Uninstall Chromium

[iMesutOezilx11]

Hello. I don't know how but I installed Chromium while I was installing another thing. After that I uninstalled Chromium from my computer and they asked me to reset it. But everytime I turn on my PC the Chromium opens automatically. When I close it I can't open it again.

How can I uninstall it completely?

Thanks.

[PhistucK]

Sounds weird, uninstalling should have taken care of that.

Anyway, you can remove its files.

Assuming you are on Windows -

- Press the Windows key in your keyboard and R (or Start menu>Run...).

- Enter "%localappdata%" and click on OK.

- Delete the Chromium folder.

☆PhistucK

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[Jakob Kummerow]

This is the second time within a few days that I've heard of a "Chromium" that can't be uninstalled properly. The Chromium project doesn't even distribute installers to end users. Chromium also doesn't start automatically, and it never gets installed along with some other thing. I have no idea what you mean by "they asked me to reset it", I've never heard of such a thing.

I suspect that some form of malware/scam/whatever is making the rounds that pretends that it's Chromium (maybe it's some modified version). If you still remember how it ended up on your computer (like: what other thing did it come with?), that would be helpful.

If you want trustworthy, official builds, get Chrome at google.com/chrome.

[iMesutOezilx11]

Thanks! I think it worked :)

[PhistucK]

Great - but, please, answer Jacob, as you may have been a victim to malware and any details you can provide may help Google stop this.

☆PhistucK

[arcticbabe2006]

Hi Jakob,

 

I wanted to reply to you because I have the same issue with Chromium and just resolved it finally this morning with PhistucK's solution and restarting and it didn't open. I have Google Chrome, have had it since I bought this laptop a couple of years ago. So i'm not sure where this stems from. I did see in my settings that Chrome was updating automatically and recently about a week or two ago I was noticing this Chromium search engine opening every time I booted up my computer. I uninstalled it, it said it was uninstalled and assumed it was until I started my computer again. Again the search engine opened. I did a search on my computer and couldn't find it so I didn't know how to get rid of it or how I even got it. I changed the Chrome settings to manual updates...and just this morning I found this forum because I started my computer and Chromium popped up....I deleted that folder as PhistucK mentioned, restarted and Chromium DID NOT open so i'm hoping it's gone. I require my computer for work and have security on it..i'm not sure when or how this got on here...but I hope I was able to provide you a little more information? and that it's fully gone from my computer. :)

[arcticbabe2006]

THANK YOU for your post....my laptop was "infected" with this stupid Chromium and I require it for work. I found the folder following the steps you mentioned, deleted it, restarted and Chromium disappeared. I'm hoping it's gone for good. Thank you for your HELP. I did provide some info for Jakob and hope it helps. Thanks again.

[Deb Hook]

PhistucK, thank you so much, your solution worked.  I was driving myself crazy trying to get rid of of it because I had also uninstalled with my control panel and it remained, I removed it in regedit and it remained.  I ran malware, spyware, and it remained.  It wasn't in my program files it was crazy and it would pop up every time I restarted my computer.

Jacob, to answer your question.  I went to my free 4shared account where I had uploaded some tags I had made and put them in a zip file a long time ago.  I went to check out exactly what was in them because they were so old. When I downloaded them they were no longer in a zip file, 4shared had converted them to an exe file and made me download a download program, it was pretty stupid if you ask me.  Anyway, it asked me if I wanted all of this spamware and I of course said no no no no.  But it never asked me if I wanted chromium, it just arrived once it started installing.  I tried to stop it but it was too late.  I never did find my tags :(  But anyway, that is who and where it came from for me.

ondrun

[PhistucK]

This is a good lead. Do you happen to have the download URL of that EXE file in your downloads page (Control + J)?

If so, can you reply to me and Jakob (jkum...@chromium.org) privately with the URL?

Thank you!

☆PhistucK

--

[Joe Peery]

I got this same ordeal directly from the Google download page when I downloaded Chrome just a couple days ago after doing a complete drive wipe and full install of Windows 10. So ya.... Google definitely did it to me, and the URL is https://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/browser/desktop/index.html .

[PhistucK]

First, there is no way Google does it to you. Really. If it were true, they were simply shooting themselves.

Second, I think you are a victim to a man in the middle attack.

Watch out, as anything you are doing online (and maybe locally as well, depending on the extent of the attack) may be monitored or modified.

☆PhistucK

[Joe Peery]

Well, I was able to completely uninstall it with no problems...... and yes, I seriously DID get it from the google chrome download URL. It even asked me if I wanted to install it, which I said no to, but it did anyway. I copied it and sent it to IObitmalware, spybot and malwarebytes just incase, and just got through with the scans with no hits..... (fingers crossed) I seem to be clean. Any suggestions I can take to avoid this in the future, I will take with a big thanks! 

[PhistucK]

What asked you? The page (clicking on "Accept and Install" or dismissing by closing the tab or clicking on the X button or Escape), or the installer?

If the former, it might just have been a (weird) bug. If the latter, I think you are being attacked, because the installer never asks anything - it just installs Chrome without any question.

And even if you got it from a Google URL, when you are a victim to a man in the middle attack, the URL does not matter, as the attacker can modify its content anyway.

☆PhistucK

[Joe Peery]

Yes, it was the installer, no I did not X out or escape, I just declined it and it went on with the chrome install. After, I had chromium also. If someone is attacking me, they wont get much, as I have nothing on this computer and am probably going to give it to my grandson for his homework.

[PhistucK]

They may not get much, but the computer can just die at any time, be used for malware distribution, waste bandwidth or CPU (and then everything is slow), show porn and many other stuff. You never want to have an exploited system. And you probably have one. :(

☆PhistucK

[Joe Peery]

Hmmmmm.... well all scans are negative. All I can do is keep up with the malware/virus updates and scan the crap outta it. Thanks.

[PhistucK]

Note that a man in the middle attack is not necessarily working at a device level - it could be your router, your modem, your WiFi provider, your internet service provider and so on.

☆PhistucK

[ZDZee]

I had the same problem, chromium remains despite uninstall. I believe that it installed along with  yahoo browser page in the process of installation of a free software for disk wipe - even though I unchecked and opted out of these installations.

[Handyman60]

Hey PhistucK,
I find it concerning that you assume that this can't be Google's fault because...They are Google.
Yes, it is possible that ALL of these instances (and mine) are the result of some man in the middle attack but it is also possible that Google has an error in their Chrome installer/updater.
To disregard that possibility without investigating it is irresponsible and poor troubleshooting technique.
Also, the man in the middle can be anywhere between the two ends which could put it significantly closer to Google than us end users.

[PhistucK]

A bug could always exist in an edge case, of course. But this sounds like a pretty deliberate plan for a software to "stay" in your device, so it simply sounds like the typical malware. Google does not release Chromium officially anywhere. Could it have creeped into the Chrome installer? Yes, but it is very unlikely. I would say it is too big to creep in and would have doubled the download or installer size, which is very noticeable.

So now you think Google is the man in the middle that installs Chromium on your device? :) Yes, that makes a lot of sense. That would not hurt their credibility one bit, right? :)

☆PhistucK

[Sophia]

I had this EXACT SAME PROBLEM but you should really notice that the way the chromium website pops up the url is something long and completely unrelated to the webpage it claims to be presenting to you that this is not related to google. I believe its sort of like some sort of trojan horse because it claims to be one thing but then it does another and it slowed down my computer as well. When it popped up it was close enough to the normal chrome new tab that it could easily be mistaken but if you just looked a little closer its CLEARLY not made by google so while im not doubting that this was some sort of really annoying virus and that google can make mistakes there are some really obvious signs that this is not google. Also i don't know about anyone else but i got the virus by stupidly clicking download on here http://www.downloadfirefoxbrowser.com/ actually im not entirely certain it was from here but i know that it was a webpage sort of like this and it said i was downloading firefox. so if you find it... killllll itttttt!!! please. THANKS

[Tutwiler Construction]

Most excellent PhisticK.  I had the same problem as iM..... and that took care of it.  Much love

On Monday, June 1, 2015 at 10:45:02 PM UTC-7, PhistucK wrote:

[bina]

Hi,  I had the same problem and I remember that I was trying to download  a picture editor and/ or spybot search and destroy  from download.com when this Chromium and PC Pro Scan  (another program I could not get uninstalled)  as well as some WeatherBug thing got installed without my knowledge.   Thanks for your suggestion. I'll try it now for all those programs.

On Monday, June 1, 2015 at 9:34:09 PM UTC-4, iMesutOezilx11 wrote:

[RaymondM]

I know how I got it. I was downloading a free Face Time app and saw a bunch of icons start to show up on my desktop. I stopped the download and uninstalled all the new crap, which included Chromium and Casiopesa. They no longer show up in the control panel uninstall but they open when my machine boots up. I tried searching my laptop for %localappdata% and Chromium but nothing shows up. Any other ways to get rid of it? I am using Windows 10. Thanks.

On Monday, June 1, 2015 at 10:45:02 PM UTC-7, PhistucK wrote:

[PhistucK]

If you can provide a URL (with a missing part, though, or add a few space characters after the domain, like google.com   /chrome) to the "Face Time app" you mentioned, that would be helpful.

For finding the Chromium path, see the instructions in the other thread -

https://groups.google.com/a/chromium.org/d/msg/chromium-discuss/Qr-ApApPcv0/XdnLHjLcCgAJ

☆PhistucK

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[Stuart Jenneker]

I got Chromium installed while following what I thought was a Google survey. Sometime down the thread/link I noticed that there were some greyed out windows. and that when I clicked on the Google icon in my favourites Chromium started up.

I uninstalled it, and when I restarted my browser/computer (cannot recall when it came back) my Google quick start would fire up chromium instead. Could not find the Chromium in the Installed Programs, or via the task panel.

I then found it under a pseudonym 'Internet Quick Access" and uninstalled that. Strange though, I cot none of the normal chrome/chromium uninstall windows (e.g. Do you want to remove your browser history etc.)

At least Google Chrome is starting up now. I wait to see if the other bugger comes back.

Good luck

[Cindi SW]

I recently DL a program but cannot recall which One must have included this darn CHROMIUM.  As the poster above stated, it must have been included in the DL.  I knew it was crap when it insisted on a Yahoo search instead of Google.  I cannot get this thing off my computer now.  Have tried everything to uninstall it and it will not work.  So frustrated!!

[PhistucK]

​You are probably infected with some malware. :(

See this thread for at least removing that rouge Chromium -

https://groups.google.com/a/chromium.org/forum/#!searchin/chromium-discuss/chromium$20task$20manager/chromium-discuss/QS4wpaaQe8E/eo5veN5MjEcJ

☆PhistucK

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[Whovian Prince]

I've had the same problem. Restarted my laptop and there Chromium was. Tried uninstalling but it just kept telling me there was a browser window open when there wasn't...finally went thru the uninstall process but it didn't uninstall properly. The deleting folder option seemed to work tho.

On Tuesday, 2 June 2015 06:45:02 UTC+1, PhistucK wrote:

Sounds weird, uninstalling should have taken care of that.

Anyway, you can remove its files.

Assuming you are on Windows -

- Press the Windows key in your keyboard and R (or Start menu>Run...).

- Enter "%localappdata%" and click on OK.

- Delete the Chromium folder.

☆PhistucK

On Tue, Jun 2, 2015 at 4:34 AM, iMesutOezilx11 <imesuto...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hello. I don't know how but I installed Chromium while I was installing another thing. After that I uninstalled Chromium from my computer and they asked me to reset it. But everytime I turn on my PC the Chromium opens automatically. When I close it I can't open it again.

How can I uninstall it completely?

Thanks.

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[Annette Hite]

I tried that and it didnt work i have no idea how it got on my computer but ever since its gotten installed i cant want anything on youtube without getting another tab open saying my computer has a virus??

[Sajid Hussain]

Really thanks. 

On Tuesday, 2 June 2015 06:45:02 UTC+1, PhistucK wrote:

Sounds weird, uninstalling should have taken care of that.

Anyway, you can remove its files.

Assuming you are on Windows -

- Press the Windows key in your keyboard and R (or Start menu>Run...).

- Enter "%localappdata%" and click on OK.

- Delete the Chromium folder.

☆PhistucK

On Tue, Jun 2, 2015 at 4:34 AM, iMesutOezilx11 <imesuto...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hello. I don't know how but I installed Chromium while I was installing another thing. After that I uninstalled Chromium from my computer and they asked me to reset it. But everytime I turn on my PC the Chromium opens automatically. When I close it I can't open it again.

How can I uninstall it completely?

Thanks.

--

[Unoriginal DnA _]

I came across this because it happened to me. I reinstalled windows and needed to install Chrome. So I used IE to search for Chrome, which lead to an "ad" that had a link under it (via Bing) as the official Google page. Thinking nothing of it I downloaded Chrome from that link, thought it was weird that it asked me questions to install, then after installing it opened tabs in my browser "thanking" me for installing. Within seconds all my malware and Windows defender started alerting me and catching all kinds of files, then Chromium appeared. It wouldn't let me uninstall as it said it didn't exist, so I had to use Windows Run to delete the files from the systems folder.

I went back and found that the "ad" IE links you to re-directs to this site : http://www.googlechromeonline.com/

It pretends to be the official download and it's not. The interesting thing is that Bing / IE originally says that's it's a Google site. IE then scans the file and finds nothing wrong with it, and the installer says that the developer is Google. It's not.

Note I tried the same steps in Firefox and Firefox goes directly to the actual google site via Yahoo and Google search. It seems to only be Bing and IE that allow that ad to pop up as the first link in the search.

Also an easy way to tell if you have the right file. Chrome's install file is only 1,040Kb. This Chromium one was over 20mb. Also when deleting it, be sure to right click the icon on the desktop and find the location. It seems to have zip files loaded there, which is in a different area than the systems folder. (thus the uninstaller couldn't find the proper file to uninstall)

[Ardrey :D]

umm why is it still on the control panel at programs and features?

[PhistucK]

Because you ripped it out instead of using a (non existing) proper installer (since it is malware). You can remove by messing with the registry, but you might be risky if you do not know what you are doing.

☆PhistucK

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[New Life Church]

I'm working on this problem as well. I found that the Chromium file shared a date and approximate time with a file titled, "{52DF6483-7677-083B-1BEF-2DD33F87D14B}". I hope that is useful information as to it's origin.

[T Lima]

There doesn't seem to be an once of shame nor respect left on the internet's operatives partly concerning the stuck up Chromium!

[Eva Cap]

Actually, the exact thing happened to me. It just showed up one day and now I can't get rid of it. It doesn't show under installed anymore, but every time I turn on my computer, Chromium Settings page shows up. No information on how to get rid of it either. It is very annoying.

On Tuesday, 2 June 2015 07:53:02 UTC-4, Jakob Kummerow wrote:

This is the second time within a few days that I've heard of a "Chromium" that can't be uninstalled properly. The Chromium project doesn't even distribute installers to end users. Chromium also doesn't start automatically, and it never gets installed along with some other thing. I have no idea what you mean by "they asked me to reset it", I've never heard of such a thing.

I suspect that some form of malware/scam/whatever is making the rounds that pretends that it's Chromium (maybe it's some modified version). If you still remember how it ended up on your computer (like: what other thing did it come with?), that would be helpful.

If you want trustworthy, official builds, get Chrome at google.com/chrome.

On Tue, Jun 2, 2015 at 7:44 AM, PhistucK <phis...@gmail.com> wrote:

Sounds weird, uninstalling should have taken care of that.

Anyway, you can remove its files.

Assuming you are on Windows -

- Press the Windows key in your keyboard and R (or Start menu>Run...).

- Enter "%localappdata%" and click on OK.

- Delete the Chromium folder.

☆PhistucK

On Tue, Jun 2, 2015 at 4:34 AM, iMesutOezilx11 <imesuto...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hello. I don't know how but I installed Chromium while I was installing another thing. After that I uninstalled Chromium from my computer and they asked me to reset it. But everytime I turn on my PC the Chromium opens automatically. When I close it I can't open it again.

How can I uninstall it completely?

Thanks.

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[Okami desu]

Whatever dude. It happened to me too! I did not install this chronium thing; it installed itself along with this other program I downloaded (open office if you should ask). My problem, however, is that other than the fact that it so annoyingly and automatically self-opens every time I start up my lap top, I can't even uninstall the damn thing.!!! So here I am, looking to see what solution out here in the internet world is there.

[themaritimeman]

I'm afraid I've fallen victim to this as well. I installed ImgBurn (a CD/DVD burning program), and accidentally installed it without unchecking the "special offers" it gives you. It installed Chromium, a thing called ByteFence, a thing called Yahoo! Powered, and a few other programs, all without entries in the Programs section of Control Panel, leaving no legitimate way to uninstall them. As with others, Chromium started automatically when Windows started. I ended up having to just delete the files for all of them. I know that messes up my registry, but there was truly no way to properly uninstall them.

I've been using ImgBurn for years; it's a good program, but unfortunate that they include so much messed-up crap as "special offers".

[Charlotte Watkins]

I actually did go to the download page to get the original Chrome and now cannot uninstall chromium.  When I put in the command string %localappdata% I get to folders one local and one locallow

On Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at 4:53:02 AM UTC-7, Jakob Kummerow wrote:

This is the second time within a few days that I've heard of a "Chromium" that can't be uninstalled properly. The Chromium project doesn't even distribute installers to end users. Chromium also doesn't start automatically, and it never gets installed along with some other thing. I have no idea what you mean by "they asked me to reset it", I've never heard of such a thing.

I suspect that some form of malware/scam/whatever is making the rounds that pretends that it's Chromium (maybe it's some modified version). If you still remember how it ended up on your computer (like: what other thing did it come with?), that would be helpful.

If you want trustworthy, official builds, get Chrome at google.com/chrome.

[PhistucK]

I guess you got to a phishing page that looks like the official Chrome. Official Chrome never downloads or installs Chromium. It would be great if you can reply with the URL of that allegedly official Chrome download page.

Regarding %localappdata% - that is very weird! Go to the Local folder and keep going from there.

What is your Windows version? They might have changed something after Windows 7 (for which the instructions apply).

☆PhistucK

[Matti nescio]

On Tuesday, October 25, 2016 at 9:00:29 AM UTC+3, Okami desu wrote:

My problem, however, is that other than the fact that it so annoyingly and automatically self-opens every time I start up my lap top, I can't even uninstall the damn thing.!!! So here I am, looking to see what solution out here in the internet world is there. 

You can't remove it (or any suspicious looking entries) from starting up using msconfig or CCleaner ?  

Using Windows Task Manager or Process Explorer, what are 

the full commandlines of the unwanted chrome.exe processes ? 

Do you have any Restore Points from before it got itself installed ? 

Have you run scans with more than a couple of the following ? : 

(paying close attention to false positives) 

• https://www.google.com/chrome/cleanup-tool/
  
• Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and Anti-Rootkit 
  
• AdwCleaner
  
• Junkware Removal Tool 
  
• Norton Power Eraser 
• Sophos Virus Removal Tool 
  
• Trendmicro Housecall 
• Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool
  

(possibly booting in safe mode) 

[scott lawless]

There seems to be some correlation with ByteFence, which (as a warning to developers) is also spoofing the Notepad++ application download page. I'm sure it's making the rounds through several popular program download pages, especially freeware. As a word of caution, even though we all do our best I know, always research a new program thoroughly on the web before downloading it, even if just to try it. With the countless number of forums these days, somebody somewhere has likely tried the program your interested in and has (more times than not) posted a link directly to the real download site. We can't stop the little wannabe troublemakers from infecting computers completely, but diligent research is certainly another layer of security. I'm the world's worst about it, trust me lol ;) Take care, be safe, and never be afraid to share your experience...it may save someone's computer!

[Athia Zaman]

I cant delete it.. It shows there is no file named chromium but it again pops up when i start my laptop

[Xyzern]

On 09 November 2016, I went to my friend’s place and downloaded and installed AVC (Any Video Converter) on his PC from the official AVC site, http://www.any-video-converter.com  Before the download and installation of AVC, each time he started his PC, no search engine would open automatically unless he clicked on the desktop shortcut icon of the relevant search engine. However, after installation of AVC, this mysterious Chromium search engine suddenly appear and would open automatically each time we start the PC, which is quite annoying. We then went to Control Panel – Programs – Programs and Features – Uninstall a program. We found Chromium there and removed it. When we re-started the PC, the Chromium search engine appeared again automatically. Each time we went through the Control Panel process, we found that Chromium was no longer there. The automatic opening of Chromium refuses to go away until today.

I just came across this discussion and will visit my friend again and try out the instructions/advice given by PhistucK. Will report on the outcome soonest possible. Thank you and regards.

[Jasmine Apisa]

i am having the same issue i have deleted the file folder and the shortcuts and yet its still there in the system saying it can be uninstalled but when i do it doesnt do anything i have gotten your PC is being tracked spyware and my screan freezes stating to call some number to windows PLEASE HELP

[XepptizZ The First]

I just want to chime in that I got it from a program called "Free studio" by "DVDsoft" . I know, sounds fishy, but I was on a deadline and following a tutorial...

[Alexander Salvador]

If it helps anyone, I had a user who just clicked on something he shouldn't have and ended up getting "WebBar" and "Chromium" installed...

Malware / File Hash Detected:	WebBar ToolBar
Download Source:	hxxp:/ /www[dot]chucklefunhead[dot]com/Yc48N9uiLv0vKHHPaXMmZ4Zn_oBL7fTQd2rdod4U190T4yXJNCA97YlQwi43_CnRRm1SvPYjAGUdjTnb5MOKoPTLQKGHrbYJdDVkPHS_bIS5cSemea7q4hqIWzJyYuYinmG5U8G1Bq2XKYXiOYZ6SmQv7DmL7Q+ftb0ZAPpaGsEjn68CizVRWf3BrOb3m72m_iqdV3FrY4Q2VORkDhAnGqPtDhcApF+nQiVydvPFyYVx1q7nycopZf++hOghOBkEgn20i7ygHMiLLrVlK8vF3yIp3HPf9pnfMAFBAtgccg_lbrtMjC22BErC2Qg9abhC5nYFl5Heb5YTLa0d_ImynjeInK6eUImuZCOMCR31wfPWBUO7o+2oNolEC+hAa9gKyjBVtEULRdtEoPSF49AIDXgU41+JtfdDM2pESs3dVk6pPx+s5Vv02+1Ds627H3VMaybc6GTDtt1R0ZOR9Cx8zhFawKS3i8tYH0kpcCxFC92kVnECsooOeWBI4MPR6BDerKGGGwqbI_eFcTs8GCTSQ_XHCVEccaevpSAQqNJ4rneqYR6bDL7Dl5Cu2fLEzTDMMYtgK6lprVWBgkTefy47OYVdvXIWRl7l52wd5bDrqCLueJzwTqJpoNRGFgdRvfUv6NkOUjOLZLORIidafCUKaTvG18WbvTDZAf6N3e43B2858FkHCZquQC7gG_dJPtRijfHSI36CprD9AB7EgyNXwUrzDk4BZ_NTS0AVzE48bS95EGpPszAM+c1yScc9EQw6zzfoIUKnCFi1iMGmkF6RkMAyGzZtiWdFp2+RHnRiKOr2ON36Vq2ctfqFwtKPojNBjN3K8Os83M+g++rrYes_k6n+pdxtBrFzU4iVoWaRncs+pv2wjUM=-GzwAAORtm8+QRt34QeNKWgliEI3qQjZpSCIJdikaF+PK_Y7pmOI3gMDtNyNbk3FCFVZqRr_oA
Remote IP Address:	50.116.29.84
Malicious File:	JavaPlugin.exe
Evidence of Malware:	HTTP Get requests to: api[dot]getwebbar[dot]com/update?version=5[dot]5[dot]5995[dot]17222[and]profile=ext2[and]install=cu

WebBar was picked up from scanners as malicious and was easily uninstalled via Add/Remove.  Chromium, on the other hand, could not be uninstalled in this manner.  I also noted in the listing that no entries were provided for Publisher, Size or Version.  Sketchy. More sketchy is that I ran Malwarebytes to remediate anything unleft, but it failed to prevent the autostart that Chromium was doing after each reboot.  Noticed also that with each autostart of Chromium, it would re-enter manually deleted registry entries and even recreated the program directory in \Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Chromium. I know this because at one point I renamed Chromium to BADChromium and after an accidental launch of the app, it recreated the original folder. 

I eventually deleted this folder, desktop shortcut, removed all references to Chromium in the registry and considered things a success after a zero-threat Malwarebytes scan and normal reboot to Windows desktop. 

Again, hope this helps someone.

On Monday, June 1, 2015 at 9:34:09 PM UTC-4, iMesutOezilx11 wrote:

[Nathan Winchester]

Windows is trying to create a new application to improve chrome. We are currently working on the state of which it automatically opens on user's logins. We are just preparing for the future of Windows and hope everyone enjoys helping us in the development process of Chromium. - N.Winchester (For AlienwareCorp.)

On Tuesday, June 2, 2015, at 1:45:02 AM UTC-4, PhistucK wrote:

Sounds weird, uninstalling should have taken care of that.

Anyway, you can remove its files.

Assuming you are on Windows -

- Press the Windows key in your keyboard and R (or Start menu>Run...).

- Enter "%localappdata%" and click on OK.

- Delete the Chromium folder.

☆PhistucK

On Tue, Jun 2, 2015 at 4:34 AM, iMesutOezilx11 <imesuto...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hello. I don't know how but I installed Chromium while I was installing another thing. After that I uninstalled Chromium from my computer and they asked me to reset it. But everytime I turn on my PC the Chromium opens automatically. When I close it I can't open it again.

How can I uninstall it completely?

Thanks.

--

[Luke Hawkins]

Hello, I have just had this problem, out of nowhere Chromium installed on my desktop and wasn't showing in add/remove programs. My default browser also changed to yahoo in Chrome (typical malware sign). The ONLY program I downloaded was Audacity. And it happened almost instantly after. Audacity seems to be working fine though. 

On Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at 12:53:02 PM UTC+1, Jakob Kummerow wrote:

This is the second time within a few days that I've heard of a "Chromium" that can't be uninstalled properly. The Chromium project doesn't even distribute installers to end users. Chromium also doesn't start automatically, and it never gets installed along with some other thing. I have no idea what you mean by "they asked me to reset it", I've never heard of such a thing.

I suspect that some form of malware/scam/whatever is making the rounds that pretends that it's Chromium (maybe it's some modified version). If you still remember how it ended up on your computer (like: what other thing did it come with?), that would be helpful.

If you want trustworthy, official builds, get Chrome at google.com/chrome.

[Scientifically Stupidity]

On Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at 2:34:09 AM UTC+1, iMesutOezilx11 wrote:

Hello. I don't know how but I installed Chromium while I was installing another thing. After that I uninstalled Chromium from my computer and they asked me to reset it. But everytime I turn on my PC the Chromium opens automatically. When I close it I can't open it again.

How can I uninstall it completely?

Thanks.

Start > type %localappdata% > find chromium > delete files with shredder for complete deletion 

 

[Jalen Lee]

Hi, when I tried to delete it and it says "The action can't be completed because the folder or file in it is open in another program   Close the folder and try again."

But I couldn't find where it is open...could you please help me?

thank you!

[Jalen Lee]

Hi, when I tried to delete it and it says "The action can't be completed because the folder or file in it is open in another program   Close the folder and try again."

But I couldn't find where it is open...could you please help me?

thank you!

On Monday, June 1, 2015 at 10:45:02 PM UTC-7, PhistucK wrote:

Sounds weird, uninstalling should have taken care of that.

Anyway, you can remove its files.

Assuming you are on Windows -

- Press the Windows key in your keyboard and R (or Start menu>Run...).

- Enter "%localappdata%" and click on OK.

- Delete the Chromium folder.

☆PhistucK

On Tue, Jun 2, 2015 at 4:34 AM, iMesutOezilx11 <imesuto...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hello. I don't know how but I installed Chromium while I was installing another thing. After that I uninstalled Chromium from my computer and they asked me to reset it. But everytime I turn on my PC the Chromium opens automatically. When I close it I can't open it again.

How can I uninstall it completely?

Thanks.

--

[PhistucK]

Make sure it is dead first. You need to kill chrome.exe.

https://www.google.co.il/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#safe=off&q=How+to+kill+a+process+windows&*

☆PhistucK

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[Phil]

Hi, 

I think I have completely removed the application Chromium.  I used several antivirus programs like Avast, Spybot, and Norton Power Eraser to scan the system, and they cannot find any more threats.  I even manually deleted many registry entries.  But it is this Chromium Folder under the  "%localappdata% keeps coming back even though I tried to use File Shredder to shred it.  Each time I restart my computer, this Chromium folder will reappear in the following location: C:\Users\usermane\AppData\Local\Chromium.  

Is there anyway I can permanently delete this folder?

Thank you,  

[PhistucK]

When I need something not to be created again, I usually create its folder manually and revoke the permissions to write to it for anything other than the system account.

Since malware generally does not use the system account, but the user account (or the administrator account, say), it cannot write to it and it cannot put files in it again.

However, this is just a workaround. You still have something installed or running that re-installs Chromium, your computer is not clean yet.

☆PhistucK

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[Joe Mason]

Have you run the Chrome Cleanup Tool (https://www.google.com/chrome/cleanup-tool/)? It is meant for removing software that violates Google's Unwanted Software Policy, because a lot of that software causes problems with Chrome. A couple of abusive Chromium-based browsers are on that list.

On Tue, Mar 14, 2017 at 1:04 PM, Joe Mason <joenot...@google.com> wrote:

Have you run the Chrome Cleanup Tool (https://www.google.com/chrome/cleanup-tool/)? It is meant for removing software that violates Google's Unwanted Software Policy, because a lot of that software causes problems with Chrome. A couple of abusive Chromium-based browsers are on that list.

[Clark Kinnison]

I used Revo Uninstaller to uninstall Chromium.

If you don't have this program I suggest you get it.  It's free.

I used the Advanced option.  Takes a little longer but scrubs

the entire registry.

I then did a search for %localappdata%  and it was nowhere

to be found.   

[Daisy-Emily Sixx]

i tried what PhistucK said but when i go to delete the folder it says it, or a file within it is still open and cant be deleted. Ive tried to find where its open but cant think of where it is

[Joshua LaLonde]

On Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at 1:45:02 AM UTC-4, PhistucK wrote:

Sounds weird, uninstalling should have taken care of that.

Anyway, you can remove its files.

Assuming you are on Windows -

- Press the Windows key in your keyboard and R (or Start menu>Run...).

- Enter "%localappdata%" and click on OK.

- Delete the Chromium folder.

☆PhistucK

 Thanks a million for your post PhistucK

This worked for me as well. I recently purchased a Raspberry Pi and have been trying to learn a lot about Linux.  I have Chromium via Raspbian on there, but I've never downloaded it on Windows. Never even heard of it before I got RPi.  I have SSHed into the pi from Winodws, but that is the only link between the two. I don't know if that helps. Anyway, I did as you said and it removed 26,281 files from my computer.  RIDICULOUS. I'm just hoping it doesn't pop back up again.  I also have only used Chrome on my laptop since I got it a few years ago.  Hope this helps!

-Joshua

[PhistucK]

​In order to delete stubborn files, you need to use an application that removes files on shutdown/startup. Maybe something here - https://www.howtohaven.com/system/deleteundeletablefiles.shtml (I have not verified it, sorry).

But have you looked at the task manager and ended everything that is called "chrome.exe"? You have to do that first (it will also shut down Chrome as a result, but after you delete that folder, you can relaunch Chrome).

☆PhistucK

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[Michele-Lee Parrish]

Hi this doesn't come up on my list of programs to uninstall and when I try to delete the folder from applicaations it tells me I can't because it's in use.  I too have no idea how this got installed on my PC.  Any help is appreciated.

[Ernest Izdebski]

I had a similar problem but a little different. I know I installed it accidentally but at the same time it was not malware. It was on an installer saying that I had to install it too if I wanted the program. Also, your instructions did not completely suffice because I had to open Task Manager and close what on earth they were doing in the background.

On Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at 1:45:02 AM UTC-4, PhistucK wrote:

Sounds weird, uninstalling should have taken care of that.

Anyway, you can remove its files.

Assuming you are on Windows -

- Press the Windows key in your keyboard and R (or Start menu>Run...).

- Enter "%localappdata%" and click on OK.

- Delete the Chromium folder.

☆PhistucK

On Tue, Jun 2, 2015 at 4:34 AM, iMesutOezilx11 <imesuto...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hello. I don't know how but I installed Chromium while I was installing another thing. After that I uninstalled Chromium from my computer and they asked me to reset it. But everytime I turn on my PC the Chromium opens automatically. When I close it I can't open it again.

How can I uninstall it completely?

Thanks.

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[Christopher Klepel]

PhistucK, thank you so much, your solution worked I really appreciate all the time you spent helping us resolve this issues thank you

[C Zagorski]

I have same problem and can't uninstall.  Have tried the couple of suggestions on this page but unfortunately they haven't worked for me.  This 'Chrome' thing just seemed to appear from nowhere

[Ferrithe]

I used Microsoft Edge to go to google.com, I downloaded google chrome and it also installed chromium, and webdiscover browser, as well as tried to install a few other items that I declined, this was a brand new download of windows 10 and am setting up a new computer.  I use the web browser once and get malware already?? really??!! 

[PhistucK]

I guess you picked the wrong search result when you searched for Google Chrome (maybe you downloaded it from Softonic which sounds dubious?).

The URL of the search results must be at google.com (chrome.google.com or www.google.com), preferably with HTTPS.

You can go to https://chrome.google.com to download Google Chrome safely.

☆PhistucK

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[swapnil jain]

Thanks, It works.

On Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at 11:15:02 AM UTC+5:30, PhistucK wrote:

Sounds weird, uninstalling should have taken care of that.

Anyway, you can remove its files.

Assuming you are on Windows -

- Press the Windows key in your keyboard and R (or Start menu>Run...).

- Enter "%localappdata%" and click on OK.

- Delete the Chromium folder.

☆PhistucK

On Tue, Jun 2, 2015 at 4:34 AM, iMesutOezilx11 <imesuto...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hello. I don't know how but I installed Chromium while I was installing another thing. After that I uninstalled Chromium from my computer and they asked me to reset it. But everytime I turn on my PC the Chromium opens automatically. When I close it I can't open it again.

How can I uninstall it completely?

Thanks.

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[Composer-B20 V4X_Eng2]

just delete the chromium file but first delete the program thanks.

[Lam Vu B1500059]

thank i got it

Vào 08:34:09 UTC+7 Thứ Ba, ngày 02 tháng 6 năm 2015, iMesutOezilx11 đã viết:

[Jesse ray]

ya i never installed it it forces its way into my computer this is the 8th time uninstalling now hoping someone gets rid of this program forever

[sergei ourusoff]

I have tried to uninstall Chromium from local app folder...but it says action cannot be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another program. Please help.

On Monday, June 1, 2015 at 9:34:09 PM UTC-4, iMesutOezilx11 wrote:

[Joe Mason]

Try rebooting in safe mode and then deleting it.

If that doesn't work, try a program that will delete the file on next reboot, such as MoveOnBoot: https://emcosoftware.com/move-on-boot (Note: I haven't tried that exact program myself, so I don't know if it's safe and effective to use, it's just the first Google hit I found.)

--

[Bruft]

All I did was uninstall the program with whom Chromium installed... worked for me

[Djordje Ilic]

уторак, 02. јун 2015. 03.34.09 UTC+2, iMesutOezilx11 је написао/ла:

Hello. I don't know how but I installed Chromium while I was installing another thing. After that I uninstalled Chromium from my computer and they asked me to reset it. But everytime I turn on my PC the Chromium opens automatically. When I close it I can't open it again.

How can I uninstall it completely?

Thanks.

Right, I actually had a similar experience. Chromium currently isn't doing anything to me, but I'm 100% sure I have a virus posing as Chromium on my computer.
I was browsing the internet, and saw this free game on Steam that I really wanted to download. I'm not really smart, so I searched the game up on google and wanted to download it outside of Steam, since, well, I didn't actually have Steam. I couldn't find it, until I found this website that had a download to the game. I downloaded it and it asked me a few times I would let this program (I don't remember the name, there were two of them) make changes to my PC. Well, of course, then, I didn't let it happen. I spamclicked no and immediately checked the processes running in the background. To my surprise, there were none. I then went back to watching YouTube. Suddenly, I realize there was this small icon at the bottom left of my screen. I hovered over it, and there it was, "Chromium". I clicked on a button to stop it from running in the background, which browsers never do. I was confused, since I actually deleted the "game" I downloaded from the website. So, I continued like nothing happened since Chromium was gone. One day later, I boot the PC up and there it is, a shortcut on the screen. "Chromium". I actually immediately deleted it and went to This PC and searched the entire computer with that search bar at the top right. I waited, and there were six files. However, two of them were Chromium shortcuts, two of them were already deleted but just blank files left by it, a chromium folder and this other thing. I, of course, deleted them, but only four of them actually came through. One of them asked me for admin privileges to be deleted, which I allowed, and I think the two blank files were the ones that didn't actually come through. However, Chromium wasn't done with me. I searched control panel for that uninstall thing, and uninstalled the "Chromium" file, which of course was in there too. I don't see Chromium anywhere else, so I think that's either extremely bad or good. I opened Chromium once by accident and I don't know if it made any changes. I actually knew what to do most of the time, since I watched many virus review and help videos for entertainment, but I don't know how to be absolutely sure if everything's good or not.
Help?
PS: For more information, the game I tried to install was an osu! client called MCOsu. I think this is the download link:
nullgame.com/indie-games/mcosu
 

[Shawn Hutchinson]

Hi! I'm sorry to keep bringing you back into such an old thread but this was the first thing I found that looked like I could trust it at all... This is sort of long and complicated but hopefully you or someone here can understand and help... I have been having issues the last few days with going to watch something on Netflix only to have it say that's not possible because it's not the right chrome. Upon closer inspection today, the chrome icon was blue and the real chrome was on the left of my taskbar... This is my teen's computer so I asked him what it was and he had no idea, and said he hadn't downloaded anything in a few months, even though this has only happened the past week at most. I found this thread, went into the local app data folders and found the Chromium folder.  It was time stamped with 11/6/17 5:55am which was a couple months ago so I figure it came with some game that he downloaded though he couldn't remember what/if he had. 

I decided to do a little digging and discovered a couple others listed that may have to do with it but I know so little about computer's today that I hoped I may get some help here. I have malwarebytes scanning currently, it had found malware on an earlier scan this morning but I couldn't tell what it was beyond "adware" along with 500 PUP o.O apparently it hasn't been ran in a while as it required an update so working on that now and a new scan. 

Anyway, when I started looking at the files, I found another file with a long file name modified with the same time stamp as the chromium... There didn't appear to be anything else downloaded at the same time and he didn't recognize either of them. I found 2 others downloaded a week beforehand (not sure if they could be related but those were the files last downloaded before this showed up in the files), one of those he recognized as being a game he downloaded (Crossout, though not positive that is even related to the chromium issue), possibly from steam but he's not positive (I think it was most likely steam and he just doesn't want me to delete steam as I am sitting here ready to delete ANYTHING that could be the issue, Steam is a reputable company from what I knew though so now not sure what to do about that part either but doesn't necessarily relate to the issue at hand, can you download malware/infected games from Steam?!?) so I have taken a couple screenshots and added them here, I have deleted the chromium folder as well as the MyComGames folder which he didn't recognize, deleted the Temp Internet Files, 2,720 files later, here I am wondering what else I should do? The one that had the same time stamp I have no idea what it is, it's just a bunch of random letters/numbers with a few files inside it as shown in the hovering part on the screenshot I attached, I don't dare to click on anything in there as we haven't had any overt issues like popups or porn or what have you and don't want to, should I just delete that folder as well? I am scared to delete when it could be an important file folder but feel like why would it have the same timestamp x.X ugh... 

OH, if it might matter/be related, I have also had the continuous issue recently where I cannot get my internet/wifi to stay on "connect automatically" on our internet yet EVERY other internet in our area shows up and is clicked with connect automatically, I unclick them, go to the next one on the list and if I go to the previous one, it's already reclicked without me doing anything, but ours refuses to stay clicked, it's the opposite, I click on "connect automatically" and as soon as I go to the next one to unclick that box, if I go back to ours, it's already unclicked again o.O?!? It just occurred to me that that started just before 10/29/17 as I have screenshots from that day showing it because it had been happening and bothering me because it would make us re sign in, kick out of the internet based thing we were using (games/netflix, what have you) and 10/29 is the day that the game was downloaded or at least the date modified shown... This had been happening for a couple days before I took those screenshots though if I remember correctly...

Anyway, I apologize for the length of this and would appreciate any possible help whatsoever that you may be able to offer. 

On Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at 1:45:02 AM UTC-4, PhistucK wrote:

Sounds weird, uninstalling should have taken care of that.

Anyway, you can remove its files.

Assuming you are on Windows -

- Press the Windows key in your keyboard and R (or Start menu>Run...).

- Enter "%localappdata%" and click on OK.

- Delete the Chromium folder.

☆PhistucK

On Tue, Jun 2, 2015 at 4:34 AM, iMesutOezilx11 <imesuto...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hello. I don't know how but I installed Chromium while I was installing another thing. After that I uninstalled Chromium from my computer and they asked me to reset it. But everytime I turn on my PC the Chromium opens automatically. When I close it I can't open it again.

How can I uninstall it completely?

Thanks.

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[BrainTone]

This also happened to me when i was installing Norton for some reason in installed ByteDefense and McAfee too please help!

[PhistucK]

Sounds like you installed a fake Norton, then, as McAfee is a competing product and I highly doubt there is a cooperation between them. You probably have malware at this point.

☆PhistucK

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[Nere Creskalyn Gomez]

Thanks :) effective

On Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at 1:45:02 PM UTC+8, PhistucK wrote:

Sounds weird, uninstalling should have taken care of that.

Anyway, you can remove its files.

Assuming you are on Windows -

- Press the Windows key in your keyboard and R (or Start menu>Run...).

- Enter "%localappdata%" and click on OK.

- Delete the Chromium folder.

☆PhistucK

On Tue, Jun 2, 2015 at 4:34 AM, iMesutOezilx11 <imesuto...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hello. I don't know how but I installed Chromium while I was installing another thing. After that I uninstalled Chromium from my computer and they asked me to reset it. But everytime I turn on my PC the Chromium opens automatically. When I close it I can't open it again.

How can I uninstall it completely?

Thanks.

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[Kevin Kim]

I've never wanted Yahoo as my main however after downloading Chromium (Which I didn't wanted to) it started putting my google search as yahoo. How do I fix this? I tried to uninstall using methods that were discussed above but it still will connect through yahoo not google and won't delete the app... (I use Chrome and I also tried changing my chrome settings).

[PhistucK]

If you experience this issue in Chrome, please, use the product forum instead -

https://productforums.google.com/d/forum/chrome

☆PhistucK

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[Doc Wot]

hello, just found this thread because I do want to get shot of chromium, but before I do that, I want to save the history that has accumulated over the few months I've been using it thinking it was chrome. i finally cottoned on and during similar research, discovered that it doesn't open audio and video files very well, which might well explain why I haven't been able to open video on fb, but I digress..

I'm having difficulty finding a way, with my limited computer skill to save the search history somehow

Any ideas please?

On Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at 6:45:02 AM UTC+1, PhistucK wrote:

Sounds weird, uninstalling should have taken care of that.

Anyway, you can remove its files.

Assuming you are on Windows -

- Press the Windows key in your keyboard and R (or Start menu>Run...).

- Enter "%localappdata%" and click on OK.

- Delete the Chromium folder.

☆PhistucK

On Tue, Jun 2, 2015 at 4:34 AM, iMesutOezilx11 <imesuto...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hello. I don't know how but I installed Chromium while I was installing another thing. After that I uninstalled Chromium from my computer and they asked me to reset it. But everytime I turn on my PC the Chromium opens automatically. When I close it I can't open it again.

How can I uninstall it completely?

Thanks.

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[PhistucK]

You might be able to copy the file that keeps the search history from the Chromium profile into the Chrome profile in the same relative path and it would just work. I do not know the format of those files enough to tell you it will surely work, but just try. Look for something with History in its name.

In case that does not work, you can follow the instructions for getting and setting API keys, so you could sign into Chromium with your Google account and let Chrome Sync synchronize this with your Google account and then sign into Chrome and the search history will probably be added to it as well.

☆PhistucK

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[Tommy]

done thanks

Vào 12:45:02 UTC+7 Thứ Ba, ngày 02 tháng 6 năm 2015, PhistucK đã viết: