OurStartpage(.)com is the main website page of a search engine, considered to be a browser hijacker. This hijacker adjusts browser settings, such as the homepage, search engine, and new tab. Some extension can be added to your browser applications. No privacy policy is featured on the site. To remove the browser hijacker, you should continue reading the article carefully.
Threat Summary
| Name | OurStartpage(.)com |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, PUP |
| Short Description | Browsers on your PC will have modified settings, like the homepage, search engine and new tab. |
| Symptoms | You could get redirected from the homepage or new tab when browsing. You could see ads in websites generated by the hijacker. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss OurStartpage(.)com. |
OurStartpage(.)com – How It Is Spread?
OurStartpage can be spread via third-party installation setups. That’s a common way for such an application to get inside your PC without you knowing. Bundled packs or installations for free software could install the hijacker. By default, freeware setups might have features selected for installation and in some cases hide them. Such features are usually additional software. Avoiding unwanted software getting in your machine is possible if you find Custom or Advanced options menu, where you can deselect features.
The OurStartpage hijacker could be spread with advertisements, such as pop-ups, banners or similar. Another way for spreading is through visiting suspicious websites, which contain redirects. These sites could be partnered in some manner with OurStartpage(.)com. Browsers that can be affected are: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, and Mozilla Firefox.
OurStartpage(.)com – Overview
OurStartpage(.)com is the website for a search engine and a browser hijacker named OurStartpage. Its developers tried to make it more interactive by adding a clock and humorous jokes on the page.
Above you see the main page of the OurStartpage browser hijacker. A photograph is used as a background image. The photograph is of a museum called “Musée du quai Branly” which is located in Paris, France. Interesting how the hijacker owners show you what picture they have used, but not their privacy policy or what information they can collect.
If software linked with it is on your computer, you will see settings of your browsers getting changed. The new tab and homepage plus the search engine in use will be the newly changed settings. Be aware that you might get a toolbar or a sidebar along with the changes.
Some sort of an extension or browser add-ons tied to OurStartpage might be nested in your browsers. If you see additive extensions, know that they probably also employ hijacking capabilities. Most of them arrive with another application inside bundled software. These extensions can easily land you on OurStartpage(.)com affiliated websites through redirecting.
In the snapshot above, you can see an example search of OurStartpage(.)com. You can be redirected to various domains. By using its search engine, you will get redirected to the search results of Google or another reputable browser. That could be a tactic to trick you into trusting the program, but you still might see a lot of advertisements, in-text links, and sponsored content while browsing.
OurStartpage will be used as the primary filter for all of your searches and queries, possibly gather personal and impersonal information from them, track you and observe your browsing habits and overall internet usage. Do not enter your name, credit card and banking credentials and do not login into any sites if you have the hijacker.
The Privacy Policy of OurStartpage(.)com is either non-existent or very well hidden. That should be even more worrying because it is not explicit what information is collected from you and other users.
Browsing via OurStartpage(.)com or using services that are affiliated with it, may automatically give your consent for information collection. The information may be personally identifying, as well as such about your computer device. Third parties may be getting this information as well, so be careful in what you click, browse and enter in search results.
Remove OurStartpage(.)com Completely from Your PC
To remove OurStartpage(.)com manually from your computer, follow the step-by-step removal guide written below. In case the manual removal does not get rid of the hijacker and its files completely, you should search for and remove any leftovers with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such software 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 OurStartpage(.)com from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for OurStartpage(.)com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall OurStartpage(.)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 4: Clean Any registries, Created by OurStartpage(.)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 OurStartpage(.)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 OurStartpage(.)com (Windows).
Get rid of OurStartpage(.)com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall OurStartpage(.)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 OurStartpage(.)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 OurStartpage(.)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 OurStartpage(.)com files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as OurStartpage(.)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 OurStartpage(.)com (Mac)
Remove OurStartpage(.)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 OurStartpage(.)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 OurStartpage(.)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 OurStartpage(.)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 OurStartpage(.)com will be removed.
Eliminate OurStartpage(.)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".
OurStartpage(.)com-FAQ
What Is OurStartpage(.)com?
The OurStartpage(.)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 OurStartpage(.)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 OurStartpage(.)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 OurStartpage(.)com Work?
Once installed, OurStartpage(.)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.
OurStartpage(.)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 OurStartpage(.)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 OurStartpage(.)com Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this OurStartpage(.)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 OurStartpage(.)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 OurStartpage(.)com threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.