Fix your hijacked web browser

Browser hijacking is a type of online fraud. Scammers use malicious software (malware) to take control of your computer's Internet browser and change how and what it displays when you're surfing the web.

If you keep your computer updated with the latest security software updates and practice safe Internet browsing, you're already doing a lot to help keep the hijackers away.

If you are already a victim of a hijacked browser, the following instructions can help you free your browser from the hackers, restore browser settings, and boost browser security.

I see popups or I am redirected to different websites

This problem can be caused due to a browser hijacker. A browser hijacker is a type of malware designed to change your browser's settings. A browser hijacker changes your web browser's home page and default search provider to a different one without your permission. The toolbars are usually bundled with certain free programs that you normally download and install. These bundles include a licensing agreement that you must accept to download and install the software. The agreement applies to all software in the bundle including the unwanted toolbars.

Hijacked Web Browser issues

• Your search is getting redirected to different websites


• Webpages load slowly


• You see multiple toolbars on your web browser which you did not install


• You get multiple pop-up alerts for advertisements

Note: Download and run the Norton Power Eraser to scan and remove the unwanted toolbars. After you remove the unwanted toolbars, run a Rootkit scan with Norton Power Eraser to perform a deep scan on your computer.

Run the Norton Power Eraser - Unwanted Application Scan

• Download Norton Power Eraser


• Click Save.


• Select the location as Desktop, and then click Save.


• To run Norton Power Eraser, double-click the NPE.exe file.


• If the User Account Control window prompts, click Yes or Continue.


• Read the license agreement, and click Accept.


• In the Norton Power Eraser window, click the Unwanted Application Scan icon.


• When Norton Power Eraser completes the scan, the results are displayed in the Unwanted Apps Scan Complete window.


• In the Unwanted Apps Scan Complete window, next to the unwanted application or toolbar, click Uninstall.


• Follow the on-screen instructions.


• When the uninstall completes, restart the computer.

Note: If Norton Power Eraser does not remove the unwanted toolbars, then manually remove them by using the Add/Remove Programs or Uninstall a Program in the Control Panel.

how these programs can be prevented and removed.

• Add/Remove programs


• Restore browser settings


• Spyware, Adware, and Malware detection and removal programs


• System Restore ( restore the computer to an earlier date )

How to Clean a Hijacked Web Browser

Source: YouTube