Subject: Seeking Assistance with AdwCleaner Results - Software Question for ToolLib Tool
To the relevant Mod or Blog,
I am writing to seek assistance with interpreting the results from the AdwCleaner tool. I am a novice user and am unsure where to direct this inquiry, as it pertains to a software question for a ToolLib tool.
Yesterday, I performed two scans with the newly acquired AdwCleaner and am having difficulty understanding the results. I have attached four Notepad files containing the scan logs.
Scan #1 Analysis:
The first scan identified two items as “bloatware.” One was “HP Framework,” and the other was “Touchpoint” (or a similar name). As an HP laptop user, I always believed “Framework” to be an important system component. Similarly, I rely on my touchpad, and quarantining a component related to it seemed potentially counterintuitive. Although the tool indicated I could un-quarantine these items, I proceeded with AdwCleaner’s suggestions. This text will be hidden.
Upon reviewing the logs, I noticed the word “Delete” next to the two HP bloatware entries. I am unsure if this term merely signifies the tool’s action or if these components were deleted from my system. Furthermore, one of the Notepad logs from Scan #1 mentions “Adware.Mindspark,” which also appears in the results of my second scan (Scan #2). However, Adware.Mindspark was not explicitly listed in the primary results of Scan #1.
My primary question for Scan #1 is: Are these two HP bloatware components truly unnecessary, and can my laptop function without them?
Scan #2 Analysis:
Please note that while I have attached two Notepad logs for Scan #2, I have not allowed the scan to be completed due to my concerns as a novice user. Similar to Scan #1, the logs for Scan #2 appear to have two sections. I am unsure if completing the scan would have altered the information in the second log section, potentially leading to three sections of logs, or if it would have remained as two.
Scan #2 reported finding “Adware.Mindspark,” described as a Chrome Extension followed by a large number of random letters. This alphanumeric string makes it impossible for me to identify if it’s a legitimate extension I use or an unwanted intrusion. Additionally, I interpreted information on the Malwarebytes site to suggest that Adware.Mindspark is typically found on Mac systems.
My questions regarding Scan #2 are: Based on the attached logs, is this a legitimate Chrome Extension, and if so, what is its actual name? Furthermore, is Adware.Mindspark usually found only on Mac systems, or can it also affect my Windows 10 HP ENVY laptop?
The attached Notepad files are named “Scan #1 part 1,” “Scan #1 part 2,” “Scan #2 part 1,” and “Scan #2 part 2,” all prefixed with “05-30-2025.”
Thank you for your time and assistance
**PS I read the directions on how to view the Logs with Notepad and since I just found out as you already know I can’t upload a Notepad.txt file to this post. It appears to me I’m only allowed to upload attached photos like a screenshot IDK. I think it would be helpful to those who may be answering me to view the Logs to follow along with my novice way of explaining what it was I was questioning. Please advise… **
Respectfully,
Barry