Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Browser Hijacker – Remove It Completely - How to, Technology and PC Security Forum

by Ventsislav Krastev | November 3, 2015 | 0 Comments ad-supported application, browser hijacker, PUP

Yet another browser hijacker from the vas websearch family of browser hijackers has appeared, this time setting websearch.the-searcheng.info as the user’s home page and displaying interruptive advertisements misleading users to suspicious third-party websites. The questionable application which is categorized as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) by security experts is reported to collect user information and possibly share it with third-parties, according to its shady privacy policy and similar to other websearch hijackers.

Name	Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker
Type	Browser Hijacker
Short Description	The page may look like a regular search engine with links to well-known pages.
Symptoms	The user may have the website set as his homepage without his approval.
Distribution Method	Bundling.
Detection Tool	Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
User Experience	Join our forum to discuss about Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info.

Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info – How Did I Get It?

One way to become affected by this hijacker or one of its many variants is to click on a misleading advertisement that may add it as an extension to your web browser. Another and more likely possibility is bundling, since it is a widely used web strategy that is used by third-party software providing websites.

Most users who download freeware online do not realize that some software hosting websites have bundled applications such as Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info browser hijacker that are advertised as free extras to assist users with their online browsing experience. This plus given the fact that most inexperienced fast clickers tend to rush their way through the installation process and skip opting out such ‘extras’ makes bundling an effective strategy to slither into inexperienced users’ computers – the perfect segment of potential clickers to its adverts.

Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Description

Once it has been installed onto your computer, the program may set Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info as your home or new tab page of the browser you are using. The home page itself has several different types of cookies installed in the user’s PC.

It also features a privacy policy where the developers state that they may collect certain user information and may provide it with third-parties, something that may be very dangerous, depending on the third-party that the information is shared to.

What is more, the search engine has extremely annoying and deceiving advertisements such as an animated banner copying the pop-up that is being displayed when someone calls you on Skype, leading to dating sites or fake Windows error messages. The fake Windows pop-ups lead to the same place in most Websearch search engines – a rogue antivirus program, called Reimage PC repair.

What is more, the search engine does not have https encryption on its connection to the user, which increases the risk of its usage, since it is a search engine and features many third-party links. These very third-parties may either be scamming sites that scam users out of their money, legitimate websites looking to boost their traffic using its services or even malicious URL aiming to infect the user PC with malware.

What is more, Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info is part of a large network of sister websites that are most likely from the same developer, because they look very similar plus have the same privacy policy:

Security researchers strongly advise against keeping such search engines on your browser since they may lead to sinister online places.

Removing Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info

In order to get rid successfully of websearch.thesearcheng.info hijacker you should follow carefully the instructions below. What is highly recommended is that after manual removal you scan your computer more than once with an advanced anti-malware tool in order to identify whether or not your PC has been exposed to malware and remove any left over objects by websearch.the-searcheng.info from your computer.

Step 1: Remove/Uninstall Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker in Windows

Here is a method in few easy steps to remove that program. No matter if you are using Windows 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program get left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, mistakes with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:

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 Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker.

Step 2: Remove Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker from your browser

Remove a toolbar from Mozilla Firefox

Remove a toolbar from Google Chrome

Remove a toolbar from Internet Explorer

Remove a toolbar from Safari

Start Mozilla Firefox Open the menu window

Select the “Add-ons” icon from the menu

Select Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker and click “Remove”

After Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker 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 Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker and click on the garbage bin icon on the right of it.

After Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker 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 Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker to remove, and then click ‘Disable’. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected toolbar, and some additional toolbars might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click ‘Disable’.

After Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker 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 Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker
Click ‘Uninstall’

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

Step 3: Remove Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker automatically by downloading an advanced anti-malware program.

1. Remove Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker.

2. Scan with SpyHunter to Detect and Remove Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker.

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 Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker files, click on the ‘Fix Threats’ button to remove them automatically and permanently.

Step3: Once the intrusions on your PC have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart it.

2. Remove Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

2. Remove Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

1. Install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to scan for and remove Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker.

2. Scan your PC with MalwareBytes to remove all Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker associated files automatically.

Step 1: Download Malwarebytes 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 ‘Next’ on the following 4 steps that will appear afterwards and after that click on the ‘Install’ button.

Step 7: After the installation process has completed click on the ‘Finish’ button and check the ‘Launch MalwareBytes AntiMalware’ check box.

Step 1: Launch MalwareBytes if you havent launched it after install.
Step 2: Wait for the software to update and then click on the blue ‘Scan Now’ button. If it doesnt start updating automatically, click on the blue ‘Update Now’ highlighted text.

Step 3: At this point, after clicking the ‘Scan Now’ button, the system should start scanning your PC. It may take a while but be patient – it is worth it.

Step 4: After the scan has been complete and all of the threats have been identified, click on the ‘Remove Selected’ button to detelete them permanently.

Step 5: Once the scan has completed, MalwareBytes will prompt you to restart your computer. It is recommended to save all your data you are working on before restarting.

3. Remove Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker with STOPZilla AntiMalware

4. Remove Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker with STOPZilla AntiMalware

1. Install STOPZilla Anti Malware to scan for and remove Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker.

2. Scan your PC with STOPZilla Anti Malware to remove all Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker associated files completely.

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.

Step 1: Launch STOPZilla if you havent 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.

4. Back up your data to secure it against attacks related to Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker in the future

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

Security engineers recommend that you back up your files immediately, preferably on an external memory carrier in order to be able to restore them. In order to protect yourself from Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker (For Windows Users) please follow these simple steps:

1. For Windows 7 and earlier

1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10

1. Enabling the Windows Defense Feature (Previous Versions)

1-Click on Windows Start Menu

2-Type Backup And Restore
3-Open it and click on Set Up Backup

4-A window will appear asking you where to set up backup. You should have a flash drive or an external hard drive. Mark it by clicking on it with your mouse then click on Next.

5-On the next window, the system will ask you what do you want to backup. Choose the ‘Let Me Choose’ option and then click on Next.

6-Click on ‘Save settings and run backup’ on the next window in order to protect your files from possible attacks by Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker.

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 Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker.

1- Press Windows button + R keys.

2- A run windows should appear. In it type ‘sysdm.cpl’ and then click on Run.

3- A System Properties windows should appear. In it choose System Protection.

5- Click on Turn on system protection and select the size on the hard disk you want to utilize for system protection.
6- Click on Ok and you should see an indication in Protection settings that the protection from Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker is on.

Restoring a file via Windows Defense feature:
1-Right-click on the encrypted file, then choose Properties.

2-Click on the Previous Versions tab and then mark the last version of the file.

3-Click on Apply and Ok and the file encrypted by Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker should be restored.

NOTE! Substantial notification about the Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker threat: Manual removal of Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker 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 Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker

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 Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker and related software from Windows

Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:

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 Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker on your computer.

The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:

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

You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker 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 Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker 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 Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker 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 Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker:

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 Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker. 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 Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker. 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 Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker via Step 1 above:

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

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 Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker. 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 Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker from Google Chrome.

Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu

Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"

Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.

Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.

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

Erase Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker from Mozilla Firefox.

Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window

Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.

Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"

Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.

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

Uninstall Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker from Microsoft Edge.

Step 1: Start Edge browser.

Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.

Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".

Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.

Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.

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

Remove Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker from Safari.

Step 1: Start the Safari app.

Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.

Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".

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

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

Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.

A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker 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 Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker from Internet Explorer.

Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.

Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'

Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.

Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.

Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.

Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Browser Hijacker – Remove It Completely

Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info – How Did I Get It?

Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Description

Removing Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info

Step 1: Remove/Uninstall Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker in Windows

Step 2: Remove Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker from your browser

Step 3: Remove Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker automatically by downloading an advanced anti-malware program.

1. Remove Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

2. Remove Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

4. Remove Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker with STOPZilla AntiMalware

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

Ventsislav Krastev

How to Remove Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker from Windows.

Get rid of Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker from Mac OS X.

Remove Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker from Google Chrome.

Erase Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker from Mozilla Firefox.

Uninstall Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker from Microsoft Edge.

Remove Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker from Safari.

Eliminate Websearch(.)the-searcheng(.)info Hijacker from Internet Explorer.

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