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.

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.
Uninstall from Windows
Uninstall from Windows 10/8:
- Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.

Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.

Remove the unwanted program:
- In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
- If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.

Delete from macOS
Remove the unwanted application:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).

Delete leftover files and folders:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
- Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.

- Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.
Reset Internet Explorer
Remove dangerous add-ons:
- Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
- Pick Manage Add-ons.
- You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.

Change your homepage if it was altered:
- Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
- Select Internet Options.
- In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
- Click Apply and then select OK.

Delete temporary files:
- Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
- Under Browsing history, click Delete...
- Select relevant fields and press Delete.

Reset Internet Explorer:
- Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
- Select Reset.
- In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.

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 Remove.

Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- 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.

Restore new tab and homepage settings:
- Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
- Then find On startup section.
- Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.
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.

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.
- This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.

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 the unwanted extension and click Remove.

Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Settings.
- Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.
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 and Temporary cached files and pages, then click 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 suspicious extensions 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 dangerous extensions:
- Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
- Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.

Clear history and website data:
- Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
- Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.

Reset Safari:
- Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
- Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.

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