Windows 10: search.searchlf.com/polarity has hijacked my FireFox browser

I downloaded an app and search.searchlf.com took over as my browser I went to my installed programs, it shows nothing installed the night it happened. Where could it be hiding on my computer, and under what other names? I also checked the registry and couldn't detect anything there. I would like to get this off my computer WITHOUT needing to download any other software.

Thanks in advance

:)

 

Mysearch Virus and AVG "unable to start correctly"

Not sure what happened but my computer is running extremely slow and mysearch has hijacked my firefox browser. AVG will not open as well as I get an error message. Any help would be appreciated. anti-malwarebytes free addition no help.

 

Is Unknown.exe safe or not?

there is another similar q.exe - both seem to hijack firefox and chrome - changing your browser start up page.

 

Hi @Colleen Welcome to tenforums! *Smile
It may seem overwhelming but follow all the steps in the proper order here:
(sorry but extra software is most often needed in these cases)

Remove Search.searchlf.com and Login Faster extension (Removal Guide)

 

Thanks for the quick reply Edwin!
I did already try 2 malware removal down loads, Reason Core security and SpyHunter. Reason core detected some malware and said it got rid of it but the search.searchlf is still there and Spyhunter detected more but then said I would have to pay to have it removed, making me feel victimized twice. so is Zemana malware removal, the one you posted, going to get the job done without making me pay for their product? Have you used it or know someone who has had good results with it?

I am sure there is a way to find it on my computer and get rid of it without other removal tools, I did it when Conduit got on my computer and when Norton started acting like malware, without these downloads that just try and drag you into purchasing their software.
Thanks for the input I just want to make sure I'm not going to be victimized again.

 

Colleen,

The suggestions offered at MalwareTips are reputable and free, and are used throughout malware removal forums. They are not aiming to trick you into buying something, like you have already experienced.

However, we can do more of a 'hands on' tool that may identify the malware/adware present in the system.

Please use the Farbar Recovery Scan Tool Download
Save FRST to your Desktop.

[Note: You need to run the version compatible with your system: 32 bit or 64 bi

Double-click FRST to run it.

When the tool opens click Yes to the disclaimer.
Next, press the Scan button.

When done, the tool makes a log (FRST.txt) on the Desktop.

Also, the first time the tool is run, it makes another log: (Addition.txt).

Please attach both reports in your reply.

 

Thanks for the response Cottonball!

Ok
I Just solved my problem for anyone else who gets a browser hijacked in this same way where your original browser doesn't come up, I went to the hijacking web browser (searchlf.com) and in the search bar I typed "about:" (meaning to type about:config which allows you to reconfigure a web browser) which brought up FireFox , my original browser in the drop- down menu. I clicked that and Fire Fox homepage came up (first time in 2 days) next I went to the bottom left of the Fire Fox page and clicked options. In the options menu was a space to choose your home page. The complete URL for searchlf.com was in there. I deleted that and put Fire Fox as my home page. and got rid of the Malware browser.
The lesson here is you DO NOT need all that other malware download stuff to fix this problem. The problem wasn't even on MY computer but in the FIREFOX Browser. It was a waste of my time to even download, let alone if I purchased any of that software. 'about:config' in the menu bar of the offending browser is what worked for me.

I hope I didn't sound rude to either of you who replied. I appreciate the help!

 

Colleen,


If you are comfortable with what you have done, it is your decision.


My two cents worth...

Whenever someone experiences the consequences of browser hijackers and other malwares, normally there is more to it than what meets the eye. These programs are 'bundled', and there may be settings changed that are not obvious, or other findings.

Even if only running one of the suggested free programs in the MalwareTips help is better than doing nothing else.

If it were my computer, I would run Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. If the 14 day trial is installed, feel free to run it, and when the trial period expires, so be it.

Just a suggestion.

 

Thanks for the suggestion Cottonball
You are right there could be other stuff left on my computer by such a company that uses malicious tactics and I have heard good things about Malwarebytes.

 

Also Cottonball,
If the hijacker did leave something on my computer wouldn't I find evidence of it being installed either in the programs or registry? And if not there where would they put it? if you know the answers I would love to know!

 

Agree completely.
To be sure it's all gone, I'd run JRT and ADWCleaner (both free) in addition to MBAM (as cottonball suggests).

 

Thanks, simrick! Good to know we are on the same page! *Wink I would run those proggies also.

Colleen,

As to where the undesirable file are located, or having a consequence, what comes to mind are places like:

C:\Users\
C:\Windows\System32\tasks...

In the Registry, HKLM, HKCU entries...

Trying to figure out where any kind of adware/malware file is located is like looking for a needle in a haystack. That is why we use programs that have proven useful to the malware removal community.

As a matter of added interest, none of the programs suggested to you are a must buy. We are just volunteers, and get no remuneration for our service from the programs used, or anywhere.