If the home or new tab page of your web browser has been modified to open TheSmartSearch(.)net, chances are you may have a browser hijacker on your computer. Such ad-supported software is categorized as potentially unwanted and indirectly harmful to computers. Also, TheSmartSearch(.)net browser hijacker may cause crashes on your computer as well as PC slowdowns. Affected users who have seen the questionable search engine report nothing positive and security researchers advise for its complete removal.
| Name | TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker |
| Type | Browser Hijacker |
| Short Description | The software may display various pop-ups, ad-supported search results or cause redirects to third-party websites. |
| Symptoms | Users may witness the above-mentioned type of advertisements plus slow PC, system freezes and even crashes. |
| Distribution Method | Via third-party websites as well different forms of spam and bundling. |
| Detection Tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware |
| User Experience | Join our forum to discuss TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker. |
TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker – How Did I Get It
One way you may have gotten this unwanted software on your system is via other unwanted applications or by bundled downloads. Bundled applications are there for a particular purpose – they aim to distribute third-party software to bring profit to the ones who bundle them. These are most commonly the websites that provide different useful apps such as your favorite media player, file convertedr, photo resizer, etc. The programs like TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker may be bundled under the pretext “Add this as a free extra” in one of the installation steps of the software being installed. Users who see this software are strongly advised to be careful where they download applications from in the future.
TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker – What Does It Do
After it has been started, TheSmartSearch(.)net hijacker may immediately change you web-browser`s settings. This means that it might change your homepage, new tab page and install other ad-supported extensions without your consent.
The information that is gathered by the search provider of the browser hijacker typically includes the following:
- Information about the user PC – Operating system, browsers installed, configuration, location, IP address, unique identifier, etc.
- Information about the browser usage of the user – Online clicks, browsing history, search history, etc.
- Other information about other programs being used.
This data may be combined with other info after which it may be collected and sold or shared. The clients of the information may be third-parties of all origin. Furthermore, the info may assist various interests, especially malicious ones. The potential dangers associated with advertisements displayed by this cyber threat may be as follows:
- Redirect users to sites that may be malicious and infect his/her PC.
- Transfer the user to scamming websites that may use different type of techniques to collect sensitive information from the user.
Usually such applications aim to drive hoax traffic to third-party sites, but it is not excluded that they may redirect you to a website that will infect your computer with malware. Users are strongly advised to employ robust anti-malware protection systems that also support browser protection.
Remove TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker Completely
To eradicate this cyber threat you should first bear in mind that it creates different objects in several locations such as the following:
- Windows Registry Editor
- %AppData%
- %System%
- %Users%
- %Temp%
Since the files may be well concealed and different for every situation, it is strongly advisable to follow the step-by-step removal instructions displayed below in order to actually terminate the TheSmartSearch(.)net browser hijacker. The usage of an advanced anti-malware software is also highly suggested since it will detect any other threats this hijacker may have redirected to and protect the computer in the future.
Step 1: Remove/Uninstall TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker 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:
Select the program that you want to remove, and press “Uninstall” (fig.3).
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker.
Step 2: Remove TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker from your browser
Remove a toolbar from Mozilla Firefox
Remove a toolbar from Google Chrome
Remove a toolbar from Internet Explorer
Remove a toolbar from Safari
Select the “Add-ons” icon from the menu
Select TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker and click “Remove”
After TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red “X” in the top right corner and start it again.
Select TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker 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’.
After TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red ‘X’ in the top right corner and start it again.
Open the drop menu by clicking on the sprocket icon in the top right corner.
From the drop menu select ‘Preferences’
In the new window select ‘Extensions’
Click once on TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker
Click ‘Uninstall’
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker. Select ‘Uninstall’ again, and the TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker will be removed.
Step 3: Remove TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker automatically by downloading an advanced anti-malware program.
1. Remove TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker.2. Scan with SpyHunter to Detect and Remove TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker.Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to automatically update.
Step1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Scan Computer Now’ button.
Step2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker files, click on the ‘Fix Threats’ button to remove them automatically and permanently.
Step3: Once the intrusions on your PC have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart it.
2. Remove TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
1. Install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to scan for and remove TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker. 2. Scan your PC with MalwareBytes to remove all TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker associated files automatically.Step 2: A pop-up window will appear. Click on the ‘Save File’ button. If it does not, click on the Download button and save it afterwards.
Step 3: After you have downloaded the setup, simply open it.
Step 4: The installer should appear. Click on the ‘Next’ button.
Step 5: Check the ‘I accept the agreement’ check circle if not checked if you accept it and click the ‘Next’ button once again.
Step 6: Review and click on ‘Next’ on the following 4 steps that will appear afterwards and after that click on the ‘Install’ button.
Step 7: After the installation process has completed click on the ‘Finish’ button and check the ‘Launch MalwareBytes AntiMalware’ check box.
Step 2: Wait for the software to update and then click on the blue ‘Scan Now’ button. If it doesnt start updating automatically, click on the blue ‘Update Now’ highlighted text.
Step 3: At this point, after clicking the ‘Scan Now’ button, the system should start scanning your PC. It may take a while but be patient – it is worth it.
Step 4: After the scan has been complete and all of the threats have been identified, click on the ‘Remove Selected’ button to detelete them permanently.
Step 5: Once the scan has completed, MalwareBytes will prompt you to restart your computer. It is recommended to save all your data you are working on before restarting.
4. Remove TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker with STOPZilla AntiMalware
1. Install STOPZilla Anti Malware to scan for and remove TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker. 2. Scan your PC with STOPZilla Anti Malware to remove all TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker associated files completely.Step 2: A pop-up window will appear. Click on the ‘Save File’ button. If it does not, click on the Download button and save it afterwards.
Step 3: After you have downloaded the setup, simply open it.
Step 4: The installer should appear. Click on the ‘Next’ button.
Step 5: Check the ‘I accept the agreement’ check circle if not checked if you accept it and click the ‘Next’ button once again.
Step 6: Review and click on the ‘Install’ button.
Step 7: After the installation process has completed click on the ‘Finish’ button.
Step 2: Wait for the software to automatically scan and then click on the ‘Repair Now’ button. If it does not scan automatically, click on the ‘Scan Now’ button.
Step 3: After the removal of all threats and associated objects, you should Restart your PC.
4. Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
Security engineers recommend that you back up your files immediately, preferably on an external memory carrier in order to be able to restore them. In order to protect yourself from TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker (For Windows Users) please follow these simple steps:
1. For Windows 7 and earlier 1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 1. Enabling the Windows Defense Feature (Previous Versions)1-Click on Windows Start Menu
2-Type Backup And Restore
3-Open it and click on Set Up Backup
4-A window will appear asking you where to set up backup. You should have a flash drive or an external hard drive. Mark it by clicking on it with your mouse then click on Next.
5-On the next window, the system will ask you what do you want to backup. Choose the ‘Let Me Choose’ option and then click on Next.
6-Click on ‘Save settings and run backup’ on the next window in order to protect your files from possible attacks by TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker.
2-In the window type ‘filehistory’ and press Enter
3-A File History window will appear. Click on ‘Configure file history settings’
4-The configuration menu for File History will appear. Click on ‘Turn On’. After its on, click on Select Drive in order to select the backup drive. It is recommended to choose an external HDD, SSD or a USB stick whose memory capacity is corresponding to the size of the files you want to backup.
5-Select the drive then click on ‘Ok’ in order to set up file backup and protect yourself from TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker.
1- Press Windows button + R keys.
2- A run windows should appear. In it type ‘sysdm.cpl’ and then click on Run.
3- A System Properties windows should appear. In it choose System Protection.
5- Click on Turn on system protection and select the size on the hard disk you want to utilize for system protection.
6- Click on Ok and you should see an indication in Protection settings that the protection from TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker is on.
Restoring a file via Windows Defense feature:
1-Right-click on the encrypted file, then choose Properties.
2-Click on the Previous Versions tab and then mark the last version of the file.
3-Click on Apply and Ok and the file encrypted by TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker should be restored.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
Follow Me:
- Guide 1: How to Remove TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker from Mac OS X.
- Guide 3: Remove TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker from Google Chrome.
- Guide 4: Erase TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker from Mozilla Firefox.
- Guide 5: Uninstall TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker from Microsoft Edge.
- Guide 6: Remove TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker from Safari.
- Guide 7: Eliminate TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker from Internet Explorer.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
How to Remove TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker
Step 2: Uninstall TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker 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 TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker 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 TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker 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 TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker 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 TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker 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 malware from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts, programs and malware, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. Combo Cleaner 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 TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker 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 TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker 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 TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker 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 TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker 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 TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker will be removed.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Eliminate TheSmartSearch(.)net Browser Hijacker 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.
