Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Geek Speak => Topic started by: syhprum on 14/12/2011 06:44:40

Title: What is MindSpark, how did it get onto my computer and how do I remove it?
Post by: syhprum on 14/12/2011 06:44:40

MindSpark seems to have snuk onto my computer uninvited but it is not listed under features and programs I only noticed when I looked at configurations boot.
How can I control it I can stop it booting up but would like more control.
I have TuneUp by it is not listed there.

Title: Re: What is MindSpark, how did it get onto my computer and how do I remove it?
Post by: Geezer on 14/12/2011 07:24:17

Sounds like adware, or worse. Get the free Hijackthis ONLY FROM THE TREND WEBSITE and do a scan.

Title: Re: What is MindSpark, how did it get onto my computer and how do I remove it?
Post by: CliffordK on 14/12/2011 07:46:49

A search of the web indicates that MindSpark appears to be a legit company...  but it is a bit ambiguous.

I'd try your add/remove programs control panel and see if it can be normally uninstalled. 
You could also look at your internet explorer addons and extensions.

If that doesn't help.  You can start with the automated spyware companies.

Adaware
www.lavasoftusa.com

Spybot
www.safer-networking.org

They both should have FREE antispyware options. 

Hijackthis
is like going after a fruit fly with a sledge hammer..  sometimes it is necessary though.

Title: Re: What is MindSpark, how did it get onto my computer and how do I remove it?
Post by: RD on 14/12/2011 07:49:01

If it's an unwanted toolbar in IE the easiest way to get rid is to do a system restore (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_restore) to a date before it was foisted upon you.

Quote

Some toolbars won't show up on the "Add and Remove Programs" dialog, as they are installed as part of other applications under a different name.

http://www.ehow.com/how_5066650_remove-unwanted-toolbar.html

Title: Re: What is MindSpark, how did it get onto my computer and how do I remove it?
Post by: Geezer on 14/12/2011 08:42:20

Quote from: CliffordK on 14/12/2011 07:46:49

Hijackthis
is like going after a fruit fly with a sledge hammer..  sometimes it is necessary though.

I had something similar going on, and Hijackthis was the only thing that was any use. I ended up blitzing the registry [:D] It was either that or a system restore.

Title: Re: What is MindSpark, how did it get onto my computer and how do I remove it?
Post by: syhprum on 23/12/2011 19:40:27

I eventualy won the battle with MindSpark, I loaded a copy of "Advanced system Care" which seems to be a real good maintaince suite of programs that got rid of it.

Title: Re: What is MindSpark, how did it get onto my computer and how do I remove it?
Post by: merv on 11/06/2013 21:31:33

MindSpark seems to have snuk onto my computer uninvited but it is not listed under features and programs I only noticed when I looked at configurations boot.
How can I control it I can stop it booting up but would like more control.
I have TuneUp by it is not listed there.
Reply:
I realise this is an old post, but Tuneup Utilities is useful for cleaning up and optimizing your PC, supplied on a "try before you buy" basis. The popup reminders can be annoying, but you might not want to uninstall it. Like any similar software you can disable it from starting each time you boot up by clicking START then type msconfig, and select the Startup tab. Uncheck the box beside the Mindspark entries (and any others you don't want to load at startup). You can then run the offending program only when YOU want to.