Search.searchgmfs.com (Simple Removal Guide) - Free Instructions
Search.searchgmfs.com Removal Guide
What is Search.searchgmfs.com?
Search.searchgmfs.com is the application developed by Polarity Technologies, so it should not be trusted
| Name | Search.searchgmfs.com |
|---|---|
| Category | Browser hijacker, PUP |
| Symptoms | Speed of the internet and general performance of the machine suffers; various add-ons get installed on browsers; homepage, new tab, the default search engine gets set to this particular or any related site |
| Distribution | Programs like this can get installed during freeware installation processes due to software bundling methods |
| Danger | Potentially unwanted programs often trigger redirects to commercial sites with possibly dangerous content |
| Elimination | Running an anti-malware tool or security program occasionally should be a habit. This is how you can find and remove infections |
| System fix | The machine can get affected from the inside and when various system files get altered or corrupted, the device cannot run properly. Revert those changes using a tool like FortectIntego |
Polarity Technologies is an infamous developer of PUPs which created countless other browser hijackers (such as search.searchismfa.com, search.youreasyemailsh.com, search.hyourweatherinfonow.com, etc.). These dubious apps look almost identical and pretend to be very helpful in a specific sphere – e-mailing, maps, transport, local weather and similar “useful” functions.
In this case, Get Maps Fast displays quick access buttons to Google Maps, Bing Maps, Gas Prices, a favorite retailer Amazon as well as Google Mail. However, do not get tricked by this functionality! Developers tend to include various buttons, claims about usefulness, so users install the app willingly.
It is merely a trick, and developers’ only interest is extortion of money at the expense of users whose browser get compromised. Thus, do not postpone Search.searchgmfs.com removal. We suggest using robust security software, like SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, Malwarebytes. However, you can pick any other software you prefer.
This search virus affects web browser in many ways:
- A search engine, homepage, and new tab URL are set to hxxp://search.searchgmfs.com. These changes are irreversible, and victims are forced to browse through a hijacked engine;
- Multiple ads and pop-ups cover up the content of legitimate websites, diminished browsing experience tremendously;
- Redirects caused by the virus might lead to questionable web content where malicious JavaScrips might install dangerous malware, such as spyware[2] or ransomware;
- Additional so-called browser helper objects might be installed on users PCs without their approval.
- Computer processes run at much lower speeds than they used to. Therefore, loading of web pages or program start-ups might take a prolonged amount of time. Additionally, various applications might crash or become non-responsive.
It is especially important to remove Search.searchgmfs.com from your computer immediately, merely because PUPs tend to multiply quickly and make browsing sessions unbearable. Additionally, the probability of you infecting your machine with malware is just a question of time.
Unwanted programs might be hidden in free software installers
Cybersecurity experts from virusi.hr[3] concluded that software bundling is usually used to spread undesired programs. Users typically are unaware of this distribution method, and developers of freeware are quick to abuse this fact. Thus, to protect yourself, you should learn how to install programs correctly.
Before installing free software, make sure that it is legitimate. Always enquire some details about it on the internet if you want to proceed. There are countless forum posts, blogs, cybersecurity articles and similar websites which can provide enough information about any application.
When installing free software on the internet, make sure to read EULA and privacy policy carefully as this information might be extremely valuable. Then, pick Advanced or Custom installation mode instead of Recommended/Quick one. Despite developers’ recommendations, it is never wise to choose the latter as it does not expose the full lineup of additional components. To remove all unwanted PUPs from installation, merely untick check marks by add-ons, toolbars, search engines and similar useless software.
Search engine and PUP removal can be initiated in two different ways
We understand that some inexperienced users might find the encounter with a browser hijacker quite scary, especially if they never came across it before. However, relax and let us help you to bring your browser back to normal.
If you never dealt with browser hijackers or other PUPs before, we advise you to remove search.searchgmfs.com using powerful security software. All you have to do is download and install one of the programs mentioned below. Simply follow installation instructions, update security software to the latest version and perform a full system scan.
For those who previously dealt with unwanted programs, we can offer manual search.searchgmfs.com removal. Guidelines created by our security experts can assist you with a successful elimination. However, make sure you execute every step precisely; otherwise, you risk the reinfection of the virus.
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.searchgmfs.com. 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.searchgmfs.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
Access your website securely from any location
When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address.
If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for the server or network manager that needs to monitor connections and activities. VPN software providers like Private Internet Access can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world.
Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks
While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various reasons, malware is one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files. More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, and images get encrypted. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them.
Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system. In some cases, Data Recovery Pro can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection.
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- ^ Jaikumar Vijayan. Software Bundling Outfits Intentionally Distributing Unwanted Apps. eWeek. A resource for the IT industry.
- ^ Dave Coustan. How Spyware Works. HowStuffWorks. A source of answers and explanations of how the world actually works.
- ^ Virusi.hr. Virusi. Croatian internet security experts.