A lot of hits have arrived in the past few days looking for a way to get rid of the EliteBar/MiracleSearch spyware programs. I feel your pain. Since I managed to get rid of it, let me share how.

First, download Ad-Aware, or if you have it already, update it. Select "use custom scanning options" before your scan starts and make sure in the "customize" box that "scan active processes," "scan registry" and "deep scan registry" are all selected. Run the scan and delete everything it comes up with.

Reboot your computer in safe mode (by hitting F8 during startup) and go into the registry. To do this, hit the start button, select run and type "regedit" (without the quotes, of course). Search for the following file: winetc32.exe. This is what is making the EliteBar keep reinstalling to your computer every time you reboot. If AdAware hasn't caught it already, delete this file wherever you find it, usually in either Local Machine/Software/Microsoft/Windows/Current Version/Run or Current User/Software/Microsoft/Current Version/Run. Search for this file in Windows Explorer as well and delete it. Empty your recycle bin and restart your computer in normal mode. EliteBar should be completely gone.

I got these instructions from various different webpages and forums and cobbled them all together. It worked for me, I hope it works for you too. If it did, a nice thank you in the comments would be appreciated. I also accept home baked goods and money orders. Email me for mailing details.

Just a note: don't delete anything else in your registry except that one file, please. Fucking around with the registry can turn your computer into a very expensive doorstop. The files in the Run folders are what start up when you start your computer. Things in other folders should not be messed with. You've been warned.