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

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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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.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

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. 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. 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 :(

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

  9. 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

  10. 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 ??

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

  15. worked for me. thanks so much. that fbdownloader was a pain in the @ss and slowed down my pc too. Next time, i will not be so fast to hit the “next” button when presented with a download option….thanks again

  16. Hi! I actually think that this thread was excellent as it’s been the one that really helped me out. Thanks.
    Now, for those who didn’t find it as helpful… did you do each and every step advised? (please don’t get offended!!)

    ‘Cause I realized that there was one step which made the difference for me on Chrome and it was the one _ 2) Change Google Chrome homepage from search.fbdownloader.com/ to its default_

    I know it may sound strange but that was the only thing I didn’t do before and now the problem is solved.
    Also, I’ve tried those tools (antimalware) indicated in the post (just for curiosity really) and found many of the malwares’ traces I thought I got rid of before. So yeh, extremely useful, thanks so much!!
    V@l

  17. Hello,
    Check your installed programs (as seen in Step 1), you most likely have a program called “BrowserProtect” or “Browser Manager” which is reverting these changes.

  18. Hello Brandoni have tried all these steps and i have the same problem. Adwcleaner didnt even bring it up as an issueand its not in my prgramme list.

    Its driving me crazy!!

  19. Thank you for the tutorial, it worked perfectly for me. The step by step procedure could not have been easier ………….Again thanks for helping me delete this deeply unpleasant and annoying application.

  21. I have done everything but restarted and its still on my browser. It’s not in Facebook any suggestions ? Help!

  24. I experience the issue with search.fbdownloader on a day to day basis. any time i restart my computer it automatically becomes the default search engine on Google Chrome.

    I followed the instructions on how to remove the application from my computer but my computer doesn’t list fbdownloader as a program on my computer. I even searched it using the run feature but fbdownloader doesn’t show up. the only thing that happens is if I open a browser, search.fbdownloader pops up instead. I don’t have the program downloaded, and nobody in my family has the app on their facebook account.

    I’m not sure what to do and the issue is really bothering me because the way the program is described I’m worried it will harm my computer.

  26. Very professional step by step instructions. After deleting the personal and close and restart I noticed that there was still a trace of fbdownloader in the default IE and all the history pages were deleted. I had to start building new personal pages.

    Thank You

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