Remove Spyware: How to Uninstall Gator Adware
A Step-by-Step Tutorial to Remove the Gator Plug-in
Aug 16, 2008
Gator is a free, web plug-in that is developed by the Gator Advertising Information Network (GAIN) software system. It is designed to automatically fill out online forms and manage your passwords. One of the applications that comes packaged with Gator applications is Gator eWallet, which tracks data such as credit card information that you enter into online forms, so as to auto-fill the forms for you later.
Why Uninstall Gator?
While both these applications can be very useful, they do track and collect extensive information on your Internet activity and online buying habits, sending it to information databases. It is this hidden feature that qualifies both applications as spyware. It is also a good reason to consider the need to remove spyware like Gator to protect your online privacy. Gator can also install other software without your authorization, as well as using up valuable system resources, which can degrade performance.
This tutorial will walk you through the steps to remove Gator spyware from your computer. Even after you uninstall Gator, you will, more than likely, still have other GAIN (Gator Advertiser Information Network) spyware installed. The second section below will show you how to uninstall any other GAIN spyware as well.
How to Uninstall Gator Adware
*Right-click on the Gator icon that is in the system tray, which is located at the bottom, right-hand corner of your screen. Click Exit in the menu that opens.
*Click on your Start button, located at the bottom-left corner of the desktop. Click on Control Panel. (Depending on your operating system, you may need to click Settings first before you click on Control Panel).
*In the Control Panel, double-click on the icon that's labeled Add/Remove Programs. This opens the Add/Remove Programs window, which lists programs installed on your PC.
*Scroll down to look for the Gator entry. Click on the entry to highlight it. Click on the Add/Remove button.
*Follow the on-screen prompts to go through and complete the uninstall wizard. Be sure to put a check for the option labeled Delete User Information. This will ensure thatany of your user information – such as e-Wallet data - which is recorded in the registry will be deleted.
*Reboot your computer once you complete the un-install wizard. While Gator may be un-installed, it tends to leave behind some files. For this reason, it is important to run your anti-spyware program after you follow these steps.
TIPS
*Gator recently changed its name to Claria, and both terms are used interchangeably.
*If you rely on the automated feature of Gator, RoboForm has been recommended as an effective replacement for this spyware application. Roboform similarly saves and autofills passwords, online forms and log-in information.
