SearchMyFile (virus) - Free Instructions
SearchMyFile Removal Guide
What is SearchMyFile?
SearchMyFile is a questionable program that is considered to be a PUP
SearchMyFile virus is rather a potentially unwanted program than a serious virus posing hazardous damage to the computer system. However, keep in mind that security experts have already added it to the adware[1] category. As a result, you can notice various ads, coupons, and in-text links right after installing this app on your PC.
The official website of the service promises the “ultimate online search experience”. Also, it presents this program as a free tool for searching files on a user's computer. However, we really doubt that you will be satisfied after installing it because the adware has also been found modifying all Internet browsers and then filling third-party websites with sponsored ads, coupons, and similar content. Most of the ads are displayed as boxes and underlined words.
| Name | SearchMyFile |
|---|---|
| Type | Adware, PUP |
| Issues | The program trigger redirects and pop-ups that expose the user to unwanted or even dangerous content online |
| Distribution | Freeware program installations lead to infiltrations of PUAs because of the software bundling method used |
| Elimination | Proper anti-malware tools can find and remove the infection fully from the system |
| Repair | The system recovery procedure is possible with a tool like FortectIntego that finds and repair affected files |
Thus, Search My File is nothing more than a marketing tool used to help a company’s clients reach a wider audience and potential customers. However, there is no guarantee that you won't start noticing redirects to malicious or possibly dangerous websites.[2]
After hearing all these facts, we believe that you would hardly decide to download this tool from its official website consciously. However, beware that it might still sneak inside your device unnoticed. One of the main reasons why this app has been added to the list of PUPs is its questionable distribution method called bundling.
It has been clearly disclosed on the official program's website:
SearchMyFile has partnered with some of the most popular software packages in world, giving you the option to install our search settings during setup and giving them the opportunity to offer you their products for free.
In other words, you can end up with the system hijack after installing any other application, especially if you do not pay enough attention to its installation process. In this case, make sure you remove SearchMyFile ads from your computer before they trick you into clicking them. You can do that with the help of anti-malware tools or manually.
Distribution of the adware
Sometimes intruder has an official website that offers a download link for this tool. However, we have already revealed another method used to spread this adware without appropriate permission. This method is called “bundling” because it allows mixing two different programs by hiding one inside the other.
Typically, this technique is beneficial for both – developers of the primary program and authors of the PUP. Creators of the primary program make revenue from the promotion and developers of the PUP have easy entrance to the computer. When installing new programs, you are asked to choose between two installation options – Standard or Advanced.
If you rely on the first option, you might end up installing this adware on the system. These settings do not reveal additional downloads and install them by default.
In order to avoid additional software, you need to choose Advanced settings and follow each step carefully in order to deselect all agreements to replace your current search provider and third-party apps.
Instructions for SearchMyFile virus removal
This browser extension is not a real virus. However, due to its ability to scramble websites and fill them with coupon ads, this adware might become quite dangerous. One click on a wrong link or ad might lead to the infiltration of a virus or a phishing attack.
To remove the intruder, you should immediately choose between manual and automatic elimination methods. If you prefer the first option, you can uninstall this tool with the help of the guide given below. If you follow them carefully, you should not encounter any obstacles and get rid of this suspicious program successfully.
However, we also recommend looking for other applications that could be installed on your computer behind your back. For that, think about an automatic SearchMyFile removal option that allows simplifying this entire procedure. This method requires installing or updating the current anti-malware program and scanning the system.
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 SearchMyFile. 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 SearchMyFile 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 adware
Protect your privacy – employ a VPN
There are several ways how to make your online time more private – you can access an incognito tab. However, there is no secret that even in this mode, you are tracked for advertising purposes. There is a way to add an extra layer of protection and create a completely anonymous web browsing practice with the help of Private Internet Access VPN. This software reroutes traffic through different servers, thus leaving your IP address and geolocation in disguise. Besides, it is based on a strict no-log policy, meaning that no data will be recorded, leaked, and available for both first and third parties. The combination of a secure web browser and Private Internet Access VPN will let you browse the Internet without a feeling of being spied or targeted by criminals.
No backups? No problem. Use a data recovery tool
If you wonder how data loss can occur, you should not look any further for answers – human errors, malware attacks, hardware failures, power cuts, natural disasters, or even simple negligence. In some cases, lost files are extremely important, and many straight out panic when such an unfortunate course of events happen. Due to this, you should always ensure that you prepare proper data backups on a regular basis.
If you were caught by surprise and did not have any backups to restore your files from, not everything is lost. Data Recovery Pro is one of the leading file recovery solutions you can find on the market – it is likely to restore even lost emails or data located on an external device.
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- ^ What is adware?. Wikipedia. The free encyclopedia.
- ^ Lorenzo Franceschi-Bicchierai. Be warned: That Facebook ad you clicked on may be for counterfeit goods. Mashable.