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How do I remove an add-on that won't go away

  • 2 replies
  • 8 have this problem
  • 3 views
  • Last reply by TKOP

TKOP
TKOP
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When I downloaded a file it installed the "HotSpot Shield Helper" Add-On to my Firefox browser. I did not and do not want this add-on. I spoke with the company (Anchor Free) and they said to uninstall it with my "Add/Remove Programs" option in Windows 7. I explained to them that this does not work since the add-on is not a program, but an add-on to Firefox. They never replied after that.

I have disabled the add-on but I am trying to get rid of it altogether. I tried to manually remove it, but the Troubleshooter in Firefox gives it the ID #afurladvisor@anchorfree.com, but there is no file in the profile named that. that being an email address.

Seems an awful lot like a virus of some kind to me, but none of the virus removers seem to think it is.

When I downloaded a file it installed the "HotSpot Shield Helper" Add-On to my Firefox browser. I did not and do not want this add-on. I spoke with the company (Anchor Free) and they said to uninstall it with my "Add/Remove Programs" option in Windows 7. I explained to them that this does not work since the add-on is not a program, but an add-on to Firefox. They never replied after that. I have disabled the add-on but I am trying to get rid of it altogether. I tried to manually remove it, but the Troubleshooter in Firefox gives it the ID #afurladvisor@anchorfree.com, but there is no file in the profile named that. that being an email address. Seems an awful lot like a virus of some kind to me, but none of the virus removers seem to think it is.

All Replies (2)

cor-el
cor-el
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  • Top 10 Contributor
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See

Extensions that do not have a "Remove" button are installed by other software and are not under control of the Firefox extension manager.
Such globally installed extensions are usually found via a registry scan or are installed in a location that Firefox scans for installed extensions.

TKOP
TKOP Question owner
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I searched those keys in my registry and I did not see the add-on.