Search.hnotepadpro.co – a fake search engine that spreads as an advanced version of Notepad

Notepad Pro works as a browser hijacker, but it looks like the advanced version of Windows Notepad.[1] The application is promoted on suspicious websites and spreads in freeware bundles. Once it gets into the system, it modifies browsers’ settings and sets startup page to Search.hnotepadpro.co.
| Summary | |
|---|---|
| Name | Search.hnotepadpro.co |
| Developers | Polarity Technologies |
| Type | Browser hijacker |
| Danger level | Medium. Modifies browser's settings and might display potentially dangerous content |
| Symptoms | Changed browser's homepage and built-in search box, an increased amount of ads, redirects to sponsored sites, sluggish computer's performance |
| Distribution | Software bundling |
| To uninstall Search.hnotepadpro.co, install FortectIntego and run a full system scan | |
Notepad Pro virus infects web browsers ( Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox) and assigns search.hnotepadpro.co as new tab URL and default search engine, homepage. The problem is that hijacker reassigns these options over and over again if a user tries to set his or her preferred startup page or built-in search engine.
Search.hnotepadpro.co virus is created in a way that users are unable to revert their default browser’s settings back. Therefore, this potentially unwanted program (PUP) does everything to remain on the computer as long as possible.
As a result of these changes to the browser, the whole performance of the device becomes sluggish. Constant appearing increased number of sponsored advertisements affects experience online as well. However, the biggest issue here is Search.hnotepadpro.co redirect problems.
The browser hijacker might redirect to third-party websites that are potentially dangerous. For instance, some sites might promote bogus software; others suggest great shopping deals and trick into revealing personal details. Therefore, trusting the content provided by Search.hnotepadpro.co is not recommended.
The primary purpose of the search engine is delivery of relevant search results and helping people to find needed information. Despite the fact it redirects to Yahoo results page, the hijacker might redirect to other sites once you click on the desired link. This makes getting normal and needed results an impossible task.
Browsing-related problems are the main reason why you should remove Search.hnotepadpro.co. However, the research team from Viruset.no[2] also points out another negative aspect – data tracking capabilities.
The privacy policy of the program tells that it has access to search related information like most viewed pages, search queries, and other browsing activity. Additionally, it also can see your IP address, geo-location and these are useful for locating sponsored advertisements.
As we have mentioned before, commercial content displayed by the PUP is considered as potentially dangerous. Therefore, Search.hnotepadpro.co removal helps to avoid possible dangers and protects your information from being used for advertising purposes.
It is possible to remove Notepad Pro manually. However, we suggest relying on FortectIntego or another anti-malware[3] program. It’s the easier way to get rid of all suspicious components that may have been installed together with PUP or by a hijacker itself.

Browser hijacker developers use bundling technique for PUP distribution
Developers of numerous browser hijackers know how to spread and where to hide them. Even though, some hijacker programs have official download websites the most common way of infiltrating is installation without permission – with the help of deceptive software marketing technique called bundling.
When you are downloading and installing something form high-risk websites or P2P networks, you might be unknowingly installing software package. PUPs are often attached to freeware or shareware, and if you use Default/Quick installation, you are installing the whole bundle, not only the primary program.
However, you can always avoid these unwanted programs from installing. By choosing Advanced/ Custom option for installing new software the bundled of programs can unpack and you have an opportunity to de-select them and download only the software you need.
Also, any advertisement that suggests updates to your software or any questionable products can be fake and infected with these hijackers. Be careful on the internet and pay extra attention when selecting any boxes during installation processes.
Search.hnotepadpro.co removal is important for your pleasant browsing experience
For a proper Notepad Pro removal you need to get rid of suspicious extensions, add-ons, and other plug-ins from your browser’s settings manually. Additionally, you should look up for other programs that may have been installed on your PC too.
If you are considering manual Search.hnotepadpro.co removal, you should have a look at our prepared instructions below. They will explain how to find and eliminate all components related to the browser hijacker.
If the situation doesn’t change and your browser is still acting up, you should try to remove Search.hnotepadpro.co automatically with the help of anti-malware programs. Software should be downloaded only from official sources and using direct links, not questionable ads.
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.
Reset Internet Explorer
Remove dangerous add-ons:
- Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
- Pick Manage Add-ons.
- You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.

Change your homepage if it was altered:
- Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
- Select Internet Options.
- In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
- Click Apply and then select OK.

Delete temporary files:
- Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
- Under Browsing history, click Delete...
- Select relevant fields and press Delete.

Reset Internet Explorer:
- Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
- Select Reset.
- In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.

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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