Post by Admin on May 11, 2017 6:12:34 GMT
Typically, browser hijacking is a type of online fraud, which can take control of your computer's Internet browser and change how and what it displays when you're surfing the web.
If you are already a victim of a hijacked browser, the following instructions (resources, demonstrations) will help you out.
Table of contents:
NOTE: Some listed 3rd-party adware cleanup tools can work for different browser programs.
TIP: In order to locate the target item (e.g., the official resource/download) fast, you can press the Ctrl key + the F key. Moreover, please comment if you have trouble accessing any additional info that we've outlined.
Part 1: For Chromies, please try the below content
The following video guide can help get you started.
1. Assure your Google Chrome is current. To do this, try updating your Chrome first. And make sure Chrome-related services have been set to run manually or automatically.
2. Other basic troubleshooting steps are listed as below:
· stop syncing your Google/Chrome data temporarily
* Restore homepage/startpage.
· BACK UP your local cookies if necessary. Clear cache and cookies can be useful.
· Check chrome://extensions/ - for newbies, we suggest you scan for browser hijackers using a trustworthy antivirus solution, and clean up any other unknown items. If you can't remove some stubborn app, or if you find some Chrome settings (e.g., Search Engine address) have been disabled/locked/blocked, run Chrome policy remover first. For power users, navigate to C:\Windows\System32\GroupPolicy\Machine (or C:\Windows\System32\GroupPolicy\User) and remove the file named Registry.pol.
· Find & clear current Chrome Profile Folder on Windows, Mac, and Linux
* Download, install and update MalwareBytes Anti-Malware (the Free version & the build that works for your system/device) so you can detect & erase hidden PUPs in your system. Using adwcleaner would lead to an increased effort.
· Run Norton Power Eraser (NPE). Note that, if NPE does not remove the unwanted toolbars, then manually remove them by using the Add/Remove Programs or Uninstall a Program in the Control Panel.
· BACK UP your personal data (e.g., bookmarks, passwords, local cookies, etc.) before performing this step. Run Chrome Cleanup Tool (Beware of FAKE Chrome Cleanup Tool!)
· Create a new user profile on your Chrome. For Mac users, see detailed steps below.
· (Optionally) create a new user profile on your computer (Windows).
· Completely remove the ruined Chrome, restart when the uninstallation is complete. Then, download and install Chrome Canary.
· Try turning on the "Pop-ups" setting in Chrome.
· Reset the Hosts file in your system
3. Give the “reset browser settings” button a go. Additionally, you may need to uninstall some (disabled & unused/unknown) add-ons manually, later.
4. (LAST RESORT) Back up your personal data, then restore/reset and/or reinstall (perform a clean install of) Windows. Keep your system and installed programs up-to-date, always.
Steps to create new Chrome profile (for Mac):
· Quit Google Chrome completely.
· In the Mac menu bar at the top of the screen, click Go.
· Select Go to Folder.
· Enter the following directories: ~/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome/ in the text field, then press Go.
· Locate the folder called "Default" in the directory window that opens and rename it as "Backup default."
· Try opening Google Chrome again. A new "Default" folder is automatically created as you start using the browser.
How to reset the Hosts file back to the default?
Copy the following text.
Replace the content in the old hosts file, which is located %WinDir%\System32\Drivers\Etc.
Part 2: For Mozilla Firefox users, try these steps as follow.
1. Disable unknown items.
2. In the Manage Search Engine List window, select the unknown search engine, and click Remove.
3. Reset Firefox.
4. Run Norton Power Eraser scan.
5. Try the below adware cleaners: Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware Free, SuperAntispyware Portable Scanner, Microsoft Safety Scanner, "Anti-Rootkit Utility - TDSSKiller" and AdwCleaner, and the aforementioned NPE.
In addition to the above tools, you can also try the below ones:
· Windows Defender.
· Ad-aware from Lavasoft (aka, Ad-Aware Free Antivirus).
· Spybot Search and Destroy.
· HijackThis by Merijn.
If any adware/badware returns after rebooting the computer, boot the computer into Safe Mode and run the threat removal program(s) again.
5. You can also review other options in this guide, such as resetting your operating system.
Part 3: For Internet Explorer & Microsoft Edge users, try the below options.
1. Reset the homepage setting.
2. Disable add-ons.
3. Reset IE to its factory value.
4. Review the methods in the Part 1 above. For instance, you can try clearing IE's cache, resetting the Hosts file and/or perform virus/malware removal as well.
Additionally, download Microsoft Safety scanner and scan your system.
5. Registry hack
1) delete the Edge icon from Windows taskbar .
2) close any running instances with Task Manager.
3) Open up the registry and delete the following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AppContainer\Storage\microsoft.microsoftedge_8wekyb3d8bbwe
Tip: This is the registry key that the Edge app uses - so you need to remove any Edge-specific settings.
4) delete the Package folder from the %AppData%\..\Local\Packages\.
5) Open up PowerShell in Adminstrator mode and run the following command:
Get-AppxPackage -allusers *microsoftedge* | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
Part 4: Adware/Badware Preventions tips.
1. Always Keep Your OS and Your Browser Software up-to-date.
2. Use an Security Conscious Alternate DNS Resolution Provider (change system DNS).
3. Run a good security program that offers "Realtime Protection" feature.
4. Scan yourdownloads BEFORE you run 'em. For example, U can easily do that using www.virustotal.com.
5. (VERY IMPORTANT) Read the Tersm/ToS & installation wizards carefully before you press the Next button and try opting out of bundled extras (if allowed).
6. Learn how to use Virtualbox, and run the downloaded setup file in the "fake" system. Check if you can find any undesired software.
Last, but not least, feel free to offer your opinion so we can keep PUPs at bay!
Part 5: How to remove malware from your computer?
See detailed steps@ www.popsci.com/remove-malware-from-computer
Please help report these risky websites & bad app(s).
References
* www.microsoft.com/en-us/safety/pc-security/browser-hijacking.aspx Fix your hijacked web browser
* support.google.com/chrome/answer/6386691?hl=en Reset your Chrome sync
* support.google.com/chrome/answer/6284476?hl=en Fix problems installing Google Chrome
* www.google.com/chrome/browser/canary.html Official Google Chrome Canary Download
* chrome.googleblog.com/2014/01/clean-up-your-hijacked-settings.html Clean up your hijacked settings
* support.google.com/chrome/answer/142059?hl=en Reset Chrome settings to default
* support.google.com/chrome/answer/6086368?hl=en "Scan a Windows computer with the Chrome Cleanup Tool"
* uninstallguides.freeforums.net/post/707/thread FAKE Chrome Cleanup Tool
* toolslib.net/downloads/viewdownload/1-adwcleaner/ adwcleaner Download
* www.howtogeek.com/255653/how-to-find-your-chrome-profile-folder-on-windows-mac-and-linux/ Find & clear Your Chrome Profile Folder on Windows, Mac, and Linux
* support.google.com/chrome/answer/2364824 re How to Share Chrome with others or add a profile;
* www.google.com/chrome/browser/canary.html Official Google Canary download;
* drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=0B5uG-tHNHBj5XzNJbzlsd0NONnc Download Chrome policy remover
* www.malwarebytes.com/ Malwarebytes official website;
* "Virus/Malware - Search Engage / Search Solutions Extension Hijack"
* support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/972034/how-to-reset-the-hosts-file-back-to-the-default
* www.avast.com/c-browser-hijacker
* support.norton.com/sp/en/us/home/current/solutions/kb20100811171926EN_EndUserProfile_en_us (What can you do if) I (you) see popups or I am redirected to different websites?
* support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/troubleshoot-firefox-issues-caused-malware
* www.microsoft.com/en-us/safety/pc-security/browser-hijacking.aspx Fix your hijacked web browser (Internet Explorer)
* www.microsoft.com/security/scanner/en-us/default.aspx?wa=wsignin1.0 Microsoft Safety Scanner Download
* superuser.com/questions/1102742/microsoft-edge-start-page-is-hijacked-and-cant-be-changed "Microsoft Edge start page is hijacked and can't be changed"
* www.asus.com/NZ/support/FAQ/1013018 How to enter Windows Safe Mode?
* www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000578.htm "My web browser has been hijacked!" (What can you do?)
* www.lifewire.com/how-to-prevent-browser-hijacking-2487982 How to Prevent Browser Hijacking
* www.virtualbox.org/manual/ch01.html Getting started with VirtualBox
* (UPD) www.techrepublic.com/article/the-simple-guide-for-avoiding-malware/ "Simple ways to avoid malware on all your devices"
* www.tomshardware.com/news/how-to-do-clean-installation-windows-10,36160.html "How To Do A Clean Installation Of Windows 10"
If you are already a victim of a hijacked browser, the following instructions (resources, demonstrations) will help you out.
Table of contents:
- Part 1: Troubleshooting info for Chromies.
- Part 2: Troubleshooting info for Mozilla Firefox users.
- Part 3: Troubleshooting info for IE / Microsoft Edge users.
- Part 4: Adware/Badware Preventions tips.
- (Added) Part 5: How to remove malware from your computer?
- (Added) Part 6: "How to keep your data, privacy and identity safe?", "When it comes to computer security, be thorough", "Simple ways to avoid malware on all your devices"
- (Added) Part 7: Case studies (e.g., Malsite Redirections).
NOTE: Some listed 3rd-party adware cleanup tools can work for different browser programs.
TIP: In order to locate the target item (e.g., the official resource/download) fast, you can press the Ctrl key + the F key. Moreover, please comment if you have trouble accessing any additional info that we've outlined.
Part 1: For Chromies, please try the below content
The following video guide can help get you started.
1. Assure your Google Chrome is current. To do this, try updating your Chrome first. And make sure Chrome-related services have been set to run manually or automatically.
2. Other basic troubleshooting steps are listed as below:
· stop syncing your Google/Chrome data temporarily
* Restore homepage/startpage.
· BACK UP your local cookies if necessary. Clear cache and cookies can be useful.
· Check chrome://extensions/ - for newbies, we suggest you scan for browser hijackers using a trustworthy antivirus solution, and clean up any other unknown items. If you can't remove some stubborn app, or if you find some Chrome settings (e.g., Search Engine address) have been disabled/locked/blocked, run Chrome policy remover first. For power users, navigate to C:\Windows\System32\GroupPolicy\Machine (or C:\Windows\System32\GroupPolicy\User) and remove the file named Registry.pol.
· Find & clear current Chrome Profile Folder on Windows, Mac, and Linux
* Download, install and update MalwareBytes Anti-Malware (the Free version & the build that works for your system/device) so you can detect & erase hidden PUPs in your system. Using adwcleaner would lead to an increased effort.
· Run Norton Power Eraser (NPE). Note that, if NPE does not remove the unwanted toolbars, then manually remove them by using the Add/Remove Programs or Uninstall a Program in the Control Panel.
· BACK UP your personal data (e.g., bookmarks, passwords, local cookies, etc.) before performing this step. Run Chrome Cleanup Tool (Beware of FAKE Chrome Cleanup Tool!)
· Create a new user profile on your Chrome. For Mac users, see detailed steps below.
· (Optionally) create a new user profile on your computer (Windows).
· Completely remove the ruined Chrome, restart when the uninstallation is complete. Then, download and install Chrome Canary.
· Try turning on the "Pop-ups" setting in Chrome.
· Reset the Hosts file in your system
3. Give the “reset browser settings” button a go. Additionally, you may need to uninstall some (disabled & unused/unknown) add-ons manually, later.
4. (LAST RESORT) Back up your personal data, then restore/reset and/or reinstall (perform a clean install of) Windows. Keep your system and installed programs up-to-date, always.
Steps to create new Chrome profile (for Mac):
· Quit Google Chrome completely.
· In the Mac menu bar at the top of the screen, click Go.
· Select Go to Folder.
· Enter the following directories: ~/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome/ in the text field, then press Go.
· Locate the folder called "Default" in the directory window that opens and rename it as "Backup default."
· Try opening Google Chrome again. A new "Default" folder is automatically created as you start using the browser.
How to reset the Hosts file back to the default?
Copy the following text.
# Copyright (c) 1993-2006 Microsoft Corp.
#
# This is a sample HOSTS file used by Microsoft TCP/IP for Windows.
#
# This file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. Each
# entry should be kept on an individual line. The IP address should
# be placed in the first column followed by the corresponding host name.
# The IP address and the host name should be separated by at least one
# space.
#
# Additionally, comments (such as these) may be inserted on individual
# lines or following the machine name denoted by a '#' symbol.
#
# For example:
#
# 102.54.94.97 rhino.acme.com # source server
# 38.25.63.10 x.acme.com # x client host
# localhost name resolution is handle within DNS itself.
# 127.0.0.1 localhost
# ::1 localhost
#
# This is a sample HOSTS file used by Microsoft TCP/IP for Windows.
#
# This file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. Each
# entry should be kept on an individual line. The IP address should
# be placed in the first column followed by the corresponding host name.
# The IP address and the host name should be separated by at least one
# space.
#
# Additionally, comments (such as these) may be inserted on individual
# lines or following the machine name denoted by a '#' symbol.
#
# For example:
#
# 102.54.94.97 rhino.acme.com # source server
# 38.25.63.10 x.acme.com # x client host
# localhost name resolution is handle within DNS itself.
# 127.0.0.1 localhost
# ::1 localhost
Part 2: For Mozilla Firefox users, try these steps as follow.
1. Disable unknown items.
2. In the Manage Search Engine List window, select the unknown search engine, and click Remove.
3. Reset Firefox.
4. Run Norton Power Eraser scan.
5. Try the below adware cleaners: Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware Free, SuperAntispyware Portable Scanner, Microsoft Safety Scanner, "Anti-Rootkit Utility - TDSSKiller" and AdwCleaner, and the aforementioned NPE.
In addition to the above tools, you can also try the below ones:
· Windows Defender.
· Ad-aware from Lavasoft (aka, Ad-Aware Free Antivirus).
· Spybot Search and Destroy.
· HijackThis by Merijn.
If any adware/badware returns after rebooting the computer, boot the computer into Safe Mode and run the threat removal program(s) again.
5. You can also review other options in this guide, such as resetting your operating system.
Part 3: For Internet Explorer & Microsoft Edge users, try the below options.
1. Reset the homepage setting.
2. Disable add-ons.
3. Reset IE to its factory value.
4. Review the methods in the Part 1 above. For instance, you can try clearing IE's cache, resetting the Hosts file and/or perform virus/malware removal as well.
Additionally, download Microsoft Safety scanner and scan your system.
5. Registry hack
1) delete the Edge icon from Windows taskbar .
2) close any running instances with Task Manager.
3) Open up the registry and delete the following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AppContainer\Storage\microsoft.microsoftedge_8wekyb3d8bbwe
Tip: This is the registry key that the Edge app uses - so you need to remove any Edge-specific settings.
4) delete the Package folder from the %AppData%\..\Local\Packages\.
5) Open up PowerShell in Adminstrator mode and run the following command:
Get-AppxPackage -allusers *microsoftedge* | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
Part 4: Adware/Badware Preventions tips.
1. Always Keep Your OS and Your Browser Software up-to-date.
2. Use an Security Conscious Alternate DNS Resolution Provider (change system DNS).
3. Run a good security program that offers "Realtime Protection" feature.
4. Scan yourdownloads BEFORE you run 'em. For example, U can easily do that using www.virustotal.com.
5. (VERY IMPORTANT) Read the Tersm/ToS & installation wizards carefully before you press the Next button and try opting out of bundled extras (if allowed).
6. Learn how to use Virtualbox, and run the downloaded setup file in the "fake" system. Check if you can find any undesired software.
Last, but not least, feel free to offer your opinion so we can keep PUPs at bay!
Part 5: How to remove malware from your computer?
- What to do first?
- Deal with specific threats.
- Try on-demand tools.
- Delete and reset whenever you're ready.
- Prevent future problems (see/review case studies here)
- "Simple ways to avoid malware on all your devices"
See detailed steps@ www.popsci.com/remove-malware-from-computer
Please help report these risky websites & bad app(s).
References
* www.microsoft.com/en-us/safety/pc-security/browser-hijacking.aspx Fix your hijacked web browser
* support.google.com/chrome/answer/6386691?hl=en Reset your Chrome sync
* support.google.com/chrome/answer/6284476?hl=en Fix problems installing Google Chrome
* www.google.com/chrome/browser/canary.html Official Google Chrome Canary Download
* chrome.googleblog.com/2014/01/clean-up-your-hijacked-settings.html Clean up your hijacked settings
* support.google.com/chrome/answer/142059?hl=en Reset Chrome settings to default
* support.google.com/chrome/answer/6086368?hl=en "Scan a Windows computer with the Chrome Cleanup Tool"
* uninstallguides.freeforums.net/post/707/thread FAKE Chrome Cleanup Tool
* toolslib.net/downloads/viewdownload/1-adwcleaner/ adwcleaner Download
* www.howtogeek.com/255653/how-to-find-your-chrome-profile-folder-on-windows-mac-and-linux/ Find & clear Your Chrome Profile Folder on Windows, Mac, and Linux
* support.google.com/chrome/answer/2364824 re How to Share Chrome with others or add a profile;
* www.google.com/chrome/browser/canary.html Official Google Canary download;
* drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=0B5uG-tHNHBj5XzNJbzlsd0NONnc Download Chrome policy remover
* www.malwarebytes.com/ Malwarebytes official website;
* "Virus/Malware - Search Engage / Search Solutions Extension Hijack"
* support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/972034/how-to-reset-the-hosts-file-back-to-the-default
* www.avast.com/c-browser-hijacker
* support.norton.com/sp/en/us/home/current/solutions/kb20100811171926EN_EndUserProfile_en_us (What can you do if) I (you) see popups or I am redirected to different websites?
* support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/troubleshoot-firefox-issues-caused-malware
* www.microsoft.com/en-us/safety/pc-security/browser-hijacking.aspx Fix your hijacked web browser (Internet Explorer)
* www.microsoft.com/security/scanner/en-us/default.aspx?wa=wsignin1.0 Microsoft Safety Scanner Download
* superuser.com/questions/1102742/microsoft-edge-start-page-is-hijacked-and-cant-be-changed "Microsoft Edge start page is hijacked and can't be changed"
* www.asus.com/NZ/support/FAQ/1013018 How to enter Windows Safe Mode?
* www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000578.htm "My web browser has been hijacked!" (What can you do?)
* www.lifewire.com/how-to-prevent-browser-hijacking-2487982 How to Prevent Browser Hijacking
* www.virtualbox.org/manual/ch01.html Getting started with VirtualBox
* (UPD) www.techrepublic.com/article/the-simple-guide-for-avoiding-malware/ "Simple ways to avoid malware on all your devices"
* www.tomshardware.com/news/how-to-do-clean-installation-windows-10,36160.html "How To Do A Clean Installation Of Windows 10"