Yahoo Redirect virus

Yahoo redirect virus is a type of browser hijacker that seeks to control users’ browsing habits

Yahoo redirect virus is a set of infections relying on this tech giant to increase their popularity. However, these browser hijackers have nothing to do with Yahoo. Unlike genuine search engines, these unwanted programs^[1] enter computers without user’s consent and initiate changes to Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Safari or other browsers. This way, the PUP ensures its persistence, and, in some cases, leads its victims to serious struggle while trying to get rid of Yahoo redirect virus. Overall, hijackers do not provide any benefits to regular users and may harm their machines, as well as put virtual safety at risk, instead.

The main aim of hijack is to modify search results that the user receives and push sponsored content via them^[2]. For this reason, potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) such as Delta-Homes.com^[3] or Default-Search.net hijack all web browsers installed on the compromised computer and change default home, new tab and search settings.

Usually, redirect viruses replace homepage with a site that has a search engine on it. When attempting to use that search engine, the victim receives altered search results that are full of sponsored content. By clicking it, you may find yourself on an infected website seeking to sell you something or even infect you with malware.

The browser hijacker targets both Windows and Mac operating systems. Yahoo virus on Mac causes same issues just like it does on Windows operating systems. Instead of providing useful search services, it fills the real Yahoo search results with ads. Therefore, users should take care of Yahoo redirect virus removal without any hesitation.

An easy way to identify the search redirect virus

To identify the Yahoo redirect virus, you have to check what’s written on the tab name as soon as you receive the search results. When exploring results brought by the genuine search engine, the browser displays “Yahoo Search Results” as the tab name. When dealing with the redirect virus, the tab name might have an additional word added to it, for instance, “Aztec Media Yahoo Search Results” or “Saferbrowser Yahoo Search results.”

Exploring these modified search results can lead to sad consequences because such results can contain deceptive links pointing to dangerous external websites. The aim of changing user’s default homepage and search settings is to insert paid links next to organic search results and trick people into clicking on them.

It would be right to say that such browser hijackers try to smokescreen their aims behind the reputable image of Yahoo. If you suspect that your browser was infected with a similar hijacker, better remove redirect virus as soon as possible. Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego software can eliminate such threats with ease.

Users who decide to eliminate the threat manually should know that some of these redirect viruses are extremely hard to remove. In case you are dealing with Yahoo redirect virus, you will need to perform more actions in order to complete the removal. This involves modification of Registry Keys, browser shortcuts, and other settings.

Yahoo redirect virus is a term used to describe unwanted system changes, including the homepage and default search page. Consequently, the user receives modified search results filled with ads.

Yahoo redirect virus is a term used to describe unwanted system changes, including the homepage and default search page. Consequently, the user receives modified search results filled with ads.

Ways to get infected with Yahoo redirect virus

The described browser parasite belongs to “browser hijacker” and a “potentially unwanted program” categories. Programs that belong to this group are distributed using three different techniques:

• Traditional installation method. You can install browser redirect malware with a help of typical spyware installation technique, which requires going to the official program’s website, selecting the program and downloading it to the system. This is a clear example of how attentive and careful you have to be while browsing on the Internet and looking for the software that you need.
• Bundling^[4]. Yahoo redirect problem can also start interrupting you out of nowhere. In this case, you should know that you were tricked into installing a browser hijacker on your computer in a bundle with other software. Programs that are most frequently involved in the distribution of browser hijackers are various download managers, PDF creators, video streaming software, video recording software, and similar free applications.
• Malvertising^[5]. There are lots of illegal and legitimate websites that were affected by malvertising. This term means that they were filled with the malicious code that causes the appearance of misleading pop-up ads on these websites. Typically, they offer to download “needed” updates or promote surveys and contests.

The easiest way to avoid infiltration of the browser hijacker and protect yourself from the redirecting problem is to install a reliable anti-spyware. If you need a tool that could warn you about the possible infiltration of potentially unwanted programs and viruses, we suggest looking at the look of recommended anti-spyware programs below this article or in the “Software” page.

Search redirect viruses keep bothering computer users

This virus is similar to Google Redirect virus and Bing Redirect virus that have been bothering PC users for almost four years. As soon as any of these threats gets inside the system, it implements changes on each of web browsers. Settings that are mostly altered by the described browser hijacker are the homepage, the default search engine, the new tab page, and the bookmarks’ list.

In most of the cases, hijackers are capable of altering these settings without being noticed, so you can notice Yahoo redirects at the worst time. Also, this threat starts generating income for its developers by causing altered search results on people’s search engines and redirecting them to predetermined websites.

Here, we should warn you that, after clicking on such ads, you can be redirected to a truly malicious website^[6] that is used for spreading serious malware.

If you have been looking for a quick solution to the problem, you should know that the URL redirect parasite may hide in your system under different names. Yahoo Redirect fix can be done only when you know the name of your virus. In this case, you should find a browser hijacker that is hiding in your computer.

To prevent all possible dangers, like eliminating useful components from your computer, we recommend you to select the automatic removal option. For more information about programs that cause URL redirections and tips on how to remove them, proceed reading further.

Most infamous versions of Yahoo redirect virus 

Search.yahoo.com virus

Search.yahoo.com virus. While technically Yahoo! Search search engine is completely virus-free and safe to use, there are many browser hijackers who keep redirecting users to this website without asking their permission. These browser hijackers can corrupt search results and redirect miserable computer users to high-risk Internet sites, which provide infectious downloads. If you notice that you are constantly redirected to Search.yahoo.com even if you haven’t set this search engine as a default one, you should check if your computer is not infected with a Search.yahoo.com browser hijacker.

Yahoo toolbar – one of redirect virus types that can be installed without your awareness.

Yahoo toolbar – one of redirect virus types that can be installed without your awareness.

Yahoo Toolbar

Yahoo Toolbar. Yahoo Toolbar is a safe browser add-on which provides shortcuts to user’s favorite websites. However, if after installing this toolbar you start to experience browser redirects or see pushy ads which appear on your screen frequently, you should check if your computer is virus-free. It might be that you have installed adware or browser hijacker at the same time you installed the aforementioned Toolbar. This can happen only if you have downloaded this toolbar from an untrustworthy web source.

Yahoo Community SmartBar virus

Yahoo Community SmartBar virus. Yahoo Community SmartBar is a potentially unwanted program, and it is not related to the reputable technology company. It was created by Linkury Inc, which spreads this shady application using software bundling technique. You might end up with Yahoo Community SmartBar browser hijacker on your computer if you tend to download free apps from high-risk Internet sites. The computer who gets infected with Yahoo Community SmartBar browser hijacker runs slow; moreover, the PC user starts experiencing browser redirects.

InstallX Search Protect for Yahoo virus

InstallX Search Protect for Yahoo virus. This is a hideous browser hijacker, which adjusts browser’s homepage, new tab page or default search engine settings and sends “InstallX Search Protect for Yahoo – ALERT” pop-up to computer user whenever he or she attempts to change these settings. A successful removal of the virus fixes this problem and allows to change browser settings again.

Yahoo Mail redirect virus

Yahoo Mail redirect virus. Yahoo! Mail redirects can occur if computer is infected with a browser hijacker. When the user attempts to log into Yahoo account, this browser hijacker redirects the user to websites that present doubtfully reliable web search engines. When infected with the Mail redirect virus, the user might notice that browser homepage and default new tab page were changed without his/her knowledge.

Yahoo mail login redirect

Yahoo mail login redirect problem. People report about the problem regarding the Yahoo mail account login redirects to I forgot my ID or password page. This is an issue that occurs when people try to login to their email account through the mobile application or the Yahoo page. Users get redirected to the webpage stating about forgotten login or password as if they clicked on “Forgot my password”. Due to this redirect, people cannot access their email accounts. It often happens when some accounts get merged, but users who tried a few fixes state that AT&T page also cause such redirects. Some issues can get fixed by logging in to your account via ATT site. Cleaning your cache and cookies may help or try to login to your email account via other browsers.

At.yhs4.searc.yahoo.com virus

At.yhs4.search.yahoo.com virus. If you suffer from At.yhs4.search.yahoo.com redirects to websites that you do not want to visit, you should not waste any time and remove At.yhs4.search.yahoo.com browser hijacker from your computer. Such potentially unwanted programs are created with intention to advertise third-party services and products, so they inject hyperlinks into safe-looking search results. Therefore, when the user clicks on them, At.yhs4.search.yahoo.com redirects occur.

Us.yhs4.search.yahoo.com virus

Us.yhs4.search.yahoo.com virus. Us.yhs4.search.yahoo.com redirect virus functions the same way At.yhs4.search.yahoo.com virus does – it corrupts regular search results and forces computer users to visit doubtfully reliable third-party web pages. If you would like to avoid Us.yhs4.search.yahoo.com redirects, you should uninstall this browser hijacker from your computer system.

Yahoo Startnow virus

Yahoo Startnow virus. It is a dubious browser hijacker, which replaces homepage and new tab page with yahoo.startnow.com and also sets StartNow search engine as a primary one. Although after entering search query it delivers safe-looking search results, you should not rely on these outcomes nor click them because Yahoo Startnow browser hijacker may open untrustworthy third-party websites instead of ones that you expect to be opened. Yahoo Startnow redirects can make you visit dangerous web pages, so we recommend you to remove Yahoo Startnow as soon as you notice that yahoo.startnow.com has taken the place of the homepage.

Safer Browser virus

Safer Browser virus. When such virus infiltrates victim’s computer, it alters each web browser to load a particular search engine as a default start page. For example, the browser might start launching such web pages instantly – Search.yourpackagesnow.com, Search.searchlcl.com and similar. Although search results presented by such search tools look almost identical to genuine Yahoo’s findings, they’re not trustworthy because clicking on them can trigger redirects to highly untrustworthy external websites. If you noticed that your homepage was changed and results you receive are powered by SaferBrowser, check your system for spyware programs because it is likely to be infected with one.

Settings Manager by Aztec Media Inc pop-up virus

Settings Manager by Aztec Media Inc pop-up virus. Settings Manager is a highly untrustworthy and dangerous program that typically switches user’s homepage to Default-Search.net. This web page provides a bogus search engine that delivers modified results that are presented as Aztec Media Yahoo Search Results. Once infected with such program, the user finds it hard to identify and remove the browser hijacker. The hijacker is known to be changing names of its components, therefore experts typically advise removing this intruder using a powerful and up-to-date anti-malware software. The hijacker also tends to sneak into the system along with Linkey adware, which displays pop-up ads and slows down the computer. On top of that, the potentially unwanted programs might start causing redirects to Linkeyproject.com. 

Beap.gemini.yahoo.com adware app

Beap.gemini.yahoo.com is another version of Yahoo redirect virus. This application is categorized as an adware program that pushes suspicious ads to the user’s computer screen and causes redirects to affiliate pages some of which might be malware laden. The main goal of adware applications is to collect income from produced advertising posts and also share information about the user’s browsing history with other parties for even bigger monetary benefits.

Yahoo virus – a wrong term used to describe browser hijacker-related issues.

Yahoo virus – a wrong term used to describe browser hijacker-related issues.

Remove Yahoo redirect virus from Safari, Chrome, and other web browsers 

To remove Yahoo redirect virus from Chrome, Safari or other web browsers both on Windows or Mac operating systems, you need to delete certain files and roll-back changes made to computer settings. With a help of professional anti-spyware removal software, you can complete this task in no time, although you can also try to stop these redirects manually.

Use the instructions provided below the article to find components of the unwanted program and delete them. Please, do NOT postpone this because the hijacker can deceptively lure you into malicious websites.

If you think that the redirect virus has infiltrated your Windows OS, use one of these tools that are given below or follow a manual removal guide. Below, you can also find Yahoo Redirect Virus removal guide for Mac users.

If you decided to use anti-malware software, make sure you install its latest updates before scanning the computer.

A video guide that helps you to remove Yahoo Redirect Virus from the system step-by-step

The cyber intruder – Yahoo Redirect virus is the infection that may remain persistent due to additional content installed without your permission or system changes made in the background. You don’t need to be an advanced PC user or IT professional to follow this video guide that shows all the needed steps and gives additional tips.

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 Yahoo Redirect from Windows systems

To remove Yahoo Search Redirect virus from Windows computer, find every program that shouldn’t be on the system and delete all of files and programs associated with it. We suggest removing Settings Manager, Delta-Homes, DNS Unlocker, Safer Browser, Conduit, and other suspicious programs.

After uninstalling all suspicious programs, fix infected browser shortcuts using the instructions we provided.

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

Delete Yahoo Redirect from Mac OS X system

To remove Yahoo Redirect virus from Mac, close the affected browsers first. Then go to Applications folder and drag suspicious applications to Trash. You should remove SearchConnect, Search Offer, Search provided by Yahoo and other questionable applications without a hesitation. Empty the Trash afterward.

To complete the removal, perform a system scan with a security product compatible with Mac OS.

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

Uninstall Yahoo Redirect from Internet Explorer (IE)

To delete Yahoo Search virus from Internet Explorer, access the Manage add-ons menu and then right-click on each suspicious entry to Disable it. Look for suspicious extensions such as MapBeast, YourSpeedTestNow or other extensions developed by SaferBrowser or Polarity Technologies, Ltd.

Then go to Internet Options and change homepage settings that were altered by the virus.

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 Yahoo 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 Yahoo Redirect removal.

Remove Yahoo Redirect virus from Microsoft Edge

To remove the redirect virus from Microsoft Edge, reverse changes made to the browser. The guide provided below explains how to do it.

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, Yahoo Redirect should be removed from your Microsoft Edge browser.

Erase Yahoo Redirect from Mozilla Firefox (FF)

Clean Firefox from Yahoo Search hijacker by uninstalling add-ons such as Settings Manager, “XXX by SaferBrowser/Polarity Technologies” and similar ones. To do it, go to Add ons > Extensions tab and click the Remove button next to suspicious entries.

To find out the developer of the unwanted extension, check out Privacy Policy provided on your new start page. If it is a product of SaferBrowser or Polarity Technologies, uninstall the associated extension from Firefox as soon as you can.

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

Get rid of Yahoo Redirect from Google Chrome

To uninstall Yahoo Redirect virus from Chrome, open Chrome browser and, using the guide provided below, access Extensions panel. Here, look through the list of extensions added to your browsers. You will find some extensions that do not belong here – delete them. Have no mercy for extensions that were added to Chrome without your knowledge! You might find such or similar extensions: MySportsXP, MapBeast, MyPackagesXP, FindFormsNow. 

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

Eliminate Yahoo Redirect from Safari

Delete Search.Yahoo.com Redirect virus from Safari by removing shady extensions that were added to the default Apple’s browser without your knowledge.

Some suspicious extensions that are known to be targeting this browser are called Email Access, Easy Movie Access or My Movies XP. 

To finish the Yahoo Redirect Virus Mac removal, run a system scan with a software that is compatible with this operating system.

To finish

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 Yahoo 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 Yahoo 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 Yahoo Redirect removal process.