Uninstalling FreeMake Issues

Hello, I recently installed freemake a video downloading program. After a couple days I decided to uninstall it and that’s where the trouble began. After starting the uninstall process several pop-ups warned me that some files where shared with other programs and may mess them up if I remove them. So I started searching the file names and after the first one I ignored all the others and went with the (yes to all) option to delete them all. My issue now is what files did it leave behind and did I potentially remove a windows system file? The only other program I know it left behind was winpcap 4.1.2 I had to uninstall that one separately & id3lib.dll because I thought it was something to do with windows and kept it.

So if anybody out there with 8.1 knows how to completely remove this let me know or if someone has some time to waste would you install freemake video downloader and uninstall it? Let me know if I removed something vital to windows operating systems? Also what do I need to do to find and remove id3lib.dll manually?

Windows 8.1 64bit & Google Chrome

Freemaker video downloader is a program categorized as potential malware in the browser hijacker and spyware category and should be treated as such.

Disable or remove any add-ons of Freemaker in your browser.

Uninstall it from the control panel or use revo uninstaller

Download and run a full scan with Malwarebytes (Free)

https://www.malwarebytes.org/

Nuccii said:

Freemaker video downloader is a program categorized as potential malware in the browser hijacker and spyware category and should be treated as such.

Disable or remove any add-ons of Freemaker in your browser.

Uninstall it from the control panel or use revo uninstaller

Download and run a full scan with Malwarebytes (Free)

https://www.malwarebytes.org/

Click to expand...

Yeah that's why I removed it, its more spyware than malware. I'm using superantispyware last time I ran Malwarebytes on a computer with superantispyware it removed superantispyware as well.

I wouldn't use both of them as real time, either one or the other. Its ok to use them both as on demand, or one real time and one not. If you are looking for real time malware protection, mbam pro is a fantastic choice.

I used a Freemake program in a Software Installation course I ran for a 'newbies' 50+ age group.
I chose it to show them the dangers of blindly saying OK to every screen that came up.
If they didn't take care they'd find they'd installed all sorts of 'unwanted extras'.

So yes, Freemake programs may be flagged as having a potentially unwanted malware component but by keeping alert during their installation there shouldn't be a problem.

Because the file id3lib.dll appears in the Freemake folder itself we can assume it's not a Windows system file.

Your screenshot shows where it's located.
Just go to C: Program Files (x86) and delete the Freemake folder in there. That will get rid of it.

Thank You DaddyG!! I found the folder and erased it had a bunch of stuff still in it! Also I did try to install it without the spyware components it wouldn't install without them they were a packaged deal. :shock:

I was a bit concerned when you said it was a 'package deal' so I've just finished installing and uninstalling it in a VM to see what happens.

I downloaded it from Softpedia and they highlighted the following ...

Users are advised to pay attention while installing this ad-supported application:

Offers to change the homepage for web browsers installed in the system
Offers to change the default search engine for web browsers installed in the system
Offers to download or install software or components (Facemoods Toolbar) that the program does not require to fully function

I always advise to choose CUSTOM install so you get the option to refuse such offers.

The program installed some plugins into my Firefox browser and also installed a folder called WinPcap.

Anyway I uninstalled the program. During the uninstall it asked if I wanted to kept a number of files.
You'll be pleased to know that they were all installed by Freemake itself so were not Windows system files.
I told Freemake I didn't want to keep them so it deleted them all.
It said some files needed to be deleted manually. That was the actual Freemake folder and it's contents.
I then went to Programs and Features and deleted WinPcap.

So it turns out you actually did very well and can now sleep easy.

It's probably not a bad program actually.

Thanks for all your help :thumb:

I downloaded from freemake website it self didn't get any of the offers you got, it comes bundled with PureLeads ad-ware no way around it that I noticed.

Freemake Downloads | Download Video Converter | Download Video Downloader | Download Audio Converter | Download Free Music Box the third one in the list.

I don't think it's a bad program either its just that for what I wanted to do I really didn't need to install it.