This article will aid you to remove HappySearch.org totally. Follow the browser hijacker removal instructions at the bottom of this article.
HappySearch.org is a web domain for a browser hijacker redirect that goes by the same name as its URL – “Happy Search”. The hijacker might redirect you to unknown websites and might show you sponsored advertisements and targeted content whenever you use the HappySearch service. This hijacker can modify the homepage, the new tab, plus your current search engine for all browser programs that you use.
Threat Summary
| Name | HappySearch.org |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | Every browser program located on your computer device might get affected. The hijacker will redirect you and display numerous advertisements in its search results. |
| Symptoms | Browser settings which could be altered are the homepage, default search engine and the new tab page. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss HappySearch.org. |
HappySearch.org – Distribution Ways
The HappySearch.org hijacker could be distributed using various ways. One of them is via third-party installations. The installer setups might be inside bundled applications and freeware which could be designed to install more components by default. That might happen without you knowing. You could have tried installing a converter app or other free software and got your browser settings altered by the hijacker. Preventing undesired programs like these from installing on your computer is doable if you find Custom or Advanced settings in the setup.
HappySearch.org could be distributed with other ways, as well. These ways typically involve a browser extension or an add-on that installs on your browser applications. Other distribution methods use advertisements, like banners, pop-ups, pop-unders, and redirect links. Targeted content, as well as sponsored advertising on suspicious websites might also distribute the hijacker. Those websites could be partnered up or affiliated with HappySearch.org in a way. The following browsers can be affected: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari.
HappySearch.org – Detailed Analysis
HappySearch.org is the Web domain for a browser hijacker that is named after it and that is precisely, “HappySearch”. You will get redirected and witness sponsored advertisement from its search results and links which can be found on the pages of the related website. The main page is displayed below in the following snapshot:
HappySearch.org is a service of a browser hijacker that will redirect you and could display lots of advertisements when you are using it. The search results will load in a redirect, which uses its own search engine. Each search inquiry that you make will send information to servers that are associated with the hijacker in question. The page that is shown in the above screenshot replaces the homepage, new tab and the default search engine for almost every browser that you have installed on your computer. Extensions, including browser add-ons which are connected to the unwanted application could be found around the Internet, having similar browser hijacking capabilities as the redirect.
Various types of redirect links to external websites could show up, which can send you to another domain address than the one that you see being advertised. Be careful around any links that seem suspicious and about what you click on or what sites you visit when browsing with the HappySearch services.
The image that is displayed under this paragraph shows an example of a search query, made with the HappySearch.org search engine. All results made through it, show a lot of different websites. This hijacker might open more than one webpage once you access a link from it. Moreover, it will filter every search query that you make, so take note of that. Thus, everything that you provide as information will be sent to the servers associated with the browser hijacker and its developers.
The website can display numerous advertisements, as seen above, plus many more across webpages you visit and redirects which can fill your computer machine with browser cookies that can track you. Additional tracking technologies could be implemented, too. Refrain from clicking on links and advertisements, as they could gather even more information about you, as well.
HappySearch.org – Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy of the HappySearch.org site is located in the footer of the main Web address of the website. The policy provides enough insight about the data collection done by the browser hijacker. Keep on reading and see what data exactly could be collected from you when you are using the services of HappySearch.org.
You can view the Privacy Policy from the picture down here:
All information provided in the list below will get acquired from you, according to the Policy.
- Your IP address
- Your E-mail address
- Browser type
- Internet Service Provider (ISP)
- Webpages that you visit
- Any information you provide, including such data regarding registration
To add to the information that is stated to be collected above, browser cookies are also dropped by the website and the service of HappySearch will collect more information about you and your online habits.
In conclusion, you should be careful with what information you share and give out to search engines or websites, such as those. Also, in case you do not like any personal information to be collected from you by this browser hijacker, you should consider removing it as soon as possible.
Remove HappySearch.org Completely
To remove HappySearch.org 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 HappySearch.org from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for HappySearch.org with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall HappySearch.org 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 HappySearch.org 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 HappySearch.org 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 HappySearch.org (Windows).
Get rid of HappySearch.org from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall HappySearch.org 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 HappySearch.org. 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 HappySearch.org 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 HappySearch.org files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as HappySearch.org, 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 HappySearch.org (Mac)
Remove HappySearch.org 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 HappySearch.org 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 HappySearch.org 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 HappySearch.org 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 HappySearch.org will be removed.
Eliminate HappySearch.org 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".
HappySearch.org-FAQ
What Is HappySearch.org?
The HappySearch.org 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 HappySearch.org?
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 HappySearch.org?
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 HappySearch.org Work?
Once installed, HappySearch.org 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.
HappySearch.org 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 HappySearch.org 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 HappySearch.org Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this HappySearch.org 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 HappySearch.org?
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 HappySearch.org threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.