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Remove Search Armor. Uninstall SearchArmor.exe

by   |  September 9, 2015  |  0 Comments   ,

Name Search Armor
Type PUP, Browser Hijacker
Short Description The software is advertised as user-friendly but compromises the system.
Symptoms The browser’s settings are changed, home page and new tab page included.
Distribution Method Bundling, freeware pages, unsafe browsing.
Detection tool Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected By Search Armor

Many programs may appear to be trustworthy at first sight, but later they turn out to be troublesome. Search Armor fits the description of unwanted software that compromises the system’s behavior. It is advertised as a toolbar compatible with Chrome, Firefox, and Explorer, that should make online surfing safer. Instead, once the program is installed, it will change a number of settings and will take control of the browser. If you have Search Armor installed on your PC, you should consider scanning your system and removing all PUPs.

search-armor-PUP-removal

How Does Search Armor Affect the Browser?

According to research, Search Armor will run as a BHO (Browser Helper Object) when installed on Internet Explorer. When running on Firefox and Chrome, the program will work as an extension. However, what is common to the three browsers is that their settings will be changed. As a result, the user has his home page, new tab page and search page changed without his consent. That is why researchers refer to such PUPs to browser hijackers.

How Does Search Armor Affect the System?

As just mentioned, Search Armor changes various settings so that it runs every time the PC is started. Furthermore, if the user attempts to uninstall the program manually in the Add/Remove Programs, it will be only partially uninstalled. Since the PUP drops multiple files and possibly tempers with the registry entries, its complete removal requires expert knowledge or professional software.

Keep in mind that during installation, Search Armor registers itself to start each time the system is rebooted. This is done through a Windows Schedule Task. The primary executable file is SearchArmor.exe.

IMPORTANT

Several anti-virus programs have detected malware components in the primary executable. Two of the other .exe files that may be threatening to the system are:

  • SearchArmorUpd.exe
  • uninstall.exe

Due to the software’s characteristics, experts recommend its immediate removal. Let’s repeat what Search Armor does on the PC:

  • It’s highly possible that it installs malware on the system.
  • It runs automatically upon reboot.
  • It hijacks the browser’s settings and changes the home page.

How Should Search Armor be Removed?

Because the program alters a number of settings on the system and may affect the Registry, professional assistance may be needed. Nonetheless, users that feel confident to deal with the PUP alone can refer to the manual instructions provided below.

Step 1: Remove/Uninstall Search Armor in Windows

Here is a method in few easy steps to remove that program. No matter if you are using Windows 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 get left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, mistakes 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:

  • Hold the Windows Logo Button and “R” on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear (fig.1).

    • uninstall-virus-fig1

  • In the field type in “appwiz.cpl” and press ENTER (fig.2).

    • uninstall-virus-fig2

  • This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC.
    Select the program that you want to remove, and press “Uninstall” (fig.3).

    • uninstall-virus-fig3

    Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall Search Armor.

    Step 2: Remove Search Armor from your browser

    Remove a toolbar from Mozilla FirefoxRemove a toolbar from Google Chrome Remove a toolbar from Internet Explorer Remove a toolbar from Safari
    Start Mozilla Firefox Open the menu window

    uninstall-fig4

    Select the “Add-ons” icon from the menu

    uninstall-fig5

    Select Search Armor and click “Remove”

    uninstall-fig6

    After Search Armor is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red “X” in the top right corner and start it again.

    Start Google Chrome and Open the drop menu

    uninstall-fig7

  • Move the cursor over “Tools” and then from the extended menu choose “Extensions“

    • uninstall-fig8

  • From the opened “Extensions” menu locate Search Armor and click on the garbage bin icon on the right of it.

    • uninstall-fig9

  • After Search Armor is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red “X” in the top right corner and start it again.

    • Start Internet Explorer:

  • Click “‘Tools’ to open the drop menu and select ‘Manage Add-ons’

    • uninstall-fig10

  • In the ‘Manage Add-ons’ window, make sure that in the first window ‘Add-on Types’, the drop menu ‘Show’ is on ‘All add-ons’

    • uninstall-fig11

    Select Search Armor to remove, and then click ‘Disable’. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected toolbar, and some additional toolbars might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click ‘Disable’.

    uninstall-fig12

    After Search Armor has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red ‘X’ in the top right corner and start it again.

    Start Safari

    Open the drop menu by clicking on the sprocket icon in the top right corner.
    uninstall-fig13

    From the drop menu select ‘Preferences’
    In the new window select ‘Extensions’
    Click once on Search Armor
    Click ‘Uninstall’

    uninstall-fig14

    A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall Search Armor. Select ‘Uninstall’ again, and the Search Armor will be removed.

    In order to remove any associated objects that are left after uninstall and detect any other threats, you should:

    Step 3: Start Your PC in Safe Mode to Remove Search Armor.

    Removing Search Armor from Windows XP, Vista, 7 systems:

    1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu.
    2. Select one of the two options provided below:

    – For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.

    – For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.

    3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
    4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account

    While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.

    Removing Search Armor from Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 systems:

    Substep 1:

    Open the Start Menu
    Windows-10-0 (1)

    Substep 2:

    Whilst holding down Shift button, click on Power and then click on Restart.

    Substep 3:

    After reboot, the aftermentioned menu will appear. From there you should choose Troubleshoot.
    Windows-10-1-257x300

    Substep 4:

    You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu you can choose Advanced Options.
    Windows-10-2 (1)

    Substep 5:

    After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
    Windows-10-3 (1)

    Substep 6:

    Click on Restart.
    Windows-10-5 (1)

    Substep 7:

    A menu will appear upon reboot. You should choose Safe Mode by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart and boot into Safe Mode so you can scan for and remove Search Armor.

    Step 4: Remove Search Armor automatically by downloading an advanced anti-malware program.

    To clean your computer you should download an updated anti-malware program on a safe PC and then install it on the affected computer in offline mode. After that you should boot into safe mode and scan your computer to remove all Search Armor associated objects.

    NOTE! Substantial notification about the Search Armor threat: Manual removal of Search Armor requires interference with system files and registries. Thus, it can cause damage to your PC. Even if your computer skills are not at a professional level, don’t worry. You can do the removal yourself just in 5 minutes, using a malware removal tool.
    Milena Dimitrova

    Milena Dimitrova

    An inspired writer and content manager who has been with SensorsTechForum since the project started. A professional with 10+ years of experience in creating engaging content. Focused on user privacy and malware development, she strongly believes in a world where cybersecurity plays a central role. If common sense makes no sense, she will be there to take notes. Those notes may later turn into articles! Follow Milena @Milenyim

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    Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer

    How to Remove Search Armor from Windows.

    Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Search Armor

    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 Search Armor 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 Search Armor 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 Search Armor 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 Search Armor with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

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

    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.

    SpyHunter5-update-2018

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

    SpyHunter5-Free-Scan-2018

    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.

    SpyHunter-5-Free-Scan-Next-2018

    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

    Get rid of Search Armor from Mac OS X.

    Step 1: Uninstall Search Armor 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 Search Armor:

    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 Search Armor. 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 Search Armor. 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 Search Armor 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 Search Armor. 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 Search Armor files from your Mac

    When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Search Armor, 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 Search Armor:


    Download

    SpyHunter for Mac


    Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer

    Remove Search Armor 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 Search Armor 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 Search Armor 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 Search Armor 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".

    stf-safari preferences

    Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.

    stf-safari-extensions

    Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.

    Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.

    stf-safari uninstall

    A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the Search Armor 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

    Eliminate Search Armor 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.

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