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Search Start Point Removal Manual

by   |  December 29, 2014  |  0 Comments   ,

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, Search Start Point 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.

Download a FREE System Scanner, to See If Your System Has Been Affected By Search Start Point.

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.

Strtpoint.com-redirect

How Does Search Start Point Affect Your Computer?

Recommendation engines like Search Start Point 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 Search Start Point 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.

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 caused by Search Start Point interfere with your browsing activities, follow the steps provided below to remove Search Start Point from your computer permanently.

donload_now_250
Spy Hunter FREE scanner will only detect the threat. If you want the threat to be automatically removed, you need to purchase the full version of the malware tool.

1. Restore the settings in your browser

1. Remove Search Start Point from your browser

Remove a toolbar from Mozilla FirefoxRemove a toolbar from Google Chrome Remove a toolbar from Internet Explorer Remove a toolbar from Safari
Start Google Chrome and Open the drop menu

uninstall-fig7

  • Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"

    • uninstall-fig8

  • From the opened "Extensions" menu locate Search Start Point and click on the garbage bin icon on the right of it.

    • uninstall-fig9

  • After Search Start Point 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'

    • uninstall-fig10

  • 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'

    • uninstall-fig11

    Select Search Start Point 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'.

    uninstall-fig12

    After Search Start Point 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.
    uninstall-fig13

    From the drop menu select 'Preferences'
    In the new window select 'Extensions'
    Click once on Search Start Point
    Click 'Uninstall'

    uninstall-fig14

    A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall Search Start Point. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the Search Start Point will be removed.

    2. Remove Search Start Point automatically with Spy Hunter Malware - Removal Tool.

    2. Remove Search Start Point automatically with Spy Hunter Malware – Removal Tool.

    To clean your computer with the award-winning software Spy Hunter – donload_now_140
    It is highly recommended to run a FREE scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter.

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    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.

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

    How to Remove Search Start Point from Windows.

    Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Search Start Point

    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 Search Start Point 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 Search Start Point 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 Search Start Point 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 Search Start Point with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

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

    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.

    SpyHunter5-update-2018

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

    SpyHunter5-Free-Scan-2018

    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.

    SpyHunter-5-Free-Scan-Next-2018

    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 Search Start Point from Mac OS X.

    Step 1: Uninstall Search Start Point 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 Search Start Point:

    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 Search Start Point. 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 Search Start Point. 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 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


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

    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.


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

    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.


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

    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.


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

    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".

    stf-safari preferences

    Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.

    stf-safari-extensions

    Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.

    Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.

    stf-safari 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.


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

    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.

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