How to remove SearchShock.com (Virus Removal Guide)

SearchShock.com virus

If your internet browser is redirecting to www.searchshock.com, you are infected with a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) found in the browser hijacker and adware categories of computer infections. The SearchShock virus changes existing internet browser settings of Microsoft Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox, including the homepage, default search engine, and browser shortcuts in order to cause unwanted browser redirects and start-ups.

searchshock.com virus removal

SearchShock causes affected internet browsers to redirect to www.searchshock.com when a user searches the web using the browser address or omni bar, or when a user opens a new browser tab. Furthermore, this infection may cause unwanted pop-up advertisements to appear..

This website uses browser add-ons, browser helper objects (BHOs), and extensions in order to change existing internet browser settings and cause other issues.

If the SearchShock browser hijacker is installed, a user may additionally notice advertisements that take up an entire browser window or browser tab. These are called pop-under advertisements. Other advertisements displayed by this program and associated parties include generic banner and skyscraper advertisements, in-text ads similar to Text Enhance that pop-up when a user hovers over hyper-linked text, and/or pop-up advertisements that appear when a user hovers over images with their mouse pointer. Advertisements on this website may also initiate automatic downloads.

The SearchShock.com hijacker primarily bundles with third-party freeware and shareware distributed by websites such as download.com and can also be found in adverts, torrents, and other items on media related websites similar to thepiratebay.

Users are sometimes given the opportunity to accept or decline an offer to install SearchShock software and other items during the setup process of third-party software; However, the request to decline the offer is often ignored or presented in a very confusing manner.

  Green Arrow Bullet   How to remove SearchShock virus

  1. Option 1: SearchShock.com Removal Software & Tools – This first option details how to remove SearchShock.com malware using the free or full versions of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software and/or CCleaner by Piriform.
  2. Option 2: Manually remove SearchShock.com – This second option details how to manually uninstall SearchShock.com , remove unwanted browser attachments, change your default search engine, and fix your homepage.
  3. For Tech Support Call 1-888-879-0084 and they will kindly assist you with removing this computer infection.

1. SearchShock.com Removal Software & Tools

Use the instructions below to automatically remove SearchShock.com and third-party malware, as well as automatically remove unwanted search engines from your installed internet browsers.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

1. We highly recommend writing down the toll free number below in case you run into any issues or problems while following the instructions. Our techs will kindly assist you with any problems.

1-888-879-0084
if you need help give us a call

2. Install the free or purchase the full version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software.

Purchase Download

3. Once Malwarebytes is installed, run the program and update the database if needed.

remove with malwarebytes

4. On the Dashboard click the large green Scan Now button.

5. Once the malware scan is complete, Malwarebytes may state that potential malware or malware was detected. Click the Apply All Action button.

6. If files were quarantined, visit the History section and remove all files in the Quarantine selection.

CCleaner

CCleaner can be used to automatically repair internet browser settings startup up settings, and uninstall SearchShock.com adware and associated third-party software.

1. Install the free or paid version of CCleaner by Piriform.

Purchase CCleaner for $24.95* Free Download

CCleaner Analyze Cleaner

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.

CCleaner Startup

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 software that promotes SearchShock.com and other unwanted programs, navigate to the Uninstall tab and search for SearchShock.com, etc. in the list of installed programs. Uninstall the unwanted software as selected by clicking the Run Uninstaller button.

2. Manually Remove SearchShock.com

Use the instructions below to manually uninstall SearchShock.com adware from Microsoft Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8.

How to uninstall SearchShock.com

1. Access Windows Start Menu and navigate to the Control Panel (on Windows 8, right click the bottom left corner to access the Windows 8 Start Menu).

Uninstall a program

2. Click Uninstall a program or Add and remove a program.

3. In the list of installed programs search for potentially unwanted software. Once the program is located, double click the unwanted program or highlight it in the list and click the Uninstall button.

How to remove SearchShock.com add-ons and extensions

Use the instructions below to remove SearchShock.com add-ons and extensions from Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer. It may be necessary to remove third-party browser attachments.

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 SearchShock extension and remove it by clicking the trashcan icon next to it.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Type Ctrl+Shift+A.

2. On the Extensions and Plugin search for the SearchShock 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 SearchShock add-on and remove it if located.

How to remove SearchShock.com search engine

  • In Mozilla Firefox, click the small search magnify glass near the search box (not url/search field) and click “Manage Search Engines…”. Remove SearchShock search engine from the list of search providers by highlighting the selections and clicking remove.
  • In Microsoft Internet Explorer navigate to Tools > Manage Add Ons > Search Providers and remove SearchShock search engine from the list.
  • In Google Chrome, click the customize icon (wrench or 3 bars) and navigate to Settings > Manage search engines… click the X next to SearchShock  search engine to remove it.

Please note, If http://www.searchshock.com/ is set as Google Chrome’s default search engine, add (or select) a new search engine (such as Google.com) and select the new search engine as the default search engine, then remove the unwanted search engine by clicking the X next to it.

How to remove SearchShock.com homepage

  • In Mozilla Firefox navigate to Tools > Options or click Firefox in the top left corner and click Options > Options. Under the General tab remove SearchShock.com from the “Home Page:” field and replace it with your preferred home page URL.
  • In Microsoft Internet Explorer navigate to Tools >Internet Options. Remove SearchShock.com from the Home Page field and replace it with your preferred URL.
  • In Google Chrome click the customize icon (wrench or 3 bars) and navigate to Settings.Click “Set pages” under the On startup option. Remove SearchShock.com and replace it with your preferred homepage URL.

Helpful Links:

Sean Doyle

Sean is a distinguished tech author and entrepreneur with over 20 years of extensive experience in cybersecurity, privacy, malware, Google Analytics, online marketing, and various other tech domains. His expertise and contributions to the industry have been recognized in numerous esteemed publications. Sean is widely acclaimed for his sharp intellect and innovative insights, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in the tech community. His work not only advances the field but also helps businesses and individuals navigate the complexities of the digital world.

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