Dozensearch(.)com is a natural browser hijacker. The unwanted software can make various modifications to browser settings like the home page, search engine, and new tab. You could get redirected. When you browse, you may see advertisements. An add-on or extension supporting the hijacker may also be present in your browsers. To remove this browser hijacker, you should read the whole article.
Threat Summary
| Name | Dozensearch(.)com |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | Your browsers can have the homepage, search engine and the new tab settings changed. |
| Symptoms | You will see changes made to your new tab, homepage and search settings. You can see ads and get redirected while browsing. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundle Packages |
| Detection Tool | See If Your System Has Been Affected by Dozensearch(.)com Download Malware Removal Tool |
| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Dozensearch(.)com. |
Dozensearch(.)com – Distribution Methods
Dozensearch can be distributed with third-party installation setups. The unwanted program can enter your computer without your awareness. That is because it can hide in freeware installations and bundled packages. These packs usually include additional components selected to be installed by default. To avoid installing unwanted apps is doable by checking for a Custom or an Advanced menu within the install setup.
The Dozensearch hijacker can distribute via adverts, like banners or pop-ups, and by visiting unknown sites that are suspicious. The websites are likely to be partnered up with the hijacker’s creators. Browsers that are affected: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, and Mozilla Firefox.
Dozensearch(.)com – A Closer Look
Dozensearch(.)com is the main address of the browser hijacker bearing the same name. If this hijacker is found inside your PC, a few basic browser settings are probably going to be changed. Settings that change every time the hijacker installs are the homepage and new tab. Modifications are made to the search engine of all browsers as well. A toolbar might be present in some instances. The search engine setting might differ from browser to browser or depend on your country.
An add-on could be set in your browser or an extension. They regularly come with bundled software installed on your computer. Such extensions could easily redirect you to the Dozensearch(.)com search page or other sites when you browse.
Searching with the Dozensearch(.)com present in your browser software might be slow, and the results will be sent to its server. Whatever you write in the search bar, new tab, and homepage will usually redirect the searches to one place. You could see sponsored content, misleading search results or advertising.
You can see from the picture shown above, that sometimes the search engine used is Google. That can be a tactic of the hijacker to let you think everything is still alright, but information about your searches will be sent to the hijacker owners instead of Google. You could get redirected to other search engines depending on your geo-location or the browser you use.
The Privacy Policy of Dozensearch(.)com is short and claims that no personal information is going to be collected. Alas, an IP address counts as personal information, and also if you give your name and email address in any way – that is going to be collected. All of that information can be shared with third-parties under some circumstances, such as if required by law.
Down below you can see what information may be collected, according to the policy. (Note that the Policy states that any information you provide will be gathered, and your name and email address will be collected in case you contact the owners of the hijacker or register with them somewhere).
- Search queries and data you type in searches
- IP address
- Your name
- Email address
- Other information you provide
You can see a snapshot preview of the Policy down here:
By using services provided by Dozensearch(.)com not excluding any related applications, you grant permission for your information collection by these apps and services. Cookies or other tracking technologies could be used to acquire data from you.
Remove Dozensearch(.)com Completely
To remove Dozensearch(.)com manually from your PC, follow the step-by-step removal instructions given below. In case the manual removal does not get rid of the browser hijacker and get your settings back, you should search for and remove any leftovers with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such a program helps keep your system secure in the future.
- Guide 1: How to Remove Dozensearch(.)com from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of Dozensearch(.)com from Mac OS X.
- Guide 3: Remove Dozensearch(.)com from Google Chrome.
- Guide 4: Erase Dozensearch(.)com from Mozilla Firefox.
- Guide 5: Uninstall Dozensearch(.)com from Microsoft Edge.
- Guide 6: Remove Dozensearch(.)com from Safari.
- Guide 7: Eliminate Dozensearch(.)com from Internet Explorer.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
How to Remove Dozensearch(.)com from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Dozensearch(.)com
Step 2: Uninstall Dozensearch(.)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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Dozensearch(.)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 Dozensearch(.)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.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.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Get rid of Dozensearch(.)com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Dozensearch(.)com and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- 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 Dozensearch(.)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 Dozensearch(.)com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Dozensearch(.)com, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. Combo Cleaner offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Remove Dozensearch(.)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
Erase Dozensearch(.)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
Uninstall Dozensearch(.)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
Remove Dozensearch(.)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 Dozensearch(.)com will be removed.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Eliminate Dozensearch(.)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.
