Remove Aartemis (Removal Instructions) - Jan 2020 update
Aartemis is a browser hijacker that gets delivered to your machine via software bundling or other deceptive methods
Aartemis is a browser hijacker[1] that might take over your Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or Internet Explorer web browsers as soon as a potentially unwanted program gets installed on your computer. In most cases, such applications travel within software bundles or are delivered via scam ads or fake updates. Nevertheless, some may install an app without realizing that it has browser hijacking capabilities in the first place.
Soon upon infiltration, Aartemis virus sets the new tab URL and homepage to Aartemis.com and applies a customized search engine to the web browser, which directs all searchers to a popular search tool like Google or Yahoo. Nonetheless, the results are littered with sponsored links, which mainly bring users to affiliated websites. Additionally, just like other PUPs, Aartemis may also collect various information about your web browsing data, as well as technical details of the device.
| Name | Aartemis |
| Type | Browser hijacker, potentially unwanted program |
| First spotted | 2013 |
| Infiltration | PUPs are usually distributed with the help of software bundle packages downloaded from third-party sites or are installed by users who are tricked into doing so by fake updates, attractive ads, and similar scams |
| Symptoms |
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| Risks | Installation of other potentially unwanted programs or malware, personal information disclosure or money loss due to encountered scams |
| Elimination | To get rid of browser hijackers and other potentially unwanted programs, you should follow the guide provided in our removal section |
| Recovery & optimization | In case adware or malware infection is causing your system to crash, lag, or other issues, you can attempt to repair the operating system with the help of Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego |
At first sight, Aartemis.com does not look like anything out of the ordinary: it's a blank front page with a search bar. However, it does not take long to notice that no additional information is provided and that the Privacy Policy, ToS, and other relevant information is simply missing.
However, it is worth noting that Aartemis virus was also changed over the years of its operation – the domain name was first taken in 2003, although it was not used properly until 2013 when the page was populated with dozens of sponsored links to various legitimate, as well as less trustworthy websites (examples include Twitter, Booking.com, Wikipedia, 337 Games, etc.).
Allegedly, these sponsored links should serve as useful shortcuts to various sites. However, modern web browsers can be customized in such was with very little effort, so this functionality falls flat – maybe because of that, the links to other websites were removed later on. Nevertheless, the plain homepage was still designed for the same purpose – to hijack users' browsers and show them sponsored content.
It is true that browsers hijackers like Aartemis.com are essentially not serious infections, although you can never know what the potentially unwanted program which changed your web browser settings is capable of. The truth is, there are thousands of applications hosted on third-party sites that might engage in dubious or even malicious activity in order to collect ad revenue from thousands of users.
Therefore, even though the Aartemis virus is not a correct term per se, it can make sense when talking about the overall security of the device. For example, the presence of multiple browser extensions might reduce the safety of your browser, especially if you are not sure where they are coming from.
Another reason to remove Aartemis from your computer is information tracking practices. Most of the potentially unwanted programs collect the following data with the help of tracking technologies like Flash cookies,[2] JavaScript, web beacons, etc.:
- IP address
- ISP
- Links clicked
- Sites visited
- Ads clicked
- Installed apps
- Device information, etc.
However, it is also worth mentioning that some PUPs may also collect search queries that sometimes include personally identifiable information. Such data can later on be sold to third-parties for marketing purposes.
Besides, Aartemis removal would stop you from having to browse via an insecure web page, as multiple web browsers warn that a secure connection is not used by this provider:
Your Connection to this site is not secure
You should not enter any sensitive information on this site (for example, passwords or credit cards), because it could be stolen by attackers.
All in all, while Aartemis virus is not something that would compromise your computer severely, there is no need to keep a browser hijacker installed. Instead, rely on reputable search providers like Google, Yahoo, or Bing – these companies will keep your information safe.
As for Artemis.com uninstallation, you can do it either manually or automatically. If you choose the former, proceed with our provided instructions below, and if you choose the automatic option, you should employ a security program capable of detecting and eliminating PUPs. Additionally, you should reset your web browsers and scan your machine with Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego for best results.
Potentially unwanted programs are distributed via software bundles
While malware distribution methods are more or less clear for most users (such as not downloading suspicious files, not clicking on malicious links and not opening spam email attachments),[3] most are still amazed when they find out that adware or a browser hijacker has infiltrated their computers. This is because people are still not aware of a deceptive software distribution technique called software bundling, which is practiced relatively often by third-party sites that offer freeware or shareware. Typically several tricks are used in order to deceive users and make them install software they initially did not ask for:[4]
- Fine print text, which is often missed by users, includes important information about the installation;
- Buttons are misplaced, e.g., “Skip offer” is presented on the left, instead of the right (users are known to simply click “Next” several times, typically located on the right side of the window);
- Advanced or Custom settings are hiding optional components which are not visible if Recommended/Quick installation option is selected;
- Pre-ticked boxes that users do not untcik guarantee agreement of Terms of Service.
Therefore, while it would be best practice sticking to official sources, sometimes the application you want is simply not available from them. In such a case, watch out for the tricks mentioned above and pay close attention to the installation instructions of the app to avoid optional programs.
Get rid of Aartemis.com browser hijacker from your computer
The presence of the Aartemis.com virus on your system can be related to many different types of applications, such as browser extensions/add-ons or standalone programs that were installed via a software bundle (or even intentionally). The problem is, it is not always apparent which application changed your web browser settings, so it might be difficult to determine what is the source of Aartemis hijack.
You can try to remove Aartemis from your computer by checking our manual guide below – look through all the apps and get rid of those that you don't recognize. On the other hand, if you are not sure which programs are legitimate and are suppose to be there, we recommend proceeding with automatic Aartemis.com removal.
For that, install security software that has the “Detect potentially unwanted programs” feature, and perform a full system scan. Note, however, that not all PUPs can be detected by a single anti-malware, so you might have to install a few programs until you are successful.
Nevertheless, if the culprit of the web browser settings change is a browser extension, you can get rid of easily via the settings. If that is not possible, you should reset the browser, as explained below.
You may remove virus damage with a help of Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.
To remove Aartemis, follow these steps:
Get rid of Aartemis from Windows systems
To get rid of Aartemis and other potentially unwanted programs from your Windows PC, follow this guide:
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Click Start → Control Panel → Programs and Features (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
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If you are Windows 10 / Windows 8 user, then right-click in the lower left corner of the screen. Once Quick Access Menu shows up, select Control Panel and Uninstall a Program.
- Uninstall Aartemis and related programs
Here, look for Aartemis or any other recently installed suspicious programs. -
Uninstall them and click OK to save these changes.
- Remove Aartemis from Windows shortcuts
Right click on the shortcut of Mozilla Firefox and select Properties.
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Go to Shortcut tab and look at the Target field. Delete malicious URL that is related to your virus.
Repeat steps that are given above with all browsers' shortcuts, including Internet Explorer and Google Chrome. Make sure you check all locations of these shortcuts, including Desktop, Start Menu and taskbar.
Erase Aartemis from Mac OS X system
macOS users' browsers could also be hijacked. If that is the case, uninstall PUPs by proceeding with these steps:
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If you are using OS X, click Go button at the top left of the screen and select Applications.
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Wait until you see Applications folder and look for Aartemis or any other suspicious programs on it. Now right click on every of such entries and select Move to Trash.
Delete Aartemis from Internet Explorer (IE)
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Remove dangerous add-ons
Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top right corner of the browser and choose Manage Add-ons.
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You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for Aartemis and other suspicious plugins. Disable these entries by clicking Disable:
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Change your homepage if it was altered by virus:
Click on the gear icon (menu) on the top right corner of the browser and select Internet Options. Stay in General tab. -
Here, remove malicious URL and enter preferable domain name. Click Apply to save changes.
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Reset Internet Explorer
Click on the gear icon (menu) again and select Internet options. Go to Advanced tab. - Here, select Reset.
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When in the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset again to complete Aartemis removal.
Eliminate Aartemis from Microsoft Edge
Reset Microsoft Edge settings (Method 1):
- Launch Microsoft Edge app and click More (three dots at the top right corner of the screen).
- Click Settings to open more options.
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Once Settings window shows up, click Choose what to clear button under Clear browsing data option.
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Here, select all what you want to remove and click Clear.
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Now you should right-click on the Start button (Windows logo). Here, select Task Manager.
- When in Processes tab, search for Microsoft Edge.
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Right-click on it and choose Go to details option. If can’t see Go to details option, click More details and repeat previous steps.
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When Details tab shows up, find every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right click on each of them and select End Task to end these entries.
Resetting Microsoft Edge browser (Method 2):
If Method 1 failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method.
- Note: you need to backup your data before using this method.
- Find this folder on your computer:
C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe. -
Select every entry which is saved on it and right click with your mouse. Then Delete option.
- Click the Start button (Windows logo) and type in window power in Search my stuff line.
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Right-click the Windows PowerShell entry and choose Run as administrator.
- Once Administrator: Windows PowerShell window shows up, paste this command line after PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> and press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml -Verbose}
Once these steps are finished, Aartemis should be removed from your Microsoft Edge browser.
Remove Aartemis from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
Reset Mozilla Firefox as soon as you get rid of the browser hijacker, or the culprit is an extension:
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Remove dangerous extensions
Open Mozilla Firefox, click on the menu icon (top right corner) and select Add-ons → Extensions.
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Here, select Aartemis and other questionable plugins. Click Remove to delete these entries.
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Change your homepage if it was altered by virus:
Click on the menu (top right corner), choose Options → General. - Here, delete malicious URL and enter preferable website or click Restore to default.
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Click OK to save these changes.
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Reset Mozilla Firefox
Click on the Firefox menu on the top left and click on the question mark. Here, choose Troubleshooting Information.
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Now you will see Reset Firefox to its default state message with Reset Firefox button. Click this button for several times and complete Aartemis removal.
Uninstall Aartemis from Google Chrome
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Delete malicious plugins
Open Google Chrome, click on the menu icon (top right corner) and select Tools → Extensions.
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Here, select Aartemis and other malicious plugins and select trash icon to delete these entries.
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Change your homepage and default search engine if it was altered by your virus
Click on menu icon and choose Settings. -
Here, look for the Open a specific page or set of pages under On startup option and click on Set pages.
- Now you should see another window. Here, delete malicious search sites and enter the one that you want to use as your homepage.
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Click on menu icon again and choose Settings → Manage Search engines under the Search section.
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When in Search Engines..., remove malicious search sites. You should leave only Google or your preferred domain name.
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Reset Google Chrome
Click on menu icon on the top right of your Google Chrome and select Settings. -
Scroll down to the end of the page and click on Reset browser settings.
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Click Reset to confirm this action and complete Aartemis removal.
Get rid of Aartemis from Safari
- Remove dangerous extensions
Open Safari web browser and click on Safari in menu at the top left of the screen. Once you do this, select Preferences.
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Here, select Extensions and look for Aartemis or other suspicious entries. Click on the Uninstall button to get rid each of them.
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Change your homepage if it was altered by virus:
Open your Safari web browser and click on Safari in menu section. Here, select Preferences as it was displayed previously and select General. -
Here, look at the Homepage field. If it was altered by Aartemis, remove unwanted link and enter the one that you want to use for your searches. Remember to include the "http://" before typing in the address of the page.
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Reset Safari
Open Safari browser and click on Safari in menu section at the top left of the screen. Here, select Reset Safari....
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Now you will see a detailed dialog window filled with reset options. All of those options are usually checked, but you can specify which of them you want to reset. Click the Reset button to complete Aartemis removal process.
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer various losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Software issues created by malware or direct data loss due to encryption can lead to problems with your device or permanent damage. When you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work.
It is crucial to create updates to your backups after any changes on the device, so you can get back to the point you were working on when malware changes anything or issues with the device causes data or performance corruption. Rely on such behavior and make file backup your daily or weekly habit.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware occurs out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the system restoring purpose.
About the author
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References
- ^ Jacob Roach. What is Browser Hijacking? Sneakier Than You Think. Cloudwards. Independent cloud storage and web services reviews, news and comparison tables.
- ^ Flash Cookie. Techopedia. Where IT and Business Meet.
- ^ ANA DASCALESCU. Analysis: How Malware Creators Use Spam To Maximize Their Impact. Heimdal Security. Security blog.
- ^ Lowell Heddings. Yes, Every Freeware Download Site is Serving Crapware (Here’s the Proof). How-To Geek. Site that explains technology.
November 24th, 2013 at 11:42 am
install yet another cleaner (free),scan your pc and your problem are finished
December 3rd, 2013 at 2:07 pm
Ive installed Malwarebytes, Trojan Killer and Bitdefender. Ive followed the directions to remove from the browsers and from the Control Panel – and yet my browsers still come up with aartemis.com. Any other suggestions?????
December 4th, 2013 at 10:04 am
Dont install Spyhuner – jts junk
December 25th, 2013 at 8:53 am
Click uninstall? Aartemis has grayed out that option in both internet explorer and control panel. Now what?
December 29th, 2013 at 1:46 pm
aartemis sucks…..
January 5th, 2014 at 5:24 pm
there is no aartemis toolbar or add-on installed on my computer
neither does it appear in Firefox>Options or anywhere else, USER.JS file is empty…
and Ive reset everything using firefox configuration command but it still starts up everytime
It has somehow gotten embeded in firefox secretely and hiddenly
God may curse on the creators of aarmetis.com !!!