Remove Topsearchlinks(.)net Browser Hijacker from Your PC

by Ventsislav Krastev | April 11, 2016 | 0 Comments ad-supported application, browser hijacker, PUP

A new browser hijacking software has been reported to be setting the search engine topsearchlinks(.)net as a home page or a new tab page of user PCs. The suspicious software has a specific character of modifying the web browser of the user’s settings so that it may collect information or display targeted or ad-supported search results.

Name	Topsearchlinks(.)net
Type	Browser Hijacker
Short Description	The software may perform various unwanted activities on the user PC.
Symptoms	The user may witness ad-supported search results plus PC slow-downs and freezes.
Distribution Method	Via other PUPs, installed by bundling or by visiting a suspicious third-party site that is advertising it.
Detection Tool	Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
User Experience	Join our forum to discuss Topsearchlinks(.)net.

Topsearchlinks(.)net Browser Hijacker – Distribution

To be spread across many users the browser modifying software linked to Topsearchlings(.)net may use a technique called bundling download. This may be the including of Topsearchlinks(.)net software in the free installer of a program users download on a daily basis. You may have encountered bundled software in the installer of a program downloaded from a software providing sites or torrent websites.

The PUP(Potentially Unwanted Program) is usually in one of the installation steps and is added “As a free extra” to the setup. Often users tend to disregard those steps by fast-clicking their way through the installers and sometimes some of those applications do not even have such steps. Instead, they have the install mentioned in the EULA agreement. This is why it is advisable to take caution when it comes to installing new software.

Topsearchlinks(.)net Browser Hijacker In Detail

Once installed on the computer, the program may situate its program files In some of the most often met application folders:

After this is done, this software may then begin to modify the browser by adding an extension to it. This may be observed in Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer or Safari browsers. Some of the permissions of the extension may allow it to change the new tab page and the home page of the user to Topsearchlinks(.)net – a suspicious search engine which may be a hoax.

When the search engine itself was research, it did not take a long time to establish that it used cookies, and it did not have HTTPs – something highly uncommon for search engines.

Furthermore, it redirected to an Ask(.)com results page which was ad-supported, further suggesting that it could be hoax search engine, since it did not have its own search result database.

Not only this, but the privacy policy of the search engine suggests that there are a lot of third-party links being used, and they do not hold responsibility for them:

This detail may refer to a large number of third-party websites that this hoax search engine may advertise and drive traffic to. Such sites may be dangerous in different ways to the user. The dangers associated with third-party sites that may be advertised through hijackers such as the Topsearchlinks(.)net one may be classified in two subcategories:

Sites that may phish for financial and personal information by scamming the user.
URLs that may infect the user with malware.

Usually, such PUPs are undetected by conventional antivirus software, and this is why we strongly advise that they are removed using an advanced anti-malware software that detects indirect ad-supported risks such as Topsearchlinks(.)net browser hijacker.

Remove Topsearchlinks(.)net Browser Hijacker

To fully be rid of this software from your machine, we advise you to follow the removal instructions below, because they are arranged so that you try the most effective methods and save yourself money on IT experts that will fix your computer. Furthermore, it is advisable to download an anti-malware program that will protect you against future ad-supported applications and malware intrusions.

Delete Topsearchlinks(.)net from Windows and Your Browser

1.Remove or Uninstall Topsearchlinks(.)net in Windows

Remove or Uninstall Topsearchlinks(.)net in Windows.

Step 1: Remove/Uninstall Topsearchlinks(.)net 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).

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

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).

Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall Topsearchlinks(.)net.

2.Remove Topsearchlinks(.)net from Your Browser

Remove Topsearchlinks(.)net 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

Start Mozilla Firefox Open the menu window

Select the “Add-ons” icon from the menu

Select Topsearchlinks(.)net and click “Remove“

After Topsearchlinks(.)net 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

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

From the opened “Extensions” menu locate Topsearchlinks(.)net and click on the garbage bin icon on the right of it.

After Topsearchlinks(.)net 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’

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’

Select Topsearchlinks(.)net 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 Topsearchlinks(.)net 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.

From the drop menu select ‘Preferences’
In the new window select ‘Extensions’
Click once on Topsearchlinks(.)net
Click ‘Uninstall’

A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall Topsearchlinks(.)net. Select ‘Uninstall’ again, and the Topsearchlinks(.)net will be removed.

Remove Topsearchlinks(.)net automatically by downloading an advanced anti-malware program.

1. Remove Topsearchlinks(.)net with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

Remove Topsearchlinks(.)net with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove Topsearchlinks(.)net.

2. Scan with SpyHunter to Detect and Remove Topsearchlinks(.)net.

Step 1: Click here to go to SpyHunter’s download instruction page.
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 Topsearchlinks(.)net 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. Back up your data to secure it against attacks related to Topsearchlinks(.)net in the future

Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future

IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data automatically with cloud backup and insure it against any type of data loss on your device, even the most severe. We recommend reading more about and downloading SOS Online Backup .

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 Topsearchlinks(.)net.

1-Press Windows button + R

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 Topsearchlinks(.)net.

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 Topsearchlinks(.)net 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 Topsearchlinks(.)net should be restored.

Optional: Using Alternative Anti-Malware Tools

Remove Topsearchlinks(.)net Using Other Alternative Tools

STOPZilla Anti Malware

1. Download and Install STOPZilla Anti-malware to Scan for And Remove Topsearchlinks(.)net.
Step 1: Download STOPZilla by clicking here.
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.

2. Scan your PC with STOPZilla Anti Malware to remove all Topsearchlinks(.)net associated files completely.
Step 1: Launch STOPZilla if you haven’t launched it after install.
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.

NOTE! Substantial notification about the Topsearchlinks(.)net threat: Manual removal of Topsearchlinks(.)net 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.

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.

How to Remove Topsearchlinks(.)net from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Topsearchlinks(.)net

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 Topsearchlinks(.)net 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 Topsearchlinks(.)net 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 Topsearchlinks(.)net 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 Topsearchlinks(.)net with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

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

Download

Malware Removal Tool

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.

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

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.

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 Topsearchlinks(.)net from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall Topsearchlinks(.)net 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 Topsearchlinks(.)net:

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 Topsearchlinks(.)net. 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 Topsearchlinks(.)net. 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 Topsearchlinks(.)net 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 Topsearchlinks(.)net. 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 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.

Download

Combo Cleaner

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

Remove Topsearchlinks(.)net 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 Topsearchlinks(.)net 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 Topsearchlinks(.)net 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 Topsearchlinks(.)net 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 Topsearchlinks(.)net 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 Topsearchlinks(.)net 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.

Topsearchlinks(.)net Browser Hijacker – Distribution

Topsearchlinks(.)net Browser Hijacker In Detail

Remove Topsearchlinks(.)net Browser Hijacker

Delete Topsearchlinks(.)net from Windows and Your Browser

Remove or Uninstall Topsearchlinks(.)net in Windows.

Step 1: Remove/Uninstall Topsearchlinks(.)net in Windows

Remove Topsearchlinks(.)net from Your Browser.

Remove Topsearchlinks(.)net automatically by downloading an advanced anti-malware program.

Remove Topsearchlinks(.)net with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future

Remove Topsearchlinks(.)net Using Other Alternative Tools

Ventsislav Krastev

How to Remove Topsearchlinks(.)net from Windows.

Get rid of Topsearchlinks(.)net from Mac OS X.

Remove Topsearchlinks(.)net from Google Chrome.

Erase Topsearchlinks(.)net from Mozilla Firefox.

Uninstall Topsearchlinks(.)net from Microsoft Edge.

Remove Topsearchlinks(.)net from Safari.

Eliminate Topsearchlinks(.)net from Internet Explorer.

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