Tuesday, October 28, 2014

How to Remove Start-search.com Thoroughly? - Removal Guide

Start-search.com is an aggressive redirect virus which can control over the web browsers in the infected computers and modify the Internet settings, changing the original homepage and search engine to Start-search.com without any permission. By doing this, the redirect virus is able to alter the home page and affect users’ browsing habits. Since Start-search.com appears as a useful search provider similar to Google, most computer users won’t be vigilant when they find their homepage is replaced by this site, some even keep this one as their default homepage unconsciously.

Start-search.com redirect virus has the ability to interfere with users’ activities on the browsers by redirecting them to some unknown websites which contain lots of advertisements and sponsored links. Apart from hijacking the browser, the virus also displays plenty of nonstop pop-up ads in user’s computer, especially when they launch some third-party programs like a media player, so that the users would unknowingly click on them and go for a visit. Those websites are specially designed for the purpose of promoting certain products or services and further making a great profit. Commodity sales promotion, activity coupons, discounts on goods and bargains are other sources that can be exploited to distribute Start-search.com redirect virus. So some people don’t mind getting the frequent pop-up advertisements or being redirected to advertising websites.

Just because that Start-search.com redirect virus could meet some users’ requirements, so they do not consider this redirect virus as a threat that would bring much trouble to their computers and personal information. Once browser settings has been under the control of Start-search.com redirect virus, loads of perilous extensions, plug- ins and add- on will be allowed to get installed on it which may severely damage the system. As a result, the browser performance may be greatly affected – browser runs slower and sometime even stops responding. Moreover, it may display some ads or sponsored links that can redirect users to websites with malicious codes. Under the circumstance, users may be forced to visit malicious websites and other infections like ransomware, Trojans and rogue programs can be downloaded in the system automatically and secretly, resulting in more damages to the system.

How to Remove Start-search.com Manually? 

1. Disable running processes on Windows Task Manager.
1) Press Ctrl+Alt+Del keys to activate Windows Task Manager.
2) From Processes tab, find out the associated processes of Start-search.com and then right click on the End Process button to totally terminate them.

2. Uninstall associated programs of Start-search.com from the computer.
1) Click on Start button, click Control Panel.
2) Click Program, click on Uninstall a Program.
3) From Programs and Features, locate the associated programs of Start-search.com from the applications list, locate the associated programs and then click Uninstall button to remove them.
4) Confirm the uninstall request then follow the wizard to complete the removal.

3. Modify browser settings to stay away from the cyber attacks triggered by Start-search.com.
1) Enable the browser.
2) Revert browser settings and fully remove the associated Internet temp files.

For Internet Explorer
Click Tools-> Go to Internet Options-> Click Advanced tab-> Click on Reset button

For Mozilla Firefox
Click Firefox-> locate Help option-> Go to Troubleshooting Information-> Click Reset Firefox button

For Google Chrome
Click the wrench icon-> Click Settings-> Click Show Advanced Settings link-> Click Reset Browser Settings

3) Reset the browser homepage manually.

For Internet Explorer
Click General from the Internet Options -> type a secure and new web address -> confirm the modification

For Mozilla Firefox
Click Options from the Firefox menu-> Click General tab-> type a secure and new web address -> confirm the changes.

For Google Chrome
Go to Advance section in the Settings-> Click Show Home Button-> Click the displayed Change link-> type a secure and new web address

4) Restart the browser to confirm the modification.


Conclusion 


Generally, Start-search.com redirect virus breaks into the targeted computers by coming bundled with a junk email attachment, pretending itself to be a legitimate file (such as audio file, image file, or txt file) and cheating users into click on the attachment. This unwanted application can be also bundled with free downloads from the Internet and automatically installed on the PC silently without letting users know. Most users are not aware that being infected with redirect virus is very dangerous and they ignore it, missing the best chance to save the computer system in time.

To avoid Start-search.com redirect virus, users need to be aware of the common browser settings and options which can be easily modified by the malware, such as appearance of undesirable ads pops- up, browser homepage being changed to a commercial related one or deterioration of browser performance, it is suggested to check the status of browser immediately. The effective way for prevention is to get rid of the unwanted plug-ins in the browser. Afterwards, restore the browser settings and secure the computer to a high level. Be aware of any latest downloads will efficiently prevent the harms brought by Start-search.com redirect virus.

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