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  • Active
  • Severity: Medium
  • Browser Hijackers
  • Windows, Mac
  • Verified · Dec 2020

How to remove HDMusicStreamSearch

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

Lucia Danes · Virus researcher

HDMusicStreamSearch – potentially unwanted program that offers file conversion features but inserts ads into searches

HDMusicStreamSearch

HDMusicStreamSearch is an extension that can be downloaded for Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, MS Edge, or another web browser. While the app can be obtained from relatively secure sources such as the Chrome web store, most users find it on their systems seemingly out of nowhere. This happens due to deceptive distribution techniques that the developers use – software bundling or misleading ads.

Since the app attaches itself to a web browser and changes its settings abruptly (for example, the homepage and new tab address is set to portal.hdmusicstreamsearch.com or feed.hdmusicstreamsearch.com), some might call it the HDMusicStreamSearch virus. While technically this term is not correct, there are plenty of reasons why this extension should not be kept installed on the system – it tracks users' browsing activities, changes the default search provider, and inserts unwanted ads.

Name HDMusicStreamSearch 
Type Browser hijacker, potentially unwanted program
IP address 104.18.43.83
Distribution Software bundle packages, deceptive ads, fake updates
Symptoms HDMusicStreamSearch extension installed on the web browser (in some cases, an application might be present as well); homepage and new tab address are set to portal.hdmusicstreamsearch.com or feed.hdmusicstreamsearch.com; a customized search engine redirects all search results to search.yahoo.com; ads and sponsored links inserted into search results
Risks Personal information compromise due to mishandling, installation of other potentially unwanted programs or even malware, monetary losses
Removal You can uninstall potentially unwanted programs by following the manual guide below or by scanning the computer with powerful anti-malware
Optional steps Computer infections can cause significant damage to system files or disrupt normal settings. To revert these changes and remediate the OS, perform a full system scan with FortectIntego repair software

HDMusicStreamSearch is just one of many browser hijackers[1] from the same family – MovieSearches, FunSearchToday, and IStreamingSearch are just a few examples of apps from the same developer, although the precise name is not known. All these apps are practically identical when it comes to their functionality and differ very little visually. Each version uses a different name, an icon, and a theme, although that is frequently repeated as well.

Based on its name, the main function of the HDMusicStreamSearch is to help users find HD music to stream. However, the hijacker possesses no extra function apart from the basic search engine. Speaking of which, it does not even use its own engine but rather redirects all results to Yahoo. This behavior is very typical for browser hijackers, as they often use a legitimate search provider for results.

Nonetheless, the generated search results are far from being genuine, as there are plenty of sponsored links and ads injected into them. As a result, the infected users are keener on visiting websites they otherwise wouldn't, generating profits for the developers in the meantime.

Besides the regular HDMusicStreamSearch redirect behavior, users might notice several perks that might be useful in some cases. These include:

  • cryptocurrency converter
  • PDF converter
  • calculator, etc.

Despite this, it is important to note that you should not have to get your browser hijacked in order to access these functions – Google's basic search can provide you with all these details.

HDMusicStreamSearch hijack

Another reason for HDMusicStreamSearch removal is its information gathering practices. The hijacker collects the IP address, ISP, geolocation, technical details, timestamps, visited pages, search queries, and other data to serve targeted advertisements, which could come up as sponsored links, popups, banners, or in other forms.

To remove HDMusicStreamSearch from your browser, you will have to uninstall the extension attached to it – if you are not sure how, please follow the instructions below. The redirects and ads might also be caused by an additional application or malware installed on your device. Thus, experts[2] recommend to check the installed programs manually or rely on a powerful anti-malware program such as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. Additionally, you could also use FortectIntego to tune up and repair the system if malicious programs caused damage to it.

How did browser hijacker appeared on your system? Learn how to avoid PUPs easily

If you wonder how a browser hijacker managed to appear on your web browser seemingly out of nowhere, you should check the apps you have installed recently. In most cases, potentially unwanted programs are bundled into a single software package. App distributors or developers make a significant amount of effort in order to make users not notice optional components during the installation. This is because they use the pay-per-install[3] monetization principle, which means that the more people install the sponsored apps, the more profit is generated.

Thus, it is vital to stay vigilant during the installation of programs, especially those downloaded from third-party websites. Once the installation wizard is launched, make sure you read through each of the steps carefully – never rush this process. It is also important to remove all the ticks from pre-ticked checkboxes, watch out for misplaced buttons and misleading offers and, most importantly, always pick Advanced/Custom mode instead of Recommended/Quick one if prompted.

The correct way to uninstall HDMusicStreamSearch for good

Web browser changes, especially if they show up seemingly out of nowhere, do not necessarily correlate with the name of the browser hijacker. However, in this case, you have to remove HDMusicStreamSearch extension from Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or another web browser to make the portal.hdmusicstreamsearch.com URL go away for good. Otherwise, you will be subjected to an increased number of ads, data tracking, and other unwanted activities via your web browser.

HDMusicStreamSearch virus

If you are looking for a quick solution for HDMusicStreamSearch removal, you can simply perform a full system scan with a robust anti-malware program that is capable of detecting potentially unwanted applications. Nonetheless, keep in mind that not all antivirus tools would be able to detect all PUPs on your system, including the so-called HDMusicStreamSearch virus. That being said, security tools are mandatory for any computer system in order to protect it from trojans, worms, backdoors, and other malicious programs at all times.

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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