Programs forcing install of Ask Toolbar

This is a new discussion thread for programs forcing install of Ask Toolbar.

The first, I will post here.

Nero BurnLite 10, now has a forcing install of Ask Toolbar (Nero Toolbar).

Screen shot of set up:



I have contacted Nero support about this, and they have noted this issue.

I am planning to contact technical support, as advised by the first Nero support staff member I emailed.

Last edited by Dr Jay on 30th March 2017, 8:35 pm; edited 1 time in total

They actually force users to install the Ask Toolbar now? Geez.

Nero 9 Reloaded and Back it up and burn does the same thing.

I sent the message to Nero Tech Support. Let's see what they say.

From what I've heard is that it needs to be checked in order to get cash. But I think nero does good on it's own. All about the mighty dollar.

I too was surprised to see Nero doing this.. Although it can well be installed w/o the toolbar by a little trick..

I blocked it with KIS.

I actually got a prompt to Allow or Block "asktoolbar.msi" from installing, and I clicked Block Now twice.

DragonMaster Jay wrote:

I blocked it with KIS.

I actually got a prompt to Allow or Block "asktoolbar.msi" from installing, and I clicked Block Now twice.

Hmmmmmm, i did it the manual way.. ;)

Share the info, if it is valuable.

Not everyone likes Ask Toolbar.

Here or in a new thread???

Here. Lol.

Ok. Its easy. Following are the steps:

1.Run Nero setup.
2.After it completes extracting the required files to the temp folder, it displays InstallShield Wizard, just press the Cancel button.
3.Now go to the temp folder, press win+R, type "%temp%" (without the quotes) an browse to NERO20100709115641857 or alike folder.
4.Open the folder an sroll down to the bottom, there'll be a file named ''setup.ini", double-click it or right click and select 'Edit' from th context menu.
5. Th file will open in notepad. Scroll to the bottom an under [ISSetupPrerequisites], delete the 6th entry "PreReq5= Ask Toolbar.prq” and save the file.
6.Now run the Nero setup file (the .exe file and not the .msi) from the temp folder. Follow the instructions. It'll ask for reboot. Reboot.
Note:- Pls dont clear the Temp folder now. We'll need it later.
7.Rebooted, no? ok. Now go to the temp folder again and re-run th nero setup file. It'll continue the installation. When done, click 'Finish'.

All done. Enjoy Nero w/o any stinkin' toolbar. You may now clear your temp folder as per your desire...

Hmmm. Why do all those steps when it's easier to uncheck it?

PHANTOM X-GI wrote:

Hmmm. Why do all those steps when it's easier to uncheck it?

What do you mean...? The 'Install toolbar. . . .' box is pre-checked. You cant un-check it.

Just the run the installation and uncheck the option to install the toolbar.

Oh, never mind. I have Nero 9 which doesn't force you. Misunderstood most of this. Thought it was just having it prechecked, but not locked.

Nero support takes the *easy* way out, proving adware is in play:

Nero Support wrote:

"Generally you can choose custom install to decide either install Ask Toolbar or not.

For the Nero Burn Lite version,Nero Technical Support is not available for free products such as the Nero BurnLite 10 Lite.

So if it force you to install the Ask Toolbar,after the installation successed,you can try to go to Control Panel and remove the program in "uninstall a program" manually.

But, Nero already earns their $1 after the toolbar is installed. It does not matter if I uninstall it or not. I did not want them making a profit of installing Ask Toolbar. That is an adware tactic.

Indeed. Won't recommend them. Good software, but without trust it doesn't matter.

I would say not to recommend their free product, BurnLite. Otherwise, their paid versions of products are trustworthy.

Ask ToolBar on Nero? Sheesh. Nero already has big bucks.. Why that C___ ToolBar? I like the older versions.. It does the same thing. Just a few more "Awesome looking" things are added to the latest versions. But Ask TB? Really a lame move my the Nero company

Exactly. Nero does fantastic on their own. But really why the extra money? Are they in doubt they aren't doing well? Or is it just greed? Who knows. Another good company falls victim to malware.

Ask.com makes agreements with tons of companies to distribute the toolbar. With every install, a component in the install reports back to the server the ID number in the install that relates directly to the company, and after it is installed, it is registered.

Once it is registered, the affiliate makes $1 per install.

At any time, a company may instruct its product to check and see if Ask Toolbar is installed, then tell the user a priority update is available. The user would download and install the update and get the same prompt for Ask Toolbar. The product update will only overwrite the current install of the product. The whole point for the update would be to make sure the users without the toolbar get the toolbar.

It is rather dirty to do this type of stuff, but think if the company had a million installs on its product? That is 1 million US-dollars. So, they are not just making chump-change, or some kind of greed. It is simply to distribute Ask.com products.

The founder of Ask.com is also a co-founder of a venture capital firm, Alta Partners.

DragonMaster Jay wrote:

At any time, a company may instruct its product to check and see if Ask Toolbar is installed, then tell the user a priority update is available. The user would download and install the update and get the same prompt for Ask Toolbar. The product update will only overwrite the current install of the product. The whole point for the update would be to make sure the users without the toolbar get the toolbar.

It is rather dirty to do this type of stuff, but think if the company had a million installs on its product? That is 1 million US-dollars. So, they are not just making chump-change, or some kind of greed. It is simply to distribute Ask.com products.

The founder of Ask.com is also a co-founder of a venture capital firm, Alta Partners.

WOW! Did not know they can do that. That's just devious. Are they clear on that under their ULA? Ether way that just really ticks me off.

May not be greed, but it's still wrong anyway you look at.

Hmm, not sure I'd trust them for investments.

That's horrible! Personaly, I think such things should be illegal. It's sad tht we can't get good products for free anymore without getting some kind of adware or breaking the law. I mean,r eally.

Vanilla coke and fruit rollups - breakfast of GPA students.

Love your signature. How about adding you're a 40 year old living with your mother?

For me it goes


Normal coke or soda water or V and whatever is in the fridge lol - Breakfast for mad056

I'll eat any of the following:

1. Takes under 2 seconds to make

2. It's bad for ya