How to remove Safehomepage (Virus Removal Guide)
Safehomepage virus (safehomepage.com)
The Safehomepage virus is a term used to describe potential malware categorized as a browser hijacker that primarily installts to a computer as a browser add-on, browser helper object (BHO), and extension. The Safehomepage hijacker changes existing internet setting including the home page and default, managed, and provided search engines of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Internet Explorer, causing affected internet browsers to start up on safehomepage.com and other websites when opening new browser windows or tabs, as well as redirect to safehomepage.com while users search the web using the browser address or omni bar.
Safehomepage malware may install unwanted browser attachments without user consent including Safehomepage Toolbar and similar items. In turn these browser objects corrupt Windows start up settings and internet browser settings. Furthermore, additional browser objects and software have been reported to install without user consent and in some cases these objects are the culprit of unwanted browser redirections.
Safehomepage.com does not necessarly display malicious search results but has been reported for using unethical techniques in order to gain website visitors. Each time website visitors use the Safe Homepage search engine and click advertisements or sponsored result links, Safehomepage.com gets paid. This is seen as a technique that may entrap users to terms they would not likely agree with as Safehomepage is essentially generating income off the perplexity of internet users.
Safehomepage.com and relating parties may assist in displaying unwanted pop-up, pop-under, in-text, and other forms of advertisements.
Software and malware used to promote the questionable search engine may also cause other problems for computer users and put them at risk to privacy crimes. Victims of the Safehomepage virus, though not technically a computer virus have reported unwanted email spam, junk mail, and in some cases telephone calls from telemarketers and scam artists. In most cases senders and callers may target a victim’s recent browsing activity. In can be concluded that parties involved may collect personal contact information and add users to mailing and marketing lists without consent or knowledge.
Cyber crimes relating to the browser hijacker category rarely include credit theft, extortion, identity theft, and more.
How does Safehomepage malware get onto a computer?
Safehomepage malware often bundles with third-party downloadable content including freeware and shareware. In some cases users may be given the opportunity to accept or decline an offer to install software that will product the Safehomepage redirect; however, the request to decline such offers is often ignored and unwanted software will install without approval.
Similar browser hijackers and unwanted browser objects are often promoted by problematic advertisements.
How to remove Safehomepage virus
How to remove Safehomepage virus- Automatically remove Safehomepage malware – Scan for and automatically remove the Safehomepage hijacker and third-party malware
- Manually remove Safehomepage – Remove/Uninstall Safehomepage Toolbar promoted software and third-party malware (if necessary)
1. Automatic Safehomepage removal
Use the instructions below to automatically remove Safehomepage and third-party malware, as well as automatically remove unwanted search engines from your installed internet browsers.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
1. Install the free or paid version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.
2. Once Malwarebytes is installed, run the program. If you are using the free version of Malwarebytes you will be prompted to update the database, make sure to do so.
3. On the first tab labeled “Scanner” select the Perform full scan option and click the Scan button to perform a full system scan. Malwarebytes will automatically detect malware infecting the computer system.
4. Once the malware scan is complete, Malwarebytes may prompt a notice stating malicious objects were detected. Select the malicious objects and click the Remove Selected button to completely remove the malicious files from your computer (the image below shows a file that is NOT selected) or click the Delete button to remove quarantined files.
CCleaner
CCleaner can be used to automatically repair internet browser settings startup up settings, and uninstall Safehomepage and associated third-party software.
1. Install the free or paid version of CCleaner by Piriform.
2. Once installed, open the program and navigate to Cleaner > Windows/Applications and click the Analyze button. Afterwards, click the Run Cleaner button on the bottom right of the program interface.
3. Next, navigate to Tools > Startup and search through each tab starting from windows, internet explorer, etc., all the way to Content Menu, for additional suspicious entries and click Disable and Delete once anything is found.
4. To automatically uninstall Safehomepage and other unwanted programs, navigate to the Uninstall tab and search for Safehomepage promted software, etc. in the list of installed programs. Uninstall the unwanted software as selected by clicking the Run Uninstaller button.
2. Manual Safehomepage removal
Use the instructions below to manually uninstall Safehomepage malware and third-party software using generic Microsoft Windows removal procedures.
How to uninstall Safehomepage
1. Access Windows Start Menu and navigate to the Control Panel.
2. Click Uninstall a program or Add and remove a program.
3. In the list of installed programs search for Safehomepage promoted items and other potentially unwanted software. Once located, double click the unwanted programs or highlight them in the list and click the Uninstall button.
How to remove Safehomepage Toolbar add-ons and extensions
Use the instructions to remove Safehomepage Toolbar add-ons, extensions, plug-ins, and toolbars. Please note, it may be necessary to remove multiple third-party items.
Google Chrome
1. Click on the Customize icon (wrench or 3 bar icon) next to the address bar and navigate to Tools > Extensions.
2. Search for the Safehomepage extension and remove it by clicking the trashcan icon next to them.
Mozilla Firefox
1. Type Ctrl+Shift+A.
2. On the Extensions and Plugin search for the Safehomepage add-on and remove it.
Microsoft Internet Explorer
1. Click Tools and select Manage add-ons.
2. On the Toolbars and Extensions tab search for the Safehomepage add-on and remove it if located.
