Moviesearchcenter.com (Removal Guide) - Free Instructions
Moviesearchcenter.com Removal Guide
What is Moviesearchcenter.com?
Moviesearchcenter.com is a browser hijacker which tries to lure users with the latest news about movies
Moviesearchcenter.com is a potentially unwanted program[1] as it invades users machines without their consent and performs series of changes to Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox or another browser. Soon after the hijack, default homepage, search engine, and new tab URL are set to hxxp://www.moviesearchcenter.com/.
Hojacker is closely related to FlixTab Movie Center browser extension which can also be obtained from the Chrome web store. It is advertised as a tool which can help users who enjoy movies to find the latest movie news straight from their browsers. Additionally, the hijacked homepage presents quick access buttons to the most popular websites, such as Facebook, Instagram, Wikipedia, Amazon, etc.
However, do not get deceived by this “superior” functionality, as this dubious application hides much more than you think. Hence, we do not recommend using it. Instead, remove Moviesearchcenter.com virus from your system immediately.
Let’s go through some of the negative effects this questionable program might bring. The following are the symptoms of an infected browser:
- Changes made to each of the browsers become irreversible; FlixTab merely reapplies its settings after any attempt that is made to reset the browser to default;
- Numerous ads and pop-ups[2] disturb web surfing sessions. Official websites might be covered in never-seen advertisements. This decreases browsing experience dramatically;
- Users might encounter redirects which open multiple new tabs at the same time. This activity might lead to malware-affected or phishing websites;
- Various browser helper objects might be installed without users’ permission;
- The web browsing becomes exceptionally sluggish as background processes are continually trying to communicate with outside servers to feed users with ads and redirects.
In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, users’ non-personally identifiable information might constantly be monitored and used for marketing purposes. FlixTab creator, Aztec Media, states the following in their privacy policy:
Aztec Media may automatically receive and record certain non-personally identifiable information on its server logs from your browser, including your IP address, browser type and version, internet service provider (ISP), cookie information, and the webpage that a user visits.
Although gathering of non-PII is a common practice, we do believe that users should be able to maintain their browsing habits private. However, this questionable app would never allow that and constantly record every search query or website visited the user. Thus, we hope that you are convinced that Moviesearchcenter removal is a good idea. To do that, we advise picking a robust security tool, like FortectIntego, or eliminating the unwanted program manually.
Moviesearchcenter.com makes unwanted changes to every browser Unwanted programs typically hide in software bundles
If you are wondering how you got infected with a browser hijacker, we suggest you check recent programs you installed. Usually, users rush the installation process of free programs and skip steps, resulting in PUP or adware infiltration. Thus, we suggest you take some precautions while installing freeware.
First of all, you should pick a legitimate download source. Remember, that illegal software installer might infect your PC with dangerous malware.
Secondly, you should always opt for Advanced/Custom installation mode instead of Recommended/quick one. The latter typically fails to disclose full lineup of the programs which might be installed. Thus, while in Advanced settings, make sure you untick any pre-selected check marks (such as toolbars, add-ons, optimization tools, etc.).
Lastly, make sure you install robust security software and keep it up to date. This will allow you to protect yourself not only from PUPs but malicious viruses as well.
Eliminate Moviesearchcenter.com as this program is completely unnecessary
We would like to remind users who think that this application might be useful: it is just as easy to create all the links to favorite websites via Favorites bar. Thus, we suggest using a legitimate search engine which does not compromise your browser.
Security specialists on zondervirus.nl[3] concluded, that going back to your usual browser is impossible until you perform a full Moviesearchcenter.com removal. You can eliminate this virus either manually or automatically.
We recommend automatic FlixTab elimination to most users (especially to those who are not familiar with computers and their processes). Simply download and install anti-spyware software. This process only takes few minutes, and you will be sure that the unwanted program is eliminated for sure.
For those who want to remove Moviesearchcenter.com manually, we suggest following an illustrated guide presented by our experts. However, make sure you know what you are doing as the incorrect procedure will fail to eliminate the PUP. Additionally, this method will not protect your PC from potential infections.
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 Moviesearchcenter.com. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
Follow these instructions if you want to eliminate Moviesearchcenter.com entirely:
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)
Do not forget to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default.
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 Moviesearchcenter.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 stealing programs
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.
- ^ Margaret Rouse. PUP (potentially unwanted program). TechTarget. A network of technology-specific websites.
- ^ Pop-Up Definition. TechTerms. The Tech terms Computer Dictionary.
- ^ Zondervirus.nl. ZonderVirus. Dutch cybersecurity experts.