Monday, 17 June 2013

How to remove Hotstartsearch virus redirect & popups

HotStartSearch is a bogus search system owned by cyber criminals whom`s aim are very dangerous. The Hotstartsearch redirect virus is one of their invention which can be added to web browsers like Firefox and Google Chrome. Once it has been installed, it will hijack browser by changing system default settings and then it becomes able to replace or even redirect your search results from Google to http://Hotstartsearch.com or similar domains where you,ll be shown commercial ads and misleading information matching with your search query. To earn more, this virus may display Hotstartsearch popups on your screen loaded with third-party adverts. Whats more troublesome, the Hotstartsearch malware can be installed on your computer without your knowledge because it usually spreads using unfair tricks (stealth infections). If you notice any suspicious activities such as Hotstartsearch redirect or popups, you should consider a malware scan or fix your computer manually. Common Symptoms of hotstartsearch.com malware infection:
This kind of malwares usually change your Homepage, Search provider, Desktop Background.
They can display bunch of unstoppable pop-ups advertisements.
Computer performs slower then usual, browser may crash over and over.
Strange websites are automatically opened on the computer after a frequent interval.
Disabled Folder options, Task manager, Registry editing tools.
Advertisements from stranger companies start to appear out of nowhere.
Unexpected browser behaviors such as URL/link redirects.
Unwanted and unknown Plugin/extension or add-ons attached with browser.
Useless shortcuts on desktop or creepy websites added to favorites/bookmarks without your knowledge.

How to uninstall hotstartsearch.com malware
Remove toolbars, plugins, extensions, add-ons
Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox users:
Go to TOOLS and then click MANAGE ADD-ON, From there, select Extensions, Toolbars and remove the hotstartsearch.com malware if found. Make sure Google is set as default search Provider.

















Google Chrome Users:
Click SETTINGS icon and select SETTINGS, then open Extensions, toolbar, search provider options, remove the hotstartsearch.com malware if listed there. Make sure Google is set as default search Provider.
Uninstall from Control Panel
Open CONTROL PANEL, then ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS or “Programs and Features”, now lookup for hotstartsearch.com malware and uninstall if it is listed.
How to delete hotstartsearch.com malware manually:
If the malware did not go away after uninstall procedure, try these steps. Please note, the manual removal method is a bit complex and it can go wrong if you perform its tasks incorrectly. It is advised to run an automatic virus removal software for safe and easy solutions. However, if you are good with Manual removal, do the steps below.
Possibly corrupt registry keys:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings “CertificateRevocation” = 0
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System “DisableTaskMgr” = 1
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\system “DisableTaskMgr” = 1
Delete files:
Open then following folders or search for hotstartsearch.com malware in My Computer and delete if found files associated with this bug.
C:\program files
%AllUsersProfile%\Application Data\
%AllUsersProfile%\

No comments:

Post a Comment