Introduction
AOL Toolbar is a browser add-on that can sometimes be installed without your consent, especially when bundled with other software. While it may seem useful for some users, many find it intrusive and prefer to remove it completely. However, AOL Toolbar has a tendency to reinstall itself, which can be frustrating. This guide will help you ensure that AOL Toolbar does not reinstall itself after you have removed it.
Why AOL Toolbar Reinstalls Itself
AOL Toolbar often installs multiple components across different locations on your computer, including browser extensions, registry entries, and additional programs. These components can be scattered, making it challenging to remove them completely. Additionally, the toolbar may modify browser settings, making it more persistent.
Detailed Solutions
1. Uninstall AOL Toolbar Completely
Success Rate: 80%
The first step to prevent AOL Toolbar from reinstalling is to ensure it is completely uninstalled from your system.
Steps:
- Open the Start menu and go to Settings > Apps > Apps & Features.
- Locate the AOL Toolbar and any related programs in the list.
- Click on the program and select Uninstall.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
2. Remove from Browser Settings
Success Rate: 75%
Even after uninstalling from the Control Panel, the toolbar may still appear in your browser. You need to remove it from the browser settings.
Steps for Google Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome.
- Click on the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner and select More Tools > Extensions.
- Find the AOL Toolbar in the list of extensions.
- Click the Remove button next to the toolbar and confirm the action.
Steps for Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Mozilla Firefox.
- Click on the Firefox menu in the top-right corner and select Add-ons.
- Click on Extensions and remove the AOL Toolbar.
Steps for Internet Explorer:
- Open Internet Explorer.
- Click on the gear icon in the top-right corner and select Internet Options.
- On the General tab, delete the AOL-related homepage and set your preferred homepage.
- Go to Tools > Manage Add-ons and disable all AOL-related entries.
3. Use Perfect Uninstaller for Complete Removal
Success Rate: 90%
For more stubborn components that resist standard uninstallation methods, using a specialized tool like Perfect Uninstaller can be highly effective. Perfect Uninstaller is designed to remove even the most persistent software by scanning and deleting all related files and registry entries.
Steps:
- Download and install Perfect Uninstaller from a trusted source.
- Launch the program and run a scan for installed applications.
- Select AOL Toolbar or any related entries from the scan results.
- Click Uninstall and follow the prompts to remove all traces of the toolbar.
4. Prevent Reinstallation
Success Rate: 90%
To prevent AOL Toolbar from reinstalling itself, you need to take additional steps to ensure it does not reappear.
Steps:
- Disable Browser Extensions:
- Ensure that all AOL-related extensions are disabled in your browser settings. This prevents the toolbar from automatically reinstalling when you restart your browser.
- Change Browser Settings:
- Set your preferred homepage and default search engine to prevent AOL from modifying these settings.
- Use Security Software:
- Install and use reputable security software to detect and block any attempts to reinstall the toolbar.
- Be Cautious with Software Installations:
- When installing new software, always choose the “Custom” or “Advanced” installation options and uncheck any bundled software that you do not want.
Summary
To ensure that AOL Toolbar does not reinstall itself, follow these steps:
- Uninstall the toolbar completely using the Windows Control Panel.
- Remove any remaining browser extensions from your browser settings.
- Use Perfect Uninstaller to scan for and remove any residual files and registry entries.
- Disable browser extensions, change browser settings, and use security software to prevent reinstallation.
By following these steps, you can ensure a complete and thorough removal of the AOL Toolbar from your system and prevent it from reinstalling itself. If you encounter any issues during the process, consider using Perfect Uninstaller for a hassle-free experience.
Tip: Always back up your system before making changes to the registry or using third-party uninstallers.
Note: For a comprehensive solution, consider using Perfect Uninstaller to ensure all components are removed.