What is Startpage.com? Is it a legit search engine? How can this webpage become my homepage without my permission? Is there any way that I can get rid of it and get my homepage back? I try to fix my machine by an anti-virus program but get no success. What is the way out for my machine? This post will tell me something about this browser hijack redirect and the way to remove it.
Hijacked by Startpage.com Virus – How to Remove?
Startpage.com virus is a new kind of browser hijack redirect. This virus acts as a real search engine to collect information from the infected PC, usually the virus maker will plant it to some free programs and spam E-mail attachment, once the victims install or open these infected files, it will be activated soon. The infected machine will be attacked by this virus even the victims have installed anti-virus program on it, that is why some victims may confuse how can this virus invade since they have had the security program. That is because Startpage.com virus is able to attack the infected system by passing though the firewall and anti-spyware program, registry, Internet settings and system files can be easily modified by this nasty virus. The victims should take action to remove this virus to avoid further damage.
Being a dangerous browser hijack redirect, Startpage.com can target on the users who use the Windows OS including XP, Vista, 7 and 8. It can effect all kinds of the browsers on the same PC. Once the browser hijack redirect start its working, homepage, default browser can be changed without victim’s permission. That is the reason some victims can not change their homepage back, what is worse, Startpage.com virus may be able to provide no-relations result if the victims search something on it, and the victims will be redirected to other malicious webpage while visiting Internet. The infected machine will even suffer other virus infection if the virus can not be removed completely, Trojan, rough program and even malware can affect the PC as well. Don’t trust this website at all, it is just a big virus that you need to get rid of it quickly to keep your PC safe.
To complete a successful removal of this browser hijacker, contact YooSecurity Online PC Experts for removal assistance if you are not a PC expert and have no clue in removing it.
Screen Shot of the Redirect Virus
Potential Risks of A Browser Hijacker
Some of the common consequences can be experienced with this Startpage.com virus hijacker:
1. Start-up pages on browsers will be automatically replaced;
2. Constant ads and misleading information can be prompted whenever you are online;
3. Surfing online can be interrupted or even redirected;
4. Compromised browsers often respond much slower than before;
5. Browsing histories can be collected and private information is specifically targeted.
Best Way to Remove Startpage.com Virus Hijacker
Generally, running security checks through anti-virus software doesn’t help much in removing this browser hijacker and any other hijackers as the scans may not pick up any suspicious files or infections. But by simply resetting the browsers or restarting the computers will not help either. To get rid of this unwanted Startpage.com virus, a manual removal process is suggested.
By manually going under different locations identifying files and registries and deleting unfamiliar extensions, it often guarantees a successful removal. For that, expertise will also be required because there could be thousands of files and stuff in one system. Any mistaken steps could lead to unpredictable consequences on the PC.
Browser Hijacker Manual Removal Instructions
Step A: Open Windows Task Manager to end process related to the Startpage.com browser hijacker. To do that, press Ctrl+Alt+Del keys at the same time to pull up Window Task Manager; go to Processes tab on top and scroll down the list to find odd processes. Names of the processes can be different each time:
Step B: Open Control Panel from Start menu and search for Folder Options. Go to Folder Options window, under View tab, tick Show hidden files and folders and non-tick Hide protected operating system files (Recommended) and then click OK. This will help show the hidden files of Startpage.com virus hijacker:
Step C: Press Windows+R keys together to pull up Run box and type in regedit to open Registry Editor. Delete files and registry values associating with this hijacker:
Step D: Uninstall unwanted extensions/ browser add-ons and change home pages back from Startpage.com redirect virus:
Similar video guide on browser hijacker removal:
Conclusion
Startpage.com virus can do anything to damage the infected PC when it is installed. The victims can not go online normally due to this nasty browser hijack redirect, some victims try to remove this virus by uninstalling in control panel or anti-virus program. However, most of the victims can not succeed because this virus can hide itself by changing its name and position on the infected PC. So it is recommended that you should remove this virus manually, this browser hijack redirect will even cause a terrible situation on the infected PC, hijackers can easily get into the system for stealing the info. like account’s number and password. History, cookies can even favorite can also be the target. Anyway, if your browsers hijackers by this nasty redirect virus, do not hesitate, all you need to do is to remove it now!
Note: Not sure if the Startpage.com virus hijacker is off completely? Please contact YooSecurity Online Experts for further concerns if you want to completely remove this browser hijacker and fix potential damages on PC:
Published by Tony Shepherd & last updated on September 23, 2013 2:48 pm
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