How To Remove The Search.autocompletepro.com Redirection Virus and Autocomplete Pro Plugin Extension Hijacker
What is the Search.autocompletepro.com redirection virus?
Search.autocompletepro.com redirections (AutocompletePro Plugin, Auto Complete Pro) are caused by malware, and is categorized as a browser hijacker. Search.autocompletepro.com, while utilizing their AutocompletePro Plugin, installs onto computer systems and hijacks internet settings, in turn changing home pages and provided (managed) search engines. This causes internet browsers to start up at Search.autocompletepro.com and browser searches to redirect to search.autocompletepro.com without owner/user consent.
Search.Autocompletepro.com, Autocompletepro.com, and the AutocompletePro Plugin are not safe to use. They are considered dangerous for many reasons concerning invasion of privacy, ethics, and cyber criminal activity. By using AutocompletePro and the AutocompletePro Plugin (as cleverly stated in their terms), you are allowing them collect you personal information including web history. They use this information to provide what they claim are “enhanced” searches and links. In reality the links they provide are sponsored (they’re paid for), by what could be a drive-by-download website or a link that allows the installation of third party malware, including adware and spyware platforms.
Browser hijackers and redirections to unwanted websites in general is often the first sign of a malware, virus, and/or Trojan infection. Use the detection and removal steps provided in this article to protect you and your computer from further issues which may results in complete computer functionality.
Why is my Home Page Search.autocompletepro.com?
If your browser’s home page changed to search.autocompletepro.com without your consent you are likely infected with third party malware, viruses, and/or Trojans. search.autocompletepro.com, and associated websites such as Mysearchresults.com are commonly referred to as internet browser hijackers and alongside third party malware can hijack home page settings to accommodate search.autocompletepro.com.
Why are internet searches and URLs redirecting to Startpins.com?
If your internet browser is redirecting to search.autocompletepro.com while performing searches and typing URLs into the browser’s address bar without your consent you are (again) most likely infected with third party malware, viruses, Trojans. Search.autocompletepro.com uses the AutocompletePro Plugin for Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer to alter provided search engines, causing browsers to redirect to search.autocompletepro.com and/or associated websites. The search results found on search.autocompletepro.com may contain malicious third party links. Also note, simply visiting search.autocompletepro.com and using the search allows AutocompletePro to attach itself to your internet browser’s provided engine.
The search.autocompletepro.com redirection virus may have been contracted by visiting a website hosting malware, drive by download websites, and other cyber criminal phishing techniques including as spam email and malicious social media links. Also note, search.autocompletepro.com may have been voluntarily initiated onto your computer sytem. You can download the AutocompletePro plugin from the autocompletepro.com website (image).
1. Anti-Malware Software (Remove/Troubleshoot Malware)
Malwarebytes is the most recommended Antivirus – Anti-Malware software used to scan, detect, and remove malware including third party browser hijackers that may have infected your system. View other Antivirus recommendations. Once malware has been detected and removed, repair your Home Page and Provided Search Engines.
2. System Restore (Remove/Troubleshoot Malware)
Perform a system restore to an automatic restore point created by Window’s each week or during system updates. This can be very helpful if you suspect a severe infection. Once complete, repair your Home Page and Provided Search Engines.
3. Uninstall AutocompletePro (Uninstaller)
AutocompletePro installs a program onto your computer. If available, you must uninstall AutocompletePro before you can properly remove the AutocompletePro Plugin and stop redirections to search.autocompletepro.com.
1. Access Window’s Start Menu and select Control Panel
2. Select Uninstall a program or Add and remove programs
3. Find and double click AutocompletePro in the list of installed programs or highlight and click Uninstall.
4. Remove AutocompletePro Plugin
How to remove the AutocompletePro Plugin.
Mozilla Firefox
1. Click Tools and select Add-ons. (Ctrl+Shift+A)
2. On the Extensions and Plugin tabs, find the AutocompletePro plugin and remove it.
Microsoft Internet Explorer
1. Click Tools and select Manage add-ons.
2. On the Toolbars and Extensions tab search for AutocompletePro plugin and remove it.
Google Chrome
1. Click on the Wrench or 3 bar icon next to the address bar and navigate to Tools > Extensions.
2. Click the trash can next to AutocompletePro plugin for chrome to remove.
5. Repair Home Page
How to remove search.autocompletepro.com from your home page.
Mozilla Firefox
1. Click Tools and select Options.
2. On the General tab, click Restore to Default or add you preferred URL.
Microsoft Internet Explorer
1. Click Tools and select Internet Options.
2. On the General tab click Restore to Default or add your preferred URL.
Google Chrome
1. Click on the Wrench or 3 bar icon next to the address bar and select Settings.
2. Under the On startup section click Set pages.
3. Click the X next to search.autocompetepro.com and add your preferred home page URL.
6. Repair Provided Search Engines
How to stop your browser from redirecting to search.autocompletepro.com.
Mozilla Firefox
1. Click the small search arrow or magnify glass near the search bar at the top of the internet browser.
2. Select Manage search engines…
3. Select search.autocompletepro.com and click remove. Search.autocompletepro.com may be set as default or listed under Other search engines.
Microsoft Internet Explorer
1. Click Tools and select Manage add-ons.
2. Navigate to the Search Providers list.
3. Select search.autocompletepro.com and click the Remove button.
Google Chrome
1. Click the 3 bar or wrench settings icon and select Settings.
2. In the Search section select the Manage search engines… button.
3. Remove search.autocompletepro.com by clicking the X.
If search.autocompletepro.com is a default search engine, add and chose another search engine such as Google as a default engine by selecting Google (etc) and clicking he “make default” transparent blue box that appears.
7. Clear Cache And Cookies
If you visited search.autocompletepro.com and fear you and your personal data are being traced, tracked, etc., it is recommended to delete your browser data. Search.autocompletepro.com loads cookie files onto an unsuspecting computer system allowing them to collect, store, and track information such as browser activity and information. You can remove your browser cache and cookie files in your browser’s preference or settings options.