Combo Search Hijacker Removal Guide

It is a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) which modifies the browser settings and changes the default homepage and search engine. Technically, it is categorized as a malware program. When your computer is infected with this hijacker, then it could lead to more pop-up ads, banners and sponsored links on your browser window.

How Combo Search Enters My System?

The Combo Search hijacker gets installed on your computer without your permission. Extensions like this are usually bundled in the installation files of other legitimate programs which you download over the internet. People go through the installation of such software without noticing that they are also installing malicious ad-ons which could harm their system.

What are its Malicious Effects?

Once you install Combo Search in your system, it will show the following malicious effects:

1. Change your default homepage, search engine and new tab page.
2. Redirect your searches to other websites.
3. Display advertisements, links or banners on your browser window.
4. Track your sensitive information such as IP addresses, search queries, URLs visited and other browser data.

Targeted Browsers:

The majorly targeted browsers of Combo Search are:

1. Google Chrome
2. Mozilla Firefox
3. Internet Explorer

How to remove Combo Search?

You can remove Combo Search using the given methods:

Removing Combo Search using Combo Search RemovalTool

Scan your PC with:

        1. Download Combo Search RemovalTool by clicking on the given link:
             Combo Search RemovalTool

        2. As soon as you open the downloaded file a security warning will pop-up as shown below, click on ‘Run’ button.

            NOTE: You will not see this pop-up in Windows 10.

        3. A pop-up window will appear again. Click on ‘Yes’.

        4. Now, It will automatically detect and show the active threats present in your system.

        5  Then a setup window will open, click ‘Next’ button to start the installation process.

        6. To remove all the threats which were detected, click on ‘Clean Now’.
            

            NOTE: If any browser is still running, close it before proceeding.
            

        7. A window will now show up saying all the infected files, folders and registry entries has been removed successfully.
            

Tips to Prevent Combo Search from Infecting Your System:

1. Enable your popup blocker: Pop-ups and ads in the websites are the most adoptable tactic used by cyber criminals or developers with the core intention to spread malicious programs. So, avoid clicking uncertain sites, software offers, pop-ups etc.
2. Keep your Windows Updated:To avoid such infections, we recommend that you should always keep your system updated through automatic windows update. By doing this you can keep your device free from virus. According to survey, outdated/older versions of windows operating system are an easy target.
3. Third party installation:Try to avoid freeware download websites as they usually install bundled of software with any installer or stub file.
4. Regular Back up: Regular and periodical backup helps you to keep your data safe in case the system is infected by any kind of virus or any other infection. Thus always backup important files regularly on a cloud drive or an external hard drive.
5. Always have an Anti-Virus: Precaution is better than cure. We recommend that you install an antivirus like McAfee or a good Malware Removal Tool like Free Malware RemovalTool. Apart from this we would suggest a regular updating of these software to detect and avoid latest infections.
6. Install a powerful ad-blocker for Chrome, Mozilla and IE.