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  • Active
  • Severity: Medium
  • Browser Hijackers
  • Windows, Mac
  • Verified · Aug 2019

How to remove Cleanserp.net virus

A step-by-step removal guide for affected devices. Follow the verified procedure below — most readers complete it in under 10 minutes.

Alice Woods · Likes to teach users about virus prevention

Cleanserp is another fake “privacy-focused” search engine developed to gain ad-revenue

The image of Cleanserp.net

Cleanserp.net is a browser-hijacking application that allegedly “respects your privacy.” However, this potentially unwanted program was found being bundled along with such adware apps like Untabs for Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox web browsers. Quite often, browser-hijacking programs are delivered in one package that is downloaded from a third-party site that hosts shareware and freeware.

After a rather deceptive infiltration, Cleanserp changes the settings of all the installed browsers without asking for direct permission, although users can instantly see the changes to their homepage, new tab URL, as well as the search engine. Users can then notice further compromise, as the top search results are presented as sponsored links – these lead to affiliated sites.

Additionally, Cleanserp.net might occasionally redirect to suspicious or even dangerous websites, where other, potentially unwanted programs might be advertised. The unwanted browser activity is also accompanied by spying on user browsing data – this helps developers to distribute targeted ads in exchange for a higher profit. Finally, the infected users claimed that they struggled with Cleanserp removal – a feature that is more prevalent in malware.  According to the latest reports, the deceptive extension hides under “CleanSerp” or “QueryRouter” names.

Name Cleanserp
Type Browser hijacker, PUP
Also known as “CleanSerp” or “QueryRouter”
Homepage set to hxxp://cleanserp.net or hxxp://search.cleanserp.net
Distribution Software bundles, third-party sites, ads, etc.
Symptoms  Altered web browser settings, sponsored links in search results, redirects, ads, etc. 
Termination  To delete this persistent potentially unwanted program, follow our detailed instructions at the bottom of this article and then scan your computer with FortectIntego 

While the browsing tool has been available on the Web already for a while, it became especially active in October 2017. Interestingly, French users[1] report the highest number of complaints about having elimination troubles. It seems that simply removing the related extension and the very search tool does not help.

Take a look at the below Cleanserp removal guidelines to find the solution. According to users' reports, automatic elimination is an efficient way to get rid of the infection.

Untabs plug-in and the search tool of them belong to the potentially unwanted programs (PUP)[2] category. The latter tends to direct infected browsers to search.cleanserp.net and set it as the default search engine. According to the VirusTotal analysis[3], the website of the hijacker is not malicious. On the other hand, note that it has a very poor community rating. Furthermore, the main page does not contain HTTPS protocol,[4] the indicator of a reliable and safe site.

Cleanserp.net browser hijacker

The described browser hijacker might enter the target system silently in the software bundle, hijack web browsers’ settings, alter search results, display intrusive advertisements, and collect information about users.

So-called Cleanserp virus is not a malicious cyber threat; however, it might increase your chances to run into websites run by cyber criminals.[5] It might happen if you click on misleading online ad or link included in search results. However, the main issue appears when you attempt to remove Cleanserp and set the preferred search engine as the default one. 

The design of Cleanserp.net resembles Google. It has quick access to Gmail and G+, as well as allows carrying out web, image and video searches. In fact, its design resembles another infamous browser hijacker – Launchpage.org virus[6].

If the site or its plug-in bothers in Chrome or Firefox, scan device with FortectIntego or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes and let the anti-malware program to delete the infection for you.

Key characteristics of Cleanserp hijacker

Ironically, this PUP is promoted as a tool that respects user’s privacy. The Terms of Use indicates user’s responsibilities only. Meanwhile, developers’ obligations are not defined. In the Privacy Policy of Cleanserp, it is noted that search engine uses cookies to collect and store particular information about users:

  1. Your IP address;
  2. Search queries;
  3. Browsing history;
  4. Similar browsing-related details.

Besides, it can also collect and store some of your personal information if you decide to contact developers via email or reveal your name in any other way, for example, searching for your name and surname using this search tool. What is more, the suspicious search utility might also deliver third-party ads.

Cleanserp hijacker

The Privacy Policy also states that third-party cookies[7] might be installed on your browser. Thus, unknown advertising networks or third-parties might spy on your online activities and display customimized advertisements.

Finally, keep in mind that the document tells that aggregated information is used for improving service. However, it actually means that this browser extension will deliver targeted ads. They might come in the form of pop-ups, banners or in-text ads. 

One of the most annoying features of this PUP is CleanSerp redirect. This browser infection can mislead people to sponsored websites and decrease users' browser's performance. As a result, you may be forced to browse through irrelevant websites and end up on potentially dangerous websites. Indeed, some of the ads or links might lead to misleading websites where you can be tricked into installing bogus software, revealing personal details or get infected with malware.

Thus, do not delay Cleanserp removal. Decrease the chance of possible threats and regain control over your browser. This hijacker mostly affects French computer users, so if you are one of them, we suggest looking for information on lesvirus.fr[8].

Ways to prevent potentially unwanted programs from entering your machine

Just like many other PUPs, the one we discuss today also spreads in the software bundles as an optional component. If users agree to install freeware or shareware under “Quick” or “Recommended” settings, they give indirect permission to all optional downloads to enter the system without even knowing it.

Cleanserp installed via software bundles

It happens because such setups do not openly disclose about third-party software. In order to avoid Cleanserp hijack and similar browser hijackers, users need to choose “Advanced” or “Custom” installation option. However, only clicking “Next” button as fast as possible won’t prevent your PC from browser hijacking.

It’s crucial to monitor the process and uncheck all pre-selected entries. If you overlook this important step, you might be surprised how many undesired apps might be installed on your device.

Eliminate Cleanserp.net from Chrome browser

In order to remove Cleanserp.net virus from the system, you need to uninstall all programs and browser extensions associated with the malware. In addition, look for programs which have “Unknown” publisher. Below you will find detailed and illustrated manual elimination instructions. Follow them carefully.

Make sure that you delete all hijacker-related entries. If you miss something, you may not be able to set your preferred homepage and might continue suffering from unwanted ads. In order to avoid this problem, you can opt for automatic Cleanserp removal option and run a full system scan with anti-malware/anti-spyware program.

Cleanserp

We do not recommend following instructions provided on hijacker's search site because they are very unclear and, to say the least, confusing. You shouldn't waste time reading them because it seems that they were added to that bogus page only to confuse victims and make them lose hope trying to delete the pesky hijacker from their browsers.

Uninstall from Windows

Uninstall from Windows 10/8:

  1. Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
  2. Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 10/8

Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:

  1. Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
  2. In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 7/XP

Remove the unwanted program:

  1. In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
  2. If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.Uninstall the unwanted program from Windows

Delete from macOS

Remove the unwanted application:

  1. From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
  2. In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).Uninstall from Mac

Delete leftover files and folders:

  1. Select Go > Go to Folder.
  2. Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
  3. Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.Delete leftover files from Mac
  4. Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.

Reset Internet Explorer

Remove dangerous add-ons:

  1. Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
  2. Pick Manage Add-ons.
  3. You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.Remove add-ons from Internet Explorer

Change your homepage if it was altered:

  1. Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
  2. Select Internet Options.
  3. In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
  4. Click Apply and then select OK.Reset IE homepage

Delete temporary files:

  1. Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
  2. Under Browsing history, click Delete...
  3. Select relevant fields and press Delete.Clear temporary files from Internet Explorer

Reset Internet Explorer:

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

Remove from Microsoft Edge

Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:

  1. Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
  2. From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
  3. Click Remove.Remove extensions from Edge

Clear cookies and other browser data:

  1. Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
  2. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  3. 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.Clear Edge browsing data

Restore new tab and homepage settings:

  1. Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
  2. Then find On startup section.
  3. Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.

Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:

  1. Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
  3. Select Details tab.
  4. 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.Reset MS Edge

Instructions for Chromium-based Edge

Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):

  1. Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
  2. Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chromium Edge

Clear cache and site data:

  1. Click on Menu and go to Settings.
  2. Select Privacy, search and services.
  3. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  4. Under Time range, pick All time.
  5. Select Clear now.Clear browser data from Chroum Edge

Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. On the left side, pick Reset settings.
  3. Select Restore settings to their default values.
  4. Confirm with Reset.
  5. This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.Reset Chromium Edge

Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
  2. Select Add-ons.
  3. In here, select the unwanted extension and click Remove.Remove extensions from Firefox

Reset the homepage:

  1. Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
  2. Choose Settings.
  3. Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.

Clear cookies and site data:

  1. Click Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security section.
  3. Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
  4. Click on Clear Data...
  5. Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.Clear cookies and site data from Firefox

Reset Mozilla Firefox

If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
  2. Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.Reset Firefox 1
  3. Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
  4. Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.Reset Firefox 2

Remove from Google Chrome

Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

  1. Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
  2. In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all suspicious extensions related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chrome

Clear cache and web data from Chrome:

  1. Click on Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
  3. Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
  4. Click Clear data.Clear cache and web data from Chrome

Change your homepage:

  1. Click menu and choose Settings.
  2. Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
  3. 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:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
  3. Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
  4. Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
  5. Confirm with Reset settings.Reset Chrome 2

Delete from Safari

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
  2. Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.Remove extensions from Safari

Clear history and website data:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
  2. Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.Clear history from Safari

Reset Safari:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
  2. Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
  3. From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.Reset Safari

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