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  • Active
  • Severity: Medium
  • Browser Hijackers
  • Windows, Mac
  • Verified · Apr 2021

How to remove Hohosearch.com

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

Ugnius Kiguolis · The mastermind

Hohosearch.com virus is a browser hijacker that might bring in additional unwanted programs

Hohosearch.com virus

Hohosearch.com (also known as Hoho Search virus) is an application that allegedly enhances users' web browsing experience by producing improved search results. However, the tool is a typical browser hijacker that gathers users' information that is related to their browsing habits and delivers sponsored links and ads on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or another web browser.

Additionally, many users noticed that the Hohosearch.com virus arrived on their systems uninvited, as they did not install it purposely. The only reason why many noticed its presence is due to changes mage to the web browsers, e.g., homepage and new tab URL, was changed to hxxp://www.hohosearch.com, and a customized search engine applied.

The stealthy infiltration and Hohosearch.com hijack is a custom of and a direct result of software bundling. In many cases, third-party software distributors and developers include several components into the installers and deliberately hide them during the installation process, so that users would miss the installation step of potentially unwanted applications.[1]

Name Hohosearch.com
Type Browser hijacker, potentially unwanted program (PUP)
Also known as Hoho Search virus
Activities This suspicious application modifies browser settings such as the search engine, homepage, and new tab. It also can cause redirects to affiliate parties and push advertisements on users' desktops
Distribution In most cases, browser hijackers are distributed with the help of software bundles that can be downloaded from third-party websites. In other cases, users might be tricked by a deceptive ad or download the program without knowing much about its browser hijacking features
Dangers While browser hijackers are not considered to be as dangerous as malware, they might lead to insecure websites (scam, phishing, torrent, etc.). As a result, users may infect their machines with malware, disclose personal info to malicious parties or suffer from monetary losses
Elimination You can uninstall potentially unwanted programs manually as per instructions we provide below, although many security applications could also get rid of the app for your automatically
OPTIMIZATION In case your computer is not operating as well as prior to the infection, we suggest you fix virus damage with the help of repair tools like FortectIntego

Hohosearch.com is similar to other browser hijackers[2], so, once it gets inside, it takes over all web browsers that are installed on the affected computer, alters their settings and Registry. For this reason, users cannot simply reset browsers and change their preferred default homepage, search engine or new tab’s address.

This PUP initiates lots of unwanted and bothersome activities such as redirects to various websites, providing misleading ads and modifying search results. These three main features are quite related due to Hohosearch.com redirect tendencies. Users can click on an interest-based ad and end up on an absolutely irrelevant website that has nothing in common with advertised content.

Hohosearch.com might also replace relevant and organic search results with sponsored links that lead to various third-party sites. The main problem here is that some links or ads might redirect to high-risk or infected websites[3]. So, if you ever end up on a strange Internet site, leave it immediately and scan your computer with a reputable security tool to remove Hohosearch.com from the system. Besides, we also recommend using FortectIntego for resetting the installed web browsers for best results.

Hohosearch.com PUP

In addition, Hohosearch.com virus may start collecting and leaking the information about your browsing data, device characteristics, IP address, etc.  Usually, this aggregated information is used for creating and delivering interest-based ads. However, there is no way of knowing for what purposes this information can later be used because the main aim of this site is to earn pay-per-click[4] revenue for its developers.

Therefore, when you click on a particular ad or sponsored link, you fill developers’ pockets with money. HohoSearch.com was introduced to computer users in the middle of March 2016. Since then, we have discovered several updates in this browser hijacker. After the latest update, this search engine has become capable of infecting Microsoft Edge – a freshly-released browser which is fully compatible with Windows 10 OS.

Also, it has started spreading in a bundle with different programs [5], so make sure you stay away from GSearchFinder toolbar (especially its version 1.08.8.66), FourFinders, Downware and other applications that are considered suspicious. If you have just discovered this virus on your computer, there is no doubt that you should hurry with the Hohosearch.com removal.

It’s the only solution to escape all these unwanted and concerning activities. Keep in mind that the longer you let Hohosearch.com stay on the system, the more problems it might cause. It might keep collecting information about your browsing or even install new applications or browser extensions without your knowledge. Do not hesitate and remove this hijacker from the computer either manually or automatically (both methods are explained at the end of the article).

Hohosearch.com

The appearance of browser hijackers

NoVirus.uk specialists[6] claim that downloads from third-party sources increase the risk of secret browser hijacker infiltration. Avoiding non-original developers and their products is a good idea if you want to prevent the appearance of questionable content.

Besides, ensure that a safe downloading mode has been chosen. Avoid any configuration that is listed as “basic” and choose the “custom” or “advanced” variant. Here you will be able to track all incoming products and opt out any dubious-looking software that you do not want to receive.

Last but not least ensure that websites you search on are safe and trustworthy. Prevent yourself from visiting various online-dating, gambling, and gaming networks as you might accidentally be provoked to install a browser hijacker on your computer by clicking on a specific advert or hyperlink.

Tips and tricks for Hohosearch.com removal

Apparently, no one wants to experience interferences when browsing the Internet. Therefore, there is no reason to keep HohoSearch virus installed on the system. You can stop the annoying redirects, ads, and recover regular system’s performance just by deleting this software from your PC. Sound like a lot of work? Well, it is not as difficult as it might seem.

There are two basic removal methods to choose from – manual and automatic removal methods. You can follow the manual Hohosearch.com removal guide provided below and terminate this browser parasite on your own. However, keep in mind that it may not be the only virus to reside on your PC. During this hijacker’s stay, your computer could have been exposed to a variety of different risks and easily infected with other malware.

Manual removal will not ensure that your computer is completely clean of potential threats. If you want to inspect your system thoroughly, you should remove Hohosearch.com with the help of an anti-spyware software; just make sure you use a reputable and reliable one.

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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