What is this error?

This error comes from an adware program called My Web Search Toolbar and is usually generated when your antivirus detected the threat but was not able to completely remove the registry keys.

This simply means that the files that the adware needs to operate are gone, but the instructions for Windows to run it every time you boot your computer are still present and active.

This will cause Windows to attempt to run the non-existent m3plugin.dll file and will create an error message similar to the following:

RUNDLL Error Loading C:\PROGRA~\MYWEBS~1\bar\1.bin\M3PLUGIN.DLL the specific module could not found

How to fix this error

We recommend using a registry cleaner to automatically remove the leftover registry keys and also fix other conflicts the adware may have caused. You can download Reggenie and scan your computer for free.

You can also use SpywareCease, to completely remove this adware from your computer.

If you would rather take the manual approach, keep reading for instructions.

How to manually remove My Web Search Toolbar

First of all we need to make sure the My Web Search Toolbar is uninstalled from your computer:

Step 1: Removing the Adware

Click Start, then Control Panel and go to Add/Remove Programs. This brings up a list of installed programs on your computer. Scroll down and look for My Web Search in the list. You may also want to look for other program associated with the Fun Web Products:

• My Web Speedbar
• Search Assistant

Uninstall any you find, if they are not present proceed to step two.

Step 2: Getting Rid of the Registry Files

Note: This step requires you to access the Windows Registry and is not recommended for insecure computer users, if you are in doubt; download a registry cleaner and have it remove them for you.

In XP click Start, then Run… and type regedit in the dialogue box and press enter, to bring up the run dialogue in Vista/7 click Win+R. You should now be in the Registry Editor, on the left side you will see a navigation pane similar to Explorer. Use it to navigate to the following location:

HKLM/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Run

and delete the registry keys associated with problem such as:

C:\Progra~1\Mywebs~1\Bar\1.bin\M3plugin.dll

Verify that the Shell key at HKLM/Software/Microsoft/Windows NT/CurrentVersion/Winlogon has a value Explorer.exe only.

Next, go to Edit > Find and do a search for M3PLUGIN.dll and delete all entries related to it, repeat the process for My Web Search. Don’t worry if nothing comes back on the search, this is just to make sure all the registry keys related to the adware is gone.

Step 4: Reboot your computer.

Step 5: Open My Computer and navigate to C:\Program Files and look for a folder called My Web Search and Fun Web Products and delete them. These folders should be gone, but it doesn’t hurt to double check.

My Web Search should now be completely removed along with the error message it generated.

Alternative Hotfix Solution

If the above steps failed, here’s one last solution that will remove the error message. Note that this solution will not remove the registry keys, nor any potential leftover malware, it just tells Windows to not attempt to load the missing file.

1. Click on Start.
2. Go to Run. (Win+R in Vista/7)
3. Enter msconfig in the window that opens.
4. Press Enter.
5. Go to the Startup tab.
6. Look for m3plugin.
7. Uncheck m3plugin and click Apply.

While adware is generally not harmful to your computer, it can seriously slow down performance and cause issues in the future.

Additionally it spies on your browsing habits and violate your privacy so it is always best to completely remove such intrusions when detected using a trusted antispyware tool, and also remember to practice safe browsing to avoid them in the first place.

Tip: Click here to run a free system scan for M3PLUGIN.dll relates errors.