Removing Sparklebox Toolbar

[SimpleSi]

Is there an easy to run script/tool that can automatically remove the sparklebox toolbar?

 

And if there was a nice script that could check if the default page was their search page and revert it to plan google (but leave it alone if on some other default page) that would be very nice.

 

regards

 

Simon

[russdev]

Some details here

 

How to Completely Remove Sparklebox Toolbar Mike McSharry

[SimpleSi]

That's a lot of work

 

regards

 

Simon

[Michael]

Hello all,

 

I suspect this'll soon be in high demand, so I have created a Logistix Sparklebox Remover. It comes in MSI format and is ready to deploy to your network!

 

Facts -

- Tested on XP SP3 with IE8 installed

- Comes in MSI format

- The contents of C:\Program Files\Sparklebox will be deleted. Only the folder Sparklebox will remain

- Sparklebox Toolbar entry within Add or Remove Programs will remain. When highlighted manually you'll be prompted to remove it from the list

- The IE Add-ons will be deleted

- Google will be set as the hompage when done!

 

In a network environment the domain(s) should be blocked using the appropriate filtering software. Alternatively (on standalones) edit the hosts file within: C:\Windows\system32\drivers\etc

 

127.0.0.1	sparklebox.co.uk
127.0.0.1	www.sparklebox.co.uk
127.0.0.1	sparklebox2.co.uk
127.0.0.1	www.sparklebox2.co.uk

 

I'm aware there's also a FF version and I am currently looking at this. Watch this space!

[SimpleSi]

Thanks Mike - could you provide a direct link please?

 

regards

 

Simon

[Sylv3r]

Thanks Mike - could you provide a direct link please?

 

regards

 

Simon

 

Sparklebox Remover

[Michael]

Here's a more direct download link

 

I've had a look at Firefox and so far the easiest method is to delete folders within the user profile:

C:\Documents and Settings\%USERPROFILE%\Application Data\Mozilla

C:\Documents and Settings\%USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Application Data\Mozilla

 

You could in theory script this for multiple profiles. For everyone's reference, the Mozilla Firefox 3.5.7 Logistix is immune from having this toolbar installed in the first place.

 

There are methods to install extensions silently (as follows):

 

"C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe" -install-global-extension filename.xpi

 

However there doesn't appear to be an uninstall equivalent, unless anyone knows better?

[SimpleSi]

Also, any chance of incorporating my request to leave the home page alone if its not sparklebox?

(or failing that - making the default page a configurable parameter?)

 

regards

 

Simon

[Michael]

Also, any chance of incorporating my request to leave the home page alone if its not sparklebox?

 

After you've extracted the files, open the reg file: Sparklebox Remover.REG. Edit the 4th line down from Google to whatever you like. In a network environment GPOs *should* in theory overwrite the homepage.

[Michael]

For everyone's reference (I forgot to mention) if you're testing over and over on the same machine, right click the Sparklebox Remover.msi, choose Uninstall, then choose Install again otherwise it won't work as intended.

[gotenks1321]

Is anyone else having trouble downloading the toolbar remover? All I get is an empty .zip file That coupled with the fact the removal instructions are blocked here as a Social Networking site means i'm a little stumped

[mwnci]

I'm having the same problem. The zip file is empty:(

[SimpleSi]

Same with me - I did download it sucessfully last week at another school buts its showing 0 file length today

 

regards

 

Simon

[Michael]

Apologies everyone, you're all absolutely right, but I am happy to inform you it's back online now. Many thanks!

 

Don't you just love IT when things go wrong!

[gotenks1321]

Apologies everyone, you're all absolutely right, but I am happy to inform you it's back online now. Many thanks!

 

Don't you just love IT when things go wrong!

 

Good man, thankyou very much

[StewartKnight]

I know the guys a paedo, but I thought that teachers liked the work on his website.

 

Just because you're using his stuff doesn't mean the kids will be snatched by a paedophile gang or that you'll suddenly become 'infected'!

 

I just don't get this mass hysteria!

... or am I missing something?

[SimpleSi]

... or am I missing something?

 

To my mind - its the thought of a convicted sex offender profitting (via advertising revenue) from people in primary education that does it for me.

 

regards

 

Simon

[StewartKnight]

That is a good point Si, but I still feel it's a little OTT

 

isn't he in prison??

 

perhaps someone should take over the website or the resources

[GrumbleDook]

There are other issues that have not yet been addresses. The lack of registration for data protection being one of them and links into un-moderated chat being another.

 

CEOP have said that whilst the site is not a risk due to Mr Kinge it is now down to each RBC / LA. We are presently reviewing.

[IrritableTech]

There are other issues that have not yet been addresses. The lack of registration for data protection being one of them and links into un-moderated chat being another.

 

CEOP have said that whilst the site is not a risk due to Mr Kinge it is now down to each RBC / LA. We are presently reviewing.

 

Wasn't there an issue with an 'unknown payload' in the toolbar? Does anyone know if this is still the case, or found out what the payload was?

[LeMarchand]

Just because you're using his stuff doesn't mean the kids will be snatched by a paedophile gang or that you'll suddenly become 'infected'!

 

There's the whole "fruit from the poisoned tree" angle as well as the aforementioned contribution to Kinge's bank balance. If the story about "a relative" taking over is true, do we really believe that Kinge won't be involved or getting a cut?

[CHR1S]

The move to a toolbar roused my suspicion especially after I contacted them to see if we could pay for a subscription instead of dodgy downloads and never got a reply. Blessing in disguise for me, shame tho because the resourcs were pretty decent.

[timzim]

@CHR1S

 

Not sure your footnote 'blanket' suggestion is a good one. I tried but it went cold very quickly and all got a bit smelly...

[mattpayne]

Cheers for the tool, I dont suppose you fancy creating another with gets rid of the Sparklebox KS2 toolbar as well?

[Michael]

I dont suppose you fancy creating another with gets rid of the Sparklebox KS2 toolbar as well?

 

If there are slight Toolbar variables I'll check it out. I presume then there's a KS1, KS2 and possibly even a KS3 version too?