Category: Windows
by Dennis Faas, infopackets editor
http://www.infopackets.com
Dear Dennis,
I have a program called Bargain
Buddy installed on my computer, and I don't know where it came
from!
I'm not sure, but I think it's Spyware. When I tried to uninstall
it, it refuses to uninstall and gives me error messages saying that I should
make sure that the disk isn't full (which it isn't). It also asked me to
make sure that the disk is not write protected and to make sure that the
program is not actively in use.
I'm confused!
Can you please help me?
Thanks!
PS: Keep up the good work on the
newsletter!
- Lavandran R.
My Response:
Personally, I'd like to take Bargain Buddy and his cousin Bonzi Buddy and
shoot them both with the Yamato Ray Gun!
Anyway --
According to
safersite,
Bargain Buddy is indeed Adware, which contains Spyware components:
" It brings
targeted ads to your computer, after you provide initial consent for this
task. It may track your browsing habits and report this info to a
central ad server. "
Basically, it watches what you type into search
engines and then whammies you with an advertisement, applicable to what
you're searching for.
How nice.
To remove the Bargain Buddy adware / scumware / spyware:
Run
Scandisk on your hard drive to make sure there aren't any errors, which
might be why you're getting those error messages and why Bargain Buddy isn't
uninstalling. When that's complete, proceed to uninstall Bargain
Buddy:
- Exit the Bargain Buddy from your Tray Bar, if it is present.
- Press CTRL + ALT + DEL to remove the Bargain Buddy from your task
manager (if it is present).
- Proceed to Start -> Control Panel -> Add / Remove Programs, and remove
Bargain Buddy.
- If the uninstall for Bargain Buddy isn't present in the Add / Remove
Programs Window, the Uninstaller may be listed in your Program Files
(accessible from the Start Menu).
- If you can't uninstall it, try using Adaware to remove it. You should
also use Adaware to scan your system on a regular basis for other
bottom-of-the-barrel scum-sucking ad software.
http://www.lavasoftusa.com
- Double-check that the Bargain Buddy has been removed from your system
by downloading jv16 power tools and manually remove any Bargain
Buddy-based components from your registry.
http://www.jv16.org
Manual removal for bargain buddy -- should none of what I suggested
work for you (and why wouldn't it?) is available
here,
if you want to read up on the techie details.
