Search Start Point Removal Manual

What Is Search Start Point?

Search Start Point is a browser add-on and a search engine created by InstallMac. Search Start Point has many useful features like tracking the interests of the user and presenting him with a custom homepage tailored according to his preferences.

Despite its innovative approach and popularity among Internet users, the search engine reportedly causes unwanted redirects to search.strtpoint.com. Redirects of this kid could be the result of possible malware infection and unintentional installation of third party add-ons. This is why experts consider Search Start Point a potentially unwanted program (PUP) and recommend its removal.

Search Start Point – Distribution Techniques

Search Start Point can be downloaded and installed as a legit browser add-on or can end up on your computer bundled with other applications, toolbars or plug-ins you have downloaded online. Unwanted installations can be easily avoided by simply selecting the Custom options where you can un-select any additional programs you wouldn’t like on your PC.

How Does Search Start Point Affect Your Computer?

Recommendation engines like this one and the redirects they may cause, usually have one purpose only – to generate revenue from the user’s clicks on third party ads and sponsored links presented in the search results.

Although it is not a virus per se, the browser add-on is capable of altering the settings of the browser you are currently using by changing the default homepage, search engine and new tab page to search.strtpoint.com upon installation.

Is Search Start Point Dangerous?

This is a browser hijacker that can be dangerous if it is not removed. It can redirect your web searches to unwanted websites and can install malicious software on your computer, as well as collect private information including your IP address, search terms, and even financial information. If you find that the hijacker has infected your computer, it is important to remove it immediately.

Is It a Computer Virus?

By definition, Search Start Point does not belong to the family of computer viruses. A computer virus is the type of program that replicates itself upon execution by modifying other programs and inserting its own code. Once the replication happens, the affected areas become “infected” with the computer virus. This hijacker does not have these properties, but could redirect you to malicious pages that download malware onto the computer.

How to Protect My Computer from TSearch Start Point?

Redirects to suspicious search pages can be avoided easily by building user vigilance. Here are a few easy steps you can take to avoid installing PUPs and becoming a victim of unwanted programs and redirects:

• Don’t download programs from Internet ads, pop-ups, torrent trackers, file sharing sites and other unreliable sources.
• Opt-out of the setting hidden in the “Custom” or “Advanced” sections when you’re installing a program. You can deselect most PUPs from there.
• Avoid installing programs you don’t need.
• Keep an eye out for any excessive or unusual Internet advertising. These ads can be brought on by PUPs and adware attached to your browser.
• Read the terms and conditions of use when you install any programs.
• Check your installed software regularly and uninstall any applications you do not want or need.
• Install an anti-malware program that also has the ability to detect and remove potentially unwanted programs.

How to Remove Search Start Point from Your Computer?

In case you have installed Search Start Point on purpose, and you are satisfied with the features the plug-in offers, no further action is needed. In case the redirects interfere with your browsing activities, follow the steps provided below to remove the hijacker from your computer permanently.

Berta Bilbao

Berta is a dedicated malware researcher, dreaming for a more secure cyber space. Her fascination with IT security began a few years ago when a malware locked her out of her own computer.

More Posts

• Windows
• Mac OS X
• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Microsoft Edge
• Safari
• Internet Explorer
• Stop Push Pop-ups

How to Remove Search Start Point from Windows.

---

Step 1: Scan for Search Start Point with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1.1 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.

---

1.2 After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

---

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

---

1.4 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.

---

Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode

2.1 Hold Windows key + R

---

2.2 The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

---

2.3 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.

---

2.4 When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.

---

2.5 You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

---

Step 3: Uninstall Search Start Point and related software from Windows

Uninstall Steps for Windows 11

1 Go to the search bar and type "Add or Remove Programs" and then click it.

2 Locate the software that you want to uninstall click on the three dots and click "Uninstall" to begin the process.

3 Follow the uninstall steps until the software has been effectively removed from your computer

Uninstall Steps for Windows 10 and Older Versions

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 4: Clean Any registries, Created by Search Start Point on Your PC.

The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce

You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Search Start Point there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

4.1 Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

---

4.2 When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

---

4.3 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.

---

Video Removal Guide for Search Start Point (Windows).

---

Get rid of Search Start Point from Mac OS X.

---

Step 1: Uninstall Search Start Point and remove related files and objects

1.1 Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:

---

1.2 Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

---

1.3 In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to Search Start Point:

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

---

1.4 Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.

---

1.5 In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to Search Start Point. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

---

1.6 Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.

Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Search Start Point. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.

---

1.7 Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:

• Go to Finder.
• In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
• Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
• If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.

In case you cannot remove Search Start Point via Step 1 above:

In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:

2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:

3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as Search Start Point. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.

You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:

→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons

Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.

---

Step 2: Scan for and remove Search Start Point files from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Search Start Point, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.

---

Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for Search Start Point:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

---

Video Removal Guide for Search Start Point (Mac)

---

Remove Search Start Point 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.

---

Erase Search Start Point 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.

---

Uninstall Search Start Point 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.

---

Remove Search Start Point 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 Search Start Point 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.

Eliminate Search Start Point 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.

Remove Push Notifications from Your Browsers

---

Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome

To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:

Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.

Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:

Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:

Step 4: Open “Notifications”:

Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:

Remove Push Notifications on Firefox

Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.

Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":

Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”

Stop Push Notifications on Opera

Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.

Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.

Step 3: Open Notifications:

Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):

Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari

Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.

Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".

Search Start Point-FAQ

What Is Search Start Point?

The Search Start Point threat is adware or browser redirect virus.

It may slow your computer down significantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.

The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.

What Are the Symptoms of Search Start Point?

There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:

Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and have poor performance in general.

Symptom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.

Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.

Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.

Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.

If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts recommend that you check your computer for viruses.

What Types of Unwanted Programs Are There?

According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your device can be rogue antivirus software, adware, browser hijackers, clickers, fake optimizers and any forms of PUPs.

What to Do If I Have a "virus" like Search Start Point?

With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:

Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.

Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your email passwords.

Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.

Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activities with your card.

Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.

Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.

Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.

Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.

Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.

If you follow these recommendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.

How Does Search Start Point Work?

Once installed, Search Start Point can collect data using trackers. This data is about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. It is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.

Search Start Point can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information and show risky ads, that may redirect to virus sites or scams.

Is Search Start Point Malware?

The truth is that PUPs (adware, browser hijackers) are not viruses, but may be just as dangerous since they may show you and redirect you to malware websites and scam pages.

Many security experts classify potentially unwanted programs as malware. This is because of the unwanted effects that PUPs can cause, such as displaying intrusive ads and collecting user data without the user’s knowledge or consent.

About the Search Start Point Research

The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Search Start Point how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.

How did we conduct the research on Search Start Point?

Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Search Start Point threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.