How to remove GsearchFinder (Virus Removal Instructions)
GsearchFinder is a browser hijacker that performs many undesirable and unusual tasks once it has been contracted. GsearchFinder will alter browser shortcuts on Windows desktop and taskbar. It will add a link to their search-page in order to cause the browser to start-up on it. The GsearchFinder hijacker will also install two services and a Scheduled Task, which will generate advertisements at regular and set 2-hour intervals.
The most unusual thing about the GsearchFinder hijacker is that it will create an extra Mozilla Firefox profile. Here’s how to remove the extra Firefox profile:
- Close all Firefox processes so the running browser does not interfere with the fix.
- Use the key combination Windows key + R to open the Run box.
- Type or copy the command Firefox -P to open the Firefox profile manager.
- Make sure the profile called “Firefox Default” is selected (not the one simply called “default”) and click on Delete Profile…
- When prompted to ask if you want to delete the fake profile, click Delete Files.
- Select the option to Use the selected profile without asking at startup by putting a checkmark in the corresponding box.
- If more than one profiles are left in the list, select the one that you would prefer to use. Usually only the default profile will be left and automatically selected.
- Click the Start Firefox button
- From now on FireFox will open with the selected profile.
GsearchFinder Distribution Method
Like most PUPs, GsearchFinder typically bundles with other programs that are downloaded by the user. This usually happens if the user downloads a program or file from a questionable source. Downloading items like freeware and torrent files can result in potentially unwanted programs infecting the user’s system. Even if a program is well known and trustworthy, if you download it from a malicious site it can lead to a computer infection.
If the computer user has previously downloaded a malicious program, GsearchFinder adware might have automatically downloaded in the background without disclosure. The user might also be tricked into accepting the download under the guise of a program update or something else. Malicious publishers sometimes hide the download behind a terms and conditions page, effectively tricking users into downloading adware. In some instances GsearchFinder may be advertised as an extension to improve the user’s browsing experience in order to encourage a direct download. Regardless of how the system was infected, removal remains relatively unchanged.
GsearchFinder Details
| Names | GsearchFinder, GsearchFinder virus |
| Detection Categories | Adware, Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) |
| Publisher’s Description | N/A |
| Symptoms | Advertisements in the web browser Browser redirects to sponsored webpages Creates new Mozilla Firefox profile Decreased internet speed and performance Decreased computer functionality and performance Bundles with malware and other potentially unwanted programs |
| Common Path | N/A |
| Quick Detection & Removal Tool | Click Here To Download Malwarebytes |
How to remove GsearchFinder (Virus Removal Instructions)
These GsearchFinder removal instructions will help you remove GsearchFinder, viruses, malware, and other threats from your computer.
- Scan your computer with Malwarebytes
- Scan your computer with HitmanPro
- Uninstall GsearchFinder and unwanted programs
- Remove unwanted add-ons and extensions
- Cleanup and repair settings with CCleaner
1. Scan your computer with Malwarebytes
1. Download and Install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software.
2. Open Malwarebytes and click the Scan Now button – or go to the Scan tab and click the Start Scan button.
3. Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete click the Remove Selected button.
4. To finish the Malwarebytes scan and remove detected threats click the Finish button and restart your computer if promoted to do so.
2. Scan your computer with HitmanPro
1. Download and Install HitmanPro by Surfright.
2. Open HitmanPro and click Next to start scanning your computer. *If you are using the free version you may chose to create a copy or perform a one-time scan.
3. Once the HitmanPro scan is complete click the Next button.
4. To activate the free version of HitmanPro: enter your email address twice and click the Activate button.
5. Click the Reboot button.
3. Uninstall GsearchFinder and unwanted programs
1. Open Windows Start Menu and go to the Control Panel.
2. In the Programs section click Uninstall a program. In earlier versions of Windows this is listed as “Add and remove programs.”
3. Search for GsearchFinder Supporting Application in the list and double click it.
4. Once you have uninstalled GsearchFinder, search for other unwanted programs that may be installed on your computer and uninstall them as well.
4. Remove unwanted add-ons and extension
Google Chrome
1. Click the Customize and control Google Chrome icon and go to More tools > Extensions.
2. Search for the unwanted extension in the list and click the trashcan icon.
Mozilla Firefox
1. Open the Menu and click Add-ons.
2. Search for the unwanted add-on and click Remove.
Microsoft Internet Explorer
1. Go to Tools (Alt+X) and click Manage add-ons.
2. Search for the unwanted add-on in the list, select it with your mouse, and click Remove.
Apple Safari
1. Go to Safari > Preferences > Extensions.
2. Search for the unwanted extension in the list and click the Uninstall button.
5. Cleanup and repair settings with CCleaner
1. Download and Install CCleaner by Piriform.
2. Open CCleaner and go to the main Cleaner screen. Click the Analyze button. When the process is complete, click the Run Cleaner button on the bottom right of the program interface.
3. Go to Tools > Startup and search for suspicious entries in each tab starting from Windows all the way to Content Menu. If you find anything suspicious click it and click the Delete button to remove it.
4. Go to the Registry window and click the Scan for Issues button. When the scan is complete click the Fix selected issues… button and click Fix All Selected Issues.
