What is Proto-search.com ?
Proto-search.com is yet another web page that appears to be search engine as it has a search box right at the center of the homepage. However when any keyword is entered, the search results are fetched by Yahoo. Although Yahoo is a legit search engine but Proto-search.com is not. This can be considered as a hijacking behavior as it promotes and reroutes browser to other websites and webpages. So it is nothing more than an ad-supported application. What’s more, the experts always suggest removing or not installing any browser plug-in which users are not sure about. It works like an ad-supported program. It is certainly promoted that way. After thorough research, this post is written to help you with its removal. The main reason why Proto-search.com acts this way is for the sake that it want to convert pay per click and wants to get money from computer users. The very functioning of Proto-search.com is like any redirect virus that soon takes over full control of the browser as soon as it is installed on the system. No matter whichever and whatever browser is set by default, it hardly matters as Proto-search.com starts forced redirection issues.
Threat Analysis
| Name: Proto-search.com | |
| Type: Browser Hijacker, Search Engine Service provider | |
| Targets : All web browsers such as Chrome, Mozilla, IE, Safari | |
| Symptoms: Changes homepage, search engine, New tab page URL | |
| Distribution: by fake installers, fake flash player updates, installing suspicious programs and undesired applications | |
| Removal: Follow Proto-search.com Removal Guide |
This infection relies on similar program as Zapmeta.com, which is often used as the basis for developing malicious adware. In fact, Internet users without much experience usually do not even realize that it is there, since it does not add extensions to the browsers. Like other applications as Qikc.xyz , Deretopas.biz, Proto-search.com is often installed alongside a handful of undesirable programs, some of which may function as ad-supported software . To make sure, you should definitely check the security status of the Windows PC and any other devices which is in used, and even more so if you have ever clicked on Proto-search.com. Also, some sponsored links will rank at the top of search results.
How Proto-search.com Enters Chrome/Mozilla/Edge/IE/Safari Browsers ?
When you realize that advertisements are unrelated to your interests, it doesn’t mean they aren’t monitoring you. However, this program is free and is widely promoted as freeware in some way or the other. Therefore, do not think longer to uninstall and remove Proto-search.com else you could end up with your browser full of malicious applications without even realizing it. Of course, you could remove unrelated adware, potentially unwanted programs, and malware. you must select the advanced installation option, especially when you install free programs such as freeware and shareware. It is designed and created in such a way as to confuse average users who do not have much idea of the tricks and gimmicks that are used in the cyber world.
How to Remove Proto-search.com ?
it is advised to remove Proto-search.com as it goes to the extent of making and modifying all the settings of your browser. So if you do not want to let it hijack your browser or display 3rd party ads, better remove Proto-search.com. You can follow the removal guide in the same manner using the steps given below. We have included both manual and Automatic removal process. Although manual steps require some computing skills and is time taking. If you lack skills and time, you have the option to scan your PC with the help of Legit Antivirus recommended in this post.
Best Offer (For Windows)
Proto-search.com can be a creepy PC threat that may keep on running in the background by hiding its files on computers. For complete and hassle-free removal of this malware, we suggest users try the Spyhunter antimalware scanner to check if the program can help you get rid of this virus.
Kindly Note *Free Remover allows you, subject to a 48-hour waiting period, one remediation and removal for results found. Spyhunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy, and more details about Free Remover
Best Offer (For Macintosh) If you are a Mac user and Proto-search.com has affected it, then you can download a free antimalware scanner for Mac here to check if the program works for you.
Details of Antimalware with User’s Guide
Important Note: This virus seeks users to enable web browser notifications. So, before opting for the manual removal process, execute these steps.
For Google Chrome (PC)
- Users need to Go to the right upper corner of the screen and find three dots and click there open the Menu button
- Now in order to select “Settings”. users need to Scroll the mouse downward to choose as “Advanced” option.
- Then Go to the “Privacy and Security” section by scrolling downward. Once done you need to select “Content settings” and then the “Notification” option
- Now Find all suspicious URLs and select and click on three dots on the right side
- Now all you have to do is to choose the “Block” or “Remove” option
Google Chrome (Android)
- Firstly users should Go to the right upper corner of the screen
- Then click on three dots in order to open the menu button and again click on “Settings”
- Now scroll down further to click on “site settings” and thereafter press on the “notifications” option
- This would open a new window, now you need to choose each suspicious URLs one by one
- under the permission section, users need to select “notification” and “Off” the toggle button.
From Mozilla Firefox
- At the right corner of the screen, users can find three dots which is the “Menu” button
- Now you need to select “Options” and choose “Privacy and Security” for the toolbar which is present on the left side of the screen
- Now you need to Slowly scroll down and go to the “Permission” section then select the “Settings” option which is just next to the “Notifications”
- This will open a new window, So now select all the suspicious URLs. Finally, Click on the drop-down menu and select the “Block” option
From Internet Explorer
- Open and select the Internet Explorer window, then you need to select the Gear button which is present at the right corner
- Then Choose “Internet Options”
- users need to Select the “Privacy” tab and then click on “Settings” under the “Pop-up Blocker” section
- Finally, you need to select all the suspicious URLs and click on the “Remove” option one by one.
In Microsoft Edge
- First of all Open the Microsoft Edge browser on Windows PC. Then click on the three dots which can be found on the right corner of the screen to open the menu option
- Now Scroll down to select “Settings”
- Then further Scroll down to select “View advanced settings”
- Under the option of “Website Permission”, users should click on the “Manage” options.
- Now Click on switch under for each and every suspicious URL.
For Safari (Mac)
- Click on “Safari” On the upper right side corner, select “Preferences”
- Now Go to the “website” tab and then you need to choose the “Notification” section which is on the left pane
- Then Search for all the suspicious URLs and finally choose the “Deny” option one by one.
Complete Manual Steps to Remove Proto-search.com
For Windows 7 Users
The first step is to click on the “Start” button ( windows logo at the bottom left corner of the screen), Now select “Control Panel”. Then Locate the “Programs” and finally click on the “Uninstall Program” option.
Windows XP Users
Firstly Click on “Start” and then select “Settings”.
Now click on “Control Panel”.
Finally, Search and click on the “Add or Remove Program” option.
Windows 10 and 8 Users
Firstly right-click on the lower-left corner of the screen. Under the “Quick Access” menu, you need to choose “Control Panel”. This would open a new window, select “Program and Features” to find any suspicious program, and remove them.
For Mac OSX Users
users need to click on the “Finder” option. Then select “Application” on the new screen which gets opened. Now select the “Application” folder and drag the app to “Trash”. Finally right-click on the Trash icon and select to click on the “Empty Trash” option.
under uninstall programs window, look for any potentially unwanted application. Once found select all the unwanted and suspicious entries. Then finally click on “Uninstall” or “Remove”.
Once all the PUA and adware such as Proto-search.com is uninstalled, it is advised to scan your computer with an anti-malware tool for any remaining PUPs and PUAs which might be hidden. It is recommended to use an anti-malware tool to scan a PC.
Best Offer (For Windows)
Proto-search.com can be a creepy PC threat that may keep on running in the background by hiding its files on computers. For complete and hassle-free removal of this malware, we suggest users try the Spyhunter antimalware scanner to check if the program can help you get rid of this virus.
Kindly Note *Free Remover allows you, subject to a 48-hour waiting period, one remediation and removal for results found. Spyhunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy, and more details about Free Remover
Best Offer (For Macintosh) If you are a Mac user and Proto-search.com has affected it, then you can download a free antimalware scanner for Mac here to check if the program works for you.
How to Remove Proto-search.com from Internet Browsers
Steps to Delete malicious add-ons and extensions from Internet Explorer
You need to Click on the gear icon which is at the top right corner of Internet Explorer. Now Select “Manage Add-ons”. Search and check for any recently installed plug-ins or add-ons and then click on “Remove” option.
Additional Option
If you are still experiencing issues related to Proto-search.com removal, then you can reset the Internet Explorer to its default setting.
Windows XP users: First of all Press on “Start” and then click “Run”. In the newly opened window, you need to type “inetcpl.cpl” and then click on the “Advanced” tab and now press on “Reset”.
Windows Vista and Windows 7 Users: Press the Windows logo, you need to type ‘inetcpl.cpl’ in the start search box and press enter. This will open a new window, here click on the “Advanced Tab” followed by “Reset” button.
For Windows 8 Users: Double click to Open IE and then click on the “gear” icon. Select and Choose “Internet Options”
“Advanced” tab is to be selected in the new window
now Press and click “Reset” option
“Reset” button is to be presses again to confirm that you really want to reset the IE
How to Remove suspicious and unwanted Extension from Google Chrome
Under menu option of Google Chrome, press on three vertical dots and then select on “More tools” and then “Extensions”. Users need to search for all the recently installed add-ons and remove all of them.
Optional Method
If Proto-search.com still persists or in case if users experience any issue in removing it, then opt to reset the Google Chrome browse settings. Go to three dot points which is at the top right corner and then choose “Settings”. you need to Scroll down bottom and click on “Advanced”.
You can notice the “Reset” option is there at the bottom. Now click on it.
Within then next opened window, one needs to confirm to reset the Google Chrome settings by clicking on the “Reset” button.
Remove Proto-search.com plugins (including all other suspicious plug-ins) from Firefox Mozilla
First of all Open the Firefox browser, under menu you need to select “Add-ons”. Click “Extensions”. Now Select all the recently installed browser plug-ins.
Optional Method
If you experience problems in Proto-search.com removal then reset the settings option in Mozilla Firefox. For this users need to Open the browser (FF) and now click on the “menu” and then click on “Help“.
Now Choose “Troubleshooting Information”
In the newly opened pop-up window, click “Refresh Firefox” button
Now confirm and reset the Mozilla Firefox to its default settings by clicking on “Refresh Firefox” button.
How To Remove Malicious Extension from Safari
In order to accomplish this task, Open Safari browser and then go to its “Menu” and select “Preferences”.
Now Click on the “Extension” and check all the recently installed “Extensions” and then click on “Uninstall” on the selected extension.
Optional Method
Users need to Open the “Safari” and go to menu. Under the drop-down menu, select “Clear History and Website Data”.
within new opened window, you need to select “All History” option and then press on “Clear History” to Delete it.
Delete Proto-search.com add-ons from Microsoft Edge Browser
First of all Open Microsoft Edge and go to three horizontal dot icons at the top right corner of the browser. Select all installed extensions and right click on the mouse to “uninstall”.
Optional Method
Open Microsoft Edge Browser and select “Settings”
Next steps is to click on “Choose what to clear” button
Now select on “show more” and select all and then click on “Clear” button.
Conclusion
Mostly, Potentially Unwanted Program and adware get inside the marked PC through unsafe freeware downloads. It is advised that you should only select a legit website only while downloading any kind of free application. Now select custom or advanced installation process so that you can trace the additional PUPs listed for installation along with the main program.
Best Offer (For Windows)
Proto-search.com can be a creepy PC threat that may keep on running in the background by hiding its files on computers. For complete and hassle-free removal of this malware, we suggest users try the Spyhunter antimalware scanner to check if the program can help you get rid of this virus.
Kindly Note *Free Remover allows you, subject to a 48-hour waiting period, one remediation and removal for results found. Spyhunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy, and more details about Free Remover
Best Offer (For Macintosh) If you are a Mac user and Proto-search.com has affected it, then you can download a free antimalware scanner for Mac here to check if the program works for you.
