Search.schooldozer.com (Removal Guide) - updated Oct 2018
Search.schooldozer.com Removal Guide
What is Search.schooldozer.com?
Schooldozer – a browser hijacker that tries to use the professional image to mislead its victims
Search.schooldozer.com is a search engine developed and maintained by Schooldozer. It is oriented to Mac users, though can also be installed on Windows OS. Although developers claim that the tool is “offering a better way for you to reach the Mac software community,” NoVirus.uk[1] and other security researchers do not recommend using due to doubtful search results that it displays unauthorized usage of tracking cookies and an excessive amount of commercial ads. Regarding the behaviour, Schooldozer virus falls for the browser hijacker and potentially unwanted program (PUP) categories.
| Name | Search.schooldozer.com |
|---|---|
| Classification | Browser hijacker |
| Distibution | Bundling |
| Danger level | Low. Displays suspicious content, but can't harm PC or Mac directly |
| Symptoms | Corrupted web browser's settings: replaced search engine, start page, and new tab URL. Doubtful search results and loads of ads |
| Elimination | The easiest way to get rid of a browser hijacker is to download FortectIntego and run a full system scan with it |
The tag PUP is given to programs and browser extensions that practice stealthy installation methods. No, that doesn’t mean that PUPs like Schooldozer spread via exploit kits, spam, drive-by-download and similar techniques used by spyware, ransomware, worm, and similar. PUPs rely on bundling.[2] They are often attached as default components, which enter PC without asking user’s permission properly.
That explains the fact why so many Mac OS X users found their web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, IE, Edge, etc.) hijacked. In most of the cases, it settles down on a default web browser in the form of extension and replaces the start page, search engine, and new tab URL. Consequently, PCs owner is continuously redirected to Schooldozer URL.
Third-party search engines like this one are not malicious if compared to other cyber infections.[3] Nevertheless, they pose a risk of visiting suspicious or even dangerous websites. Third-party affiliates that render Search.schooldozer.com redirect virus to promote their products, programs or services. The problem is that no one monitors the promoted content, which is why there’s a risk to end up with another PUP or even virus by clicking on Search.schooldozer.com search results.
Besides, it may deliver an excessive amount of misleading ads promoting dubious services, questionable online survey or even tech-support scam. Thus, we would not recommend you to click on any ads or links that are displayed to you before Search.schooldozer.com removal.
Not to mention, it may also try to promote dubious download managers and other software. As the developer claims on the official website, the service Search.schooldozer.com provides numerous services for its users:
Install applications the easy way and without the hassle, using the Schooldozer downloader. The Schooldozer platform stems from years of experience with installing applications, resulting in a highly optimized process, yielding faster downloads, better user experience, and more successful installations.
To revert the changes initiated on your web browser, you should remove Schooldozer ASAP. The quickest way to do that is to run a full system scan with your anti-virus or follow our detailed removal guide which is explained further. Additionally, use FortectIntego to see if there are no malware leftover files on your computer.
Browser hijackers to not ask for permission to install properly
Indeed, it’s more than annoying to find web browser’s customized settings modified without your consent. Such situation is quite common since people keep installing freeware and shareware carelessly.
Unwanted programs often spread as additional components of various download managers, converters, etc. promoted on legitimate download sources. Thus, if the user opts for Quick or Basic installation, he or she inadvertently permits the installation of add-ons, toolbars, extensions, and similar tools.
To prevent this from happening, it’s a must to install freeware using Advanced or Custom installation method. Carefully verify each installation setup window and unmark offers to install “recommended apps.”
Learn how to remove Search.schooldozer.com virus easily
If you’ve been tricked into installing a browser hijacker, to do wait long and eliminate it. To remove Schooldozer virus from Mac or Windows, run a full system scan with a professional security tool. PUP removal is also possible manually, though it requires more time and extreme accuracy.
Upon Search.schooldozer.com removal don’t forget to reset web browser’s settings. Otherwise, the unwanted extension will remain active in keeping this URL as a default start page and search provider.
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.schooldozer.com. Follow these steps
Delete from macOS
Search Schooldozer targets Mac OS X systems in particular. If it compromised your web browser, you can remove it manually by following these steps:
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)
Once you perform a full PUP elimination, reset your web browser to disable suspicious extensions and tracking cookies.
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
Google Chrome users should initiate the below-given steps to eliminate unwanted search engine:
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 Search.schooldozer.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
Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are
There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity. While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.
Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.
Data backups are important – recover your lost files
Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data. Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.
While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as Data Recovery Pro can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
If this free guide helped you and you are satisfied with our service, please consider making a donation to keep this service alive. Even a smallest amount will be appreciated.
- ^ Novirus. Novirus. Spyware and virus news.
- ^ Five Malware Distribution Methods and How to Protect Against Them. SecureMac. Raising awareness about Mac security.
- ^ Bob Brown. Most dangerous cyber celebrities of 2016. Network World from IDG.