My web browser has been hijacked
Unfortunately, many of the software programs used to hijack a computer's browser are intentionally designed to be difficult to remove or detect. Below are recommendations on how these programs can be prevented and removed.
Free programs
When installing free programs such as KaZaA, read the disclaimers and watch for additional programs that are being installed. Many times these programs are supported by automatically installing spyware programs.
If you no longer use these programs on a regular basis, uninstalling them can (but not always) also uninstall any associated software that is included with them.
Add/Remove programs
If you are running Microsoft Windows and you have noticed an unwanted program, try removing it through Add/Remove programs.
Any legitimate company's toolbars should be removable using the Add/Remove programs tool. Some examples of these toolbars include the Alexa Toolbar, ASK, Google Toolbar, Yahoo Toolbar, and Windows Live Toolbar.
If the spyware program cannot be removed or shows back up after removal, boot the computer into Safe Mode, and then try to uninstall again.
Restore browser settings
Some web pages and programs are designed to automatically change your browser's settings. For example, a web page or program may automatically change your default homepage to an alternative one. These issues can be corrected by following the steps below.
Close any extra browser windows so that only one window is open.
Correct the settings changed, such as changing your homepage back to your original homepage. Additional information about changing your browser's settings can be found on our browser help pages.
Once the settings have been changed and applied, close your browser.
The next time the browser is opened it should have the correct settings.
However, if the site that changed your browser settings is visited again, it is likely that the settings will be changed again. This issue can be prevented with many of the spyware or adware programs that are available today.
Spyware, Adware, and Malware detection and removal programs
Many companies have developed programs that help prevent, detect, and remove infections related to browser hijacking. Below is a listing of a few of the programs you may want to consider.
- Malwarebytes
- Microsoft's Windows Defender
- Ad-aware from Lavasoft
- Spybot Search and Destroy
A computer can have any number of spyware programs installed at the same time; we recommend that you have more than one as a failsafe. If any spyware returns after rebooting the computer, boot the computer into Safe Mode and run the spyware removal program(s) again.
System Restore
Users of Microsoft Windows can run the Microsoft System Restore utility to restore the computer to an earlier date.
Make sure to update Windows
Make sure your computer is running all the latest updates and Service Pack's (if available).
How to update a Microsoft Windows computer.
Try alternative browser
Because Microsoft Internet Explorer is so widely used, switching to an alternative browser such as Firefox or Chrome can significantly reduce the amount of spyware you get on your computer.
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