Web Searcher is yet another potentially unwanted program that installs via bundling and introduces pop-up advertisements on your computer while you are browsing. The program is considered risky primarily because it may collect user information and transfer users to dangerous third-party websites. This is why In case you are seeing ad “by Web Searcher” it is advisable to take steps towards removing it from your computer fully.
| Name | Web Searcher |
| Type | Adware |
| Short Description | The software may collect user information and display advertisements during web browsing. |
| Symptoms | The user may witness various online advertisements. His PC may significanly slow down in terms of performance. |
| Distribution Method | Via bundling or other PUPs. |
| Detection Tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected by Web Searcher |
| User Experience | Join our forum to discuss Web Searcher. |
Web Searcher Ads – Spread
Similar to other riskware, Web Searcher is distributed via several different installers of useful software. Examples may be your favorite media player or other programs downloaded from a website that offers various free apps for your PC. As a marketing tool some software providing sites “mix” the installers of their programs using different third-party tools to profit from their aggressive advertising. You may encounter them in the End User Agreement or during one of the installation steps in the “Add as free extra” opt windows.
Web Searcher Ads – How Does It Work
Once it has been installed on the computer the program immediately situates all of the modules that it requires to run and display advertisements successfully on your Chrome, Firefox or Internet Explorer. Symantec researchers have analyzed this riskware and reported the following files to be associated with Web Searcher:
When the program is executed, it creates the following files:
→ “In Program Files\WebSearcher\bin:
config.json
fiddler-root.cer
FiddlerCore.dll
FiddlerCoreWrapper.dll
makecert.exe
script.js
Service.exe
Sniffer.exe
uninstall.exe
In the directory SystemDrive\ProgramData\Microsoft\Search\Data\ Applications\Windows\Projects\SystemIndex\Indexer\CiFiles\:
00010002.ci
00010002.dir
00010002.wid
In SystemDrive\ProgramData\:
Ntuser.pol
In UserProfile\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5:
J84{random}VEY\update10[1].exe
JMC{random}GJ1\track[1].htm
In UserProfiler\AppData\Local\Temp\:
au-descriptor-1.8.0_71-b15.xml
nsoA43C.tmp
In UserProfile\AppData\LocalLow\Microsoft\CryptnetUrlCache\Content:
05EC48341C2{random}91377DC_F4D89EB1FD4{random}F169F9D4E2D
49514950C9{random}6312597DFF49_33A0493B375{random}782457685E27
In UserProfile\AppData\LocalLow\Microsoft\CryptnetUrlCache\MetaData:
05EC48341C277F{random}FAA91377DC_F4D89EB{random}FB0D09F169F9D4E2D
49514950C94E{random}6312597DFF49_33A0493B37{random}B52782457685E27
In UserProfile\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Crypto\RSA:
S-1-5-21-188{random}0949-263{random}39-197{random}958-1000\7b90a71bfc56f2582e916a51aed6df9a_01fe238d-4489-4e80-b4a4-eada96f32bd5
In UserProfile\AppData\Roaming:
Microsoft\SystemCertificates\My\Keys\0565E3{random}C2E8DF090F0D45124771C81
Video Codex\Codex.exe
In AllUsersProfile\Microsoft\Search\Data\Applications\Windows\Projects\SystemIndex\Indexer\CiFiles:
00010002.ci
00010002.dir
00010002.wid
AllUsersProfile\ntuser.pol
Windir\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\~FontCache-S-1-5-21-188{random}0949-2634{random}639-1978{random}958-1000.dat
In \System:
GroupPolicy\GPT.INI
GroupPolicy\Machine\Registry.pol
LogFiles\Scm\405918c0-6502-43a2-8735-d423{random}12c0
winevt\Logs\Microsoft-Windows-RemoteAssistance%4Admin.evtx
winevt\Logs\Microsoft-Windows-RemoteAssistance%4Operational.evtx
In \Windir:
SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\counters.dat
SysWOW64\GroupPolicy\gpt.ini”
After the program has created its necessary files, it creates registry entries with specific values to enable it to be harder to get rid of, run on startup and give priorities to its executables:
→ In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Group Policy\History:
{35378EAC-683F-11D2-A89A-00C04FBBCFA2}\0\”Options” = “0”
{35378EAC-683F-11D2-A89A-00C04FBBCFA2}\0\”Version” = “10001”
{35378EAC-683F-11D2-A89A-00C04FBBCFA2}\0\”DSPath” = “LocalGPO”
{35378EAC-683F-11D2-A89A-00C04FBBCFA2}\0\”FileSysPath” = “%System%\GroupPolicy\Machine”
{35378EAC-683F-11D2-A89A-00C04FBBCFA2}\0\”DisplayName” = “Local Group Policy”
{35378EAC-683F-11D2-A89A-00C04FBBCFA2}\0\”Extensions” = “[{35378EAC-683F-11D2-A89A-00C04FBBCFA2}{0F6B957E-509E-11D1-A7D3-0000F87571E3}]”
{35378EAC-683F-11D2-A89A-00C04FBBCFA2}\0\”Link” = “Local”
{35378EAC-683F-11D2-A89A-00C04FBBCFA2}\0\”GPOName” = “Local Group Policy”
{35378EAC-683F-11D2-A89A-00C04FBBCFA2}\0\”GPOLink” = “1”
{35378EAC-683F-11D2-A89A-00C04FBBCFA2}\0\”lParam” = “[HEXADECIMAL VALUE]”
In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Group Policy\Status\GPExtensions:
{35378EAC-683F-11D2-A89A-00C04FBBCFA2}\”Status” = “0”
{35378EAC-683F-11D2-A89A-00C04FBBCFA2}\”RsopStatus” = “0”
{35378EAC-683F-11D2-A89A-00C04FBBCFA2}\”LastPolicyTime” = “121B2EB”
{35378EAC-683F-11D2-A89A-00C04FBBCFA2}\”PrevSlowLink” = “0”
{35378EAC-683F-11D2-A89A-00C04FBBCFA2}\”PrevRsopLogging” = “1”
{35378EAC-683F-11D2-A89A-00C04FBBCFA2}\”ForceRefreshFG” = “0”
In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings:
“ProxyEnable” = “1”
“ProxyServer” = “127.0.0.1:9091″
“ProxyOverride” = “[DATA]”
“DefaultConnectionSettings” = “[HEXADECIMAL VALUE]”
“SavedLegacySettings” = “[HEXADECIMAL VALUE]”
In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Schedule\TaskCache\Tasks:
{405918C0-6502-43A2-8735-D423BF5E12C0}\”Path” = “\Microsoft\Windows Defender\MP Scheduled Scan”
{405918C0-6502-43A2-8735-D423BF5E12C0}\”Hash” = “[HEXADECIMAL VALUE]”
In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings:
“ProxySettingsPerUser” = “0”
“EnableLegacyAutoProxyFeatures” = “1”
“Proxy” = “1”
“AutoConfig” = “1”
“ProxyMode” = “system”
In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Tracing\Sniffer_RASAPI32:
“EnableFileTracing” = “0”
“EnableConsoleTracing” = “0”
“FileTracingMask” = “FFFF0000″
“ConsoleTracingMask” = “FFFF0000”
“MaxFileSize” = “100000”
“FileDirectory” = “%Windir%\tracing”
In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Tracing\Sniffer_RASMANCS:
“EnableFileTracing” = “0”
“EnableConsoleTracing” = “0”
“FileTracingMask” = “FFFF0000”
“ConsoleTracingMask” = “FFFF0000”
“MaxFileSize” = “100000”
“FileDirectory” = “%Windir%\tracing”
In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings:
“ProxyEnable” = “1”
“ProxyServer” = “127.0.0.1:9091”
“ProxyOverride” = “[DATA]”
“DefaultConnectionSettings” = “[HEXADECIMAL VALUE]”
“SavedLegacySettings” = “[HEXADECIMAL VALUE]”
“DisplayName” = “WebSearcher”
In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\WebSearcherService:
“UninstallString” = “%ProgramFiles%WebSearcher\uninstall.exe”
“DisplayVersion” = “1.0.3”
“Publisher” = “WebSearcher”
“DisplayIcon” = “%ProgramFiles%WebSearcher\uninstall.exe”
“InstDir” = “%ProgramFiles%WebSearcher”
“NoModify” = “1”
“NoRepair” = “1”
“ProxySettingsPerUser” = “0”
“EnableLegacyAutoProxyFeatures” = “1”
“Proxy” = “1”
In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Control Panel:
“AutoConfig” = “1”
“ProxyMode” = “system”
“AffId” = “272660093”
“GUID” = “{477{random}FB-BF17-4E8A-88E0-FFFD{random}ED51}”
In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\services\Service.exe:
“Type” = “10”
“Start” = “2”
“ErrorControl” = “1”
“ImagePath” = “%ProgramFiles%WebSearcher\bin\Service.exe”
“DisplayName” = “Service.exe”
“WOW64” = “1”
“ObjectName” = “LocalSystem”
“Type” = “10”
“Start” = “2”
“ErrorControl” = “1”
“ImagePath” = “%ProgramFiles%WebSearcher\bin\Service.exe”
“DisplayName” = “Service.exe”
“WOW64” = “1”
“ObjectName” = “LocalSystem”
After all of these modules have been created, the software then may begin to display different advertisements on the user’s browser. Ads may be from various forms:
- Pop-ups.
- Banners.
- Ad-supported search results.
- Browser Redirects.
In addition to that, this program is also capable of tracking different user information in order to display ads based on the interests:
- IP address.
- Location.
- Language.
- Browsing history.
- Online clicks.
- Online searches.
All of those make a perfect recipe to serve the cyber-criminal’s interests. They may boost the traffic of third-party websites by advertising them to your or directly redirecting them, they may collect your information via proxies and other tracking technologies and share it for profit. Furthermore, they may redirect you to harmful sites that may either be scams or infect your PC with malware.All of those make Web Searcher a risky program that should be terminated.
Remove Web Searcher Ads from Your PC
There are many methods to remove this software. You can use delete assistant, such as Delete Doctor to remove the above mentioned files manually and use a registry deleting script we suggested. But it is a costly process and it does not guarantee you safety since your system may already be compromised indirectly via Web Searcher. This is why you may want to follow the step-by-step manual below to successfully be rid of this application from your computer.
Delete Web Searcher from Windows and Your Browser
Remove or Uninstall Web Searcher in Windows.
Step 1: Remove/Uninstall Web Searcher 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 Web Searcher.
Remove Web Searcher 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 Web Searcher and click “Remove”
After Web Searcher is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red “X” in the top right corner and start it again.
Select Web Searcher 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 Web Searcher 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 Web Searcher
Click ‘Uninstall’
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall Web Searcher. Select ‘Uninstall’ again, and the Web Searcher will be removed.
Remove Web Searcher automatically by downloading an advanced anti-malware program.
Remove Web Searcher with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove Web Searcher.2. Scan with SpyHunter to Detect and Remove Web Searcher.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 Web Searcher 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.
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 Web Searcher.
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 Web Searcher.
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 Web Searcher 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 Web Searcher should be restored.
Remove Web Searcher Using Other Alternative Tools
STOPZilla Anti MalwareStep 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 Web Searcher 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.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
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Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by Web Searcher and other threats.
Scan Your PC with SpyHunter
SpyHunter is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as Web Searcher.
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.
To remove Web Searcher follow these steps:
Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7.
2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.For Windows XP, Vista and 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.
Step 1: Open up the Start Menu.
Step 2: Click on the Power button (for Windows 8 it is the little arrow next to the “Shut Down” button) and whilst holding down “Shift” click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, a blue menu with options will appear. From them you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: From the Startup Settings menu, click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You can choose any of the three Safe Mode options by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries on your computer to change different settings. This is why cleaning your Windows Registry Database is recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit long and tampering with registries could damage your computer if not done properly you should refer and follow our instructive article about fixing registry entries, especially if you are unexperienced in that area.
Find files created by Web Searcher
1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. 2. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.For Newer Windows Operating Systems
Step 1:
On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
Step 2:
Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
Step 3:
Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:
Step 1:
Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
Step 2:
After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
Step 3:
After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
Before starting the Automatic Removal below, 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.
Use SpyHunter to scan for malware and unwanted programs
Scan your PC and Remove Web Searcher with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for Web Searcher and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove Web Searcher. Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.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.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
Step 1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Malware/PC Scan’ tab. A new window will appear. Click on ‘Start Scan’.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
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 with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats. We recommend you to read more about it and to download SOS Online Backup .
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Web Searcher
Ransomware infections and Web Searcher aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested several alternative methods that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that these methods may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Method 1: Scanning your drive’s sectors by using Data Recovery software.
Another method for restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some suggestions for preferred data recovery software solutions:
Method 2: Trying Kaspersky and EmsiSoft’s decryptors.
If the first method does not work, we suggest trying to use decryptors for other ransomware viruses, in case your virus is a variant of them. The two primary developers of decryptors are Kaspersky and EmsiSoft, links to which we have provided below:
Method 3: Using Shadow Explorer
To restore your data in case you have backup set up, it is important to check for Volume Shadow Copies, if ransomware has not deleted them, in Windows using the below software:
Method 4: Finding the decryption key while the cryptovirus sends it over a network via a sniffing tool.
Another way to decrypt the files is by using a Network Sniffer to get the encryption key, while files are encrypted on your system. A Network Sniffer is a program and/or device monitoring data traveling over a network, such as its internet traffic and internet packets. If you have a sniffer set before the attack happened you might get information about the decryption key. See how-to instructions below:
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by Web Searcher and other threats.
Scan Your PC with SpyHunter
SpyHunter is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as Web Searcher.
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.
To remove Web Searcher follow these steps:
Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.For Windows XP, Vista and 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.
Step 1: Open up the Start Menu.
Step 2: Click on the Power button (for Windows 8 it is the little arrow next to the “Shut Down” button) and whilst holding down “Shift” click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, a blue menu with options will appear. From them you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: From the Startup Settings menu, click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You can choose any of the three Safe Mode options by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries on your computer to change different settings. This is why cleaning your Windows Registry Database is recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit long and tampering with registries could damage your computer if not done properly you should refer and follow our instructive article about fixing registry entries, especially if you are unexperienced in that area.
Find files created by Web Searcher
1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. 2. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.For Newer Windows Operating Systems
Step 1:
On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
Step 2:
Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
Step 3:
Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:
Step 1:
Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
Step 2:
After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
Step 3:
After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
Before starting the Automatic Removal below, 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.
Use SpyHunter to scan for malware and unwanted programs
Scan your PC and Remove Web Searcher with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for Web Searcher and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove Web Searcher. Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.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.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
Step 1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Malware/PC Scan’ tab. A new window will appear. Click on ‘Start Scan’.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
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 with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats. We recommend you to read more about it and to download SOS Online Backup .
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by Web Searcher or other threats.
Scan Your PC with SpyHunter
SpyHunter is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as Web Searcher.
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.
To remove Web Searcher follow these steps:
1. Uninstall malicious programs from Windows
How to Uninstall malicious programs 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:
Select the program that you want to remove, and press “Uninstall” (fig.3).
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
2. Clean your Browser and Registry from Web Searcher
Remove Web Searcher by cleaning your Browser and Registry.
Remove an extension from Mozilla FirefoxRemove an extension from Google Chrome Remove an extension from Internet Explorer
Remove an extension from Microsoft Edge Fix registry entries created by Web Searcher on your PC.
Select the “Add-ons” icon from the menu.
Select the unwanted extension and click “Remove“
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.
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’.
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.
Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
From the drop menu select “Extensions”.
Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries on your computer to change different settings. This is why cleaning your Windows Registry Database is recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit long and tampering with registries could damage your computer if not done properly you should refer and follow our instructive article about fixing registry entries, especially if you are unexperienced in that area.
Before starting the Automatic Removal below, 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.
3. Scan for malware and unwanted programs with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Scan your PC and Remove Web Searcher with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for Web Searcher and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove Web Searcher. Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.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.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
Step 1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Malware/PC Scan’ tab. A new window will appear. Click on ‘Start Scan’.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
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 with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats. We recommend you to read more about it and to download SOS Online Backup .
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by Web Searcher and other threats.
Scan Your MAC with Combo Cleaner
Combo Cleaner is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as Web Searcher.
Keep in mind, that Combo Cleaner needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check Combo Cleaner’s EULA and Privacy Policy.
Manually delete Web Searcher from your Mac
Step 1: Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
Step 2: Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
Step 3: In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to Web Searcher:
To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.
Step 4: Click on the “Go” button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
Step 5: In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to Web Searcher. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.
Step 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 Web Searcher. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“–“) icon to hide it.
Step 7: Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
1.Go to Finder.
2.In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
3.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.
4.If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
Remove Web Searcher – related extensions from your Mac’s browsers.
Remove a toolbar from Mozilla FirefoxRemove a toolbar from Google Chrome Remove an extension from Safari and reset it.
Select the “Add-ons” icon from the menu.
Select the Extension and click “Remove“
After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red “X” in the top right corner and start it again.
Step 1: Remove Safari extensions
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 the extension you want removed.
Click ‘Uninstall’
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select ‘Uninstall’ again, and the Web Searcher will be removed.
Step 2: 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.
Automatically remove Web Searcher from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Web Searcher, 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.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
