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Suddenly Hoistsearch.com took over your homepage and you cannot remove it.
If you’re reading this, chances are, your computer isn’t virus-free anymore. That is why we have prepared a comprehensive removal guide as well as some useful information about this PC infection. Despite of its inspiring name, Hoistsearch.com will not enhance your browsing experience; quite the contrary – since the moment this parasite lands on your device, you can be more that certain that your entire online activity will be significantly disrupted. Advertised as a practical search engine, this thing is nothing but a browser hijacker. The Hoistsearch.com program has an official website that really does look legitimate. However, you should know better than to trust hackers when they try to convince you something is harmless, right? If you pay closer attention to the website, you will immediately notice that the search engine itself doesn’t work. That should be your first red flag concerning this malicious program because once you make the mistake of letting the parasite enter your PC, it will bring upon you a rich variety of problems. From constant redirection and random advertisements to fake program updates and even security issues – the hijacker makes sure it doesn’t remain unnoticed. That is why the sooner you remove it, the better for your device and your privacy. Trust us when we say removing any kind of parasite is not only compulsory. It’s also incredibly satisfying.
How did I get infected with?
There is a slight possibility that you installed the Hoistsearch.com parasite intentionally because it seemed like a good idea at that time. Well, you’re soon to be convinced that it wasn’t. If you didn’t download the parasite yourself, however, there are many other possible answers to the question how exactly this infection got to you. As hackers use a huge number of tricks and they mainly apply stealthy methods, it’s almost impossible to know for sure how and when your device got compromised, especially if you have the habit of installation freeware. This is the most popular distribution technique and we can’t deny the fact that it’s extremely effective. In order to protect your device, go for the Advanced option when you install freeware instead of rushing to click the “next” button. It’s your responsibility to deselect anything unfamiliar that comes in the bundle and now is the right time to do it. As you can imagine, removing a parasite will be much more difficult than preventing it.
Why is this dangerous?
The website of Hoistsearch.com stubbornly claims that “This product is not spyware or adware”. Technically, that’s true because the program is a hijacker. It works through a malicious browser extension that the parasite adds (without your consent) to Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome and Internet Explorer. Then Hoistsearch.com replaces your browser homepage and your default search engine and it starts redirecting you. This golden opportunity to gain money is way too convenient for the hackers to miss. However, they want to make it very clear that they do NOT take any responsibility for the trouble Hoistsearch.com brings upon you. Keep in mind that Hoistsearch.com displays only those web pages that bring money to its developers, not the ones that you actually need. Therefore, in addition to the fact you can’t find anything you’re searching for online, you’re also constantly exposed to parasites. Some of the links on your PC screen are corrupted and clicking them means automatically installing malware. Do you really think this is a risk worth taking? Being a hijacker, Hoistsearch.com also has access to your IP address, email addresses, passwords, browsing history, etc. and all of your data goes straight into the hands of hackers so they could use it later on. In addition, you might find out that some browser settings were changed behind your back or some additional toolbars were installed without your permission. Long story short, as long as the hijacker is present, you have no control over your own online activities. To remove the nasty Hoistsearch.com hijacker manually, please follow the instructions below.
How to Remove Hoistsearch.com virus
Please, have in mind that SpyHunter offers a free 7-day Trial version with full functionality. Credit card is required, no charge upfront.
If you perform exactly the steps below you should be able to remove the Hoistsearch.com 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.
The Hoistsearch.com adware is specifically designed to make money. It generates web traffic, collects sales leads for other dubious sites, and will display advertisements and sponsored links within your web browser.
STEP 1: Uninstall Hoistsearch.com from Add\Remove Programs
STEP 2: Clean Hoistsearch.com from Chrome Firefox or Internet Explorer
STEP 3: Permanently Remove Hoistsearch.com leftovers from the System
STEP 1 : Uninstall Hoistsearch.com from your computer
Simultaneously press the Windows Logo Button and then “R” to open the Run Command Window
Type “regedit”
navigate to HKCU\software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
Modify the string with a value data and set it to google.com for example.
STEP 2 : Remove Hoistsearch.com homepage from Chrome, Firefox and IE
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Open Google Chrome
- In the Main Menu, select Tools then Extensions
- Remove the Hoistsearch.com by clicking on the little recycle bin
- Reset Google Chrome by Deleting the current user to make sure nothing is left behind
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Open Mozilla Firefox
- Press simultaneously Ctrl+Shift+A
- Disable the unwanted Extension
- Go to Help
- Then Troubleshoot information
- Click on Reset Firefox
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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
How to Permanently Remove Hoistsearch.com Virus (automatic) Removal Guide
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.