Houmpage(.)com Browser Hijacker Complete Removal

by Berta Bilbao | July 27, 2016 | 0 Comments ad-supported application, browser extension, browser hijacker, redirects

Threat Summary Houmpage(.)com – Delivery Methods Houmpage(.)com – In Detail Houmpage(.)com – Privacy Policy Remove Houmpage(.)com Completely from Your PC

Houmpage(.)com serves as a home page with a search bar and is a domain for a browser hijacker. The hijacker redirects you and in the end shows you a Yahoo search results page. Before that, all of your search queries go through another hijacker – SafeFinder. Houmpage(.)com changes your browsers’ homepage, new tab and the search engine in use. It is not excluded for a browser extension to be set, too. Advertisements or targeted content can display upon browsing.

To remove the hijacker and its files, you should read the article through.

Threat Summary

Name	Houmpage(.)com
Type	Browser Hijacker, PUP
Short Description	All browsers on your computer can be affected. The hijacker can redirect you and filter your searches.
Symptoms	Browser settings which can be changed are the homepage, search engine and new tab, as well as browser extensions. You can see third party content and advertisements.
Distribution Method	Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages
Detection Tool	See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join Our Forum to Discuss Houmpage(.)com.

Houmpage(.)com – Delivery Methods

Houmpage(.)com uses classic delivery methods. Mainly that happens via third-party installations. Bundled programs, along with freeware, can inject the hijacker on your computer. Freeware setups can have additive components set for a default installation. Different settings can be modified until you notice that the unwanted application is present on your computer. To avoid unneeded installations is manageable if you find a Custom or an Advanced options menu in the setup for content deselection.

Houmpage(.)com can use other methods to deliver its supposed search engine. One method is through advertisements on websites, like banners, pop-ups or additional advertising content. The hijacker might also be delivered with the help of dubious websites which are hosting redirects. These websites could be partnered or affiliated with Houmpage(.)com. The following browsers could be affected: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer/Edge, Safari and Mozilla Firefox.

Houmpage(.)com – In Detail

Houmpage(.)com is the primary online address and search engine for the browser hijacker of the same name. You can view how the website looks like in the screenshot below:

The Houmpage(.)com web address consists of a search bar, and multiple buttons, which can redirect you to famous sites or in some cases modified links of them. That exact page replaces the search engine of all your browsers, plus the new tab setting, and the home page. Browser preferences could be modified as well, or some extension might be set.

If an application related to Houmpage(.)com enters your computer, like a browser extension, for instance, then you will see further modifications made to your browsers. Applications like these might install on your computer with the aid of bundled software. Extensions, plugins, and add-ons could generate advertisements, and display more third-party content or redirect you upon browsing. Redirects could send you to online pages with a low reputation. The pages could be affiliated or partnered with Houmpage(.)com.

In the picture above, you can view the search results of Houmpage(.)com. It becomes apparent when you look at the picture that you are redirected to the search results page of Yahoo. A possibility exists that you can get redirects to other reputable search engines as well. That is an old trick used by browser hijackers, which is applied to make you trust them. But if you take a closer look, you can see how before going to the search results the searches go through the following redirect:

In this way, Houmpage(.)com acquires information about you and browsing habits using your search queries and the servers of the Safe Finder browser hijacker.

The search engines are tied in some way and possible affiliates. All of the gathered information from your search queries can be disclosed to them. You should be careful with what you input in those search engine sites, especially when doing a search for personal things. Do not click on any of the buttons on Houmpage(.)com, because the redirects may also be set to gather information and credentials. Read on, to see what data can be gathered from you by this hijacker.

Houmpage(.)com – Privacy Policy

The Privacy Policy of the Houmpage(.)com is nowhere to be found, but is probably the same as that of the Safe Finder website. The redirects from the new tab, home page and the search filter of Houmpage(.)com always go through Safe Finder. The policy is transparent – the site collects personally and non-personally identifying information. If you read it, you will see that all information, which is collected can be shared with third-parties in specific circumstances.

You can view the Privacy Policy down here:

According to the policy, the information which is gathered by that hijacker is the following:

Browser (its type and language)
Operating System (its type and language)
Your name and address
Geo location and IP address
Date and time of access
Your time zone
Advertisements viewed
Offers and services that interest you
Default search
VPN and Proxy services
Internet Service Provider (ISP)
Interaction with social networks
Screen Resolution
Search quires and browsing history
Pages browsed and content viewed

Using any services of Houmpage(.)com or those of Safe Finder as well, including all toolbars and applications connected to them will automatically give your consent for your information to be collected. In the policy, it is written that cookies, web beacons, pixel tags or similar technologies are used in the process of obtaining data.

Remove Houmpage(.)com Completely from Your PC

To remove Houmpage(.)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 and all of 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.

Berta Bilbao

Berta is a dedicated malware researcher, dreaming for a more secure cyber space. Her fascination with IT security began a few years ago when a malware locked her out of her own computer.

Guide 1: How to Remove Houmpage(.)com from Windows.
Guide 2: Get rid of Houmpage(.)com on Mac OS X.
Guide 3: Remove Houmpage(.)com in Google Chrome.

Guide 4: Erase Houmpage(.)com from Mozilla Firefox.
Guide 5: Uninstall Houmpage(.)com from Microsoft Edge.
Guide 6: Remove Houmpage(.)com from Safari.
Guide 7: Eliminate Houmpage(.)com from Internet Explorer.
Guide 8: Disable Houmpage(.)com Push Notifications in Your Browsers.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

How to Remove Houmpage(.)com from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Houmpage(.)com

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

1. Hold Windows key() + R

2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".

Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.

4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.

5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

Step 2: Uninstall Houmpage(.)com and related software from Windows

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:

1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"

Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.

Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Houmpage(.)com on your computer.

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 Houmpage(.)com there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.

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.

IMPORTANT!
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.

Step 4: Scan for Houmpage(.)com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.

2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Get rid of Houmpage(.)com from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall Houmpage(.)com and remove related files and objects

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy

1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:

2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to Houmpage(.)com:

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.

5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to Houmpage(.)com. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

6: Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. 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 Houmpage(.)com. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.

7: Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:

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 Houmpage(.)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:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:

2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:

3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as Houmpage(.)com. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.

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 Houmpage(.)com files from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Houmpage(.)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.

Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for Houmpage(.)com:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Remove Houmpage(.)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.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Erase Houmpage(.)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.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Uninstall Houmpage(.)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.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Remove Houmpage(.)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 Houmpage(.)com will be removed.

How to Reset Safari
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Safari make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.

Start Safari and then click on the gear leaver icon.

Click the Reset Safari button and you will reset the browser.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Eliminate Houmpage(.)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.