Mystartpage.net (Virus Removal Guide) - Chrome, Firefox, IE, Edge
Mystartpage.net Removal Guide
What is Mystartpage.net?
MyStartPage – a questionable search tool
MyStartPage is Chrome and Firefox startup page and search engine created by WebSyrup. The program is related to WebStart.me browser hijacker[1] and shares similar features. It can enter the system unnoticed bundled with free programs and replace default homepage or/and default search engine.
Summary | |
---|---|
Name | MyStartPage.net |
Type | Browser hijacker |
Danger level | Medium. Might modify browser's settings and shortcuts |
Symptoms | Browser's homepage, default search engine new tab URL might be set to MyStartPage.net |
Distribution methods | Software bundling |
To uninstall MyStartPage.net, install FortectIntego and run a full system scan |
Soon after the hijack, MyStartPage.net is set as default browser’s startup page. It includes lots of links to social networks, video, and music streaming sites, news and sports portals, and other useful corners of the web. However, these changes and functionality might not be appreciated by those who haven’t installed it on purpose.
The so-called MyStartPage virus spreads bundled with free programs. For this reason, it can enter the system unnoticed. Users can spot it only when they open the affected web browser. However, they might be unable to set their previous search provider easily. It seems that the program alters browser’s settings to remain longer on it.
However, MyStartPage.net virus can be eliminated by uninstalling suspicious browser extensions and resetting web browser. Automatic removal is possible too. But you need to obtain FortectIntego or another anti-malware software first.
Modified browser’s settings are not the only reason why cybersecurity specialists recommend MyStartPage removal. The program is related to DuckDuckGo which might also be identified as a potentially unwanted program (PUP).[2]
Security experts from NoVirus.uk[3] warn that you might encounter unpleasant MyStartPage.net redirect issues when using this tool and end up on a high-risk website. The same problems were reported about the ads displayed by the hijacker.
MyStartPage.net also uses tracking cookies to collect various information about users and use it for advertising purposes. Therefore, you might receive targeted ads that are based on your search queries or browsing history. Interest-based ads are designed to get user’s clicks in order to get income.
Generating pay-per-click revenue is a legitimate activity. However, an increased amount of ads is annoying, and as we have mentioned, a potentially dangerous activity. Fortunately, MyStartPage.net removal can help to diminish the number of ads.
We have already told that it is possible to remove MyStartPage using reputable security software. However, after system scan, you should reset Chrome, Firefox or another affected browser too. It helps to delete tracking cookies. However, if you do not want to use additional tools, you can get rid of the hijacker by following manual removal guide below the article.
Mystartpage.net is a questionable search engine that has features of the browser hijacker.
Shady methods that are used in PUP distribution
The main page of MyStartPage includes a link to download website. However, it offers to install NetGroove web browser. The similar problem exists with other two links that are supposed to redirect to Chrome and Firefox app download page. However, they lead to nowhere.
It goes without saying that there’s another method used for spreading the PUP. Indeed, it was noticed spreading with various free programs, including PDF converters, music or video players, etc. The application is hidden in Standard/Quick settings.
If you use Standard setup, you give indirect permission to install all apps that are attached to the primary program without even knowing it. Hence, you should never use them. Instead, opt for Custom/Advanced settings that allow monitoring the process and stopping unwanted apps from entering the system.
Get rid of MyStartPage.net
You can remove MyStartPage.net manually and automatically. The latter method is simpler and requires scanning the computer with security software and resetting the browser. The manual elimination requires putting more effort.
Our team has prepared manual MyStartPag removal guide below. If it seems clear, do not hesitate and begin the procedure. Otherwise, opt for the automatic removal method. It will ensure that all hijacker-related components are wiped out entirely.
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 Mystartpage.net. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
Follow the instructions to uninstall MyStartPage.net from Windows OS:
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)
Get rid of all questionable Firefox extensions and reset the browser as explained below:
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
To clean Google Chrome and use your preferred search engine, follow these steps:
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 Mystartpage.net 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
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online. One of the basic means to add a layer of security – choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features. However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN – it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.
Lost your files? Use data recovery software
While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable. Family photos, work documents, school projects – these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur: power cuts, Blue Screen of Death errors, hardware failures, crypto-malware attack, or even accidental deletion.
To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, Data Recovery Pro can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.
- ^ Vangie Beal. Browser hijacker. Webopedia. Online tech dictionary.
- ^ Potentially unwanted program. Wikipedia. The free encyclopedia.
- ^ NoVirus. NoVirus. British cyber security news.