☰

Str-search.com (Virus Removal Guide)

by Gabriel E. Hall - - | Type: Browser hijacker

Str-search.com Removal Guide

What is Str-search.com?

Str-search.com – a fake search engine that might alter the browser's startup page and other preferences

Str-search.com virusThis browser hijacker redirects all search inquiries and fills search results with ads

Str-search.com is a browser hijacker[1] which alters the homepage, new tab URL, the search engine of your Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or another browser and sets it to str-search.com. It's considered a potentially unwanted program, or PUP for short, because typically, it infiltrates your machine unnoticed and continually displays unwanted content, redirects you to suspicious domains, and records a variety of non-personally identifiable information. We recommend removing it from your device to avoid data leakage, installation of other PUPs, and exposure to questionable sites.

Name Str-search.com
Type Browser Hijacker
Danger Level Low. It cannot harm the system or corrupt files but alters the browser's settings.
Symptoms Changes made to each of the browsers, altered search results, intrusive advertisements, etc.
Distribution Methods Software bundling, fake Flash Player updates, deceptive ads
Elimination If you've installed this threat and now would like to remove it, please refer to our guides at the bottom of the article
System health check If your device exhibits strange behavior, scan it with the FortectIntego repair tool to fix any system irregularities

Str-search.com hijack might seem harmless initially (it is considered a low computer threat). However, you will notice various harmful effects of its usage very soon. It displays ads in search results and may redirect you to dubious websites as soon as it takes control over the targeted web browser.

Authors of the virus try to convince users that this search tool is useful. They promise enhanced functionality and improved search results. The “perks” also include quick action buttons created beneath the search bar supposedly for users’ convenience. The most popular social networks and retailers are included: Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, and even Ali Express.

However, do not get tricked by such functionality. Besides, you can simply create your own bookmarks without much effort. The only goal of Str-search.com developers is to generate revenue by displaying ads or forcing you to visit affiliate websites.

The article's culprit also has the ability to collect non-personally identifiable information, including IP address, links clicked, login times, browser type, system information, and similar. This data is precious for any marketing research and creating targeted ads. Additionally, it might be shared with third parties.[2] However, it's not the only reason to remove Str-search.com from the system.

Furthermore, security experts from odstranitvirus.cz[3] warn that one of the most dangerous features is the redirect tendencies. It is precisely stated in the program's Privacy Policy that developers are not responsible for any hazardous content you might be exposed to while using the site:

<…>Nevertheless, you agree to use the Site at your sole risk and that str-search.com shall have no liability to you for content that may be found to be offensive, indecent, or objectionable. str-search.com shall have no liability or responsibility to you for any content or materials that may be available in connection with the Site that you might find objectionable.

Hence, you might end up on questionable sites, which may expose you to illicit content. Some of these websites might contain malicious JavaScript, which can install malware onto your PC. Therefore, do not risk your and computer safety and hurry up with Str-search.com removal.

You can use SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, Malwarebytes, or any other security software for a quick PUP elimination. Keeping such anti-malware tools updated can prevent future perils alike. After the removal, we highly recommend using the FortectIntego PC repair tool to fix any system errors.

Str-search.com browser hijackerA fake search engine that causes multiple redirects and displays ads that promote sponsored content. Bundling is a primary distribution method for unwanted apps

Typically, users are unaware of the PUP distribution methods. Creators of such questionable programs are undoubtedly aware of that; hence, they use the bundling method to install unwanted content on victims’ PCs. It is a hugely successful marketing campaign used by freeware developers.

To avoid such useless programs, you should learn how to install free software correctly. Firstly, make sure you know enough about the app you are about to install – read through online reviews, the privacy policy, and EULA of the desired program.

Secondly, make sure to opt for Advanced/Custom installation mode and avoid Recommended/Quick settings entirely. The latter utterly fails to disclose all the additional components included together with legitimate software. Thus, un-click any tick-boxes by add-ons, search engines, optimization tools, and other useless software.

And, finally, never attempt downloading cracks or illegal programs – these might lead you to not only PUP but dangerous malware infections.

Eliminate Str-search.com to keep your browser and computer safe

You might think that merely uninstalling the browser hijacker will do the trick. However, these pesky intruders implement additional browser helper objects, which might be challenging to detect and delete. Thus, we suggest you download robust security software which can aid you with a smooth Str-search.com removal.

Do not forget to keep anti-virus up to date, and it will protect you from future infections. If you want to remove the virus without additional software – you can follow our guide below this post. However, this process takes time, and if you fail to execute the procedure correctly, the virus will come back immediately.

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.

Offer
do it now!
Download
Fortect Happiness
Guarantee Download
Intego Happiness
Guarantee
Compatible with Microsoft Windows Compatible with macOS
What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Fortect review | Terms of Use | Privacy policy | Refund Policy | Uninstall guide
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Download SpyHunter 5 Review »
Privacy policy | Terms of Use | Product Refund Policy | Uninstall Instructions
Malwarebytes
Download | Review | Privacy policy | Terms of Use | Product Refund Policy | Uninstall Instructions
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.
Download Combo Cleaner Review »
Privacy policy | Terms of Use | Product Refund Policy | Uninstall Instructions

Getting rid of Str-search.com. Follow these steps

Uninstall from Windows

To eliminate all the unwanted programs from your Windows OS, follow these guidelines:

Instructions for Windows 10/8  machines:

  1. Enter Control Panel into Windows search box and hit Enter or click on the search result.
  2. Under Programs, select Uninstall a program. Uninstall from Windows 1
  3. From the list, find the entry of the suspicious program.
  4. Right-click on the application and select Uninstall.
  5. If User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
  6. Wait till uninstallation process is complete and click OK. Uninstall from Windows 2

If you are Windows 7/XP user, proceed with the following instructions:

  1. Click on Windows Start > Control Panel located on the right pane (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
  2. In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program. Uninstall from Windows 7/XP
  3. Pick the unwanted application by clicking on it once.
  4. At the top, click Uninstall/Change.
  5. In the confirmation prompt, pick Yes.
  6. Click OK once the removal process is finished.

Delete from macOS

Remove items from Applications folder:

  1. From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
  2. In the Applications folder, look for all related entries.
  3. Click on the app and drag it to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash) Uninstall from Mac 1

To fully remove an unwanted app, you need to access Application Support, LaunchAgents, and LaunchDaemons folders and delete relevant files:

  1. Select Go > Go to Folder.
  2. Enter /Library/Application Support and click Go or press Enter.
  3. In the Application Support folder, look for any dubious entries and then delete them.
  4. Now enter /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders the same way and terminate all the related .plist files. Uninstall from Mac 2

Remove from Microsoft Edge

Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:

  1. Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
  2. From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
  3. Click on Uninstall at the bottom. Remove extensions from Edge

Clear cookies and other browser data:

  1. Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Privacy & security.
  2. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  3. Select everything (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear. Clear Edge browsing data

Restore new tab and homepage settings:

  1. Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
  2. Then find On startup section.
  3. Click Disable if you found any suspicious domain.

Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:

  1. Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
  3. Select Details tab.
  4. 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. Reset MS Edge

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.

  1. Find the following folder on your computer: C:\\Users\\%username%\\AppData\\Local\\Packages\\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe.
  2. Press Ctrl + A on your keyboard to select all folders.
  3. Right-click on them and pick Delete Advanced MS Edge reset 1
  4. Now right-click on the Start button and pick Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  5. 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 Advanced MS Edge reset 2

Instructions for Chromium-based Edge

Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):

  1. Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
  2. Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove. Remove extensions from Chromium Edge

Clear cache and site data:

  1. Click on Menu and go to Settings.
  2. Select Privacy, search and services.
  3. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  4. Under Time range, pick All time.
  5. Select Clear now. Clear browser data from Chroum Edge

Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. On the left side, pick Reset settings.
  3. Select Restore settings to their default values.
  4. Confirm with Reset. Reset Chromium Edge

Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)

To replace the search engine with one of your choice, follow these steps:

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
  2. Select Add-ons.
  3. In here, select unwanted plugin and click Remove. Remove extensions from Firefox

Reset the homepage:

  1. Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
  2. Choose Options.
  3. Under Home options, enter your preferred site that will open every time you newly open the Mozilla Firefox.

Clear cookies and site data:

  1. Click Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security section.
  3. Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
  4. Click on Clear Data…
  5. Select Cookies and Site Data, as well as Cached Web Content and press Clear. Clear cookies and site data from Firefox

Reset Mozilla Firefox

If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
  2. Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information. Reset Firefox 1
  3. Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox…
  4. Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox. Reset Firefox 2

Remove from Google Chrome

You should reset the Google Chrome browser before use:

Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

  1. Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
  2. 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. Remove extensions from Chrome

Clear cache and web data from Chrome:

  1. Click on Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
  3. Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
  4. Click Clear data. Clear cache and web data from Chrome

Change your homepage:

  1. Click menu and choose Settings.
  2. Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
  3. 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:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
  3. Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
  4. Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
  5. Confirm with Reset settings. Reset Chrome 2

Delete from Safari

Remove unwanted extensions from Safari:

  1. Click Safari > Preferences…
  2. In the new window, pick Extensions.
  3. Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall. Remove extensions from Safari

Clear cookies and other website data from Safari:

  1. Click Safari > Clear History…
  2. From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
  3. Confirm with Clear History. Clear cookies and website data from Safari

Reset Safari if the above-mentioned steps did not help you:

  1. Click Safari > Preferences…
  2. Go to Advanced tab.
  3. Tick the Show Develop menu in menu bar.
  4. From the menu bar, click Develop, and then select Empty Caches. Reset Safari

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 Str-search.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

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 from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.

When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.

About the author
Gabriel E. Hall
Gabriel E. Hall - Passionate web researcher

If this free guide helped you and you are satisfied with our service, please consider making a donation to keep this service alive. Even a smallest amount will be appreciated.

Contact Gabriel E. Hall
About the company Esolutions

References