Adware.Hotbar

Adware.Hotbar is an example of an Adware application.

This software is not to be mistaken with a virus or a Trojan application, Adware.Hotbar is regarded by many experts as a \"potentially unwanted program\".

PUPs are applications that a security, or privacy-minded computer user may want to be informed of and, in most instances, may feel the need to remove.

PUPs are often made by a legitimate corporate entity for some beneficial purpose, but they alter the security state of the computer on which they are installed, and may even compromise the privacy of the infected system.

Adware.Hotbar is a program that facilitates the delivery of advertising content to the system user and in some cases may gather information from the user\'s computer, including information related to Internet browser usage and other computer habits.

Adware.Hotbar may monopolize the computer system’s resources and is largely responsible for the countless pop-up advertisements the user will be bombarded with.

Adware.Hotbar is often bundled with or embedded within freeware programs like such as clocks, messengers, alerts, weather, and so on.

To avoid any unneeded risks of damage to your computer system, it is highly recommended to make use of a reliable and legitimate anti-spyware application, to remove Adware.Hotbar and all its components from the infected computer system.

Also referred to as Adware.HotBar.bt, this software is a malicious adware application that tends to be distributed by the infected website affiliated with it.

Once a computer user visits the dubious website, they are prompted to install an ActiveX plug-in, which will give the adware parasite permission to install onto the user’s computer.

Once the Adware.Hotbar adware program is installed it will start to display very intrusive pop-up messages and advertisements. The pop-up messages may take up all of the available workspace on a users screen, rendering their computer useless for several moments.

Unfortunately, the end-user typically has no knowledge of the presence of adware ... until things start to go wrong. 

Although this type of program is not always malicious, it has been known to perform suspicious activity such as monitoring the user’s internet behavior, forwarding that along (with information regarding the other programs on your computer) to third-party sources. 

The main focus of adware is to display targeted advertisements based on your personal interest.  These types of advertisments typically pop-up from every direction, often leading to spam emails and terrible system performance.

If your computer has been infected with this malicious software, it is recommended that you remove it immediately.  You can begin by following the steps provided below to terminate the process:

Step 1:
Open the Windows Task Manager by simultaneously pressing the buttons \"CTRL\", \"ALT\", DEL\" or \"CTRL\", \"SHIFT\", \"ESC\".

Step 2:
Click the \"Processes\" tab on the Task Manager

Step 3:
Type in Adware.Hotbar to search for the adware

Step 4:
When the adware process is displayed, highlight it and click the \"End Process\" tab, which should terminate all activity.  From there you can delete the process file:  okcashbackmallSetup.exe

These steps enable you to obtain brief control of the situation and work on a solution.  Your next step is to remove this adware from your system in the \"Add/Remove programs\" utility. 

While it has been known to work, there is a good chance that Adware.Hotbar may completely restore itself because of a multiple infection.  In this instance you can attempt to remove it from the Windows registry or with the aid of an anti-spyware program. 

You will need to consult an expert for step-by-step instructions on how to do just that – to ensure the virus is eradicated completely.

Remember, this application needs to be eradicated immediately!