Srch.bar virus (Easy Removal Guide) - 2021 update
Srch.bar virus Removal Guide
What is Srch.bar virus?
Srch.bar is a potentially unwanted program that can show altered search results and annoying ads
Srch.bar virus is a browser hijacker that designed to show advertisements and redirect users to sponsored websites. Like the majority of third-party search providers, this one pretends to be legitimate. Despite the fact that it's not malicious, it has some negative traits due to which no one is recommended to use it.
From the first inspection, it seems to be a simple search that features a search box on its start page and some of the quick links, and a widget that displays the current weather forecast. It is compatible with all web browsers starting but not limiting to Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, and Opera.
However, there is no explicit information provided that would let users known about some additional traits of Srch.bar virus. Here are the most important facts you may not have known:
- It is deemed as a browser hijacker and PUP (potentially unwanted program) due to stealthy distribution technology and unauthorized modification of web browser's settings;
- Srch.bar redirects to yahoo.com. Although it is a legal search provider, its version sponsored by this hijacker can show altered search results embedded with links to misleading third-party websites.
- The search uses tracking cookies and web beacons with an intention to collect browsing-related information (pages viewed, data entered in certain pages, language preferred, search queries, links, and pop-ups clicked on, etc.) that would allow discovering user's web browsing habits.
- Srch.bar malware usually installs a browser helper object to protect itself from being removed.
Thus, although from the surface the usage of Srch.bar virus may seem a good idea, we don't think so after a close investigation of this tool. We DO NOT recommend trusting the links and pop-ups that may be visible while browsing with this search because the vast majority of them are brought by unknown parties, which means that they are managed by a different Privacy Policy and Terms than Yahoo or Srch.bar.
Srch.bar virus is a browser hijacker that redirects users to sponsored websites and shows annoying ads.
If you are not willing to visit unsafe web domains, bypass all content brought by this search engine. Lastly, delete Srch.bar virus immediately and protect your computer from further damage. The easiest way to do so is to check the system with SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, Malwarebytes, or another reliable removal tool.
After Srch.bar virus removal, modified or possibly damaged system files should also be repaired. You can easily do this with FortectIntego or any other repair tool.
Users easily install potentially unwanted programs without even noticing it
If your web browser's homepage and search engine all of a sudden has been replaced by Srch.bar homepage, the only explanation for that is the inadvertent installation of the software package. The above mentioned fake search is circulating the web bundled with free software (numerous download managers, PDF creators, media players, games, etc.).
Therefore, the only way to avoid browser hijacker is a careful and deliberate installation of free programs. It means that you should avoid quick, express, or basic installation options.
Instead of these options, a deliberate selection would be advanced or custom installation mode. It is not less important to read all the terms and conditions provided on the installation wizard, as well as untick checkmarks saying that you agree with the installation of additional tools.
Follow our tips to remove Srch.bar virus
Srch.bar redirects to Yahoo and other pages should be stopped immediately if you do not want to end up on a malicious web page and install another malware on your computer. Since you are reading this post, we can guess that your PC's start page and search engine have already been jeopardized and you want to fix that ASAP.
You can remove Srch.bar manually. Our security experts have submitted a guide that will help you to do that.
However, even if you manage to delete Srch.bar virus by yourself, scan your computer with a trustworthy anti-malware to check your computer completely. Also, be sure to use a custom/advanced installation in the future to avoid potentially unwanted applications.
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 Srch.bar 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 Srch.bar 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.