CoolStreamSearch (Virus Removal Instructions) - Chrome, Firefox, IE, Edge
CoolStreamSearch Removal Guide
What is CoolStreamSearch?
CoolStreamSearch – a PUP that redirects all search traffic through a fake search site
CoolStreamSearch is a program that aims to change various settings on the browser.
CoolStreamSearch is a browser hijacker that alters the browser's default search engine, new tab, and homepage preferences without direct consent from the user. That's done to reroute all search inquiries through a fake search engine by the same name. In the end, depending on user geolocation, they end up on Yahoo search or are redirected through search.onlinebars.xyz to Bing search.
By doing that, CoolStreamSearch.com browser hijacker is able to collect various browsing-related data, such as search inquiries, IP addresses, geolocations, and so on. This information may be shared with third-parties with ill intentions. It's distributed through freeware bundles and deceptive ads.
Due to its nature, this browser hijacker is categorized as a potentially unwanted program[1] and thus shouldn't be used by anyone. Whether you installed it willingly or it got onto your device out of the blue, it's time to get rid of it. And since we're here to help you, we'll explain to you how to do it without breaking a sweat.
name | CoolStreamSearch |
---|---|
type | Browser hijacker, PUP, redirect virus |
IP address | 172.67.159.167 |
Alter browser settings | Default search engine, new tab, and start page are changed to promote the fake search site in coolstreamsearch.com |
symptoms | Modified browser settings redirect to a fake search site and other shady websites. An increased amount of ads. Slower browsing speed and overall device performance |
Risks | Hazardous redirects, browsing activity tracking, installation of PUPs |
Removal | The best tools to deal with PUPs and malware are reliable anti-malware apps that can protect systems and remove infections |
System fix | To properly clean your device and restore corrupted system settings/files, use the powerful FortectIntego system repair tool |
There are tons of browser hijackers, such as Charmsearching virus, Junkie web virus, Best Searcher virus, and of course, the culprit of this article CoolStreamSearch virus. Sometimes users can download them from official browser web stores where they are advertised as tools that will improve the overall browsing experience, safety, privacy, and other false claims.
In reality, all these PUPs do is redirect all traffic through a fake search site or a chain of them until the results from legitimate search engines are shown. Browser hijackers alter these results by inserting ads in them as recommended searches, results, or just show ads the usual way, with pop-ups, banners, and methods alike.
Apart from showing ads, CoolStreamSearch PUP could be capable of collecting your various browsing habits, from visited sites to what ads you click on. This information is commonly used to show you specifically tailored ads. But if this gathered data ends up in the wrong hands, you could face serious privacy issues.
CoolStreamSearch.com is the redirecting search engine.
Therefore, you must remove CoolStreamSearch from your devices and browser as soon as possible. For this task, you'll need reliable anti-malware software. If you have one – great! If not, we recommend downloading either SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes. Open the security tool, scan the whole system and stick with its recommendations to eliminate all suspicious files, including the PUP in question.
You might need to get your hands dirty to finish CoolStreamSearch removal. We provided detailed instructions for that in our removal section at the bottom of the page. Once the PUP is completely gone, experts[2] recommend performing a system repair with the FortectIntego tool to fix any issues and clean up your device.
Browser hijackers and other PUPs are usually installed with software bundles
Junkware, such as browser hijackers, adware, and others, is very annoying and can pose threats to your privacy and security. Although PUPs can sometimes be downloaded from legitimate websites and official browser stores, the most common way to get them is through software bundles.[3]
CoolStreamSearch.com is a potentially unwanted program that spreads around with the help of other intruders.
Lots of software vendors include PUPs in their program packs. And if you don't pay attention to the installation process, browser hijackers are installed with every other app offered in the bundle. Therefore, if you desperately want an app but it's within a bundle, under no circumstances don't choose the Standard or Recommended installation mode.
Only by choosing the Advanced or Custom mode will you be able to deselect all apps from the pack that you have no interest in. Go step by step and make sure that the only app that's installed is the one that you wanted in the first place. It would be best if you refrained from using software bundles and downloaded apps directly from their developers.
Guidelines on how to remove CoolStreamSearch.com browser hijacker from affected devices and browsers
Whether you installed CoolStreamSearch virus by mistake or willingly, it shouldn't be used. PUPs advertise one another, i.e., if you have one of them, others might be on your doorstep. They usually don't improve anything, and in fact, they only impede normal system performance.
So remove CoolStreamSearch by performing a full system scan with trustworthy anti-malware software. Always use security tools to get rid of questionable files or apps safely. If any of the symptoms persist, use our manual removal guides posted below.
Once CoolStreamSearch removal is completed, take care of the health of your system. Corrupted system files, tracking cookies, altered system settings might result in slow performance, crashing, and other issues. Therefore, use system repair tools that can take care of these problems automatically.
You may remove virus damage with a help of FortectIntego. 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.
Getting rid of CoolStreamSearch. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
Instructions for Windows 10/8 machines:
- Enter Control Panel into Windows search box and hit Enter or click on the search result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
- From the list, find the entry of the suspicious program.
- Right-click on the application and select Uninstall.
- If User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
- Wait till uninstallation process is complete and click OK.
If you are Windows 7/XP user, proceed with the following instructions:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel located on the right pane (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
- Pick the unwanted application by clicking on it once.
- At the top, click Uninstall/Change.
- In the confirmation prompt, pick Yes.
- Click OK once the removal process is finished.
Delete from macOS
Remove items from Applications folder:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for all related entries.
- Click on the app and drag it to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash)
To fully remove an unwanted app, you need to access Application Support, LaunchAgents, and LaunchDaemons folders and delete relevant files:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and click Go or press Enter.
- In the Application Support folder, look for any dubious entries and then delete them.
- Now enter /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders the same way and terminate all the related .plist files.
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 on Uninstall at the bottom.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Privacy & security.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Select everything (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 Disable if you found any suspicious domain.
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.
If this solution failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method. Note that you need to backup your data before proceeding.
- Find the following folder on your computer: C:\\Users\\%username%\\AppData\\Local\\Packages\\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe.
- Press Ctrl + A on your keyboard to select all folders.
- Right-click on them and pick Delete
- Now right-click on the Start button and pick Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- When the new window opens, copy and paste the following command, and then press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\\AppXManifest.xml” -Verbose
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.
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 unwanted plugin and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Options.
- Under Home options, enter your preferred site that will open every time you newly open the Mozilla Firefox.
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, as well as Cached Web Content and press 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 the suspicious plugins that might be 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 unwanted extensions from Safari:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- In the new window, pick Extensions.
- Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.
Clear cookies and other website data from Safari:
- Click Safari > Clear History…
- From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
- Confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari if the above-mentioned steps did not help you:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- Go to Advanced tab.
- Tick the Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop, and then select Empty Caches.
After uninstalling this potentially unwanted program (PUP) and fixing each of your web browsers, we recommend you to scan your PC system with a reputable anti-spyware. This will help you to get rid of CoolStreamSearch registry traces and will also identify related parasites or possible malware infections on your computer. For that you can use our top-rated malware remover: FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.
How to prevent from getting browser hijacker
Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are
There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity. While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.
Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.
Data backups are important – recover your lost files
Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data. Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.
While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as Data Recovery Pro can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
- ^ Potentially unwanted programs, PUP. Kaspersky. It encyclopedia.
- ^ Virukset. Virukset. Spyware and security news.
- ^ Bundled Software. Techopedia. Professional IT insights.