TheVideoSearch.com (Simple Removal Guide) - Chrome, Firefox, IE, Edge

TheVideoSearch.com Removal Guide

What is TheVideoSearch.com?

TheVideoSearch.com – a fake search site that users get redirected to if they have a browser hijacker installed

TheVideoSearch.comTheVideoSearch.com is the browser hijacker that can aim to change various preferences and settings.

TheVideoSearch.com is a browser hijacker promoting other shady sites. Windows, Mac, Android, and other system users get redirected to this site because their browser settings, such as the default search engine, new tab, and homepage, are altered without their permission. The intruder might come as a browser extension or the application that triggers all the changes to the browsing experience.

Every time users open a new tab or type something into the URL search bar, they are automatically redirected to or through TheVideoSearch.com. The site doesn't generate any search results itself. Hence it's a fake search engine. It redirects to other shady pages that can be considered browser hijackers or show Google, Yahoo, Bing as the search provider while results get injected with advertisements.

This happens when TheVideoSearch.com browser hijacker is installed with shareware/software/freeware bundles. We're delighted you chose us to accompany you on this cybersecurity journey. This article details the peculiarities of this potentially unwanted program, as well as its distribution techniques and removal options.

name TheVideoSearch.com
type Browser hijacker, PUP
Ip addresses 104.21.5.194, 172.67.154.175
Browser changes New tab, start page, the default search engine gets altered
Symptoms All search traffic is redirected through a site that the user didn't choose willingly, all results get injected with commercial content
Risks Browser hijackers are capable of collecting various browsing data, which might be shared with third-parties. Their intentions might not be harmless
Distribution Deceptive ads, software bundling[1]
Removal Eliminate PUPs causing redirects by running a full system scan with dependable anti-malware tools
Repair Fix all system issues and clean browsing data with powerful system repair tools such as the FortectIntego app

Browser hijackers weren't created yesterday. They've been around for a while now. But people still fail to recognize their traits and keep falling for deceptive ads promoting them. Usually, they're advertised to increase user privacy and security while browsing the internet.

In reality, though, they tend to do the exact opposite. Browser hijackers, like Junkie web virus, Best Searcher virus, Streaming plus virus, are capable of collecting various users' browsing habits and other browser-related data, including:

  • most frequently visited sites,
  • search inquiries,
  • browser and device details,
  • geolocations,
  • IP addresses, and so on.

To make a profit, operators of potentially unwanted programs like TheVideoSearch.com can share this data with third parties that might have ill intentions. Furthermore, browser hijackers can bombard their users with all kinds of ads – pop-ups, banners, surveys, or show affiliated sites as top search results.

TheVideoSearch.com PUPTheVideoSearch.com is the browser hijacking PUP that redirects to other shady sites.

We recommend all our users remove TheVideoSearch.com immediately. It can be installed as a browser extension or as an application (or both). To eliminate the latter, use reliable anti-malware software such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes to take care of this problem automatically.

If it's installed as a browser extension, then you'll have to finish TheVideoSearch.com removal manually. If you're unsure how browser extension can be removed, refer to our free instructions displayed at the bottom of this article. And lastly, IT experts[2] advise using the FortectIntego system repair tool to clean browsing history and restore system files and settings to their normal values.

Preventive measures to dodge malware and PUPs

More and more various malware[3] and potentially unwanted programs are created and distributed on the internet every day. This illegal industry is growing, and it won't stop anytime soon. Although tech giants try to keep up with cybercriminals, it's extremely hard to do so.

TheVideoSearch hijackerTheVideoSearch.com - PUP that is promoted as a good addition to your browsing.

Therefore, cybersecurity must be the top priority for all home users that values their security and privacy. Our cybersecurity team has brought together a list of guidelines that should increase the safety of devices that are regularly used to browse the internet:

  • Keep your operating system and installed software updated with the latest available (except Beta version) updates.
  • Purchase a professional anti-malware solution that will be powerful enough to catch malware infections.
  • Store backups of your essential files on two separate devices/locations, e.g., cloud, USB flash drive, external HDD, etc.
  • Maintain overall system health with system repair software that could also clean your browsing activities.
  • Learn about the most frequently used techniques by cybercriminals to infect victim devices.

Guidelines to restore system health and remove TheVideoSearch.com browser hijacker

If you're redirected to TheVideoSearch.com search site, that could mean only one thing – your browser has been hijacked. That's not the end of the world, but you have to take action now. PUPs tend to promote other junkware, so if you ignore one, your device might soon be riddled with them.

TheVideoSearch.com removal process consists of three parts. First, you need to scan your device with a steadfast anti-malware tool and eliminate all suspicious entries that the software detects. Then refer to our instructions below to manually remove browser extensions causing the redirections.

Finally, perform a full system scan with powerful system tune-up tools to remove TheVideoSearch.com once and for all. These tools should also be regularly used to refresh corrupted or outdated files and wipe devices' tracking cookies.

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.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.

Getting rid of TheVideoSearch.com. Follow these steps

Uninstall from Windows

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)

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

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 TheVideoSearch.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

Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool

Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online. One of the basic means to add a layer of security – choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features. However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN – it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.

 

Lost your files? Use data recovery software

While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable. Family photos, work documents, school projects – these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur: power cuts, Blue Screen of Death errors, hardware failures, crypto-malware attack, or even accidental deletion.

To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, Data Recovery Pro can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.

About the author
Lucia Danes
Lucia Danes - Virus 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 Lucia Danes
About the company Esolutions

References