Need help to remove Zango?

What is Zango?

Zango is considered dangerous is because it hooks into the operating system.

Zango is a freeware program that gives the user access to free music, videos and games. Zango includes Zango Search Assistant, Zango Toolbar, and Zango Messenger. Of course all of this free stuff comes at a cost - your privacy. Zango is actually a spyware program that is supported by adware that displays pop-up/pop-under advertisements to the user based on their internet surfing habits. In other words, Zango tracks everything you do online and sends you advertising that matches your interests.

How did Zango Spyware get onto my computer?

This is an excerpt from the www.zango.com support website :

There are two ways to get Zango on your computer. First, you can go directly to our website and download it yourself. Second, you can get Zango via one of our partners when you choose to view a video, play a game or download an application from one of their websites. If you're not sure how you got this software on your computer, it's likely that you (or someone else who uses your computer) has downloaded a game or another product, like Zango Messenger, viewed a video or something similar on the Zango site or a partner site. You can only get this software by agreeing to our End User License Agreement, that you are 18 years of age or older, and that you will view advertisements in exchange for free access to content.

In other words it is possible to have Zango installed on your computer without you knowing what you are getting.

Is Zango safe?

No, Zango is not safe; what's more it is considered dangerous. There are several reasons that Zango is considered dangerous:

  • Zango is considered dangerous is because it hooks into the operating system using similar methods to the methods used by key loggers to track user habits on their computer system. These methods can also be used to by hackers to obtain user passwords and secret information stored on their computer.
  • Moreover, when I tested the Zango software they had offered to me a "diner dash" game download. I selected to download the game and the Zango search assistant and toolbar were downloaded and installed; however, the "diner dash" game did not install on my computer. When I returned to their website to try to play the game, it only prompted me to re-download and install the Zango software suite again.
  • Lastly, Zango is dangerous because it hides the adware program on your computer system, as noted by Eweek, "The FTC also charged that Zango deliberately made it difficult to identify, locate and remove the adware once it was installed" (http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,2052998,00.asp).

What are some of the aliases and files associated with Zango spyware?

Zango Search Assistant
ZangoSearchAssistant
Zango Search Assistant
ZangoToolbar
Zango Toolbar
ZangoMessenger
Zango Messenger
{11AE75F2-B1FB-4A68-9713-CE6A5B2971A8}.bin
<DIR> 1
<DIR> 2
<DIR> 4.8.3.0
<DIR> Bin
<DIR> DownLoad
<DIR> dynamic
<DIR> static
<DIR> ZangoOI
<DIR> ZangoOL
<DIR> ZangoToolbar
<DIR>IESkins
<DIR>v3.0
dBenderC.dll
tsd_bg.res
tsd_bg.xip
Uninstall Zango Instructions.lnk
Zango
Zango Customer Support.url
Zango Toolbar
zango.exe
zango.res
zango.xip
zango_gdf.dat
zango_kyf_update.dat
zangoau.dat
zangohook.dll
ZangoToolbar
zbar.log
ZbCoreSrv.dll
ZbHostIE.dll
ZbSrv.exe
ZbToolbar.dll
ZbUninst.exe
ZbWallpaper.dll

How to Remove Zango Spyware.

To remove Zango Toolbar, Zango Search Assistant, or Zango Messaner from your computer start by using the add / remove utility found in the windows control panel. Be aware however, traces of the program are often left behind on your computer. These traces of the program left behind could leave your computer open to subsequent exploits by the Zango program. Removal of these traces often requires modifying the registry and other system file locations. If you are an advanced computer user you should be able to find detailed Zango removal instructions via online search. However, to fully restore your computers integrity and security we strongly recommend that you seek help from the expert technicians at YourTechOnline.com; they can help to restore your computer and permanently remove Zango spyware from your system.

How can I protect my computer from further Zango Infections?

Here are some practical steps you can take in order to avoid having to remove Zango spyware or other nasty programs from you computer in the future:

  • make certain that your internet browser settings are set to a minimum of the default settings or higher (but not too high or you won't get any usability out of the internet)
  • install a router for your hardware firewall protection, you can pick one of these up at a local computer store.
  • install and keep up-to-date a trusted antivirus program and if necessary a trusted software firewall *remember to install only one antivirus and firewall program
  • install a trusted anti-spyware program; such as, Spybot Search and Destroy by Safer Networking or Ad-Aware SE by Lavasoft. Keep them updated and remember to run the scans weekly.