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Suddenly TheSmartSearch.net took over your homepage and you cannot remove it.
TheSmartSearch.net is a browser hijacker that can cause quite the mess once it makes its way to your computer. The first thing you’ll notice after it latches onto your system, are several unapproved changes, which will leave you wondering how, why, and when they occurred, without your knowledge. Yes, there are certainly more harmful programs than this one, but that doesn’t mean that you should just leave it be. This browser add-on should not be ignored, and instead of allowing it to wreak havoc, you should delete it from your PC the first chance you get.
How did I get infected with?
TheSmartSearch.net resorts to the usual antics when it comes to infiltrating your system. More often than not, it uses freeware as a shield to hide behind during the installation process. That’s one of the easiest access points, as most users are not nearly as careful as they should be when it comes to freeware installs. They rush through them and instead of reading the terms and conditions, just agree to everything in haste. In the end, this distraction is the reason they got stuck with browser hijackers like TheSmartSearch.net or even something worse.
Why is this dangerous?
As soon as it makes its way to your computer, the so called smart search replaces your default homepage and preferred search engine. But it doesn’t stop there. It can make all the changes it feels like making without bothering to ask for your permission first, and leave you to deal with the results after it’s done. What’s worse, is that the hijacker also keeps track of every move you make. That includes your web searches and all the personal information you might have shared, like your name, phone number and email address. And here’s the punch line, all this collected data is then sent to the unknown third parties behind the program, who can use it whoever they see fit. You can see how this presents a serious security issue. Do yourself a favor and remove TheSmartSearch.net as soon as you realize it has infected your system. Don’t wait around for it to cause you harm before you decide to remove it, your future self will thank you for it.
How to Remove TheSmartSearch.net 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 TheSmartSearch.net 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 TheSmartSearch.net 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 TheSmartSearch.net from Add\Remove Programs
STEP 2: Clean TheSmartSearch.net from Chrome Firefox or Internet Explorer
STEP 3: Permanently Remove TheSmartSearch.net leftovers from the System
STEP 1 : Uninstall TheSmartSearch.net from your computer
Simultaneously press the Windows Logo Button and then “R” to open the Run Command
Type “Appwiz.cpl”
Locate the TheSmartSearch.net search software and click on uninstall/change. In general you should remove all unknown programs.
STEP 2 : Remove TheSmartSearch.net homepage from Chrome, Firefox and IE
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Open Google Chrome
- In the Main Menu, select Tools then Extensions
- Remove the TheSmartSearch.net 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 TheSmartSearch.net 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 TheSmartSearch.net extension
- Select the Advanced tab and click on Reset
- Restart Internet Explorer
How to Permanently Remove TheSmartSearch.net 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.