Search.addictedtomovies.co virus (Free Instructions) - Chrome, Firefox, IE, Edge
Search.addictedtomovies.co virus Removal Guide
What is Search.addictedtomovies.co virus?
Search.addictedtomovies.co might cause browsing and privacy-related problems
The PUP is luring people with fake claims
Search.addictedtomovies.co is a movie-themed search engine developed by Polarity Technologies. However, movie lovers should not be amazed by its features and quick access to popular websites. This tool is known as a browser hijacker.
Basically, when you install this program, you allow it to take over your browser. It will lead to altered browser settings, a disabled possibility of accessing other search providers from the browser’s homepage, installing unknown add-ons, and delivering intrusive ads. Whether you installed it willingly or not, this article will explain how to remove this threat and revert the browser preference changes.
name | Search.addictedtomovies.co |
---|---|
Type | Browser hijacker, potentially unwanted program (PUP) |
Symptoms | Search inquiries are going through an unknown page, and the results are shown from a different provider; redirects lead you to suspicious pages; search results are riddled with ads |
Risks | Exposure to high-risk sites through redirects might lead to privacy issues, financial losses, malware infections |
Distribution | Deceptive ads, file-sharing platforms, software bundles |
Elimination | You should use trustworthy anti-malware software to remove any unwelcomed guest from an infected device |
System health | Run system diagnostics with the FortectIntego PC repair software to ensure a stable working environment |
This search tool spreads like the “Addicted To Movies” browser extension, available on addictedtomovies.co and Chrome Store.[1] Of course, other distribution methods, like software bundling, file-sharing platforms, etc., are also possible. However, if you decide to install it to your web browser, you will give these permissions to the add-on:
- Read and change all your data on the websites you visit
- Change your search settings to: search.addictedtomovies.co
- Manage your apps, extensions, and themes
At first glance, Search.addictedtomovies.co looks like an ordinary search engine that displays search results from Yahoo. The bonus feature is quick access to IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and other movie-related websites from the convenient toolbar.
However, innocent looks hide several possible threats to your PC and privacy:
- It might display malicious or misleading ads that lead to phishing[2] or infected websites;
- It might collect personal information about users and share it with third parties or advertising networks.
The only way to solve these major issues is to remove the browser hijacker from the infected device. Once you uninstall it and reset your browser, you will be able to set your preferred homepage, search engine and forget about annoying ads. In order to remove Search.addictedtomovies.co, you have to obtain anti-malware software, such as Malwarebytes, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, or similar, and run a full system scan.
Also, you can get rid of this cyber parasite manually. Although the guide is given below, we recommend sticking to the automatic removal as it ensures that all associated files are correctly eliminated. Whichever method you choose, please don't forget to repair the virus damage with apps like FortectIntego.
Search.addictedtomovies.co has an official website and is available for download on other sites. However, most of the time it spreads in software bundles.
Tips to avoid accidental installation of the questionable browser extension
Search.addictedtomovies.co hijack might occur when you download and install freeware or bundled software. Just like plenty of similar browser extensions, this one is actively advertised in software packages. Thus, it would be best if you were careful with software installation.
- Always choose reliable download sources.
- Read EULA and Privacy Policy.
- Choose Advanced/Custom installation options instead of Quick/Standard.
- Follow each of the steps carefully to notice “optional downloads” and unmark them.
The hijacker widely spreads in the United States. However, users in France, Italy, and Spain[3] also report problems caused by this PUP after installing various programs, including video players and PDF converters. That's why no matter where you reside, stay cautious.
Remove Search.addictedtomovies.co redirect virus for good
Search.addictedtomovies.co removal can be accomplished either automatically or manually. If you are willing to find and delete all its files without additional software, you can find the handbook given below. Please perform each step accordingly to eliminate the threat appropriately.
Otherwise, you can install anti-malware/anti-spyware software and remove the potentially unwanted program with its help. Once you install your preferred software, you have to update it and use the full system scan feature. Afterward, a system tune-up with compatible optimizers is in order to ensure a stable working environment.
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 Search.addictedtomovies.co virus. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
Check the list of installed programs and get rid of unknown apps:
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
Follow the steps below to remove suspicious apps from your Mac:
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
You can find the explanation of how to fix Microsoft Edge after the hijack here:
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)
Uninstall suspicious extensions from Firefox and reset the browser.
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
Follow the steps below to clean the Safari browser:
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 Search.addictedtomovies.co 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 browser hijacker
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.
- ^ Matthew Hughes. How Safe Is The Chrome Web Store Anyway?. MakeUseOf. The website about technology.
- ^ How to Spot a Fake Website and Not Get Phished. Dell. The official website.
- ^ Los Virus. Los Virus. Spanish website about computer viruses and their removal.