What is Smashtab.net? Why does it keep popping up in your browser? How to remove Smashtab.net and improve PC security?
Smashtab.net Redirect on Mac
In the event that your browser keeps redirecting to Smashtab.net search engine, it is very likely that your Mac is affected by a potentially unwanted program. Such a program is called browser hijacker and it affects main browsing preferences in order to force users to use the searching services of a hoax search engine. Beware that this search engine may display deceptive results in an attempt to trick you into visiting certain sponsored pages. It may also link to poorly secured and potentially harmful websites. Keep reading our Smashtab.net removal guide and strengthen the security of the affected browser and system.
Smashtab.net Redirect Summary
| Name | Smashtab.net |
| Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, PUP |
| Short Description | A questionable search engine with poor reputation which hijacks default search engine, browser homepage and new tab page. |
| Symptoms | Whenever you open the affected browser you see the main page of Smashtab.net. Your browser preferrences are altered without your permission. The browser is slower than usual due to to increased number of online ads. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, Corrupted Webpages |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Smashtab.net Redirect. |
Smashtab.net Redirect – More About Its Impact
The sudden appearance of Smashtab.net browser redirect might happen if you happen to open another bogus web page. It may also occur after the installation of a potentially unwanted program. Since such programs land on Mac machines without users being notified, it is possible that you have missed the moment when it got installed.
This usually happens when users happen to download a software package. It’s a fact that the installers of many free apps feature some undesired programs. However, don’t expect that these installers will make you familiar with all the details about these extras.
In order that users are more likely to install the extra apps, compromised installers are designed to hide important information in the Advanced/Custom configuration step. That’s why we recommend that you choose it always when installing a new app. There you may notice the presence of added PUPs and opt-out their installation.
Once activated on the computer, the undesired program that pushes Smashtab.net redirect reaches installed browsers, alters some of their settings and starts forcing you to use the deceptive search engine. This program is called a browser hijacker as it tends to affect the homepage, new tab page, and default search engine of every target browser. It is likely to modify the settings of popular web browsers like Safari, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, and Opera.
In fact, the primary purpose of Smashtab.net browser hijacker is to spy on your online activities. By doing this the hijacker will be able to build a profile of all your interests. Based on this profile the unwanted program may start generating targeted sponsored content in the affected browser. All generated ads are likely to slow down your browser and make it sluggish.
Furthermore, some of the ads may pose a real danger to your system. There are many online ads that are part of malvertising campaigns. These ads land users on corrupted web pages. Such pages could be set to download and activate a severe malware infection directly on your device. So be careful which ads you visit. For the sake of your security, it’s best to consider the complete removal of Smashtab.net as soon as possible.
How to Remove Smashtab.net Redirect
In order to remove Smashtab.net along with all associated files that enable its appearance in the browser, you should complete several removal steps. In the guide below you will find all removal steps in their precise order. You could choose between manual and automatic removal approaches. In order to fully get rid of all present undesired programs and improve computer security, we recommend that you combine the steps. Have in mind that the names of all present infection files associated with this browser redirect may differ the name of the redirect.
In case you have further questions or need additional help with the removal process, don’t hesitate to leave a comment. We will be glad to get in touch with you.
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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- Guide 1: How to Remove Smashtab.net Redirect from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of Smashtab.net Redirect from Mac OS X.
- Guide 3: Remove Smashtab.net Redirect from Google Chrome.
- Guide 4: Erase Smashtab.net Redirect from Mozilla Firefox.
- Guide 5: Uninstall Smashtab.net Redirect from Microsoft Edge.
- Guide 6: Remove Smashtab.net Redirect from Safari.
- Guide 7: Eliminate Smashtab.net Redirect from Internet Explorer.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
How to Remove Smashtab.net Redirect from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Smashtab.net Redirect
Step 2: Uninstall Smashtab.net Redirect 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 Smashtab.net Redirect 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 Smashtab.net Redirect 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 Smashtab.net Redirect from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Smashtab.net Redirect 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 Smashtab.net Redirect 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 Smashtab.net Redirect files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Smashtab.net Redirect, 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.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Remove Smashtab.net Redirect 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 Smashtab.net Redirect 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 Smashtab.net Redirect 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 Smashtab.net Redirect 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 Smashtab.net Redirect will be removed.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Eliminate Smashtab.net Redirect 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.
