Make sure that everything is Checked (ticked) and click on the ‘Quarantine selected objects’ button.

      Next,please run a scan with ESET Online Scanner.

      1. Download ESET Online Scanner utility.
        ESET Online Scanner Download Link (This link will automatically download ESET Online Scanner on your computer.)
      2. Double click on the Eset installer program (esetsmartinstaller_enu.exe).
      3. Check Yes, I accept the Terms of Use
      4. Click the Start button.
      5. Check Scan archives
      6. Push the Start button.
      7. ESET will then download updates for itself, install itself, and begin scanning your computer. Please be patient as this can take some time.
      8. When the scan completes, push Finish

      Next,reply to this comment and tell me how things are running!

  14. oh, and I was trying to remove the “Babylon search” when you open a 2nd window in IE8. Didn’t go to the standard “What do you want to do” that comes up in the new window. Am I still following the correct procedure or is their another one? Many thanks for any help provided.

  15. I tried these instructions along with additional instructions elsewhere that instructed me to run the Kaspersky TDSSKiller.exe and also Kaspersky Virus Rremoval Tool. All to no avail. I did manage to eliminate some Malware but it wasn’t “Spyware Online” as pictured above. I appreicate the help if some has another way to get rid of this annoying Malware.

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