Search.searchdescargar.com virus (Chrome, Firefox, IE, Edge) - Free Instructions
Search.searchdescargar.com virus Removal Guide
What is Search.searchdescargar.com virus?
Search.searchdescargar.com is the potentially unwanted application
The creators of Spigot hijacker have presented another shady browsing tool.
Search.searchdescargar.com virus will help you enhance and live up your browsing experience, you are wrong. Though technically this search engine is not a virus, due to an ambiguous privacy policy and third-party links, it is regarded as a potentially unwanted application. In fact, it is none other than a browser hijacker. This sort of PUPs tends to sneak into a computer without users‘ direct approval. Another con is that it is created by Polarity Technologies Ltd, the same company which manufactured Spigot Toolbar[1].
Once there, it modifies the browser settings and sets its own homepage. Likewise, after this browsing toolsets foot on the device, your homepage will be replaced with Searchdescargar. Despite the seemingly useful feature to redirect you to popular social networks, email accounts, and tax-payment websites, it is recommended to cease the residence of this browsing tool on the device. Instead, make a rush to remove the program. Anti-malware tools will help you do that. If you have doubts, take a look at the following arguments.
Name | Search.searchdescargar.com |
---|---|
Type | Browser hijacker, potentially unwanted program |
Danger | The system can get slower than usual and show other symptoms of the infection when the intruder runs for a while |
Problems | Pop-ups and banners redirects expose the user to malicious content. ALl search get redirected through a different engine |
Distribution | Freeware installations when software bundling is used |
Removal | Anti-malware tools are recommended because your device should get fully cleaned |
Repair | The system can be damaged over time, so rely on tools like FortectIntego and fix those issues |
At first glance, this search provider does not differ much from other multiple browsing tools. It is based on the Yahoo database. Even if the latter provider is legitimate, note that browser hijackers employing commonly used databases, such as Google, Yahoo, Bin, still use their own filters and layers.
These features help the hijacker to collect non-personal information about their users. Note that the developers mention that your private details, such as full name and email address, might be included in the collectible information.
Though they commit to protecting such data, other provisions state that the compiled information might be shared with service providers and partner companies. In the case of a business merger, your information might fall into the hands of an unknown company.
Therefore, you will be deprived of the information for what purposes your (non)personal information is used. Search.searchdescargar.com redirect might lead you to web pages that promote cybersecurity programs. Although you may access such web pages right from the homepage, alternatively sponsored ads[2] may bother you throughout the entire browsing session.
Such a phenomenon does not only slow down the processing capabilities of the browser but may cause frustration. In addition, it is not recommended to install any promoted products from the affiliated domains of search.searchdescargar.com, since you may end up installing a fake or even corrupted security application[3].
Your machine can get infected when you browse insecure pages
Firstly, you need to find out how such PUP lands on your computer in order to prevent it next time. The hijack might occur when you install freeware. It is a common habit to dash through the installation wizard without any awareness that optional software also comes along with freeware.
Hitting the “Install” button also facilitates the easier installation of questionable programs. In order to prevent you from this scenario in the future, next time choose “Advanced” mode. Then, look for add-ons and deselect all irrelevant attachments. Besides this advice, block up pop-ups as well not to get carried away to potentially unwanted websites and similar browser hijackers[4].
Search.searchdescargar.com removal methods
Usually, a browser hijacker does not cause any problems eliminating it. For speedy threat removal, choose an anti-malware tool to help you. Users who are used to dealing with such virtual pests on their own might opt for an alternative method.
You can remove the search.searchdescargar.com virus by completing the steps suggested in the below-indicated instructions. On the final note, keep in mind that the protection of your privacy online greatly depends on your own efforts[5].
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.searchdescargar.com virus. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
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)
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 Search.searchdescargar.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 browser hijacker
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.
- ^ Robert Abel. Researchers warn of Spigot browser hijacker PUP. SC Media. The cybersecurity source.
- ^ Vito Pilieci. Pilieci: Bell Canada ads hijacked my web browser. Ottawa Citizen. Ottawa Latest News, Breaking Headlines and Sports.
- ^ How to avoid fake apps and stay private online. Creative Boom. Art and Design Blog.
- ^ 92% of Luxembourg residents reveal personal data online. Luxemburger Wort. Daily and Breaking News.
- ^ G_Bartlett. Safer Internet Day 2017: Seven top tips to help protect your children online. CornwallLive. Live News, Stories, and Events Online.