Home » Cybersecurity » How to remove SearchBetter.com (Virus Removal Guide)
searchbetter virus

How to remove SearchBetter.com (Virus Removal Guide)

SearchBetter.com virus

SearchBetter virus (also searched for as SearchBetter.com virus) is a misrepresented term frequently used to identify a questionable website and associated potentially unwanted programs that have caused issues for many computer and internet users. SearchBetter.com is known to hijack the homepage and default search engine of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Internet Explorer, and Apple Safari in order to cause browser to redirects to searchbetter.com and other sponsored webpages.

searchbetter virus

Once potential SearchBetter malware or programs that promote the search engine are introduced to an infected computer, internet users will fall victim to continuous browser redirects to searchbetter.com and other webpages when they open a new browser window, open a new browser tab, or search the web via the address bar.

searchbetter.com virus

There are a variety of potentially unwanted programs used to cause browser redirects to searchbetter.com. This means it will be necessary to uninstall multiple programs and remove multiple browser add-ons and extensions in order to stop all unwanted symptoms. Furthermore, this programs are also known to bundle with malware and malicious files which can cause additional and more serious issues.

How to remove SearchBetter.com

Step 1: Uninstall potentially unwanted programs

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.

tech support

uninstall

2.Navigate to the Control Panel on Windows Start Menu.

uninstall 2

3. Click Uninstall a program (or Add and remove a program).

uninstall 3

4. A list of programs installed on your computer will appear. Search for suspicious and unwanted programs in the list of installed programs. Once a program you want to remove is located, double click to begin the uninstall process (or select the program and click Uninstall).

Step 2: Remove browser add-ons and extensions

Google Chrome

1. Click on the Customize icon (3 bar icon) next to the address bar and navigate to More tools > Extensions.

2. Search for the 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 add-on, select it, and remove it.

Step 3: Remove SearchBetter.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 SearchBetter.com 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 SearchBetter.com 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 SearchBetter.com  search engine to remove it.

Step 4: Remove SearchBetter.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 SearchBetter.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 SearchBetter.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 SearchBetter.com and replace it with your preferred homepage URL.

Step 5: Scan your computer for malware

1. Download and Install the free or full version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. The full version enables real-time protection to block malware and unwanted programs from infecting your computer, while the free version is just a free scan and removal tool.

download
buy now

malwarebytes

2. Once Malwarebytes is installed, open the Anti-Malware program and click the Scan Now button or visit the “Scan” tab to manually run a scan. Malwarebytes may automatically begin to update and scan your computer at this point.

3. When the malware scan is complete, click the Quarantine All button to isolate and remove the detected files. You may be asked to reboot your computer to completely remove detected files.

If you are still having issues with malware it is recommended to download and install a second opinion scanner such as HitmanPro by Surfright to eradicate existing malicious files and automatically repair corrupted settings.

Step 6: Clean up and repair settings

1. Download and Install the free or full version of CCleaner by Piriform.

download
buy now

CCleaner Analyze Cleaner

2. Open CCleaner after it is installed and navigate to Cleaner > Windows/Applications and click the Analyze button. Afterwards, click the Run Cleaner button.

CCleaner Startup

3. Next, navigate to Tools > Startup and search for suspicious entries through each tab starting from Windows, Internet Explorer, etc., all the way to Context Menu and click Disable and Delete once anything you do not recognize is found. This will help you locate and remove unwanted browser attachments and repair other settings.

If you are still experiencing issues removing potential malware after using this removal guide we recommend to perform a system restore/recovery or a reset/refresh for Windows 8.

Sean Moran

Sean Moran 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.

More Reading

Post navigation

Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.