Fullsearching.com is a redirect, with browser hijacking capabilities. The redirect can modify browser settings such as the homepage, search engine, and new tab window. When doing a search, the web page redirect will filter the search, and any information from it will be sent to servers tied to the hijacker. From the search page you can end up on different search engines, which are legitimate, but mostly – Google Search. To remove the browser hijacker and its files, you should read the full article.
Threat Summary
Name | Fullsearching.com |
Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
Short Description | Browser applications on your computer could get affected. The hijacker can redirect you to Google Search or other legitimate search engines. |
Symptoms | The homepage, search engine and new tab window of your browsers will be changed. You will be redirected from the search results, if you do a search, access a search bar or load a new tab. |
Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Fullsearching.com. |
Fullsearching.com – Methods of Delivery
Various methods exist for the delivery of the Fullsearching.com redirect. The most popular of those methods involves third-party installations of freeware and applications that come bundled. Usually, such applications are media players, torrent clients or editing tools. Installer setups might put additive features on your computer, by default. Unknowingly, you could have installed such a feature, resulting in the hijacker altering browser settings. To prevent setups from installing unwanted content can be done if you find a Custom or an Advanced options menu, from where to deselect components.
Some delivery methods include a browser add-on, extension or plug-in, being placed inside your browser applications. Banners, pop-ups, pop-unders or another popular advert type, hosted around websites can be used as a successful delivery method. The hijacker can be using redirect links for its delivery and scatter them across various other websites. Those websites could be affiliated or partnered with Fullsearching.com. The following browsers could be affected: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari and Mozilla Firefox.
Fullsearching.com – More About It
Fullsearching.com is the primary domain for a browser redirect that goes by the same name – Fullsearching. The redirect has browser hijacking capabilities and will replace the default homepage, new tab window setting and the search engine for all of your browser applications.
See how the page looks like from the screenshot below:
The Fullsearching.com page consists of a fully white background, a search bar and a few links in the footer and header of the page. The hosted links in the header switch between types of content for search, like media, images, etc. The ones in the footer redirect to contact details, the Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.
In the screenshot below the paragraph, you can view the search results page of Fullsearching.com. As evident from the picture, you see that you get redirected to the Google Search results page. The hijacker uses that trick to try to convince you that it is legitimate and connected to Google’s services. That is not true, and you shouldn’t use the search page, as every bit of information you give out will be sent to a server owned by the web page creators.
All search queries you make will get filtered by the Fullsearching.com fake search engine. Not only the searches, but any interaction with the search bar, advertisements, and sponsored content are going to be acquired and stored by the website developers. Be wary if you use the browser redirect to do a search and consider removing it.
Do not provide any information to such search pages. Account credentials, banking data, and personal information are all going to be gathered from you. In-text and more redirect links could be spread when you browse the Internet. Cookies and other tracking technologies are also used for the information gathering. Read further to see what information the Fullsearching.com website collects about you.
Fullsearching.com – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy of the Fullsearching.com website is rather short, since it can fit into one page as seen below. Although in this case, that is a good thing, because all important details about privacy invasion and information collection are included in it. Both personally and non-personally identifying information can be obtained. Browser cookies and tracking technologies such as Web beacons are used for acquiring parts of this data.
You can view the Privacy Policy in the screenshot here:
If you read the whole policy, you will find out that RAFO Technology (HK) Ltd. and Babylon Software are the developers of the browser hijacker program. Also, you will find out what is the collected information by the Fullsearching.com redirect:
- Your email address
- Internet protocol (IP) addresses
- Browser user agent
- Referring page
- Date/time stamp
- Cookies and web beacons
- Demographic information
- Real name
- Physical address
- Preferred language
- Your geographical location
The Fullsearching.com website will also gather any voluntarily provided information. Thus, you should refrain from giving any personal details about you or your browsing habits and remove the browser hijacker redirect as fast as you can.
Remove Fullsearching.com Fully
To remove Fullsearching.com manually from your computer, follow the step-by-step removal instructions provided below. In case the manual removal does not get rid of the hijacker redirect and its files completely, you should search for and remove any leftovers with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such a program can keep your computer safe in the future.
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Fullsearching.com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Fullsearching.com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Fullsearching.com 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:
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by Fullsearching.com 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 Fullsearching.com 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 Fullsearching.com (Windows).
Get rid of Fullsearching.com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Fullsearching.com 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 Fullsearching.com. 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 Fullsearching.com 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 Fullsearching.com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Fullsearching.com, 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 Fullsearching.com (Mac)
Remove Fullsearching.com 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 Fullsearching.com 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 Fullsearching.com 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 Fullsearching.com 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 Fullsearching.com will be removed.
Eliminate Fullsearching.com 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".
Fullsearching.com-FAQ
What Is Fullsearching.com?
The Fullsearching.com 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 Fullsearching.com?
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 Fullsearching.com?
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 Fullsearching.com Work?
Once installed, Fullsearching.com 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.
Fullsearching.com 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 Fullsearching.com 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 Fullsearching.com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Fullsearching.com 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 Fullsearching.com?
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 Fullsearching.com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.