The Ask toolbar is undeniably one of the programs on the internet no one really wanted. In line with this, Microsoft has flagged the toolbar as malware, for its ability to alter a browser's settings. FYI, the Ask Toolbar creates ten files and ten folders once it is installed on a user's computer. The toolbar is now considered as dangerous due to its ability to overrun the control of a web browser, and the capability to alter its settings. Antivirus and anti-malware software such as Windows Defender and Microsoft Security Essentials can now reportedly detect the toolbar, and remove it from a host's computer.

Update: It turns out Microsoft only considers older versions of the Ask Toolbar to be malware. The company has updated its website to reflect that the latest version of the toolbar is OK.