How to remove Search Smart (Virus Removal Tutorial)

Search Smart

Search Smart is a browser extension developed for Google Chrome web browsers. The developer describes it as a utility to add a convenient web search and quick links to the new tab page; However, the extension has a bad reputation as it is known to modify existing internet browser settings without user consent or by use of deceptive marketing tactics.

In addition, numerous issues may present themselves after the Search Smart extension is installed including:

• Pop-up advertisements
• Pop-up notifications
• Hijacked homepage
• Hijacked search provider
• Hijacked new tab page
• Constant browser redirects
• Suspicious browser extensions installed
• Suspicious programs on your PC
• Slower browsing experience
• Slow and sluggish PC

As shown in the image above, the extension can also read and change your data on all hsearchsmart.co sites and search.hsearchsmart.co, replace the page you see when opening a new tab, read your browsing history, change your search settings to search.hsearchsmart.co, and manage your apps, extensions, and themes. What it leaves out in the image below is that it will also modify your browser’s search settings.

How to remove Search Smart (Virus Removal Tutorial)

The virus removal tutorial on this page provides you with free instructions to remove the Search Smart extension, viruses, malware, and other threats from your computer and mobile device.

Step 1: Remove Search Smart with ESET Smart Security

Use ESET Smart Security to remove Search Smart, malware, and potentially unwanted applications (also known as potentially unwanted programs) from your computer and mobile device.

ESET Smart Security is a premium internet security program with antivirus technology, multi-platform protection, privacy protection, and other superior internet security features. With ESET Smart Security you can protect your Windows, Mac, and Android devices with a single license.

1. Download and install ESET Smart Security. *When installing ESET Smart Security, select the option to enable detection of potentially unwanted applications (if applicable).

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2. Once ESET Smart Security is installed, open the program and navigate to the Computer scan tab.

ESET Smart Security may automatically update and perform an initial scan. The ‘initial scan’ takes longer to complete than a normal computer or removable media scan. It is recommended to perform a second scan following the initial scan.

3. Click Scan your computer to scan all local disks and clean threats.

Step 2: Clean up and repair settings with CCleaner Professional

Use CCleaner Professional to remove junk files and trackers, preserve Windows registry, and disable browser plugins that may affect the way your system and browser operates.

1. Download and install CCleaner Professional.

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2. Once CCleaner Professional is installed, open the program and navigate to the Easy Clean tab.

3. Click the Analyze button to find trackers and junk files that CCleaner Professional can remove.

4. When the analysis is complete, click the Clean All button.

5. Next, go to the Registry tab and click the Scan for Issues button.

6. When the scan is complete, click the Fix selected Issues… button.

7. As a precaution, click Yes to back up the registry before making changes to it and save the Reg File (.reg) file to your computer.

8. Click the Fix All Selected Issues button and then click Close once all problems have been removed.

More removal and repair options

ESET Smart Security is one of the top Antivirus and internet security program on the market and CCleaner Professional is arguably the only respected Windows System Utility program; However, in rare cases, even the best Antivirus program can miss small trace files and potential threats.

Remove malware with HitmanPro.Alert

HitmanPro.Alert is a powerful antimalware program that detects and removes known malicious files, trackers, and registry entries related to viruses, rootkits, trojans, ransomware, adware, worms, spyware, and other malware. What makes HitmanPro.Alert stand out is that it will remove a large sample of malicious or potentially malicious files than most antimalware and antivirus programs.

1. Download and install HitmanPro.Alert.
2. Once HitmanPro.Alert is installed, open the program and click the Scan Now button.
3. When the scan is complete, click the Quarantine Selected button.

Uninstall a program

In some cases, it is possible to uninstall a potentially unwanted program from the Windows Control Panel but this will not remove malware or potentially unwanted programs from your computer.

1. Right-click the start menu on the taskbar and select Apps and Features.
2. Locate the program, select it, and click the Uninstall button that appears next to it when selected.

Remove a browser extension or add-on

A browser extension or add-on may be causing an issue with your browsing experience (browser redirects, pop-up advertisements, surveillance). Removing the browser extension will typically repair browser settings and return them to normal but it will not remove malware or potentially unwanted programs from your computer.

Google Chrome

1. Run Chrome.
2. Open the menu and go to More tools > Extensions.
3. Locate the extension and click the Remove button.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Run Firefox.
2. Open the menu and go to Add-ons.
3. Locate the extension and click the Remove button.