Do you know what Screen Dream Toolbar is?
Screen Dream Toolbar is a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that is introduced by APN, LLC. However, our research team identifies it as yet another Mindspark Toolbar, and so do not be surprised if this is the name by which the suspicious extension is detected by. It is classified as a potentially unwanted program because although it offers some useable services, it is not completely useful. Also, interacting with this tool could be risky from the virtual security standpoint. Because you are reading this report, we assume that you already have your reasons to remove Screen Dream Toolbar from your operating system. However, if you are still researching this extension, we strongly suggest that you read this report in its entirety. For your convenience, we also present a guide that shows how to delete the PUP manually.
Officially, Screen Dream Toolbar is introduced at screendream.yournewtab.com. At the bottom of this page, you can find links to the PUP’s EULA and Privacy Policy statements. The latter statement discloses that the PUP works hand in hand with undisclosed third-party advertisers, and that some information about you and your interaction with the service can be passed on to these unknown parties. Well, what if they have malicious intentions? What if they use the information against you? Can you trust them to handle and protect your data appropriately? These are the reasons why trusting Screen Dream Toolbar is indeed very risky. If you proceed with the installation of this PUP, you are routed to the Chrome Web Store installer (chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/screen-dream/aiahjphehcooanednilgdbpjnnoldbgl). If you click the ‘Add to Chrome’ button, you are informed that the PUP can replace your browser’s New Tab page, read your browsing history, and also manage other apps, add-ons, and themes.
Once installed, Screen Dream Toolbar takes over the New Tab page, and you are introduced to an array of third-party links. At the top, you are presented with links to sites that offer Featured Trailers, Movie Genres, Opening this Week, News, Awards, and Reviews. In the center of the page, you can find a search dialog box and a bunch of additional links, which route to Google Mail, Facebook, eBay, Amazon, Walmart, and other popular websites. These links are legitimate, and they are used as a distraction. This makes Screen Dream Toolbar seem like a legitimately useful tool. However, the search dialog box is actually the main attraction here. When you enter keywords into the box, you are redirected to a third-party search engine, search.mysearch.com. You certainly can find what you are looking for via this engine, but you also can find ads, sponsored content, and unpredictable links too. Furthermore, when you use this tool, all interaction data is collected and analyzed. This is why most users choose to delete this PUP.
Screen Dream Toolbar screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
Do you want to delete Screen Dream Toolbar? If this is your choice – and we support it – you can follow the instructions bellow. They explain how to remove the unwanted extension from Google Chrome, as well as how to clear browsing data to eliminate data-tracking cookies. Obviously, if you find that you need to delete the PUP from a different browser, you should let us know in the comments section. We will add the instructions you need immediately. Manual removal, however, is not the only option you should consider. If the PUP was downloaded along with something else, or if malware and unwanted programs existed before the installation of the extension, it really might be best to implement legitimate anti-malware software. It would remove Screen Dream Toolbar and all other threats automatically.
Remove Screen Dream Toolbar
- Open Google Chrome and tap Alt and F keys together.
- In the Chrome menu on the right, click More tools.
- Click Extensions and then Remove the undesirable extension.
- Repeat steps 1-2 and then click Clear browsing data.
- Go to the Advanced menu and select the desired time range and boxes.
- Click Clear data and then restart your browser.
In non-techie terms:
Screen Dream Toolbar might sound like a useful tool at first, but when you install it, you should realize quickly that all it can offer is links to third-party websites and a questionable search tool. If this is not what you wanted when installing this extension, we are sure that you want to remove it. The good news is that deleting Screen Dream Toolbar is a fairly simple task, and you should be able to handle it on your own. Of course, if there are other PUPs or even malicious threats around (install a malware scanner to figure out), it is best to employ anti-malware software. It can automatically remove all threats and, at the same time, reinforce overall security.