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Search Web

How to Remove “Search Web” Extension (Virus Removal)

Search Web is a browser extension for Google Chrome and other popular internet browsers that makes unwanted modifications to existing browser settings. Once the Search Web extension is attached to a browser, it will replace the homepage, replace the page you see when opening a new tab, and modify the URL used as a default search engine. In turn, the modifications cause the internet browser to start-on and redirect to a new website such as services.srchnet.org and search.yahoo.com when opening a new tab or searching the web.

Search Web

To make matters worse, the Search Web extension is very intrusive and may violate your privacy. As you can see below, the extension has various permissions allowing it to modify your browser, change your settings, and essentially track or spy on you while you browse the web.

Search Web extension permissions

The extension has a very large amount of permissions that basically allow it to do anything it wants.

  • Read and change all your data on the websites you visit
  • Change your search settings to: services.srchnet.org

Another concern with the extension is that it is typically advertised on websites that display malicious advertisements and host malware. If you found the Search Web extension attached to your browser or have visited a website that advertises the Search Web extension, it is likely that your computer was introduced to other threats (such as Movie Quest) that should be eradicated before they cause other complications.


Search Web removal steps

Follow the Search Web removal steps on this page to remove the Search Web extension from Google Chrome and other browsers. The steps will help you remove other malicious threats that can cluster with the Search Web extension such as malware, viruses, adware, and spyware.

STEP 1: Remove the browser extension
STEP 2: Scan your computer for malware with Malwarebytes
STEP 3: Clean up and repair settings with CCleaner


STEP 1: Remove the browser extension

Google Chrome

1. Click the Customize and control Google Chrome icon and go to More tools > Extensions.

Search Web removal chrome

2. Click REMOVE next to the Search Web extension to remove it.


STEP 2: Scan your computer for malware with Malwarebytes

1. Open your browser window and download Malwarebytes 3.0 Premium or Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free.

2. Double click the executable file (mb3-setup.exe or other) to begin installing Malwarebytes.

3. In some versions of the installation file you can simply select your language and click Next to install the program; Otherwise, select your language, click Next, then select “I accept the agreement,” click the Next button several times, and then click the Install button to install Malwarebytes. Click Finish once the install process is complete.

4. Open Malwarebytes and click the Scan Now button on the Dashboard to begin scanning your computer.

5. Click the Quarantine Selected button once the scan is finished.

6. If Malwarebytes says “All selected items have been removed successfully. A log file has been saved to the logs folder. Your computer needs to be restarted to complete the removal process. Would you like to restart now?” click the Yes button to restart your computer.


STEP 3: Clean up and repair settings with CCleaner

1. Open your browser window and download CCleaner Professional or CCleaner Free.

2. Double click the executable file (ccsetup.exe or other) to begin installing CCleaner.

3. Click the Install button to begin stalling the program.

4. Click Run CCleaner to open the program when installation is complete.

5. Select the Cleaner tab and click the Analyze button.

6. When the Analyze process is complete click the Run Cleaner button to clean all files.

7. Next, select the Registry tab and click the Scan for Issues button to scan for issues in your registry.

8. When the scan is complete click the Fix selected Issues button and Fix All Selected Issues button to fix the issues.

9. Next, select the Tools tab and click Startup. Examine each area, search for suspicious entries, and delete any suspicious startup entries by selecting the entry and clicking the Delete button.

10. Next, click Browser Plugins and search each internet browser for unwanted browser add-ons and extensions. Click the extension you want to delete and click the Delete button to remove it.

Sean Moran

Sean Moran is a distinguished tech author and entrepreneur with over 20 years of extensive experience in cybersecurity, privacy, malware, Google Analytics, online marketing, and various other tech domains. His expertise and contributions to the industry have been recognized in numerous esteemed publications. Sean is widely acclaimed for his sharp intellect and innovative insights, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in the tech community. His work not only advances the field but also helps businesses and individuals navigate the complexities of the digital world.

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