Searchgoose browser hijacker removal instructions

Searchgoose – What is it?

“Searchgoose” search hijacker is a potentially unwanted application (PUA)¹, that is distributed as a plugin for your web browser. It is usually spread as an add-on for Chrome or Firefox, that assists to browse some special information, as an example, about sporting activity events, make your web browser a lot more secure, enable downloading of any video, et cetera. Also, this app adds the “Managed by your organization” feature (on Chrome browsers).

However, the “Searchgoose” plugin is pretty ineffective due to the fact that all such features are currently integrated to your browser and/or Windows. Such marketing slogans are targeted at low-skilled computer users, such as pensioners or schoolchildren. But often even expert users are getting caught on such an attraction. In specific instances, this hijacker is spread together with free programs.

Searchgoose Search Hijacker

How harmful is Searchgoose hijacker?

Besides its uselessness, Searchgoose hijacker is additionally considerably unsafe for browser utilization. It transforms your search engine to its specific – Searchgoose.com, and likewise changes your background, adding its watermark on your background image (or, sometimes, changing it to default with the mentioned sign).

Apart from aesthetic changes done by Searchgoose hijacker, you might discover that several of your search queries are redirecting to the uncertain web pages, full of links and ads – so-called doorway sites. Such websites can contain web links for malware downloads. The chance of redirecting increases if you attempt to open Google search page by force.

However all these activities are far more bothersome than truly dangerous. The biggest risk, primarily for people who have a lot of confidential information in their internet browsers, is embedded in information collecting functionalities. Cookie files, conversations, often-visited sites, as well as other activities are simply collected by Searchgoose hijacker.

How to remove Searchgoose search hijacker?

• Download and install GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
• Open GridinSoft Anti-Malware and perform a “Standard scan“.
• “Move to quarantine” all items.
• Open “Tools” tab – Press “Reset Browser Settings“.
• Select proper browser and options – Click “Reset”.
• Restart your computer.

Browser hijackers are almost always rather simple to remove. For the most part, they have an independent application that can be spotted in the list of installed programs. As a result of the specific distribution tactic of Searchgoose hijacker, it can be easily tracked and removed by hand. Nevertheless, if you got Searchgoose in the bundle with a free program, your PC can be infected with a lot more serious malware – trojans, spyware or even ransomware. That’s why I’d advise you utilize anti-malware tools to deal with the Searchgoose PUA and all other malware.

You can utilize Microsoft Defender² – it is capable of discovering and clearing away various malware, including named hijacker. However, major malware, that might be present on your PC in the discussed case, can disable the Windows antivirus tool by editing the Group Policies. To minimize the chanse of such scenarios, it is better to use GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

To detect and remove all unwanted programs on your PC with GridinSoft Anti-Malware, it’s better to utilize Standard or Full scan. Quick Scan is not able to find all the malicious programs, because it scans only the most popular registry entries and folders.

You can spectate the detected malware sorted by their possible harm simultaneously with the scan process. But to perform any actions against the viruses, you need to wait until the scan is over, or to stop the scan.

To set the action for each detected virus or unwanted program, click the arrow in front of the name of the detected malicious app. By default, all malware will be removed to quarantine.

Reset browser settings to original ones

To revert your browser settings, you are required to use the Reset Browser Settings option. This action cannot be counteracted by any malware, hence, you will surely see the result. This action can be located in the Tools tab.

After choosing the Reset Browser Settings option, the menu will be displayed, where you can choose, which settings will be reverted to the original.

Deleteing Searchgoose hijacker manually

Besides using anti-malware software for browser restoration, you may choose the “Reset browser settings” function, which is usually embedded in all popular browsers.

1. Open “Settings and more” tab in upper right corner, then find here “Settings” button. In the appeared menu, choose “Reset settings” option :
2. After picking the Reset Settings option, you will see the following menu, stating about the settings which will be reverted to original :

1. Open Menu tab (three strips in upper right corner) and click the “Help” button. In the appeared menu choose “troubleshooting information” :
2. In the next screen, find the “Refresh Firefox” option :

After choosing this option, you will see the next message :

1. Open Settings tab, find the “Advanced” button. In the extended tab choose the “Reset and clean up” button :
2. In the appeared list, click on the “Restore settings to their original defaults” :
3. Finally, you will see the window, where you can see all the settings which will be reset to default :
   

1. Open Settings menu by pressing the gear icon in the toolbar (left side of the browser window), then click “Advanced” option, and choose “Browser” button in the drop-down list. Scroll down, to the bottom of the settings menu. Find there “Restore settings to their original defaults” option :
2. After clicking the “Restore settings…” button, you will see the window, where all settings, which will be reset, are shown :

As an afterword, I want to say that time plays against you and your PC. The activity of browser hijacker must be stopped as soon as possible, because of the possibility of other malware injection. This malware can be downloaded autonomously, or offered for you to download in one of the windows with advertisements, which are shown to you by the hijacker. You need to act as fast as you can.

References

1. More information about PUAs
2. Detailed review of Microsoft Defender