Combo Search Malware Removal

Can’t Remove Combo Search? This page includes detailed Combo Search Removal instructions!

Combo Search extension is not a safe application. If it is installed on your computer, the news is bad. This app is classified as PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program). It is a type of malware which hijacks your browser. It replaces both your default search engine and homepage. It is also preventing you from restoring your preferences. No matter how hard you try, you cannot undo the PUP’s changes. The Combo Search PUP controls your favorite browser. Do not underestimate this utility. It is not harmless. Once on board, the PUP transforms your browser into an ad-displaying device. You must have noticed that you are exposed to an increased number of online commercials. The PUP is behind them. Behind all of them. This app blocks its competitors’ adverts and replaces them with its own. Additionally, it injects extra banners, hyperlinks and in-text adverts on every website you open. When you get used to the adverts, the PUP starts something new. This furtive app can also redirect your browser third party websites. It can open pop-ups and pause your videos for commercial breaks. If you let this malware remain active for too long, it will get out of control. Your browsing experience is not what it used to be. Take measures or your conditions will worsen rapidly. The Combo Search gets more and more aggressive with each passing day. It will start to display more and more commercials. You will get redirected more often. Your browser will struggle to display any content correctly. It will start to freeze and crash frequently. Do not put up with this parasite. Remove the Combo Search malware immediately!

How did I get infected with Combo Search?

The Combo Search extension has an official download (www[.]install.combo-search[.]com). Yet, we won’t be surprised if you have no idea how did the parasite manage to enter your OS. You are not the only one. The Combo Search malware is a master deceiver. This parasite uses a lot of trickery. The key to its success is your negligence and carelessness. This parasite, as sneaky as it is, needs a permit. Your permission. It cannot install itself without your approval. Yet, there is a catch. The PUP doesn’t need to be straightforward. This utility asked you in the sneakiest way possible. It usually hitches a ride with other software. If you don’t pay close attention to the fine print, you will approve its installation unintentionally. So, do not rush through an installation process. Always opt for the Advanced option. Under it, you will be presented with a list of all “bonus” programs that are about to be installed. You can safely deselect all extra apps and still install the program you originally planned to set up. Make sure you know what you are giving your approval to. Read The Terms and Conditions/EULA or research the apps online. If you spot anything out of the ordinary, abort the installation immediately. Other malware distribution methods include torrents, spam email attachments, and bogus software updates. Your caution can prevent these techniques from succeeding. Don’t be lazy. Always do your due diligence.

Why is Combo Search dangerous?

The Combo Search PUP is extremely intrusive. It prevents you from using your computer normally. Every time you touch your browser, the PUP interrupts you with dozens and dozens of advertisements. Your PC underperforms because of the PUP. And on top of that, your Internet Connection is slower than ever. Yet, these issues are nothing compared to the things the PUP does behind your back. This furtive app is never idle. It lurks in the shadows and collects information about your online activities. It knows what websites you visit, what kind of videos you watch, which links you follow. Even the Incognito mode of your browser cannot hide you. Everything you do online is recorded and analyzed. The collected data is stored on a remote server. And that is a big problem. Anyone willing to spend some money can access this information. All sorts of crooks use the Combo Search utility as an advertising platform. They can use the collected data to target you with customized marketing campaigns. Keep in mind that the Combo Search PUP does not distinguish between legitimate and bogus websites. It can redirect you to online scams and to infected websites. In fact, with the PUP on board, you are very likely to end up on a malicious website. If an offer looks too good to be true, it probably isn’t. Question everything. The Combo Search PUP is too hazardous to be kept on board. Your best course of action is its immediate removal!

How Can I Remove Combo Search?

If you perform exactly the steps below you should be able to remove the Combo Search 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.

• Open your task Manager by pressing CTRL+SHIFT+ESC keys simultaneously
• Locate the process of Combo Search.exe and kill it

• Open your windows registry editor by typing”regedit” in the windows search box

Navigate to (Depending on your OS version)

[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: Combo Search

Simultaneously press the Windows Logo Button and then “R” to open the Run Command

Type “Appwiz.cpl”

Locate the Combo Search program and click on uninstall/change. To facilitate the search you can sort the programs by date. Review the most recent installed programs first. In general you should remove all unknown programs.

Navigate to C:/Program Files and delete Combo Search folder. Double check with any antimalware program for any leftovers. Keep your software up-to date!