Hohosearch.com

Hohosearch.com virus is a browser hijacker that might bring in additional unwanted programs

Hohosearch.com is a browser hijacker that uses sponsored search results to redirect its victims to partners’ websites.

Hohosearch.com is a browser hijacker that uses sponsored search results to redirect its victims to partners’ websites.

Hohosearch.com (also known as Hoho Search virus) is an application that allegedly enhances users’ web browsing experience by producing improved search results. However, the tool is a typical browser hijacker that gathers users’ information that is related to their browsing habits and delivers sponsored links and ads on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or another web browser.

Additionally, many users noticed that the Hohosearch.com virus arrived on their systems uninvited, as they did not install it purposely. The only reason why many noticed its presence is due to changes mage to the web browsers, e.g., homepage and new tab URL, was changed to hxxp://www.hohosearch.com, and a customized search engine applied.

The stealthy infiltration and Hohosearch.com hijack is a custom of and a direct result of software bundling. In many cases, third-party software distributors and developers include several components into the installers and deliberately hide them during the installation process, so that users would miss the installation step of potentially unwanted applications.^[1]

Hohosearch.com is similar to other browser hijackers^[2], so, once it gets inside, it takes over all web browsers that are installed on the affected computer, alters their settings and Registry. For this reason, users cannot simply reset browsers and change their preferred default homepage, search engine or new tab’s address.

This PUP initiates lots of unwanted and bothersome activities such as redirects to various websites, providing misleading ads and modifying search results. These three main features are quite related due to Hohosearch.com redirect tendencies. Users can click on an interest-based ad and end up on an absolutely irrelevant website that has nothing in common with advertised content.

Hohosearch.com might also replace relevant and organic search results with sponsored links that lead to various third-party sites. The main problem here is that some links or ads might redirect to high-risk or infected websites^[3]. So, if you ever end up on a strange Internet site, leave it immediately and scan your computer with a reputable security tool to remove Hohosearch.com from the system. Besides, we also recommend using Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego for resetting the installed web browsers for best results.

Hohosearch.com is a browser hijacker that enters the system with the help of bundling

Hohosearch.com is a browser hijacker that enters the system with the help of bundling

In addition, Hohosearch.com virus may start collecting and leaking the information about your browsing data, device characteristics, IP address, etc.  Usually, this aggregated information is used for creating and delivering interest-based ads. However, there is no way of knowing for what purposes this information can later be used because the main aim of this site is to earn pay-per-click^[4] revenue for its developers.

Therefore, when you click on a particular ad or sponsored link, you fill developers’ pockets with money. HohoSearch.com was introduced to computer users in the middle of March 2016. Since then, we have discovered several updates in this browser hijacker. After the latest update, this search engine has become capable of infecting Microsoft Edge – a freshly-released browser which is fully compatible with Windows 10 OS.

Also, it has started spreading in a bundle with different programs ^[5], so make sure you stay away from GSearchFinder toolbar (especially its version 1.08.8.66), FourFinders, Downware and other applications that are considered suspicious. If you have just discovered this virus on your computer, there is no doubt that you should hurry with the Hohosearch.com removal.

It’s the only solution to escape all these unwanted and concerning activities. Keep in mind that the longer you let Hohosearch.com stay on the system, the more problems it might cause. It might keep collecting information about your browsing or even install new applications or browser extensions without your knowledge. Do not hesitate and remove this hijacker from the computer either manually or automatically (both methods are explained at the end of the article).

The appearance of browser hijackers

NoVirus.uk specialists^[6] claim that downloads from third-party sources increase the risk of secret browser hijacker infiltration. Avoiding non-original developers and their products is a good idea if you want to prevent the appearance of questionable content.

Besides, ensure that a safe downloading mode has been chosen. Avoid any configuration that is listed as “basic” and choose the “custom” or “advanced” variant. Here you will be able to track all incoming products and opt out any dubious-looking software that you do not want to receive.

Last but not least ensure that websites you search on are safe and trustworthy. Prevent yourself from visiting various online-dating, gambling, and gaming networks as you might accidentally be provoked to install a browser hijacker on your computer by clicking on a specific advert or hyperlink.

Tips and tricks for Hohosearch.com removal

Apparently, no one wants to experience interferences when browsing the Internet. Therefore, there is no reason to keep HohoSearch virus installed on the system. You can stop the annoying redirects, ads, and recover regular system’s performance just by deleting this software from your PC. Sound like a lot of work? Well, it is not as difficult as it might seem.

There are two basic removal methods to choose from – manual and automatic removal methods. You can follow the manual Hohosearch.com removal guide provided below and terminate this browser parasite on your own. However, keep in mind that it may not be the only virus to reside on your PC. During this hijacker’s stay, your computer could have been exposed to a variety of different risks and easily infected with other malware.

Manual removal will not ensure that your computer is completely clean of potential threats. If you want to inspect your system thoroughly, you should remove Hohosearch.com with the help of an anti-spyware software; just make sure you use a reputable and reliable one.

You may remove virus damage with a help of Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego. 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.

Eliminate Hohosearch.com from Windows systems

To remove Hohosearch.com from Task Manager, make sure you carefully check each of its entries. You must uninstall GSearchFinder, FourFinders, Downware and other suspicious applications. No matter how useful they seem, they can cause the reappearance of Hohosearch.

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 Hohosearch.com and related programs
   Here, look for Hohosearch.com or any other recently installed suspicious programs.
3. Uninstall them and click OK to save these changes.
4. Remove Hohosearch.com 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.

Erase Hohosearch.com from Mac OS X system

While trying to uninstall Hohosearch.com from Mac OS X, you have to get rid of every suspicious entry, including GSearchFinder, FourFinders, and Downware. This procedure will prevent its return to your computer.

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 Hohosearch.com or any other suspicious programs on it. Now right click on every of such entries and select Move to Trash.

Remove Hohosearch.com from Internet Explorer (IE)

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 Hohosearch.com 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 Hohosearch.com removal.

Get rid of Hohosearch.com from Microsoft Edge

If you have just discovered this hijacker on your Microsoft Edge browser, follow these steps:

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, Hohosearch.com should be removed from your Microsoft Edge browser.

Uninstall Hohosearch.com from Mozilla Firefox (FF)

1. Remove dangerous extensions
   Open Mozilla Firefox, click on the menu icon (top right corner) and select Add-ons → Extensions.
2. Here, select Hohosearch.com 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 Hohosearch.com removal.

Delete Hohosearch.com from Google Chrome

Eliminate the browser-hijacker application and all additional products that it has inserted in your Google Chrome web browser with the help of these guiding steps:

1. Delete malicious plugins
   Open Google Chrome, click on the menu icon (top right corner) and select Tools → Extensions.
2. Here, select Hohosearch.com 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 Hohosearch.com removal.

Eliminate Hohosearch.com from Safari

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 Hohosearch.com 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 Hohosearch.com, 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 Hohosearch.com removal process.