Fixing Browser And Search Engine Redirection/hijacking Problems

Discussion in 'Malware Help - MG (A Specialist Will Reply)' started by chaslang, Jan 2, 2011.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. chaslang

    chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

    There are quite a few different infections that can cause search engine redirections. We will try to cover several of the most frequent cases in this procedure.

    Note Vista and Windows 7/8 users:
    • All tools mentioned below should be run directly by accessing the executable file. That is do not use links/shortcuts to them.
    • Also when you run then, run with Admin Rights (Right click, choose "Run as Administrator")

    Step 1 - First let's just do some general house cleaning before the specialized fixes


    Now let's flush the Java Cache
    • Click Start > Control Panel
    • Double click the Java icon (be patient, it may take a while to open)
    • Now click the General tab and under the Temporary Internet File area
    • Click the Settings button and then click the Delete Files... button.
    • In the next popup click OK.
    If you have multiple Java plugin icons in Control Panel follow the above to clear all their caches.

    Now let's flush the FireFox Cache - skip if you do not have Firefox
    • Click the menu button [​IMG] and choose Options.
    • Select the Advanced panel.
    • Click on the Network tab.
    • In the Cached Web Content section, click Clear Now.
    Now let's flush the Google Chrome Cache - skip if you do not have Chrome
    • In Chrome, click the Customize and control Google Chrome button [​IMG] to the top right of the Chrome window.
    • select More tools > Clear browsing data
    • In the dialog that appears, select the checkboxes for the types of information that you want to remove but I suggest leaving the default settings.
    • Use the menu at the top to select the amount of data that you want to delete. Use the pulldown button by Obliterate the following... Select beginning of time to delete everything or see the various time options to allow you to delete in different increments.​
    • Then at the bottom Clear browsing data... click the button.
    Now let's flush the Internet Explorer version 7/8 Cache
    • In Internet Explorer, click Tools
    • Internet Options
    • Now on the General tab and click Delete Files and select Delete all Offline content too
    • You should get a confirmation at the bottom of the IE window when it finishes
    • Just click the X on the right to close.
    Now let's flush the Internet Explorer version 8/9/10 Cache
    • In Internet Explorer, click Tools
    • Select Delete browsing history
    • Leaving the default items selected on the Delete Browsing History form that pops up
    • Click the Delete button
    • Click OK.
    • When it finishes Click OK.
    Now let's flush the DNS cache
    • Click Start > Run and type in cmd
    • Click OK.
    • This will open a command prompt.
    • Type or copy and paste the following line in the command window:
      ipconfig /flushdns
    • Hit Enter
    • Exit the command window
    Did the general house cleaning solve your problems? If not, continue on with the next sections.

    Step 2 - DNS Poisoning/Hijacking

    These types of infection have been known to infect router hardware. If you have a router ( the router could also be part of your cable or DSL modem ) hooked up then you need to follow the instructions for your hardware and reset it to factory default settings. Normally there is a recessed push button type switch that needs to be held down for some number of seconds to do this. After resetting to factory defaults on your router, you will need to reconfigure the router for your network if you have made any changes to the default network setup.

    After doing the above power down your DSL or Cable modem and also your router. Wait a minute and then power them back up.

    Now check to see if your problem has been resolved. If not, continue on with the next sections.

    Step3 - Run a general purpose junk cleanup tool as instructed below

    Please download Junkware Removal Tool to your desktop.
    • Shut down your protection software now to avoid potential conflicts.
    • Run the tool by double-clicking it. If you are using Windows Vista or Seven, right-mouse click it and select Run as Administrator.
    • The tool will open and start scanning your system.
    • Note: That JRT may reset your home page to a google default so you will need to restore your home page setting if this happens.
    • Please be patient as this can take a while to complete depending on your system's specifications.
    • On completion, a log (JRT.txt) is saved to your desktop and will automatically open.
    • Attach JRT.txt to a post in the Malware Forum if you still have problems later so that we know you ran this already.
    (See: HOW TO: Attach Items To Your Post )

    Now check to see if your problem has been resolved. If not, continue on with the next sections.

    Step 4 - All Browsers Have Redirection Problems
    NOTE: If you have a problem running TDSSkiller, then run the below tool from Symantec
    • Download fixTDSS and save it to your Desktop
    • The double click it to run the program. (If you use vista or Win 7 right click and select Run as Administrator)
    • Follow the prompts and Ok any security prompts
    • When it has finished, it will either say the infection was cleared or no infection was found. Tell us what it said.
    Now check to see if your problem has been resolved. If not, continue on with the next section.

    Step 5 - Do still have redirection problems?

    If you still have problems with redirection after trying all of the above, move on to the below link instructions for running our full cleaning procedure and post your logs in the Malware Forum when finished.

    READ & RUN ME FIRST. Malware Removal Guide

    Make sure that you attach all of the requested logs to avoid any delay in getting help.
     
    Last edited: Mar 29, 2015
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.

MajorGeeks.Com Menu

Downloads All In One Tweaks \ Android \ Anti-Malware \ Anti-Virus \ Appearance \ Backup \ Browsers \ CD\DVD\Blu-Ray \ Covert Ops \ Drive Utilities \ Drivers \ Graphics \ Internet Tools \ Multimedia \ Networking \ Office Tools \ PC Games \ System Tools \ Mac/Apple/Ipad Downloads

Other News: Top Downloads \ News (Tech) \ Off Base (Other Websites News) \ Way Off Base (Offbeat Stories and Pics)

Social: Facebook \ YouTube \ Twitter \ Tumblr \ Pintrest \ RSS Feeds