ChromeStart2(.)ru is a search engine of a browser hijacker. The hijacker can display targeted content and advertisements on the results page when you use its search. ChromeStart2(.)ru will modify the default homepage, the new tab setting and the search engine of almost all browsers you own. To remove the hijacker and all of its files, you should read the article until its end.
Threat Summary
| Name | ChromeStart2(.)ru |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | Every browser on your computer could be affected. The hijacker might redirect you and filter all of your searches. |
| Symptoms | Browser settings which can be modified are the homepage, search engine and new tab. You can see sponsored content and advertisements. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundle Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss ChromeStart2(.)ru. |
ChromeStart2(.)ru – Distribution Ways
ChromeStart2(.)ru has several distribution ways. The main way is via third party installations. You might have the hijacker on your computer, because of freeware or software bundle setups installed it. Such setups can have additive components set to be installed, by default. The hijacker can change lots of settings in your browsers before you realize. Preventing that from happening is doable if you find a Custom or an Advanced options menu, from where to deselect all unwanted components.
ChromeStart2(.)ru might use other was for its distribution. One of those is through advertisements, like banners, pop-ups or pop-unders, being displayed on suspicious websites. The hijacker could also distribute with the aid of redirects which are hosted on similar sites. Owners of such websites might be in an affiliate program or partnered up with those of ChromeStart2(.)ru. The following browsers could be affected: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari and Mozilla Firefox.
ChromeStart2(.)ru – In Depth
ChromeStart2(.)ru is the search engine and official page of a browser hijacker. You can see a preview of how that online page looks like in the picture down here:
The ChromeStart2(.)ru page is composed of just a logo, a simple search bar, and a filed for advertisements. Nothing on the page indicates a link to a Privacy Policy or End User License Agreement. That page will replace the current settings or your browsers, such as their search engines, new tab setting, and home pages, when the browser hijacker is active on your PC. The unwanted application can change different browser preferences, as well.
If any software related to ChromeStart2(.)ru is inside your computer machine or browser applications, you will come to see all of the above-mentioned changes happen. Extensions, plugins, and add-ons, plus any software which has similar hijacking capability can generate advertisements and redirect you when you are surfing the Web. You can land on various websites with targeted content, which third parties host there. These third parties might be in a partnership with ChromeStart2(.)ru.
The photo above shows what will happen if you initiate a search in ChromeStart2(.)ru and how the search results look. You are redirected to a Google Custom Search, and lots of advertisements will cover almost the entire page. This tactic is common among browser hijacker programs, which use it intending to trick people into having trust in them.
Everything you type in the search bar is information that the hijacker can collect and send to a server of the ChromeStart2(.)ru developers. Cookies and related technologies are in play here and probably gather all kinds of data about you and your browsing. Be careful with the information you provide from search queries, specifically, if it is on a personal level. Read further into this article, to find out what kind of data can be acquired by the ChromeStart2(.)ru service.
The Privacy Policy of ChromeStart2(.)ru might not exist or is hidden from the public eye. That causes an issue, as it’s not made known what information can be collected from you when using any related sites and services, as well as to whom that information is being disclosed.
The site uses cookies, some of which can be stored on your computer and with those cookies, some information is gathered from you. Some of that information may be personally identifying. You can see all cookies right here:
There are cookies for Google services as well, and that is inevitable as Google’s Custom Search is used and Google also collects information from search queries. Be careful what information you enter.
Using the ChromeStart2(.)ru website or any related service or application can be automatically considered as your permission for the collection of your information. Third parties may receive some of the information, which is collected or all of it. The advertising content you see from the search results might gather additional technical data about your interaction with advertisements and redirect you to said third parties’ sites.
Remove ChromeStart2(.)ru Completely from Your PC
To remove ChromeStart2(.)ru manually from your computer, follow the step-by-step removal instructions provided below. In case the manual removal does not get rid of this browser hijacker and its files completely, you should search for and remove any leftovers with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such software can keep your computer secure in the future.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove ChromeStart2(.)ru from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for ChromeStart2(.)ru with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall ChromeStart2(.)ru and related software from Windows
Uninstall Steps for Windows 11
Uninstall Steps for Windows 10 and Older Versions
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by ChromeStart2(.)ru on Your PC.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by ChromeStart2(.)ru there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Video Removal Guide for ChromeStart2(.)ru (Windows).
Get rid of ChromeStart2(.)ru from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall ChromeStart2(.)ru and remove related files and objects
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to ChromeStart2(.)ru. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove ChromeStart2(.)ru via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Scan for and remove ChromeStart2(.)ru files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as ChromeStart2(.)ru, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Video Removal Guide for ChromeStart2(.)ru (Mac)
Remove ChromeStart2(.)ru from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Erase ChromeStart2(.)ru from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window:
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Uninstall ChromeStart2(.)ru from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Remove ChromeStart2(.)ru from Safari
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the ChromeStart2(.)ru will be removed.
Eliminate ChromeStart2(.)ru from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
Remove Push Notifications from Your Browsers
Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome
To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.
Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:
Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:
Step 4: Open “Notifications”:
Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:
Remove Push Notifications on Firefox
Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":
Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”
Stop Push Notifications on Opera
Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.
Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.
Step 3: Open Notifications:
Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):
Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.
Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".
ChromeStart2(.)ru-FAQ
What Is ChromeStart2(.)ru?
The ChromeStart2(.)ru threat is adware or browser redirect virus.
It may slow your computer down significantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.
What Are the Symptoms of ChromeStart2(.)ru?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and have poor performance in general.
Symptom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts recommend that you check your computer for viruses.
What Types of Unwanted Programs Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your device can be rogue antivirus software, adware, browser hijackers, clickers, fake optimizers and any forms of PUPs.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like ChromeStart2(.)ru?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your email passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activities with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these recommendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
How Does ChromeStart2(.)ru Work?
Once installed, ChromeStart2(.)ru can collect data using trackers. This data is about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. It is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
ChromeStart2(.)ru can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information and show risky ads, that may redirect to virus sites or scams.
Is ChromeStart2(.)ru Malware?
The truth is that PUPs (adware, browser hijackers) are not viruses, but may be just as dangerous since they may show you and redirect you to malware websites and scam pages.
Many security experts classify potentially unwanted programs as malware. This is because of the unwanted effects that PUPs can cause, such as displaying intrusive ads and collecting user data without the user’s knowledge or consent.
About the ChromeStart2(.)ru Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this ChromeStart2(.)ru how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.
How did we conduct the research on ChromeStart2(.)ru?
Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the ChromeStart2(.)ru threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.