Faststartpage.com virus - Chrome, Firefox, IE, Edge
Faststartpage.com virus Removal Guide
What is Faststartpage.com virus?
Faststartpage.com – a fake search engine that shows tons of misleading ads
Our team member shows how the virus changes the browser's homepage settings and sets it to open a suspicious search engine, which serves many ads above organic search results.
Faststartpage.com virus does not deserve to lurk in your computer system, so if you have a suspicion that it could silently install itself on your PC, take action to remove it immediately. When this browser-hijacking[1] software sets itself upon the compromised computer system, it adjusts browser settings and converts all browsers into slaves that automatically launch the Net-quick.com search engine without the user’s request to do that.
The indicated URL gets assigned to the browser’s homepage, new tab, and default search settings, and what is even worse, this web address might be added to a particular Windows Registry Key[2], which controls your browser’s homepage settings.
In other words, this browser hijacker does as many changes in computer settings as possible to assure that the victim won’t be able to remove it easily. But since you came to us for help, we will explain how to eliminate this threat and restore default browser settings.
name | Faststartpage.com virus |
---|---|
Type | PUP, browser hijacker |
Symptoms | When you open your browser, a new homepage, default search engine, and new tabs are appointed; search inquiries going through an unknown search engine; search results are riddled with deceptive ads |
Risks | Monetery losses, privacy issues, malware infections |
Distribution | Fake Flash Player updates, software bundles, freeware |
Elimination | To remove any possibly dangerous or unwanted apps, scan your device with a reliable security tool |
System health | To repair any alterations infections did to core system files and settings, we highly recommend using the FortectIntego system tune-up tool |
Once Faststartpage.com browser hijacker gets installed, your browsers will launch a blank white page with a “S e a r c h” sign on it and a search box that claims it is “Google Custom Search.” This search engine delivers modified search results that are full of pre-planned entries, and the authors of this search tool hope that victims will click on them.
If they do, they encounter a very annoying problem – browser redirects, which can throw them onto hazardous[3] third-party affiliate websites. Those sites may try to involve you in various tech support scams, draw out your personal details, infect your device with malware, etc.
If you would like to avoid problems that might await you on these vague websites, better remove Faststartpage.com redirect virus from your PC. You can do that manually, with our illustrated instructions at the bottom of the page, or automatically, by scanning your infected device with Malwarebytes, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, or another reliable security software.
Once you've picked either of those methods and removed the browser hijacker from your device, you have to take care of the overall health of your device's system. Our recommendation would be to use the FortectIntego PC repair software as it will delete all tracking cookies and restore corrupted system files.
How did the PUP end up on my device?
Browser hijackers, ad-supported programs[4], and similar hijackware typically spreads with the help of software bundling trick, which helps to make computer users agree to install them on their devices in a legitimate way without even notifying them first.
We suppose you are keen to find out how this happens and how you can protect yourself from such unsolicited downloads. First of all, we strongly recommend you to watch what kind of websites offer you the downloads that you are looking for. If you can see an excessive amount of annoying ads that suggest installing something, or if you can see fake download button everywhere and it is hard to understand which one is supposed to download your desired program, better quit that site because it apparently wants to trick you into installing shady software.
Finally, when you find a secure site to download your desired program from, remain vigilant and install your download properly. You have to choose Custom or Advanced settings[5] and read the information provided by them to avoid installing unwanted software.
How to remove Faststartpage.com hijacker from the computer?
Faststartpage.com virus is not a pleasant occurrence, and it can cause browser stability problems, redirections to suspicious Internet portals, and other issues. To remove the intruder, rely on tips from our security experts. We advise you to follow these comprehensive removal instructions and delete the hijacker manually.
If you want to rest assured that you completely deleted all files related to potentially unwanted programs, run a free scan with anti-malware software. A proper security tool won't let you install PUP and protect your device from other malicious programs.
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 Faststartpage.com virus. 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
Look for strange browser extensions in Chrome. Use this tutorial to find their location.
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 Faststartpage.com 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
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 from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.
- ^ Robert Siciliano. What is Browser Hijacking?. McAfee Blogs Securing Tomorrow. Today.
- ^ Structure of the Registry. Microsoft Dev Center.
- ^ How do I avoid dangerous websites?. Lifewire. Tech Untangled.
- ^ Olivia Morelli. Information about adware and removal instructions. NoVirus. Cybersecurity news and virus removal guides.
- ^ Top 10 Ways PUPs Sneak Onto Your Computer. And How To Avoid Them.. Emsisoft Blog. Information on Cybersecurity.