Bettersearchtools.com is the redirect virus that should not be tolerated
Bettersearchtools.com promotes the Google Chrome extension[1] that is supposed to make the browsing experience “easier, faster and enjoyable.” However, computer users report being frequently redirected to this site and seeing lots of ads offering to download this extension.
Such activities are caused by an adware program. This potentially unwanted program (PUP) might have entered the system silently with the help of freeware or shareware. Some users claim that they noticed an increased amount of ads after the installation of the promoted extension.
| Name | Bettersearchtools.com |
|---|---|
| Type | Adware, potentially unwanted program |
| Problems | Redirects and commercial content affects the performance, creates speed issues |
| Distribution | Deceptive pages, freeware distribution websites, torrent platforms |
| Removal | You can rely on the guide below and remove the program fully |
| System fix | The device can get affected significantly when the PUP is running. To fix possible damage run FortectIntego |
On the affected computer, the so-called virus aims at the Google Chrome browser and alters its settings. The application might also create or modify Windows Registry entries. All these alterations are necessary in order to take control over the browser and display commercial content.
One of the main symptoms informing about adware infection is redirects to bettersearchtools.com. However, many other signs warn about PUP:
- the increased amount of aggressive online ads;
- the text turned into hyperlinks (in-text ads);
- continuously popping security alters on websites;
- offers to install suspicious software or updates;
- installation of unknown browser extensions;
- redirects to third-party sites.
Once you notice these activities on Chrome, you should scan the system with professional anti-malware/anti-spyware, such as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. It will help to locate and remove Bettersearchtools.com or other adware from the computer. Nevertheless, this ad-supported application usually promotes this browser extension; it might also offer to install other toolbars, extensions, PC optimization tools, etc. However, you should stay away from such offers.
The biggest problem is that installing software (or updates) recommended in pop-ups might lead to the installation of a malicious program. Some of these ads promote potentially dangerous software or redirect to a high-risk website. Thus, adware is not only an annoying application. Some of its activities might also end up with serious cyber infections.[2]
Bundling – the most common strategy to spread adware
Such a browser infection might occur when users install programs carelessly. You need to be extremely careful with freeware and shareware. Such programs usually are software bundles. Bundling is a software marketing technique that tricks many computer users who still rely on Recommended or Standard installation settings. The problem is that these setups do not openly disclose additional third-party software that might be offered to download as well.
Therefore, if you are suffering from continuous ads and redirects, probably, you have recently rushed with software installation. Next time you should be more careful and choose the right installation settings. The correct way to install programs downloaded from various online sources is to use Advanced or Custom settings. Follow each of the steps carefully and opt out of all pre-selected programs. It’s the only way to stop PUPs from entering the system.
The research has also shown that the installation of BetterSearchTools and bestGames Now extensions might also be a result of a flooded browser with undesired ads. Thus, it’s suggested to stay away from these programs.
It’s unknown what country’s users are targeted by this adware program. Thus, we want to encourage all of you to be careful when downloading software. It doesn’t matter where you are – in Argentina, Netherlands[3] or Egypt; the adware might infiltrate your computer too.
Ways to eliminate Bettersearchtools.com virus from the system
To get rid of annoying ads, you need to find and uninstall adware that is responsible for it. This little investigation can be carried out either manually or automatically. In order to remove Bettersearchtools.com manually, you have to uninstall all suspicious programs and browser extensions. Deleting all adware-related entries is crucial. Otherwise, you will continue suffering from aggressive ads and redirects to irrelevant sites.
We won’t lie, sometimes it’s hard to locate these suspicious entries manually. Though we want to help you by providing illustrated removal guidelines below. However, if manual removal methods seem too complicated, do not torture yourself. There’s another solution for you – automatic elimination with security software.
Uninstall from Windows
Uninstall from Windows 10/8:
- Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
Remove the unwanted program:
- In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
- If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.
Delete from macOS
Remove the unwanted application:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).
Delete leftover files and folders:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
- Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.
- Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.
Remove from Microsoft Edge
Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:
- Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
- From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
- Click Remove.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.
Restore new tab and homepage settings:
- Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
- Then find On startup section.
- Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.
Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:
- Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
- Select Details tab.
- Now scroll down and locate every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right-click on each of them and select End Task to stop MS Edge from running.
Instructions for Chromium-based Edge
Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and site data:
- Click on Menu and go to Settings.
- Select Privacy, search and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Under Time range, pick All time.
- Select Clear now.
Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- On the left side, pick Reset settings.
- Select Restore settings to their default values.
- Confirm with Reset.
- This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.
Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
- Select Add-ons.
- In here, select the unwanted extension and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Settings.
- Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.
Clear cookies and site data:
- Click Menu and pick Settings.
- Go to Privacy & Security section.
- Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
- Click on Clear Data...
- Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.
Reset Mozilla Firefox
If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
- Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.
- Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
- Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.
Remove from Google Chrome
Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
- In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all suspicious extensions related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and web data from Chrome:
- Click on Menu and pick Settings.
- Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
- Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
- Click Clear data.
Change your homepage:
- Click menu and choose Settings.
- Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
- Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.
Reset Google Chrome:
If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
- Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
- Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Confirm with Reset settings.
Delete from Safari
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
- Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.
Clear history and website data:
- Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
- Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari:
- Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
- Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.
Was this guide helpful?
Be the first to comment