Search.searchresults.com (Removal Guide) - Free Instructions
Search.searchresults.com Removal Guide
What is Search.searchresults.com?
Search.searchresults.com is a questionable application that does not bring enhanced search results
Search.searchresults.com is a fake search engine created by Eightpoint Technologies Ltd. and distributed by Polarity Technologies Ltd. This browser hijacker,[1] just as many others, infiltrates users’ machines without their consent and makes unsolicited changes to each of the installed browsers by altering homepage and search engine to hxxp://search.searchresults.com. The main goal of this unwanted app is to reroute users to sponsors’ websites and monetize on the advertisement.
| SUMMARY | |
| Name | Search.searchresults.com |
|---|---|
| Type | Browser hijacker |
| Developer and distributor | Eightpoint Technologies Ltd and Polarity Technologies Ltd |
| Browser extension | Smart Results |
| Compatible browsers | Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, MS Edge, Safari, Internet Explorer, etc. |
| Distribution | Software bundling |
| Elimination | Download and install FortectIntego; alternatively you can check our manual instructions below |
Search.searchresults.com removal might be not what most people do right after the infiltration, as the front page looks attractive – it includes an arty picture of an Asian town. Additionally, quick access buttons for Youtube, Twitter, Wikipedia and other successful websites are provided. However, it is merely a trick to make people believe that this app is worth keeping. However, it is not trustworthy, and users should use a legitimate search engine instead.
Soon after Search.searchresults.com hijack, multiple changes are implemented on the targeted system:
- The altered browser settings become irreversible, i. e. users cannot navigate to their preferred homepage unless the dubious app is uninstalled;
- Search results are redirected to Yahoo. However, they are not genuine, as users can soon spot multiple sponsored links, no matter what the search query is;
- Advertisement can also show up on websites that usually do not practice such activities. These pop-ups can cover the legitimate content of the site and disturb browsing sessions;
- Users could get redirected to potentially dangerous websites where malware[2] could be downloaded and installed onto their systems;
- The web browser might become sluggish and struggle to load specific pages.
As many other Polarity’s products, Smart Results gathers certain information about you, which may include personal data if you are not careful enough. The Privacy Policy of the app states the following:
Your Search Data is collected and stored and may include personally identifiable information, depending on your search query. For instance, if you search your own name, personally identifiable information would be included in the search query. BY USING THE SERVICES, YOU ARE CONSENTING TO GRANT POLARITY PERMISSION TO COLLECT YOUR URLS AND SEARCH DATA, INCLUDING SEARCH QUERIES THAT MAY CONTAIN PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION, SHARE THEM WITH THIRD PARTIES, AND USE SEARCH-RELATED COOKIES
Thus, by using these services, you agree that a variety of data can be gathered and shared with third-parties. There is no guarantee that this information will be kept safe. Therefore, it might end up with cybercriminals which can use this info for identity fraud.
Security experts from novirus.uk[3] advise users to remove Search.searchresults.com virus as soon as possible. You can do it automatically with FortectIntego or manually by checking our step-by-step guide beneath this post.
Ways you can avoid PUP infiltration
This dubious application spreads as a browser extension affixed to freeware or shareware. Thus, it helps the PUP to infiltrate users’ machines without them noticing. This distribution method is called software bundling and is often practiced all over the world. However, we don’t think this process is entirely fair, as it involves trickery. Nevertheless, there is something you can do to outsmart this technique:
- Before installing an app, check reviews online – it might instantaneously hint how useless the program is;
- Read through EULA and Privacy Policy;
- Never click on “Next” button without looking;
- Always opt for Advanced or Custom installation mode and avoid Recommended/Quick one;
- If you see any optional components within the installer, remove the tick marks next to media players, search engines, browser extensions, etc.;
- Install a robust security program and always keep it updated.
Search.searchresults.com elimination should be performed immediately
You can remove Search.searchresults.com virus in just a few minutes if you use automatic malware removal software. Simply download and install one of the programs we suggest, bring it to the latest version and run a full system scan.
On the other hand, if you prefer manual Search.searchresults.com removal, you can check our illustrated guide below. This method does not require additional software to be installed. However, the procedure might take a considerably more extended amount of time and will not protect you from viruses in the future.
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.searchresults.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
To eliminate the PUP from Mac, follow 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
Reset MS Edge by following these directions:
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.searchresults.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.
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- ^ Browser hijacking. Wikipedia. The Free Encyclopedia.
- ^ Margaret Rouse. Malware (malicious software). SearchSecurity. Online Security Information.
- ^ NoVirus. NoVirus. UK's security experts.