Follow a step-by-step guide to remove completely Moviesearchcenter.com browser hijacker from affected Chrome, Firefox, Explorer, Safari browsers and Windows system.
Moviesearchcenter.com browser hijacker lands on your system without your prior consent. It modifies essential browser settings like those of your homepage, new tab page and default search engine. That’s why you see its main page during your browsing sessions. The hijacker primarily aims to display many annoying advertisements in the affected browser as each your click generates revenue to its owners. The suspicious software is also able to acquire sensitive data you provide in the affected browser.
Threat Summary
| Name | Moviesearchcenter.com |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | The suspicious domain Moviesearchcenter.com can be set as homepage and new tab on each affected browser. A rogue search engine is set as default one. |
| Symptoms | The homepage and new tab browser page of affected browsers can display the main page of Moviesearchcenter.com hijacker. Many redirects and advertisements can occur during browsing sessions. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Moviesearchcenter.com. |
Moviesearchcenter.com – Spread Techniques
Moviesearchcenter.com redirect may land on the system after an unintended installation. For the purpose, the installers of various supposedly useful and mostly free apps may contain the code of the hijacker. Thus, during the installation of desired third-party software, you may unnoticeably install Moviesearchcenter.com on your system as well. Such unwanted components are not always disclosed properly so you may be unaware of their existence. Unfortunately, most of them get installed on the PC by default. So be advised to select the Advanced or Custom setup options where you can see whether the installer incorporates extra software or not and deselect all undesired apps.
Another technique used for the distribution of Moviesearchcenter.com is the so-called drive-by-download. It allows malicious intenders to inject the code of the hijacker into different web pages you may visit during browsing sessions. Each time a user visits one of the corrupted pages, it downloads the infection directly on the PC. The links to such pages may be part of malvertising campaigns, send via instant messaging services or post on social media channels.
The annoying Moviesearchcenter.com website can hijack your Chrome, Firefox, IExplorer, Edge or Safari web browsers.
Moviesearchcenter.com – More Details
Moviesearchcenter.com is a suspicious domain that hijacks commonly used browsers so it can force you to use its services. At first, the infected users especially the movie lovers may find the website attractive as three of the most popular websites that present the latest news about movies, TV shows and Hollywood celebrities are accessible at its top left corner.
In fact, Moviesearchcenter.com aims to push its hoax search engine that has the only function to track your search queries (you can read more about data collection in the next paragraph). Thus, when you enter a search query and click enter the hijacker opens a new browser tab where you see the search results generated by Yahoo.
Furthermore, Moviesearchcenter.com redirects through another browser hijacker BlpSearch.com that we at SensorTechForum reported in March last year. As this action happens in less than a second you may miss it and eventually see the Yahoo search results. We pictured the moment when BlpSearch.com appears in the address bar:
Eventually, by using the services of Moviesearchcenter.com browser hijacker you agree with the collection of crucial data related to you and your online preferences. Moreover, the second hijacker BlpSearch.com that is triggered by Moviesearchcenter.com is also capable of obtaining at least your search queries.
Moviesearchcenter.com as many other hijackers primarily aims to generate advertising revenue to its owners. For the purpose, the unwanted software is designed to generate various kinds of online offers that can slow down the performance of your browser. Pop-ups, pop-unders, sliders, videos, sponsored content and other types of ads may appear during each browsing session.
Moviesearchcenter.com – Privacy Policy
In this paragraph, we will present a summary of the most important details stated in the Privacy Policy provided on Moviesearchcenter.com hijacker. You need to be informed what information the hijacker collects from you as a user of its services, so you can decide whether you want to continue using it or remove it from the system.
As found in the policy as long as Moviesearchcenter.com is your search engine of choice you agree with the collection of the following details:
- Your E-mail addresses
- Your IP address
- Your Internet service provider (ISP)
- Cookie Information
- Your browser type and version
- Webpages you visit
- Access times
- Your names
- Your physical address
- Your telephone number(s)
- Your login name and password(s)
- Other information you provide
The company that is stated as an owner of the hijacker is Aztec Media. It appears that the second hijacker BlpSearch.com associated with the infection is possessed by the same owners Aztec Media. In case you do not want this company to keep records of your personal information, you should consider the immediate removal of all their dubious services.
Remove Moviesearchcenter.com Browser Hijacker
Below are listed all the steps that will help you to remove Moviesearchcenter.com hijacker completely from an affected Chrome, Mozilla, Explorer, or Safari browser. The guide reveals how to remove the nasty program from the Windows system as well. You have two removal options manual and an automatic. However, be mindful of some leftovers that may remain on the system after the manual removal. It does not guarantee the security of your PC. So you need to check out whether your PC is safe or at risk. With a scan of an advanced anti-malware tool, you will be able to locate all harmful files and remove them completely from the PC.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Moviesearchcenter.com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Moviesearchcenter.com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Moviesearchcenter.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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by Moviesearchcenter.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 Moviesearchcenter.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 Moviesearchcenter.com (Windows).
Get rid of Moviesearchcenter.com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Moviesearchcenter.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 Moviesearchcenter.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 Moviesearchcenter.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 Moviesearchcenter.com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Moviesearchcenter.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 Moviesearchcenter.com (Mac)
Remove Moviesearchcenter.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 Moviesearchcenter.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 Moviesearchcenter.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 Moviesearchcenter.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 Moviesearchcenter.com will be removed.
Eliminate Moviesearchcenter.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".
Moviesearchcenter.com-FAQ
What Is Moviesearchcenter.com?
The Moviesearchcenter.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 Moviesearchcenter.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 Moviesearchcenter.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 Moviesearchcenter.com Work?
Once installed, Moviesearchcenter.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.
Moviesearchcenter.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 Moviesearchcenter.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 Moviesearchcenter.com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Moviesearchcenter.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 Moviesearchcenter.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 Moviesearchcenter.com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.