Question: When it comes to computers, I really don’t know too much, so please don’t ask why I did the following on my own…
Anyhow, I had hotbar on my computer. I don’t remember installing it or asking for it so I ran an AdAware check and found it then I deleted it. I then went into add/remove program and deleted “windows tools for hotbar”. Do I need this program and if so how do I get it back? Did I do everything needed to remove this program? WindowsME is my operating system.
– Amie Houchins
Carey’s Answer:
I get similar questions like this a lot. “Do I need this program?”
The answer I give is that if Windows is working like it should and you don’t notice anything missing, then the answer is no.
Hotbar is an add-on to Windows which is spyware. If you find having the Hotbar as beneficial and don’t mind having your Internet usage tracked in exchange for the software, simply re-download and re-install it from www.hotbar.com. Otherwise, consider it good riddance and ease your worries.
Thanks for writing!
Carey
Carey Holzman owns and operates Discount Computer Repair (602-527-9723) in Phoenix, Arizona, where he offers repairs, upgrades, custom built PCs and network wiring at highly competitive pricing. His networking tips have appeared in David Strom’s book, The Home Networking Survival Guide (McGraw/Hill), and his own book on PC maintenance is currently available at local book stores, amazon.com or directly through him. His free informative web site can be found at http://www.careyholzman.com. Donate $30 to help maintain his site and you’ll get a free autographed copy of his book. Carey can be reached directly at carey@careyholzman.com.
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