Remove MySearch Redirects (Chrome/Firefox/IE)

Can’t Remove MySearch hijacker virus? This page includes detailed MySearch Removal instructions!

MySearch is a malicious and menacing program. It’s part of the hijacker family, and it’s a nightmare to have on your PC. After the infection settles on your PC, you get acquainted with the Mysearch.com site. It begins to force it on you, at every turn. Open a new tab? Mysearch.com is right there on your screen. Type in a search? Mysearch.com appears among the suggested results. The page is even in place of your preferred homepage and search engine. Did you agree for it to be there? No. Were you aware of the reshuffle? No. And, that’s because the hijacker can perform chances throughout your PC. And, it can do so, without bothering to seek your consent, or clue you in. That’s not only a huge annoyance and inconvenience. But, also, a colossal threat. What if the tool chooses to install malware? Well, it can. It can fill your PC to the brim with nasty malicious programs. And, what if your system gets too overwhelmed? What if it gives up, and waves the blue flag? Yes, that’s a lot of ‘what ifs.’ Yes, the risk of The Blue Screen of Death occurring is minute. But that doesn’t dismiss it as non-existent. Why not avoid the threat altogether? Don’t put up with the invasive hijacker! Do your best to locate its hiding place. And, delete it on discovery. The sooner you do, the better.

How did I get infected with?

Hijackers are sneaky. They manage to fool you into approving their install. All, while keeping you oblivious. That may seem confusing, when you consider they need your consent to enter. Oh, yes. The hijacker has to ask if you agree to allow it into your system. Only if you say YES, can it continue with the process. No consent, no entry. The same rule applies for the MySearch tool. It has to inquire for your permission, and has to get it. So, the infection makes sure to ask for it the proper way. A way, which would result in your confirmation of its inquiry. Don’t be too hard on yourself, though. It’s not a straightforward exchange. In fact, it’s the exact opposite. Yes, the tool does ask if you agree to install it. But it does it in the most sly and subtle way it can. For example, it lurks behind freeware. Or, corrupted links. Or, spam email attachments. It can even pretend to be a fake system or program update. Like, Java or Adobe Flash Player. It has its pick. There’s a myriad of sneaky methods, it can turn to. It’s up to you to catch it in the act. To spot it, attempting invasion, and prevent its success. Caution is crucial if you wish to keep an infection-free PC. Always be on your guard, do your due diligence, and don’t rely on luck. Take the time to read terms and conditions. Look for the fine print, and double-check everything. Know what you say YES to. Caution keeps infections out. Carelessness invites them in. Remember that, next time, you install tools or updates, off the web.

Why is this dangerous?

MySearch places you in quite the predicament. It’s a hazardous program that wreaks havoc throughout your system. Its presence throws you into a whirlwind of grievances, and headaches. But it’s not only that. It doesn’t stop there. Yes, frustration follows the hijacker. But you also face a tremendous security threat. It’s, by far, the worst part of having a hijacker as a companion. It places your privacy in jeopardy. That’s because, it follows certain programming. The tool has instructions to spy on you, from the moment it invades. And, that’s what it does. Its espionage begins after it settles. The program keeps close track of everything you do online. And, it doesn’t only monitor your activities, but records them, as well. Once it determines it has gathered enough information, it proceeds to expose it. The tool sends the stolen data to the third parties behind it. And, after these people get their hands on it, that’s it. They can use it as they see fit. And, you can’t stop them. Don’t allow that scenario to unfold. Protect yourself from the dreadful infection. Don’t stand by as it steals your personal and financial details. Only to, then, send it to cyber criminals with malicious agendas. Protect yourself, and your PC. Et rid of the nasty MySearch hijacker ASAP! Don’t delay for delays have consequences. Ones, you won’t enjoy.

How to Remove MySearch virus

The MySearch infection is specifically designed to make money to its creators one way or another. The specialists from various antivirus companies like Bitdefender, Kaspersky, Norton, Avast, ESET, etc. advise that there is no harmless virus.

If you perform exactly the steps below you should be able to remove the MySearch infection. Please, follow the procedures in the exact order. Please, consider to print this guide or have another computer at your disposal. You will NOT need any USB sticks or CDs.

STEP 1: Track down MySearch related processes in the computer memory

STEP 2: Locate MySearch startup location

STEP 3: Delete MySearch traces from Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer

STEP 4: Undo the damage done by the virus

STEP 1: Track down MySearch related processes in the computer memory

• Open your Task Manager by pressing CTRL+SHIFT+ESC keys simultaneously
• Carefully review all processes and stop the suspicious ones.

• Write down the file location for later reference.

Step 2: Locate MySearch startup location

Reveal Hidden Files

• Open any folder
• Click on “Organize” button
  
• Choose “Folder and Search Options”
• Select the “View” tab
• Select “Show hidden files and folders” option
• Uncheck “Hide protected operating system files”
• Click “Apply” and “OK” button

Clean MySearch virus from the windows registry

• Once the operating system loads press simultaneously the Windows Logo Button and the R key.

• A dialog box should open. Type “Regedit”

• WARNING! be very careful when editing the Microsoft Windows Registry as this may render the system broken.

Depending on your OS (x86 or x64) navigate to:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]

• and delete the display Name: [RANDOM]

• Then open your explorer and navigate to: %appdata% folder and delete the malicious executable.

Clean your HOSTS file to avoid unwanted browser redirection

Navigate to %windir%/system32/Drivers/etc/host

If you are hacked, there will be foreign IPs addresses connected to you at the bottom. Take a look below:

STEP 3 : Clean MySearch traces from Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer

• Open Google Chrome

• In the Main Menu, select Tools then Extensions
• Remove the MySearch by clicking on the little recycle bin
• Reset Google Chrome by Deleting the current user to make sure nothing is left behind

• Open Mozilla Firefox

• Press simultaneously Ctrl+Shift+A
• Disable the unwanted Extension
• Go to Help
• Then Troubleshoot information
• Click on Reset Firefox

• Open Internet Explorer

• On the Upper Right Corner Click on the Gear Icon
• Click on Internet options
• go to Toolbars and Extensions and disable the unknown extensions
• Select the Advanced tab and click on Reset

• Restart Internet Explorer

Step 4: Undo the damage done by MySearch

This particular Virus may alter your DNS settings.

Attention! this can break your internet connection. Before you change your DNS settings to use Google Public DNS for MySearch, be sure to write down the current server addresses on a piece of paper.

To fix the damage done by the virus you need to do the following.

• Click the Windows Start button to open the Start Menu, type control panel in the search box and select Control Panel in the results displayed above.
• go to Network and Internet
• then Network and Sharing Center
• then Change Adapter Settings
• Right-click on your active internet connection and click properties. Under the Networking tab, find Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). Left click on it and then click on properties. Both options should be automatic! By default it should be set to “Obtain an IP address automatically” and the second one to “Obtain DNS server address automatically!” If they are not just change them, however if you are part of a domain network you should contact your Domain Administrator to set these settings, otherwise the internet connection will break!!!

You must clean all your browser shortcuts as well. To do that you need to

• Right click on the shortcut of your favorite browser and then select properties.

• in the target field remove MySearch argument and then apply the changes.
• Repeat that with the shortcuts of your other browsers.
• Check your scheduled tasks to make sure the virus will not download itself again.

How to Permanently Remove MySearch Virus (automatic) Removal Guide

Please, have in mind that once you are infected with a single virus, it compromises your whole system or network and let all doors wide open for many other infections. To make sure manual removal is successful, we recommend to use a free scanner of any professional antimalware program to identify possible registry leftovers or temporary files.