Browser hijackers are annoying parasites that take over your browsers and turn them into ad-displaying tools. If the SearchThis.com redirect constantly appears on your screen, it means that somewhere on your PC lurks a browser hijacker parasite. You may also notice that the same page has replaced your homepage, new tab pages and even preferred search engine. That’s because hijackers can freely modify any web settings they see fit. And that’s not all.
The malicious software can also install shady apps and toolbars without bothering to ask for your permission. As a typical hijacker, this cyber pest will generate numerous intrusive adverts in different forms like pop-ups, banners, in-text and blinking messages. They are known to promote exclusive deals, special offers, coupons and discounts, etc. What’s interesting about such promoted content is that it will be specifically targeted to be as attractive to you as possible. How? Thanks to hijacker’s ability to monitor your online activity and collect web data like browsing history and search results. Such information is very useful in order to provide the kind of content that the user is more likely to click on. After all, the main goal of a hijacker is to create pay-per-click revenue.
Browser hijackers are most commonly distributed through spam email messages, email attachments and executable files, fake update requests, software bundles, torrent files and infected links and ads. If you want to protect your information from falling into the wrong hands, as well as not to unknowingly allow malicious software on your PC, you need to pay close attention to what you click on. Steer clear from spam emails, as they often contain hidden threats that can seriously harm your computer. The same thing applies especially if the email contains attachments or executable files.
We also recommend our readers to always opt for a Custom/Advanced type of installation when they’re dealing with software that they’ve downloaded from the internet. Some software bundles may include hidden content that will automatically install on your PC without you even realizing it. To prevent this from happening, you need to follow our advice. Only then will you be able to view the full content of what programs are about to get installed on your computer. If you see any additional software, you need to deselect it, since it most likely is malware in disguise.
Don’t make the mistake of ignoring a hijacker. Sure, adverts might not seem dangerous on their own, but by keeping this parasite on your computer, you’ll gain nothing but trouble. You see, the longer this malware is allowed to stay, the more adverts it will be able to generate. Soon enough, your browser will start to experience difficulties displaying such an enormous amount of ads. This will inevitably lead to it starting to crash and freeze on a daily basis.
Lagging and slow internet speed are also symptoms that come from a hijacker infection. What’s more, your online security and privacy can get compromised. Sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, bank account credentials, Login ID, IP addresses, etc. can easily fall into the hands of a hacker who seeks to share this data with other questionable third-parties for profit. Regain control over your browser! The longer you wait, the worse it will get! Remove this nasty browser hijacker from your computer before it is too late!
SearchThis.com Uninstall
Before starting the real removal process, you must reboot in Safe Mode. If you are familiar with this task, skip the instructions below and proceed to Step 2. If you do not know how to do it, here is how to reboot in Safe mode:
For Windows 98, XP, Millenium and 7:
Reboot your computer. When the first screen of information appears, start repeatedly pressing F8 key. Then choose Safe Mode With Networking from the options.
For Windows 8/8.1
Click the Start button, next click Control Panel —> System and Security —> Administrative Tools —> System Configuration.
Check the Safe Boot option and click OK. Click Restart when asked.
For Windows 10
Open the Start menu and click or tap on the Power button.
While keeping the Shift key pressed, click or tap on Restart.
Here are the steps you must follow to permanently remove from the browser:
Remove From Mozilla Firefox:
Open Firefox, click on top-right corner , click Add-ons, hit Extensions next.
Look for suspicious or unknown extensions, remove them all.
Remove From Chrome:
Open Chrome, click chrome menu icon at the top-right corner —>More Tools —> Extensions. There, identify the malware and select chrome-trash-icon(Remove).
Remove From Internet Explorer:
Open IE, then click IE gear icon on the top-right corner —> Manage Add-ons.
Find the malicious add-on. Remove it by pressing Disable.
Right click on the browser’s shortcut, then click Properties. Remove everything after the .exe” in the Target box.
Open Control Panel by holding the Win Key and R together. Write appwiz.cpl in the field, then click OK.
Here, find any program you had no intention to install and uninstall it.
Run the Task Manager by right clicking on the Taskbar and choosing Start Task Manager.
Look carefully at the file names and descriptions of the running processes. If you find any suspicious one, search on Google for its name, or contact me directly to identify it. If you find a malware process, right-click on it and choose End task.
Open MS Config by holding the Win Key and R together. Type msconfig and hit Enter.
Go to the Startup tab and Uncheck entries that have “Unknown” as Manufacturer.
Still cannot remove SearchThis.com from your browser? Please, leave a comment below, describing what steps you performed. I will answer promptly.