Remove Totalrecipesearch.com redirect (Virus Removal Guide) - updated Mar 2020
Total Recipe Search – a browser hijacker offering advanced recipe searching and meal planning
Totalrecipesearch – a potentially unwanted program that has been spread in a form of toolbar. The PUP belongs to an infamous company called Mindspark Interactive Network Inc.[1] known for its hijackers which have been spread for years by using bundling and similar techniques. Allegedly, the Total Search app is suited for planning meals and provides beneficial-looking features such as fast access to Facebook, weather pages, daily recipes, menu planners, etc. However, computer security experts claim that having this toolbar on your computer can cause various inconveniences and dangers. Once the user installs the Total Recipe Search Toolbar, his/her search engine is set to search.myway.com. Additionally, the app starts tracking the user to collect non-PII.
| Name | Total recipe search |
|---|---|
| Type | Browser hijacker |
| Developer | Mindspark Interactive Network Inc. |
| Promoted as | Menu planner |
| Detection | PUP/Win32.Mindspark.R233545; GrayWare/Win32.StartPage.gen; Win32/Toolbar.MyWebSearch.BA, etc. |
| Found in | Bundled products, official page, unsecured third-party sources |
| Redirecs To | myway.com |
| Removal | Remove the PUP manually or automatically as explained below |
| Recovery | Use Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego to recover after infection for best results |
Additionally, Total Search virus can provoke redirects to questionable websites, system slowdowns, commercial content that appears during their browsing sessions and similar problems. Of course, this program is not malicious or dangerous by itself, but it might advertise third-party[2] companies, which might be questionable. We have investigated Total Recipe Search Toolbar's Terms of Use, and this is what we found:
The MS Products may integrate, be integrated into, bundled, or be provided in connection with third-party services, feeds and/or content. […] MS Products may provide access to search results or other links to Third Party Partner websites or resources. MS has no control over such sites and resources, in which you acknowledge and agree that MS is not responsible for the availability of such external sites or resources, and does not endorse nor responsible or liable for any content, advertising, products, or other materials on or available from such sites or resources. […] MS Products are exposed to various security issues, and should be regarded as unsecure.
The question here is do you really need Totalrecipesearch.com on your computer and web browsers? Once this potentially unwanted program modifies browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, or Microsoft Edge, you cannot reverse the changes performed on the homepage, search engine, or new tab URL if you do not get rid of the browser-hijacking app completely.
Totalrecipesearch.com - a browser hijacker that aims to inject the Total Recipe Search Toolbar into the targeted browser app
The name of Totalrecipesearch.com virus is given for this application not for no reason. All suspicious activities and modifications on web browsers are performed secretly without the user's consent mostly. Besides, the PUP enters targeted machines by using sneaky ways too. These techniques are known as “bundling” when the browser hijacker comes as an additional component within the downloaded software package.
Our suggestion would be not to fall for any “benefits” that are brought by Totalrecipesearch.com. Fast access to popular networks, recipe viewing, and similar functions are not worth experiencing other suspicious activities that can be performed by the browser hijacker. This rogue component might support some misleading products, e.g. fake repair software and try pushing it through pop-ups, pop-unders, banner ads, etc.
The worst and most potentially dangerous thing of Total search activities is the redirecting part. Redirects are supposed to take the user to affiliate websites for supporting partners. However, sometimes, you might find yourself landing on unsecured pages and networks. This might lead to unexpected malware installation on your computer. Mostly, criminals spread trojans and ransomware viruses this way.
What is annoying about Totalrecipesearch is the fact that the browser hijacker can gather some non-personal information about your browsing activities and stalk your search sessions. For example, the PUP can get on hold of such data as commonly visited websites, clicked hyperlinks, saved bookmarks, your IP. Later on, the developers might use the information for providing tricky offers to you.
Totalrecipesearch.com is a potentially unwanted program that comes bundled with freeware or its extension can be downloaded from the official website
Remove Totalrecipesearch from your computer system and browsers. You can either choose automatic (use anti-malware software) or manual method – we provide detailed instructions for the latter below. Additionally, we recommend scanning the computer with Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego to fix files that might have been damaged due to the PUP infection.
Total recipe search removal is a necessity if you are keen on ensuring the full stability of your computing and browsing work. If you do not want to find your web browsers struggling to carry out simple actions or crashing during browsing sessions, you need to get rid of the browser hijacker and all its additional components such as bogus files, processes, add-ons, plug-ins, and extensions. It involves cleaning both the operating system and web browsers also.
Invasion techniques of potentially unwanted programs
Some extensions that put the browser hijacker[3] on your browser can easily be downloaded from its official website but there is a possibility you might be offered to install it together with another program as well. Such distribution method is legitimate. However, many computer users skip the statements about the promotion of additional software because they tend to rush through the installation process by clicking 'Next' all the time. You should not behave like that.
In addition, you can always monitor the software components and disagree to install the suggested applications by selecting the “Advanced” or “Custom” installation method. Then the setup provides an additional window, which displays a list of programs that are recommended to install. If you do not want to install them, deselect these suggestions by removing the” 'tick” sign near each bogus component.
Continuously, browser hijackers and other potentially unwanted content are capable of sneaking into the computer system unexpectedly through third-party hyperlinks and advertisements. Such objects are often met on secondary networks and include suspicious components. The best way to avoid stealth infiltration through these sources is NOT to visit them. Also, according to Virusai.lt cybersecurity specialists,[4] you should get a reputable anti-malware tool that will protect you 24/7.
Successfully terminate all objects related to Totalrecipesearch.com
Totalrecipesearch removal can be successful in two simple ways. First, you should verify your skills and capabilities of eliminating PUPs on your own. If you think that you have the required skills and will easily succeed with the elimination process, you can go for manual removal guidelines.
There are some steps provided below that will help you to uninstall Totalrecipesearch virus from Windows/Mac operating systems and web browser applications such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, and Safari.
However, if you doubt your skills or think that the manual removal technique is just not for you, you can always remove Totalrecipesearch from your computer system and web browsers with the help of reliable anti-malware software. Take a look at the list provided below.
You may remove virus damage with a help of Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego. 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.
To remove Totalrecipesearch.com redirect, follow these steps:
Delete Totalrecipesearch.com from Windows systems
If the browser hijacker has left some unknown content on your Windows computer, you can get rid of it by using the following instructing steps:
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Click Start → Control Panel → Programs and Features (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
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If you are Windows 10 / Windows 8 user, then right-click in the lower left corner of the screen. Once Quick Access Menu shows up, select Control Panel and Uninstall a Program.
- Uninstall Totalrecipesearch.com and related programs
Here, look for Totalrecipesearch.com or any other recently installed suspicious programs. -
Uninstall them and click OK to save these changes.
- Remove Totalrecipesearch.com from Windows shortcuts
Right click on the shortcut of Mozilla Firefox and select Properties.
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Go to Shortcut tab and look at the Target field. Delete malicious URL that is related to your virus.
Repeat steps that are given above with all browsers' shortcuts, including Internet Explorer and Google Chrome. Make sure you check all locations of these shortcuts, including Desktop, Start Menu and taskbar.
Erase Totalrecipesearch.com from Mac OS X system
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If you are using OS X, click Go button at the top left of the screen and select Applications.
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Wait until you see Applications folder and look for Totalrecipesearch.com or any other suspicious programs on it. Now right click on every of such entries and select Move to Trash.
Remove Totalrecipesearch.com from Internet Explorer (IE)
You can easily clean Internet Explorer from bogus extensions and plug-ins. All you have to do is follow these guidelines:
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Remove dangerous add-ons
Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top right corner of the browser and choose Manage Add-ons.
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You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for Totalrecipesearch.com and other suspicious plugins. Disable these entries by clicking Disable:
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Change your homepage if it was altered by virus:
Click on the gear icon (menu) on the top right corner of the browser and select Internet Options. Stay in General tab. -
Here, remove malicious URL and enter preferable domain name. Click Apply to save changes.
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Reset Internet Explorer
Click on the gear icon (menu) again and select Internet options. Go to Advanced tab. - Here, select Reset.
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When in the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset again to complete Totalrecipesearch.com removal.
Uninstall Totalrecipesearch.com redirect from Microsoft Edge
Reset Microsoft Edge settings (Method 1):
- Launch Microsoft Edge app and click More (three dots at the top right corner of the screen).
- Click Settings to open more options.
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Once Settings window shows up, click Choose what to clear button under Clear browsing data option.
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Here, select all what you want to remove and click Clear.
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Now you should right-click on the Start button (Windows logo). Here, select Task Manager.
- When in Processes tab, search for Microsoft Edge.
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Right-click on it and choose Go to details option. If can’t see Go to details option, click More details and repeat previous steps.
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When Details tab shows up, find every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right click on each of them and select End Task to end these entries.
Resetting Microsoft Edge browser (Method 2):
If Method 1 failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method.
- Note: you need to backup your data before using this method.
- Find this folder on your computer:
C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe. -
Select every entry which is saved on it and right click with your mouse. Then Delete option.
- Click the Start button (Windows logo) and type in window power in Search my stuff line.
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Right-click the Windows PowerShell entry and choose Run as administrator.
- Once Administrator: Windows PowerShell window shows up, paste this command line after PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> and press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml -Verbose}
Once these steps are finished, Totalrecipesearch.com should be removed from your Microsoft Edge browser.
Eliminate Totalrecipesearch.com from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
Mozilla Firefox can be refreshed and optimized with the help of these instructions:
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Remove dangerous extensions
Open Mozilla Firefox, click on the menu icon (top right corner) and select Add-ons → Extensions.
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Here, select Totalrecipesearch.com and other questionable plugins. Click Remove to delete these entries.
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Change your homepage if it was altered by virus:
Click on the menu (top right corner), choose Options → General. - Here, delete malicious URL and enter preferable website or click Restore to default.
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Click OK to save these changes.
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Reset Mozilla Firefox
Click on the Firefox menu on the top left and click on the question mark. Here, choose Troubleshooting Information.
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Now you will see Reset Firefox to its default state message with Reset Firefox button. Click this button for several times and complete Totalrecipesearch.com removal.
Get rid of Totalrecipesearch.com from Google Chrome
Use the below-provided instructions for cleaning Google Chrome from rogue extensions:
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Delete malicious plugins
Open Google Chrome, click on the menu icon (top right corner) and select Tools → Extensions.
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Here, select Totalrecipesearch.com and other malicious plugins and select trash icon to delete these entries.
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Change your homepage and default search engine if it was altered by your virus
Click on menu icon and choose Settings. -
Here, look for the Open a specific page or set of pages under On startup option and click on Set pages.
- Now you should see another window. Here, delete malicious search sites and enter the one that you want to use as your homepage.
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Click on menu icon again and choose Settings → Manage Search engines under the Search section.
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When in Search Engines..., remove malicious search sites. You should leave only Google or your preferred domain name.
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Reset Google Chrome
Click on menu icon on the top right of your Google Chrome and select Settings. -
Scroll down to the end of the page and click on Reset browser settings.
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Click Reset to confirm this action and complete Totalrecipesearch.com removal.
Delete Totalrecipesearch.com from Safari
- Remove dangerous extensions
Open Safari web browser and click on Safari in menu at the top left of the screen. Once you do this, select Preferences.
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Here, select Extensions and look for Totalrecipesearch.com or other suspicious entries. Click on the Uninstall button to get rid each of them.
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Change your homepage if it was altered by virus:
Open your Safari web browser and click on Safari in menu section. Here, select Preferences as it was displayed previously and select General. -
Here, look at the Homepage field. If it was altered by Totalrecipesearch.com, remove unwanted link and enter the one that you want to use for your searches. Remember to include the "http://" before typing in the address of the page.
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Reset Safari
Open Safari browser and click on Safari in menu section at the top left of the screen. Here, select Reset Safari....
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Now you will see a detailed dialog window filled with reset options. All of those options are usually checked, but you can specify which of them you want to reset. Click the Reset button to complete Totalrecipesearch.com removal process.
Access your website securely from any location
When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. It is a hassle when your website is protected from suspicious connections and unauthorized IP addresses.
The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address. If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for server or network manager that need to monitor connections and activities. This is how you bypass some of the authentications factors and can remotely use your banking accounts without triggering suspicious with each login.
VPN software providers like Private Internet Access can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world. It is better to clock the access to your website from different IP addresses. So you can keep the project safe and secure when you have the dedicated IP address VPN and protected access to the content management system.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer various losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Software issues created by malware or direct data loss due to encryption can lead to problems with your device or permanent damage. When you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work.
It is crucial to create updates to your backups after any changes on the device, so you can get back to the point you were working on when malware changes anything or issues with the device causes data or performance corruption. Rely on such behavior and make file backup your daily or weekly habit.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware occurs out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the system restoring purpose.
About the author
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References
- ^ Mindspark Interactive Network. Wikipedia. The free encyclopedia.
- ^ Third-party. Business Dictionary. Definitions.
- ^ What are browser hijackers?. Norton. By Symantec.
- ^ Virusai.lt. Virusai. Security and spyware news.
October 29th, 2012 at 4:32 am
Thank you guys so much! because of you, my computer is spam free!
Still confused that how will i know that same virus got in my System???
January 13th, 2016 at 5:17 am
it is not a virus, first of all. you can realize that it happened if you see changes on your computer that were made without your intervention. look for new toolbars, unexpectedly set homepages and similar signs. moreover, a computer slowdown can also be a sign that you have installed a suspicious app