Removal guide Adware

Remove Sweetpacks Toolbar (Removal Guide)

By Stelian8 min read

Sweetpacks is an adware program, which is promoted via other free downloads, and once installed it will add to your browser the Sweetpacks Toolbar, change your homepage to start.sweetpacks.com and set your browser default search engine to search.sweetpacks.com.

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Sweetpacks search will display advertisements and sponsored links in your search results, and may collect search terms from your search queries.
[Image: Sweetpacks search virus]

Sweetpacks Toolbar 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 SweetIM, SweetPCFix or GamePacks, you will also agree to install the Sweetpacks Toolbar, change your browser homepage to start.sweetpacks.com , and default search engine to search.sweetpacks.com .
However, when you uninstall these programs from your computer, your web browser’s default settings will not be restored. This means that you’ll have to remove from your favorite web browser manually.

You should always pay attention when installing software because often, a software installer includes optional installs, such as this Sweetpacks adware. 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.

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How to remove Sweetpacks Toolbar (Virus Removal Guide)

This page is a comprehensive guide, which will remove Sweetpacks from your Internet Explorer, Firefox and Google Chrome.
Please perform all the steps in the correct order. If you have any questions or doubt at any point, STOP and ask for our assistance.
STEP 1: Uninstall Sweetpacks Toolbar from Windows
STEP 2: Remove Sweetpacks Toolbar browser hijacker from Internet Explorer, Firefox and Google Chrome with AdwCleaner

STEP 3: Remove Sweetpacks Toolbar with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free
STEP 4: Double-check for the Sweetpacks Toolbar with HitmanPro
(OPTIONAL) STEP 5: Remove Sweetpacks Toolbar and Ask Search from Internet Explorer, Firefox and Chrome

STEP 1 : Uninstall Sweetpacks malicious programs from your computer

In this first step, we will try to identify and remove any malicious program that might be installed on your computer.

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  1. To uninstall a program from Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7, click the “Start” button, then click on the “Control Panel” menu option.
    [Image: Control Panel in Windows Start Menu]
    If you are using Windows 8, simply drag your mouse pointer to the right edge of the screen, select Search from the list and search for “control panel” .Or you can right-click on a bottom left hot corner (formerly known as the Start button) and select Control Panel from there.
    [Image: Type Control Panel in Windows 8 search box]
  2. When the “Control Panel” window opens click on the “Uninstall a program” option under “Programs” category. This option is shown by the arrow in the image below. If you are using the “Classic View” of the Control Panel, then you would double-click on the “Programs and Features” icon instead.
    [Image: Uninstall a program]
  3. When the “Programs and Features” or the “Uninstall a Program” screen is displayed, scroll through the list of currently installed programs and uninstall Search Protect, Sweetpacks Toolbar, SweetIM for Messenger, SweetPacks Toolbar for Internet Explorer or Update Manager for SweetPacks
    To view the most recently installed programs, you can click on the “Installed On” column to sort your programs by the installation date. Scroll through the list, and uninstall any unwanted or unknown program.

    If you are having issues while trying to uninstall the Sweetpacks program, you can use Revo Uninstaller to completely remove this unwanted program from your machine.

    [Image: Sweetpacks removal]
    If you cannot find any unwanted or unknown programs on your machine, then you can proceed with the next step.


STEP 2: Remove Sweetpacks Toolbar browser hijacker from Internet Explorer, Firefox and Google Chrome with AdwCleaner

  1. You can download AdwCleaner from the below link.
    Download AdwCleanerFree official download. Nothing to install.
  2. Before starting AdwCleaner, close all open programs and internet browsers, then double-click on the AdwCleaner icon.
    AdwCleaner Icon
    If Windows prompts you as to whether or not you wish to run AdwCleaner, please allow it to run.
  3. When the AdwCleaner program will open, click on the “Scan” button as shown below.
    AdwCleaner scan button
    AdwCleaner will now start to search for the “Sweetpacks Toolbar” browser hijacker that may be installed on your computer.
  4. To remove the “Sweetpacks Toolbar” malicious files that were detected in the previous step, please click on the “Clean” button.
    Remove Sweetpacks Toolbar with AdwCleaner
  5. AdwCleaner will prompt you to save any open files or documents, as the program will need to reboot the computer. Please do so and then click on the OK button.
    AdwCleaner removing malware

STEP 3: Remove Sweetpacks Toolbar with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free uses industry-leading technology to detect and remove all traces of malware, including worms, Trojans, rootkits, rogues, dialers, spyware, and more.
It is important to note that Malwarebytes Anti-Malware works well and should run alongside antivirus software without conflicts.

  1. You can download download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware from the below link.
    Download MalwarebytesFree official installer. Your download starts right away.
  2. Once downloaded, close all programs, then double-click on the icon on your desktop named “mbam-setup-consumer-2.00.xx” to start the installation of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.
    [Image: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware setup program]
    Picture of User Account Control You may be presented with a User Account Control dialog asking you if you want to run this file. If this happens, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
  3. When the installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Setup Wizard which will guide you through the installation process.
    [Image: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Setup Wizard]
    To install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware on your machine, keep following the prompts by clicking the “Next” button.
    [Image: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Final Setup Screen]
  4. Once installed, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will automatically start and you will see a message stating that you should update the program, and that a scan has never been run on your system. To start a system scan you can click on the “Fix Now” button.
    [Image: Click on the Fix Now button to start a scan]
    Alternatively, you can click on the “Scan” tab and select “Threat Scan“, then click on the “Scan Now” button.
    [Image: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Threat Scan]
  5. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now check for updates, and if there are any, you will need to click on the “Update Now” button.
    [Image: Click on Update Now to update Malwarebytes Anti-Malware]
  6. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start scanning your computer for the Sweetpacks virus. When Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is scanning it will look like the image below.
    [Image: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware while performing a scan]
  7. When the scan has completed, you will now be presented with a screen showing you the malware infections that Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware has detected. To remove the malicious programs that Malwarebytes Anti-malware has found, click on the “Quarantine All” button, and then click on the “Apply Now” button.
    [Image: Remove the malware that Malwarebytes Anti-Malware has found]
    Please note that the infections found may be different than what is shown in the image.
  8. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now quarantine all the malicious files and registry keys that it has found. When removing the files, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware may require a reboot in order to remove some of them. If it displays a message stating that it needs to reboot your computer, please allow it to do so.
    [Image: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware while removing viruses]
    After your computer will restart, you should open Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and perform another “Threat Scan” scan to verify that there are no remaining threats

STEP 4: Double check for the Sweetpacks Toolbar infection with HitmanPro

HitmanPro is a second opinion scanner, designed to rescue your computer from malware (viruses, trojans, rootkits, etc.) that have infected your computer despite all the security measures you have taken (such as anti virus software, firewalls, etc.). HitmanPro is designed to work alongside existing security programs without any conflicts. It scans the computer quickly (less than 5 minutes) and does not slow down the computer.

  1. You can download HitmanPro from the below link:
    Download HitmanProOfficial Sophos download. Free scan, free 30-day trial to remove threats.
  2. Double-click on the file named “HitmanPro.exe” (for 32-bit versions of Windows) or “HitmanPro_x64.exe” (for 64-bit versions of Windows). When the program starts you will be presented with the start screen as shown below.
    [Image: HitmanPro start-up screen]
    Click on the “Next” button, to install HitmanPro on your computer.
    [Image: HitmanPro setup options]
  3. HitmanPro will now begin to scan your computer for Sweetpacks malicious files.
    [Image: HitmanPro scanning for malware]
  4. When it has finished it will display a list of all the malware that the program found as shown in the image below. Click on the “Next” button, to remove Sweetpacks malware.
    [Image: HitmanPro scan results]
  5. Click on the “Activate free license” button to begin the free 30 days trial, and remove all the malicious files from your computer.
    [Image: HitmanPro Activate Free License]

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(OPTIONAL) STEP 5: Remove Sweetpacks Toolbar and Ask Search from Internet Explorer, Firefox and Chrome

If you are still experiencing issues with the Sweetpacks Toolbar in Internet Explorer, Firefox or Chrome, we will need to reset your browser to its default settings. This step needs to be performed only if your issues have not been solved by the previous steps.

Reset Internet Explorer

  1. Open Internet Explorer, click on the “gear icon” [Image: icongear.jpg] in the upper right part of your browser, then click again on Internet Options.
    [Image: Internet Options in Internet Explorer]
  2. In the “Internet Options” dialog box, click on the “Advanced” tab, then click on the “Reset” button.
    [Image: Reset Internet Explorer]
  3. In the “Reset Internet Explorer settings” section, select the “Delete personal settings” check box, then click on “Reset” button.
    [Image: Reset Internet Explorer to its default settings]
  4. When Internet Explorer has completed its task, click on the “Close” button in the confirmation dialogue box. You will now  need to close your browser, and then you can open Internet Explorer again.
    [Image Reset Internet Explorer settings]

Reset Mozilla Firefox

  1. In the upper-right corner of the Firefox window, click the Firefox menu button ([Image: Firefox Menu button]), then click on the “Help” ([Image: Firefox Help button]) button.
    [Image: Click on the Menu button then Help]
  2. From the Help menu, choose Troubleshooting Information.
    If you’re unable to access the Help menu, type about:support in your address bar to bring up the Troubleshooting information page.
    [Image: Troubleshooting Information in Firefox]
  3. Click the “Reset Firefox” button in the upper-right corner of the “Troubleshooting Information” page.
    [Image: Reset Firefox to its default settings]
  4. To continue, click on the “Reset Firefox” button in the new confirmation window that opens.
    [Image: Click on the Reset Firefox button]
  5. Firefox will close itself and will revert to its default settings. When it’s done, a window will list the information that was imported. Click on the “Finish“.

Note: Your old Firefox profile will be placed on your desktop in a folder named “Old Firefox Data“. If the reset didn’t fix your problem you can restore some of the information not saved by copying files to the new profile that was created. If you don’t need this folder any longer, you should delete it as it contains sensitive information.

Google Chrome

  1. Click on Chrome’s main menu button, represented by three horizontal lines ([Image: Chrome's main menu button]) .When the drop-down menu appears, select the option labeled Settings.
    [Image: Click on Settings button]
  2. Chrome’s Settings should now be displayed in a new tab or window, depending on your configuration. Next, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the Show advanced settings link (as seen in the below example).
    [Image: Click on Show advanced settings link]
  3. Chrome’s advanced Settings should now be displayed. Scroll down until the Reset browser settings section is visible, as shown in the example below. Next, click on the Reset browser settings button.
    [Image: Click on Reset browser button]
  4. A confirmation dialog should now be displayed, detailing the components that will be restored to their default state should you continue on with the reset process. To complete the restoration process, click on the Reset button.
    [Image: Click on Reset button to restore Chrome to default settings]

Your computer should now be free of the Sweetpacks Toolbar. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove Sweetpacks Toolbar from your machine, please start a new thread in our Malware Removal Assistance forum.
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Join the discussion

109 comments

Share your experience or ask a question about this article.

Discussion

  1. kitten546

    Thanks:D I was so worried I’d have to delete all of my system data. Not tech savy.

    ReplyReport
  2. Bill in Tucson

    Followed your instructions, which were very easy to follow, and my problem was solved. The butt opening sweetpacks is eliminated. I also purchased the software which was easy to use. Thanx!!!

    ReplyReport
  3. abbbeynormal

    Thanks so much for helping me after I stupidly clicked the wrong thing. You would think I’d of learned by now. You’re the Best.

    ReplyReport
  4. CC

    THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! You’ve saved my googling and changed my browsing for the better. I can NOT thank you enough! I feel so stupid, but at the same time incredibly grateful. Thank you so much for teaching me how to do this!!

    ReplyReport
  5. scrabbit

    THANK YOU! Oh gods, I felt so stupid for letting this happen, and I wanted to fix it before my husband found out, haha. Thanks for taking the time to help us with this nasty bug. <3

    ReplyReport
  6. Kanzas

    I ran HItmanPro and at the end it says there are 8 identified threats but when I go to the next part, there is no option to activate for 30 days. What can I do about this problem?

    ReplyReport
    1. Stelian Pilici

      In reply to Kanzas

      Hello,
      HitmanPro has a free 30 days trial for home users, however if you are using a corporate or business computer will not get this free trial.

      Lets try to remove this infection:
      STEP 1: Run a scan with RogueKiller
      1. Please download the latest official version of RogueKiller.
      RogueKiller Download Link : http://tigzy.geekstogo.com/roguekiller.php

      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.

      STEP 2: Run a scan with ESET Online Scanner

      1.Download ESET Online Scanner utility.

      ESET Online Scanner Download Link : http://download.eset.com/special/eos/esetsmartinstaller_enu.exe

      2. Double click on the Eset installer program (esetsmartinstaller_enu.exe).

      3.Check Yes, I accept the Terms of Use, then click the Start button.

      4.Check Scan archives and push the Start button.

      5. ESET will then download updates for itself, install itself, and begin scanning your computer. Please be patient as this can take some time.

      6. When the scan completes, click on the Finish button.

      Next, please run a scan with HitmanPro and if a threat is detect, please post the log in your next reply, so that I may take a look.
      Stay safe!

      ReplyReport
  7. Shekhar Razdan

    Thank you so much…. the entire process worked as documented above.

    ReplyReport
  8. Snowedin

    Thank you SO much, this is the second time you bailed me out of a malware mess!!

    ReplyReport
  9. Dan

    Every time I try to remove Sweetpacks from progams, it doesn’t uninstall.
    I tried using Malwarebytes to remove it as well, and restarted my computer, but it remains there even after the restart.
    Advice?

    ReplyReport
    1. Stelian Pilici

      In reply to Dan

      Hello,
      Lets try to remove this infection:
      STEP 1: Run a scan with AdwCleaner
      1. Download AdwCleaner from here: http://general-changelog-team.fr/fr/downloads/finish/20-outils-de-xplode/2-adwcleaner

      2.Close all open programs and internet browsers.

      3.Double click on adwcleaner.exe to run the tool.

      4.Click on Clean button. Your computer should restart.

      STEP 2: Run a scan with Junkware Removal Tool

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

      JUNKWARE REMOVAL TOOL : http://thisisudax.org/download…

      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

      Next, please run a scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and HitmanPro as see in this guide.
      Stay safe!

      ReplyReport
      1. steve

        In reply to Stelian Pilici

        alright nevermind i ran malwarebytes and im pretty sure it did the trick 84 trojans gone lol wtf happened

        Report
        1. Ganglefang

          In reply to steve

          After you have gone through all the above (very helpful, thanks!), there is one more step. (Incidentally, be VERY careful of Hitman–it will try to remove a lot of stuff that maybe it shouldn’t.)

          Use wordpad to open
          users>username>AppData>local>Google>Chrome>User Data>Defaule>Secure Preferences. Scan for Sweetpack. CAREFULLY remove it from the list of “Startup URLs”. There may be a bunch of other stuff there that I recognized from previous virus removals. Now, if you are logged on to a Google account, you will find the change you made reappears. That’s Google’s sync “feature”. This seems to happen regardless of unchecking all the sync settings in Menu>Settings>Advanced login … Disconnect your Google account (Chrome>Menu>Settings>Login, Disconnect_Google_Account button.and make the changes again. Now, you have finally exorcised the SweetPacks virus. Hopefully. Malwarebytes should give you a bill of health free of SweetPacks.

          In my opinion, any software that hijacks your browser, or your search engine, or sniffs you keystrokes or shoves unwanted advertising up your screen or redirects your work in any way is a virus. This is big bucks, like Billion$. One has to wonder if some money changes hands for the AV folks to ignore these “PUPs.” I’m not accusing. Just saying….

          Report
  10. Ixis

    Finally its dead.I didn’t even install it. That’s the thing .I declined and it went ahead and installed itself anyway. I was freakin’ high-jacked.

    Needless to say I was furious at the time. I finished most of the removal before i came here looking for a way to get rid of all of it.ii did the uninstall and removals but it wouldn’t leave all together.I found after i did the last two steps added to the ones i already did and a few manual searches of my own before hand it was pretty much all gone and i didn’t need those programs you set to be installed here.

    Thanks for the help and i think you should add a warning that this program will try installing itself even when declined.

    It probably shouldn’t have but that really pissed me off all the same.No one likes being high-jacked.I got mine from the gimp digital art program.I wont be checking here for responses but if you want to tell me something or respond to this you can always find me on my deviantart here: http://ixisnyx.deviantart.com/

    ReplyReport
  11. jobseekerz

    Thank you so much, this is help me get rid of that annoying thing! I was wondering if i had a virus for days now and i decided to search google with sweetpacks and wala I found you thank god

    ReplyReport
  12. Jencha

    Thank You very much. I am very happy I found these instructions. God Bless and great work. I really appreciate you.

    ReplyReport

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Written by

Stelian

Stelian leverages over a decade of cybersecurity expertise to lead malware analysis and removal, uncover scams, and educate people. His experience provides insightful analysis and valuable perspective.

61,141 articlesWriting since 2011
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