Remove Search.searchgetstt.com (Removal Instructions) - Mar 2018 update
Search.searchgetstt.com – a fake search engine that offers to test Internet's speed
Questions about Search.searchgetstt.com
Search.searchgetstt.com is a browser hijacker[1] created by Polarity Technologies. However, this potentially unwanted program (PUP) is presented as a Yahoo-based search engine that also offers to test Internet's speed directly from the browser's startup page. Unfortunately, this PUP can enter the system and offer its services aggressively. It was spotted spreading in software bundles as a Get Speed Tracker Now extension.
| Summary | |
| Name | Search.searchgetstt.com |
| Type | Browser hijacker |
| Developer | Polarity Technologies Ltd |
| Danger level | Medium. Cannot make significant changes to the system or damage it. However, it alters browser's settings and might expose potentially dangerous websites |
| Symptoms | Replaced homepage, default search engine and new tab to hxxp://search.searchgetstt.com/, increased amount of ads appearing on the browser, browser redirects to shady sites, inability to change built-in search engine. |
| Distribution methods | Software bundles |
| To remove Search.searchgetstt.com, install Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego and run a full system scan | |
Search.searchgetstt.com virus usually spreads and gets into the system with the help of freeware and shareware. It is offered as an optional component and can get installed unnoticed if users rely on “Recommended” installer. Once inside, the hijacker alters Windows Registry and browser's settings.
After the Search.searchgetstt.com hijack, users might find out that their Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Safari or other browsers' homepage, search engine and new tab URL address was changed. However, if the victim prefers to browse through a previously-used search engine, it deems to be impossible, as the unwanted application merely reapplies its settings continually.
Additionally, users might find Get Speed Tracker Now extension, as well as many other questionable add-ons, installed on the browsers. Just like the browser hijacker itself, these browser extensions might cause various browsing-related programs and track information about the users, for example:
- the assigned search engine might modify search results,
- display various invasive advertisements,
- redirect users to questionable domains,
- slow down the system,
- record various non-personally identifiable information.
All these features diminish browsing experience and might be risky. Thus, you should not tolerate them despite the additional “perks” the hijacker is willing to offer. The add-on which seems to be responsible for spreading dubious search engine has a theme. As the name suggests, Get Speed Tracker Now is all about the speed of the internet as it displays multiple links to websites which explain, how to increase internet speed.
Additionally, an “OpenSpeedTest” is embedded directly into the front page, urging users to perform an internet speed test (this suspicious link leads users to the installation of a questionable application of the same. As apparent, it is entirely useless, and many other legitimate sources, such as the trusted speediest.net can be used for that purpose).
Do not get tricked by this “improved functionality.” It is evident that this dubious application is promoting questionable software installment. Thus, create your favorites using Favorites/Bookmarks bar on your browser, and you will have everything you require – customized for your needs. But first, remove Search.searchgetstt.com from your PC; otherwise, the unwanted program will not leave your browser.
Apart from that, browser hijacker might also collect various information about users. The privacy policy tells that Search.searchgetstt.co might track your IP address, technical information about the browser, clicked ads or search results, recent search queries, visited websites, etc. However, in some cases, it might also collect personally identifiable information, and this may lead to privacy-related issues.
Developers note that aggregated details might be shared or sold to third-parties. In most cases, these affiliates are advertising networks. However, you can never be sure when details about you might end up in the hands of cyber criminals. Thus, you should stop shady tracking sessions by eliminating the hijacker.
You can get rid of the browser hijacker with anti-malware software, such as Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego. However, if you do not want to use additional tools, you can follow manual Search.searchgetstt.com removal guide at the end of the article.
Search.searchgetstt.com can cause multiple redirects and affect browser in many negative ways
Dubious search engine is promoted in software bundles
Bundling is a successful marketing campaign and is used for additional software promotion. Why is it wrong you ask? Well, extra programs offered are mostly useless for regular PC users. Instead, suggested applications only disturb web browsing sessions. Thus, you better learn how to avoid such unwanted programs.
Research conducted by IT professionals at Viruss.lv[2] determined that the main mistake victims make is picking “Recommended/Quick” mode when installing freeware from the internet. Users then skip steps, rush the installation process and fail to notice that they just agreed to install adware or PUPs without even realizing it. Therefore, make sure you pick “Advanced/Custom” settings and withdraw apps like toolbars, optimization tools,[3] search engines, add-ons, etc.
Delete Search.searchgetstt.com and other PUPs from the PC
To remove Search.searchgetstt.co from your startup page and set reliable search engine as your default one, you have to do the following tasks:
- Uninstall Get Speed Tracker Now and other questionable browser extensions;
- Uninstall suspicious programs via Control Panel.
- Reset affected web browsers.
The instructions below will explain to you how to get rid of the hijacker and its related components manually. However, we suggest automatic Search.searchgetstt.co removal. This method is simpler and ensures that your browser won't be hijacked again.
Meanwhile, a re-hijack issue might occur after manual elimination. Sometimes potentially unwanted programs hide in deep in the system and can be hard to find.
You may remove virus damage with a help of Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego. 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.
To remove Search.searchgetstt.com, follow these steps:
Eliminate Search.searchgetstt.com from Windows systems
Please follow these instructions if you want to get rid of the Search.searchgetstt.com virus:
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Click Start → Control Panel → Programs and Features (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
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If you are Windows 10 / Windows 8 user, then right-click in the lower left corner of the screen. Once Quick Access Menu shows up, select Control Panel and Uninstall a Program.
- Uninstall Search.searchgetstt.com and related programs
Here, look for Search.searchgetstt.com or any other recently installed suspicious programs. -
Uninstall them and click OK to save these changes.
- Remove Search.searchgetstt.com from Windows shortcuts
Right click on the shortcut of Mozilla Firefox and select Properties.
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Go to Shortcut tab and look at the Target field. Delete malicious URL that is related to your virus.
Repeat steps that are given above with all browsers' shortcuts, including Internet Explorer and Google Chrome. Make sure you check all locations of these shortcuts, including Desktop, Start Menu and taskbar.
Get rid of Search.searchgetstt.com from Mac OS X system
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If you are using OS X, click Go button at the top left of the screen and select Applications.
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Wait until you see Applications folder and look for Search.searchgetstt.com or any other suspicious programs on it. Now right click on every of such entries and select Move to Trash.
Remove Search.searchgetstt.com from Internet Explorer (IE)
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Remove dangerous add-ons
Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top right corner of the browser and choose Manage Add-ons.
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You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for Search.searchgetstt.com and other suspicious plugins. Disable these entries by clicking Disable:
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Change your homepage if it was altered by virus:
Click on the gear icon (menu) on the top right corner of the browser and select Internet Options. Stay in General tab. -
Here, remove malicious URL and enter preferable domain name. Click Apply to save changes.
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Reset Internet Explorer
Click on the gear icon (menu) again and select Internet options. Go to Advanced tab. - Here, select Reset.
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When in the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset again to complete Search.searchgetstt.com removal.
Delete Search.searchgetstt.com from Microsoft Edge
Reset Microsoft Edge settings (Method 1):
- Launch Microsoft Edge app and click More (three dots at the top right corner of the screen).
- Click Settings to open more options.
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Once Settings window shows up, click Choose what to clear button under Clear browsing data option.
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Here, select all what you want to remove and click Clear.
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Now you should right-click on the Start button (Windows logo). Here, select Task Manager.
- When in Processes tab, search for Microsoft Edge.
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Right-click on it and choose Go to details option. If can’t see Go to details option, click More details and repeat previous steps.
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When Details tab shows up, find every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right click on each of them and select End Task to end these entries.
Resetting Microsoft Edge browser (Method 2):
If Method 1 failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method.
- Note: you need to backup your data before using this method.
- Find this folder on your computer:
C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe. -
Select every entry which is saved on it and right click with your mouse. Then Delete option.
- Click the Start button (Windows logo) and type in window power in Search my stuff line.
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Right-click the Windows PowerShell entry and choose Run as administrator.
- Once Administrator: Windows PowerShell window shows up, paste this command line after PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> and press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml -Verbose}
Once these steps are finished, Search.searchgetstt.com should be removed from your Microsoft Edge browser.
Uninstall Search.searchgetstt.com from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
Do not forget to reset your Mozilla Firefox settings to default in order to delete tracking cookies that may have been installed by Get Speed Tracker Now or other PUPs.
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Remove dangerous extensions
Open Mozilla Firefox, click on the menu icon (top right corner) and select Add-ons → Extensions.
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Here, select Search.searchgetstt.com and other questionable plugins. Click Remove to delete these entries.
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Change your homepage if it was altered by virus:
Click on the menu (top right corner), choose Options → General. - Here, delete malicious URL and enter preferable website or click Restore to default.
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Click OK to save these changes.
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Reset Mozilla Firefox
Click on the Firefox menu on the top left and click on the question mark. Here, choose Troubleshooting Information.
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Now you will see Reset Firefox to its default state message with Reset Firefox button. Click this button for several times and complete Search.searchgetstt.com removal.
Erase Search.searchgetstt.com from Google Chrome
These instructions will help you to eliminate Search.searchgetstt.co from the startup page:
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Delete malicious plugins
Open Google Chrome, click on the menu icon (top right corner) and select Tools → Extensions.
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Here, select Search.searchgetstt.com and other malicious plugins and select trash icon to delete these entries.
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Change your homepage and default search engine if it was altered by your virus
Click on menu icon and choose Settings. -
Here, look for the Open a specific page or set of pages under On startup option and click on Set pages.
- Now you should see another window. Here, delete malicious search sites and enter the one that you want to use as your homepage.
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Click on menu icon again and choose Settings → Manage Search engines under the Search section.
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When in Search Engines..., remove malicious search sites. You should leave only Google or your preferred domain name.
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Reset Google Chrome
Click on menu icon on the top right of your Google Chrome and select Settings. -
Scroll down to the end of the page and click on Reset browser settings.
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Click Reset to confirm this action and complete Search.searchgetstt.com removal.
Eliminate Search.searchgetstt.com from Safari
- Remove dangerous extensions
Open Safari web browser and click on Safari in menu at the top left of the screen. Once you do this, select Preferences.
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Here, select Extensions and look for Search.searchgetstt.com or other suspicious entries. Click on the Uninstall button to get rid each of them.
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Change your homepage if it was altered by virus:
Open your Safari web browser and click on Safari in menu section. Here, select Preferences as it was displayed previously and select General. -
Here, look at the Homepage field. If it was altered by Search.searchgetstt.com, remove unwanted link and enter the one that you want to use for your searches. Remember to include the "http://" before typing in the address of the page.
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Reset Safari
Open Safari browser and click on Safari in menu section at the top left of the screen. Here, select Reset Safari....
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Now you will see a detailed dialog window filled with reset options. All of those options are usually checked, but you can specify which of them you want to reset. Click the Reset button to complete Search.searchgetstt.com removal process.
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer various losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Software issues created by malware or direct data loss due to encryption can lead to problems with your device or permanent damage. When you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work.
It is crucial to create updates to your backups after any changes on the device, so you can get back to the point you were working on when malware changes anything or issues with the device causes data or performance corruption. Rely on such behavior and make file backup your daily or weekly habit.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware occurs out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the system restoring purpose.
About the author
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References
- ^ Browser Hijacker. Malwarebytes. Security experts.
- ^ Viruss.lv. Viruss. Latvian cybersecurity experts.
- ^ Chris Hoffman. PC Cleaning Apps are a Scam: Here’s Why (and How to Speed Up Your PC). How-To Geek. A site for Geeks, by Geeks.
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