Remove BrowserSafer virus
BrowserSafer virus is an expression used to describe a potentially unwanted program in the browser hijacker category of computer infections that replaces existing internet browser settings without permission from the user. Once BrowserSafer has been installed it will exchange the homepage, start page, new tab page, and search engine of multiple internet browsers installed on the infected machine. It will also completely remove the most recent search engine the user chose in the manage search engine list of Google Chrome. In addition, the infection will show a home page button in the menu area of Google Chrome.
The changes made to existing internet browser settings will cause the affected web browsers to start-up on a third-party website when a new browser window is opened. It will also cause affected web browsers to redirect to the third-party website when a new tab is opened or search is performed by inputting text into the address or omni bar in the browser menu area.
The BrowserSafer program is cooperative with malicious websites including search-shield.com. If an internet browser was changed to this mentioned website it means that BrowserSafer is installed on the infected machine and vice versa.
Manually uninstalling BrowserSafer via Windows Control Panel (in theory) will disable unwanted browser settings; However, the settings that were exchanged might stay changed unless they are manually changed in settings. Manually uninstalling this program will also not remove other malicious files that are present on the infected machine.
How did BrowserSafer virus get on my computer?
BrowserSafer usually installs along with free downloadable content, such as freeware and torrent files. Downloading items like this online can result in potentially unwanted programs, adware, and malware infecting the your computer system. Even if a program you manually download and install is well known and trustworthy like Google Chrome, if you download it from a malicious website or by using an untrustworthy download manager it can lead to a computer infection.
Some advertisements and download managers may claim that this program or another program you seek to download is something it is not. The program may also be offered as a custom install which allows users to manually chose to accept or decline the download.
In most cases the program used to cause your browser to redirect to search-shield.com will download and install in the background without your consent or knowledge. It is usually installed by a potentially malicious program that already exists on your machine.
Aliases: BrowserSafer virus, BrowserSafer redirect virus
BrowserSafer virus removal guide
1. Download and Install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software to scan for malware and remove malicious files from your computer.
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.
5. Download and Install HitmanPro by Surfright to perform a second-opinion scan and remove any remaining traces of malware.
6. 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.
7. Once the HitmanPro scan is complete click the Next button.
8. To activate the free version of HitmanPro: enter your email address twice and click the Activate button.
9. Click the Reboot button.
10. Download and Install CCleaner by Piriform to cleanup junk files, repair your registry, and manage settings that may have been changed.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. Investigate your comptuer to see if the program was uninstalled and your browser settings have been repaired. If your settings have not changed or you still find the machine installed on your computer use the helpful links below to repair settings affected by the infection you previously removed.
- How to change your Google Chrome homepage
- How to change your Google Chrome search engine
- How to remove extensions from Chrome
- How to change your Mozilla Firefox homepage
- How to change your Mozilla Firefox search engine
- How to remove add-ons from Firefox
- How to change your Microsoft Internet Explorer homepage
- How to change your Microsoft Internet Explorer search engine
- How to remove add-ons from Internet Explorer
The key to staying protected against future infections is to follow common online guidelines and take advantage of reputable Antivirus and Anti-Malware security software with real-time protection.
Real-time security software
Security software like Malwarebytes and Norton Security have real-time features that can block malicious files before they spread across your computer. These programs bundled together can establish a wall between your computer and cyber criminals.
Common Online Guidelines
- Backup your computer and personal files to an external drive or online backup service
- Create a restore point on your computer in case you need to restore your computer to a date before infection
- Avoid downloading and installing apps, browser extensions, and programs you are not familiar with
- Avoid downloading and installing apps, browser extensions, and programs from websites you are not familiar with – some websites use their own download manager to bundle additional programs with the initial download
- If you plan to download and install freeware, open source software, or shareware make sure to be alert when you install the object and read all the instructions presented by the download manager
- Avoid torrents and P2P clients
- Do not open email messages from senders you do not know
