Browser redirect virus

Browser redirect virus is a PUP which deteriorates your browsing experience

Browser redirect virus is a browser hijacker^[1] which takes over the targeted browser, for example, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, etc. This potentially unwanted program (PUP) can significantly worsen the experience during your browsing sessions as it causes continuous redirects to affiliate websites, prevents from using a safe search engine and displays advertising content.

Getting infected with a browser redirect virus is easy – all you need to do is to install freeware ^[2] inattentively. If you skip a pre-selected agreement to replace your current search engine or overlook other third-party entries bundled in a software package, you might deal with unwanted activities on your browser.

After the hijack, Redirect virus might:

• modify default homepage,
• replace current search engine with an unknown domain,
• display intrusive ads,
• initiate redirects to questionable sites,
• track information about users,
• etc.

If you are being redirected to delta-homes.com, YourSites123.com or search protect while browsing through Google, Yahoo, Bing or some shady domains load immediately after you launch your browser, take it as a tell-tale sign that your computer has been infected with a Browser redirect malware.

Nevertheless, applications belonging to this category are not malicious itself; redirects, ads, and links might lead to the potentially dangerous websites.^[3] Thus, you might be redirected to an infected site that has been created for spreading malware, fake tech support site, phishing site or become a victim of other online crimes.

In addition, it can easily track your browsing habits and collect information related to your browsing habits, such as your search queries, most visited websites, information that you submit when visiting these sites, your computers’ IP address and location. This information is considered as personally non-identifiable ^[4], but its leaks can result in various issues, including an increased amount of spam, more aggressive targeted advertising and similar problems.

Noticing strange activities on the browser is a sign that you should take care of computer’s security and focus on Browser redirect removal. There are numerous types and versions of these cyber infections; however, they all should be treated either automatically using anti-malware software or manually by investigating the system and deleting all malware-related entries yourself.

Browser redirect virus is a seriously annoying computer infection which prevents regular browsing and controls the victim’s web traffic.

Browser redirect virus is a seriously annoying computer infection which prevents regular browsing and controls the victim’s web traffic.

If you suspect your device has been taken hostage by a browser hijacker, you should remember that you can always remove Browser redirect virus with the help of automatic security utilities such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes. To remediate issues caused by the virus, try Reimage Reimage Cleaner .

Learn how to avoid browser hijackers and other PUPs 

Usually, various potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) and browser redirect viruses are distributed together with free applications via a popular marketing scheme called bundling. This technique allows the developers of browser hijackers hide their software among the optional components in the installer of other programs. Likewise, people unconsciously install both, freeware and PUP if they do not pay attention during the procedure.

Although, there are some tips that can help you protect your computer from browser hijackers and allow downloading free software. Make sure, that you read the steps indicated below attentively.

Read the “Privacy Policy” and “End User’s License Agreement.” If there are any mentions about data collection, commercial content and similar things, you should look for another, more reliable service.

1. Avoid “Quick,” “Basic” or “Recommended” installation option;
2. Select “Custom” or “Advanced” installation modes;
3. Remain attentive when going through the installation wizard and carefully read the information provided within each of the installation windows;
4. If you see any pre-checked option allowing to make changes to your start page or the default search engine, you should uncheck them;
5. Decline offers to install unknown browser add-ons, extensions and plugins on your computer ^[5];
6. Install reputable anti-spyware and keep it up-to-date. It will help you avoid browser hijackers that may be hidden inside the freeware packages.

Ways to get rid of Browser redirect virus

Before you try to remove Browser redirect virus, keep in mind that the procedure might be tricky as such PUPs tend to reappear after some time. Likewise, we suggest you rely on an automatic elimination method. It merely requires you to download a professional antivirus and let it check your computer files. After you run a scan with the preferred security tool, we strongly recommend Reimage Reimage Cleaner to get rid of corrupted system files that might have been affected by the virus.

To perform Browser redirect removal manually, find the instructions at the end of the post. However, if suspicious activities won’t stop, you should opt for the automatic option then. Security tools will find and delete malicious entries that you have missed.

We want to point out that it’s important to remove virus-related components from each of the web browsers that are installed on your computer. Besides, you have to reset Internet Explorer, Edge, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Opera or another browser you use. We have prepared guidelines how to terminate suspicious entries from these browsers below.

Instructions to remove Browser redirect from Mozilla Firefox

Firefox redirect virus removal can be tricky, as some additional components prevent you from changing the modified browser’s settings to the primary state. Thus, you must search for and delete all suspicious and unknown extensions or plug-ins that might be related to the browser hijacker.

You can check your extensions by following this path:

• Firefox;
• Add-ons;
• Extensions.

Here you will see current active toolbars and other applications. If you find some unknown entries, remove them.

However, sometimes computer infections hide under legitimate and popular program names. Usually, malicious or potentially dangerous applications use the name of Flash Player. However, keep in mind that seeing Flash Player under extensions tab is suspicious. It should not appear here.

In addition to extensions removal, you have to reset browser as well. You can do that by following these steps:

1. Click on the Firefox menu.
2. Choose Troubleshooting Information.
3. You will Reset Firefox to its default state option.
4. Click Reset Firefox button.

However, if you continue to see suspicious ads, cannot replace default homepage and deal with similar problems, you should look up for the virus-related programs in the computer’s system and uninstall potentially dangerous programs.

Guide to uninstall Browser redirect virus from Google Chrome

The easiest way to find out that Chrome redirect virus is present on your computer, is to check whether your default search provider is set to an unknown search engine. Keep in mind that the imposters usually try to look similar to popular search directories. Although, if you encounter suspicious redirects when clicking on query results, your browser is surely hijacked. 

This cyber threat might also display various ads and pop-ups that are connected or related to Google. These problems might be caused by Trojans, Rootkits or suspicious browser extensions that may have been installed with freeware or shareware.

In order to get back access to the browser and get rid of these redirects, users have to look through the list of installed extensions and remove suspicious entries. You can access Chrome’s extensions by opening:

• Chrome’s settings;
• Tools;
• Extensions.

Once you remove them, you should reset the browser via Reset browser settings options in Chrome’s settings.

However, if you cannot find potentially dangerous extensions installed on the browser, you should look up for suspicious programs installed on your PC. If you cannot find anything unknown, you should scam computer with reputable malware removal program. Most likely you are dealing with more serious infection than browser redirect virus.

Delete redirect malware from Internet Explorer

The main feature of browser hijackers is that they can lead the user to shady and suspicious websites. Note that it happens once you perform the search and appear on Google, Bing or Yahoo site where links are provided. Despite how legitimate it looks, the indicated links redirect to affiliate and commercial sites. 

Although, the significant feature of the IE redirect virus is that it can employ browser helper objects (BHO) to launch undesired tasks on the browser. For instance, the hijacker might alter browser’s settings, set new search engine or install third-party extensions.

To check if suspicious BHO’s have been installed to the Explorer, you can follow these steps:

1. Open the browser.
2. Choose Tools.
3. Select Manage Add-Ons.
4. Look through the list and remove suspicious entries.

If you cannot find unknown add-ons or Explorer continues causing problems, you should not hesitate and run a system scan with malware removal programs.

Measures to take once the Safari is hijacked by redirect virus

The main problem you can encounter after Mac redirect virus starts its malicious activity is the redirects to various non-English speaking sites. Unfortunately, most of the websites this browser hijacker leads to are potentially dangerous, including tech support scam pages or websites aimed at malware distribution. 

Usually, these activities are triggered by some Safari extensions. Even if you haven’t installed any extensions, plug in or toolbar directly, it may have entered bundled when you downloaded some application from third-party sources.

To stop these activities, you have to look through the list of your extensions:

1. Open Safari.
2. Click on Safari in the main menu section.
3. Select Preferences.
4. Open Extensions tab.
5. Click the Uninstall button near each of the suspicious components.

Once all potentially dangerous entries are deleted, you have to reset the browser. It helps to delete tracking cookies and other elements that are related to browser redirect virus.

Cleaning Opera from redirect issues

Once Opera is infected with Browser redirect virus, users may receive numerous and intrusive pop-ups, banners and in-texts on frequently visited pages. Also, when performing a query, the search engine redirects to unknown pages and shady websites, including gambling, and adult-only sites. 

After the hijack, users might also find unknown toolbars or extensions installed to the browser. The problem is that some of them might be responsible for flooding the browser with ads and tracking various information.

Once your browsing sessions are disturbed by these activities, you should check the list of extensions and add-ons:

1. Open the browser.
2. Choose Tools.
3. Click on Extensions.
4. Select Manage Extensions.

If you cannot find any suspicious entries installed, you should opt for the automatic elimination option and let anti-malware to eliminate Safari redirect virus.

You may remove virus damage with a help of Reimage Reimage Cleaner . SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.

Get rid of Browser redirect from Windows systems

In case you are looking for manual Browser redirect removal instructions, you came to the right place. You will find a comprehensive, step-by-step guide below.

1. Click Start → Control Panel → Programs and Features (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs). Windows 10 / Windows 8 user, then right-click in the lower left corner of the screen. Once Quick Access Menu shows up, select Control Panel and Uninstall a Program.
2. Uninstall Browser redirect and related programs
   Here, look for Browser redirect or any other recently installed suspicious programs.
3. Uninstall them and click OK to save these changes.
4. Remove Browser redirect from Windows shortcuts
   Right click on the shortcut of Mozilla Firefox and select Properties.
5. Go to Shortcut tab and look at the Target field. Delete malicious URL that is related to your virus.

Repeat steps that are given above with all browsers’ shortcuts, including Internet Explorer and Google Chrome. Make sure you check all locations of these shortcuts, including Desktop, Start Menu and taskbar.

Remove Browser redirect from Mac OS X system

Unauthorized browser redirects on the Mac OS X can be very annoying. To stop them from occurring, go through the instructions down below:

1. If you are using OS X, click Go button at the top left of the screen and select Applications.
2. Wait until you see Applications folder and look for Browser redirect or any other suspicious programs on it. Now right click on every of such entries and select Move to Trash.

Uninstall Browser redirect from Internet Explorer (IE)

When redirect viruses take over computers, they typically install additional software, toolbars, add-ons, extensions, etc. to help the main malware remain installed. Thus, it is necessary to eliminate these helper-objects first, to banish the browser redirect virus from your PC one and for all.

1. Remove dangerous add-ons
   Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top right corner of the browser and choose Manage Add-ons.
2. You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for Browser redirect and other suspicious plugins. Disable these entries by clicking Disable:
3. Change your homepage if it was altered by virus:
   Click on the gear icon (menu) on the top right corner of the browser and select Internet Options. Stay in General tab.
4. Here, remove malicious URL and enter preferable domain name. Click Apply to save changes.
5. Reset Internet Explorer
   Click on the gear icon (menu) again and select Internet options. Go to Advanced tab.
6. Here, select Reset.
7. When in the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset again to complete Browser redirect removal.

Delete Browser redirect virus from Microsoft Edge

Clean your browser from undesirable browser extensions, plug-ins, and other items. This will help prevent the redirect PUP from bouncing back to your browser.

Reset Microsoft Edge settings (Method 1):

1. Launch Microsoft Edge app and click More (three dots at the top right corner of the screen).
2. Click Settings to open more options.
3. Once Settings window shows up, click Choose what to clear button under Clear browsing data option.
4. Here, select all what you want to remove and click Clear.
5. Now you should right-click on the Start button (Windows logo). Here, select Task Manager.
6. When in Processes tab, search for Microsoft Edge.
7. Right-click on it and choose Go to details option. If can’t see Go to details option, click More details and repeat previous steps.
8. When Details tab shows up, find every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right click on each of them and select End Task to end these entries.

Resetting Microsoft Edge browser (Method 2):

If Method 1 failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method.

1. Note: you need to backup your data before using this method.
2. Find this folder on your computer: C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe.
3. Select every entry which is saved on it and right click with your mouse. Then Delete option.
4. Click the Start button (Windows logo) and type in window power in Search my stuff line.
5. Right-click the Windows PowerShell entry and choose Run as administrator.
6. Once Administrator: Windows PowerShell window shows up, paste this command line after PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> and press Enter:
   

   Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml -Verbose}

   

Once these steps are finished, Browser redirect should be removed from your Microsoft Edge browser.

Eliminate Browser redirect from Mozilla Firefox (FF)

If you wish the Browser redirect virus to stop tracking your browsing, you should remove it along with unfamiliar browser objects and then reset the browser to set the changes.

1. Remove dangerous extensions
   Open Mozilla Firefox, click on the menu icon (top right corner) and select Add-ons → Extensions.
2. Here, select Browser redirect and other questionable plugins. Click Remove to delete these entries.
3. Change your homepage if it was altered by virus:
   Click on the menu (top right corner), choose Options → General.
4. Here, delete malicious URL and enter preferable website or click Restore to default.
5. Click OK to save these changes.
6. Reset Mozilla Firefox
   Click on the Firefox menu on the top left and click on the question mark. Here, choose Troubleshooting Information.
7. Now you will see Reset Firefox to its default state message with Reset Firefox button. Click this button for several times and complete Browser redirect removal.

Erase Browser redirect from Google Chrome

The virus will not leave your computer unless you eliminate the helper objects that keep reassigning it back as your homepage or default search engine. To do that, look through your extension and plug-in list and eliminate entries that seem suspicious and out of place.

1. Delete malicious plugins
   Open Google Chrome, click on the menu icon (top right corner) and select Tools → Extensions.
2. Here, select Browser redirect and other malicious plugins and select trash icon to delete these entries.
3. Change your homepage and default search engine if it was altered by your virus
   Click on menu icon and choose Settings.
4. Here, look for the Open a specific page or set of pages under On startup option and click on Set pages.
5. Now you should see another window. Here, delete malicious search sites and enter the one that you want to use as your homepage.
6. Click on menu icon again and choose Settings → Manage Search engines under the Search section.
7. When in Search Engines…, remove malicious search sites. You should leave only Google or your preferred domain name.
8. Reset Google Chrome
   Click on menu icon on the top right of your Google Chrome and select Settings.
9. Scroll down to the end of the page and click on Reset browser settings.
10. Click Reset to confirm this action and complete Browser redirect removal.

Get rid of Browser redirect from Safari

If a PUP infiltrates your browser, you should first check for its malicious components on your computer. After you locate and delete them, you should then move on to your Safari browser and sort out its extensions, too. Remove shady components and reset the browser as explained below:

1. Remove dangerous extensions
   Open Safari web browser and click on Safari in menu at the top left of the screen. Once you do this, select Preferences.
2. Here, select Extensions and look for Browser redirect or other suspicious entries. Click on the Uninstall button to get rid each of them.
3. Change your homepage if it was altered by virus:
   Open your Safari web browser and click on Safari in menu section. Here, select Preferences as it was displayed previously and select General.
4. Here, look at the Homepage field. If it was altered by Browser redirect, remove unwanted link and enter the one that you want to use for your searches. Remember to include the “http://” before typing in the address of the page.
5. Reset Safari
   Open Safari browser and click on Safari in menu section at the top left of the screen. Here, select Reset Safari….
6. Now you will see a detailed dialog window filled with reset options. All of those options are usually checked, but you can specify which of them you want to reset. Click the Reset button to complete Browser redirect removal process.