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Remove MetaSearch from Chrome, Firefox, IE



Threat's profile Threat indicator: HIGH

Name of the threat:MetaSearch

Command or file name:(randomname).dll

Threat type:Hijacker

Affected OS:Win32/Win64 (Windows XP, Vista/7, 8/8.1, Windows 10)

Affected browsers:Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari

Metasearch - is a characteristic hijacker, that can be built into many internet browsers, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer. Hijacker change your homepage and search engine to Metasearch.com. This search engine is simple, it has white background with search bar and window for advertisements. Wouldn’t be a problem, but this hijacker generates many suspicious hyperlinks to unknown websites, where you can infect your PC by other malware. In addition, you can’t change homepage or search engine. So don’t keep it on your pc, remove Metasearch as soon as possible.


MetaSearch intrusion method

MetaSearch

Usually MetaSearch comes bundled with freeware downloads. During installation you can be offered to change default homepage and search engine to MetaSearch. MetaSearch copies its file(s) to your hard disk. Its typical file name is (randomname).dll. Then it creates new startup key with name MetaSearch and value (randomname).dll. You can also find it in your processes list with name (randomname).dll or MetaSearch. Also, it can create folder with name MetaSearch under C:\Program Files\ or C:\ProgramData. If you have further questions about MetaSearch, please ask below. You can use programs to remove MetaSearch from your browsers below.


Download Removal Tool

Download this advanced removal tool and solve problems with MetaSearch and (randomname).dll (download of fix will start immediately):

Download WiperSoft Antispyware to remove MetaSearch

* WiperSoft Antispyware was developed to remove threats like MetaSearch in automatic mode. Remover has active module to protect PC from hijackers, trojans, ransomware and other viruses. Trial version of Wipersoft provides detection of computer viruses for FREE. To remove malware, you have to purchase the full version of Wipersoft.


Features of WiperSoft Antispyware Malware Remediation Tool

  • Removes all files created by viruses.
  • Removes all registry entries created by viruses.
  • You can activate System and Network Guards and forget about malware.
  • Can fix browser problems and protect browser settings.
  • Removal is guaranteed - if Removal Tool fails ask for FREE support.
  • 24/7 Spyware Helpdesk Support included into the package.

  • Download Spyhunter Remediation Tool by Enigma Software

    Download antimalware designed specifically to remove threats like MetaSearch and (randomname).dll (download of fix will start immediately):

    Download AntiMalware to remove MetaSearch

    Features of Spyhunter Remediation Tool

    • Removes all files created by MetaSearch.
    • Removes all registry entries created by MetaSearch.
    • Fixes browser redirection and hijack if needed.
    • "Toolbar Remover" tool will help you get rid of unwanted browser extensions.
    • Removal is guaranteed - if Spyhunter Remediation Tool fails ask for FREE support.
    • 24/7 Helpdesk Support and 5 hours of Remote Support via GoToAssist included into the package.


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Software Industry Professionals Member Threat's description and solution are developed by Security Stronghold security team.

Here you can also learn:


How to remove MetaSearch manually

This problem can be solved manually by deleting all registry keys and files connected with MetaSearch, removing it from startup list and unregistering all corresponding DLLs. Additionally missing DLL's should be restored from distribution in case they are corrupted by MetaSearch.

To get rid of MetaSearch, you should:

1. Kill the following processes and delete the appropriate files:

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Warning: you should delete only those files which checksums are listed as malicious. There may be valid files with the same names in your system. We recommend you to use WiperSoft Antispyware Malware Remediation Tool for safe problem solution.

**Trial version of Wipersoft provides detection of computer viruses for FREE. To remove malware, you have to purchase the full version of Wipersoft.

2. Delete the following malicious folders:

no information

3. Delete the following malicious registry entries and\or values:

no information

Warning: if value is listed for some registry entries, you should only clear these values and leave keys with such values untouched. We recommend you to use WiperSoft Antispyware Malware Remediation Tool for safe problem solution.


Uninstall MetaSearch related programs from Control Panel

We recommend you to check list of installed programs and search for MetaSearch entry or other unknown and suspicious programs. Below are instructions for different version if Windows. In some cases adware programs are protected by malicious service or process and it will not allow you to uninstall it. If MetaSearch won't uninstall or gives you error message that you do not have sufficient rights to do this perform below instructions in Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking or use WiperSoft Antispyware Malware Remediation Tool.


Windows 10

  • Click on the Start menu and choose Settings
  • Then click on System and choose Apps & Features in the left column
  • Find MetaSearch under in the list and click Uninstall button near it.
  • Confirm by clicking Uninstall button in opened window if necessary.

Windows 8/8.1

  • Right click on the bottom left corner of the screen (while on your desktop)
  • In the menu choose Control Panel
  • Click Uninstall a program under Programs and Features.
  • Locate programs that can be connected with MetaSearch or other related suspicious program.
  • Click Uninstall button.
  • Wait until uninstall process is complete.

Windows 7/Vista

  • Click Start and choose Control Panel.
  • Choose Programs and Features and Uninstall a program.
  • In the list of installed programs find entries related to MetaSearch
  • Click Uninstall button.

Windows XP

  • Click Start
  • In the menu choose Control Panel
  • Choose Add / Remove Programs.
  • Find MetaSearch related entries.
  • Click Remove button.

Remove MetaSearch related extensions from your browsers

MetaSearch in some cases can be accompanied with browsers extension. We recommend you to use free option Toolbar Remover under Tools in Spyhunter Remediation Tool to remove unwanted browser extensions related to MetaSearch. We recommend you to perform scan your PC with Removal Tool or Spyhunter Remediation Tool. To remove extenions from your browsers manually do the following:

Internet Explorer

  • While in Internet Explorer click cogwheel icon in the top right corner
  • In the menu choose the Manage Add-ons
  • Select Toolbar and Extension tab.
  • Choose add-on possibly related to MetaSearch or other related adware BHO.
  • Click Disable button.

Warning: This option will only disable unwanted plugin. For effective MetaSearch removal use WiperSoft Antispyware Malware Remediation Tool.

Google Chrome

  • Start Google Chrome.
  • In the address bar type chrome://extensions/
  • In the list of add-ons find related to MetaSearch and click recycle bin icon.
  • Confirm MetaSearch removal.

Mozilla Firefox

  • Open Firefox
  • In the address bar type about:addons
  • Click Extensions tab.
  • In the list of extension locate ones related to MetaSearch.
  • Click Remove button near it.

Reset browsers search and homepage settings

MetaSearch can affect your browsers which results in browser redirection or search hijack. We recommend you to use free option Reset Browsers under Tools in Spyhunter Remediation Tool to reset all the browsers at once. Mention that you need to remove all files and kill all processes belonging to MetaSearch before doing this. To reset your browsers manually and restore your homepage perform the following steps:

Internet Explorer

  • If you use Windows XP, click Start, and then click Run. Type the following in the Open box without quotes, and press Enter: "inetcpl.cpl"
  • If you use Windows 7 or Windows Vista, click Start. Type the following in the Search box without quotes, and press Enter: "inetcpl.cpl"
  • Click the Advanced tab
  • In Reset Internet Explorer settings, click Reset. Click Reset in opened window again.
  • Select Delete personal settings checkbox to remove browsing history, search providers, homepage
  • After Internet Explorer finishes resetting, click Close in the Reset Internet Explorer Settings dialog box

Warning: In case this option will not work use free option Reset Browsers under Tools in Spyhunter Remediation Tool.

Google Chrome

  • Go to the installation folder of Google Chrome: C:\Users\"your username"\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\Application\User Data.
  • In the User Data folder, look for a file named as Default and rename it to DefaultBackup.
  • Launch Google Chrome and a new clean Default file will be created.

Warning: This option might not work if in Google Chrome you use online synchronization between PCs. In this case use free option Reset Browsers under Tools in Spyhunter Remediation Tool.

Mozilla Firefox

  • Open Firefox

  • Go to Help > Troubleshooting Information in menu.
  • Click the Reset Firefox button.
  • After Firefox is done, it will show a window and create folder on the desktop. Click Finish.

Warning: This option will also clean all your account passwords for all websites. If you don't want it use free option Reset Browsers under Tools in Spyhunter Remediation Tool.


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