Desktop Bar Removal Guide

Desktop Bar is one potentially unwanted program that you will really want to remove after you read this article. At first glance, this program looks like just another pointless accessory, since it only contains links to various websites. However, there is one link that can get you in serious trouble. Desktop Bar is more than just a pointless program. It is set to promote other potentially unwanted programs and real infections, such as adware and browser hijackers. If you think that this application is safe to use, then we invite you to read this entire article, which may change your mind.

This program’s developer chose to remain anonymous, which is not surprising when you consider what Desktop Bar does and what might happen if you go through all of its functions. This program can be downloaded from its dedicated website at Desktopbar.net. The website features two versions: a paid version that costs $1.99 USD and a free, ad-supported version. We tested the free version and got some interesting results that we will share with you in this article. It must also be mentioned, however, that this application can come bundled with other potentially unwanted programs that you can download from shady freeware sharing websites.

Now, let us discuss how this application works. Once installed, Desktop Bar will appear above the Taskbar. It has a sleek design and gives a good first impression. Starting from the right side, it features a download link to the Skyrocket Player download website. We have also categorized Skyrocket Player as a potentially unwanted program, and you can read more about it on our website. Moving on, it features some sort of a link, but it does not work, and four other links that redirect to Youtube.com, Insagram.com, Facebook.com, and Twitter.com.

The last link deserves to be discussed in greater detail. It redirects to a website called Docksearch.com, which is an unreliable search engine. The Download and Install buttons featured on this search engine redirect to a fake website that looks similar to the Adobe Flash Player download website. However, it states that you need to update Java. If you agree to update, then you will actually initiate a FLV Player download. This application actually comes bundled with additional software: If you choose the Express Install that the installation wizard recommends, it will install the Opera browser. Opera is a legitimate program, but the installer also features Vuupc and Downchecker, which have been classified as potentially unwanted programs -- and it also offers Plus-HD and Savepass, which are considered adware. But that is not all.

After the installation, your browser’s homepage will be hijacked by istartsurf.com or mystartsearch.com, and at some point software installation wizards will automatically begin. If you click 'Next,' then you might get applications such as RegClean Pro, which is an unknown application, and we do not know whether it is reliable. Furthermore, you may accidentally install LiveiStream, a legitimate application that you do not have to worry about. MyBrowser is another program you might get. We do not know whether it is legitimate, but it seems to be a potentially unwanted program as well. You can also get AnyProtect, an adware-type program, and a legitimate antimalware called Advanced System Protector, which, unfortunately, does not detect malware. In addition to that your browser will receive bad browser extensions, called Cinem Plus, deskcut, and SavePass. Firefox should block these extensions, but you should remove them from the add-on list just in case.

As you can see, Desktop Bar is one nasty application that can severely compromise your computer’s security. It is not malicious itself, but it does promote malicious software downloads that will hijack your browser’s homepage and display unreliable commercial advertisements. Uninstalling all of these infections and potentially unwanted applications is no easy task, since some of them do not want to be removed. However, we have included a manual removal guide that will help your get rid of Desktop Bar and the programs it promotes.

How to remove Desktop Bar and its promoted programs

Windows 10

1. Press Win+X and go to Programs and Features.
2. Find the unwanted programs, right-click on them, and click Uninstall.

Windows 8 and 8.1

1. Move the mouse pointer to the lower left corner of the screen and open the Start Screen.
2. Type Uninstall in the search box and select Settings.
3. In the search results, click Uninstall a program.
4. Find the undesirable software and click Uninstall.

Windows 7 and Vista

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Select Control Panel and click Uninstall a program.
3. Find the programs and right-click on them.
4. Click Uninstall.

Windows XP

1. Open the Start menu and select Control Panel.
2. Click Add or Remove Programs.
3. Find the unreliable software and click Remove.

Fix the changes made to the Brower’s Target line

1. Right-click on your browser’s desktop shortcut.
2. Select Properties and go to the Shortcut tab.
3. Delete the search engine address from the Target line.
4. Click OK.

Remove the unreliable browser add-ons and set a new homepage

Mozilla Firefox

1. Simultaneously press Ctrl+Shift+A.
2. Go to Extensions and Remove the add-ons.
3. Then press Alt+T and click Options.
4. Enter a new homepage address.

Microsoft Internet Explorer

1. Simultaneously press Alt+X.
2. Select Manage Add-ons.
3. Click Toolbars and Extensions.
4. Remove the extensions.
5. Click Close.
6. Then press Alt+T and click Internet Options.
7. Type a new homepage address.
8. Click OK.

Google Chrome

1. Simultaneously press Alt+F.
2. Click More tools and select Extensions and Remove the add-ons.
3. Press Alt+F again.
4. Locate the On Startup list and select Set pages.
5. Type a new homepage address.
6. Click OK.