I had a problem earlier this year with Hotbar. Yes, I knew the damn thing was riddled with spyware, but my Mother sent me an Easter card that was only viewable with Hotbar... whaddaya gonna do?

Sigh. Anyway, I could not get the darn thing uninstalled, even with their uninstalling utility off their website... every time I rebooted, it hijacked my home page, etc.

I just happened to turn on CNN accidentally when they were airing a committee meeting about unscrupulous internet practices. They also urged people to file complaints regarding websites that hijack your web browser. So I filed one about Hotbar through the website. I got a very nice call from their office, did a little Q&A about how big a PITA the software was to deal with and uninstall. I have no idea what will follow, but it was definitely a positive experience... I came away from the phone call feeling like something is going to be done about this kind of crap.

Anyhow, I would include a direct link, but the site seems to have changed around some in the last few months and I don't have time right now to hunt down the web form I used, but it's at the US dept of Justice site http://www.usdoj.gov/ Edited to add: Wouldn't you know I find it right after I click send? Anyhoo, under "Contact Us" they have a link to a web form for Spam email, mostly they want the ones dealing with bank fraud, medical cures, or securities trading. Under that link is a link to the web form for all other internet criminal activity. http://www.usdoj.gov/spam.htm

Message edited on: 12/03/2004 19:32