One negative thing about Windows is that since application installations almost always require installers, the installers can install things behind your back without you knowing. And that goes even for legitimate software. I've seen software installers try to install useless tool bars, most commonly the Ask tool bar.
Usually this software can be gotten rid of easily enough, but I've found one that's persistent. It's called Searchqu, and despite my attempts to rid my system of it, I haven't succeeded in ridding myself of this pest completely. There's also a component installed with it called Conduit Engine (or something like that). This software hijacks your browser search bar, directing it to this lame Searchqu search instead.
I've tried getting rid of it from within the browsers affected, and I've succeeded in all browsers (I believe) except for Firefox, where it reappeared after a Firefox upgrade. I've also tried getting rid of the associated files in Program Files, but when I tried to trash Searchqu I was told it couldn't be moved because it was running.
I don't like this software sitting on my PC. Even though it's technically not classified as spyware or maleware, to me it feels like it is. What can I do to finally terminate this scumware? Are there any decent, free cleaner utilities that can help me?
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