Search.searchmpctpop.com is an URL that might indicate presence of a browser hijacker
Search.searchmpctpop.com is a browser hijacker[1] that is presented as a legitimate Yahoo-based search engine. Initially created by the well-known company Polarity Technologies, it spreads as Convert That PDF extension, which may be attached to Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or other web browsers. Just like the name of the tool suggests, this application allows converting documents directly from the main browser’s page.
However, there are plenty of negative operational qualities to this plugin. For example, not only does it commonly spread via software bundles (which result in unintentional infiltration), but it also inserts ads in users' searchers and tracks their online activities. The PUP can alter systems settings, registry and modify targeted browser’s shortcuts.
| Summary | |
| Name | Search.searchmpctpop.com |
| Developer | Polarity Technologies Ltd |
| Type | Browser hijacker |
| Danger level | Medium. Can take control over affected web browsers and collect information about users |
| Distribution methods | Software bundling |
| Uninstall | You need to terminate the extension via your web browser – we explain how below |
| Browser fix | Don't forget to delete the web browsing data and cookies for best result (you can employ FortectIntego for that) |
Incorrect installation of freeware or shareware commonly results in users not noticing an optional component being offered to them. It is also important to note that distributors deliberately try to hide these components in the hopes of users installing them unintentionally.
Those who have their browsers hijacked by Convert That PDF can soon find something suspicious:
- homepage and default search engine set to http://search.searchmpctpop.com/ or http://query.searchmpctpop.com;
- installation of Convert That PDF and other suspicious browser extensions;
- the increase of online ads;
- browser redirects to commercial or highly suspicious websites;
- inability to remove the customized search engine from the startup page.
This search engine is used for marketing purposes, so its usefulness to users is questionable. It might seem like a legit tool because it redirects search queries to Yahoo. However, these results are displayed via a hijacked browser. Hence, the PUP might trigger redirects to third-party sites once you click one a needed search link.
In this way, websites increase traffic or might boost sales. Meanwhile, developers generate revenue from this activity. A similar profit model is used by displaying ads: when users click on the advertisements displayed by the hijacker, developers get pay-per-click revenue.
However, users should beware of redirect problems that might occur when they use the hijacked browser. Links and ads might redirect to infected tech support scam or phishing websites. Hence, it’s easy to get infected with malware or reveal sensitive information to cybercriminals.
For this reason, Search.searchmpctpop.com should be completed immediately. We have already mentioned that it’s not a very simple task. It’s not enough to replace this domain with Google and save the changes. The hijacker is designed to reinstall itself after the system reboot if users do not delete all hijacker-related components.
To get rid of this shady search tool, you have to remove the Convert That PDF extension and other suspicious programs, browser add-ons, and similar entries. You can do it by following the guide given below or opting for an automatic elimination method with SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or another anti-malware tool.
Users are mislead into installing a browser hijacker
A potentially unwanted program[2] cannot enter the system itself. It needs assistance and user’s permission to enter the system. Various freeware programs help the hijacker to spread. PUPs can be attached to any free program as “optional downloads.” When users install freeware using Recommended/Quick settings, they give indirect permission for PUPs to get into the system as well.
The problem is Recommended settings which are popular among computer users. Researchers from LesVirus.fr[3] note that users are not aware that third-party apps can be installed silently without asking their permission.
However, users can avoid installing PUPs if they use Advanced/Custom settings. They reveal about additional programs and allow rejecting their installation.
Get rid of Search.searchmpctpop.com virus
To remove the unwanted web address from the homepage, you need to get rid of browser extensions, programs, and files that are related to the browser hijacker. The guidelines below will show how to perform this task properly.
However, we suggest opting for quicker solution – automatic Search.searchmpctpop.com removal. It requires running a full system scan with an updated anti-malware/anti-spyware software and resetting affected browsers.
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.
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