Thesmartsearch.net is a browser hijacker. It takes control of Google Chrome, Internet Explorer (Microsoft Edge), Mozilla Firefox and changes browser`s home page and a default search engine on thesmartsearch.net. In addition, it will change the properties of browsers shortcuts on the desktop and in the Start menu by adding argument http://thesmartsearch.net.
When your PC is infected, every time you start your browser, it will display a page thesmartsearch.net. This page shows only advertising and sponsored links. As mentioned above, the browser hijacker changed the default search engine on the thesmartsearch.net, so all your search queries will be redirected to this site. Thus the authors of the virus may collect the search terms of your queries, and redirect you to malicious websites.
Technically, thesmartsearch.net hijacker is not a virus, but the virus behaves similarly. As a rootkit hides in the system, changes browser settings, and blocks them from changing. Also this browser hijacker can install additional browser addons, extensions and modules that will display advertising banners and popups.
How to thesmartsearch.net infection get installed onto computer
Probably this browser hijacker get installed onto your PC when you have installed a free software like PDF creator, video codec, etc. Because, most commonly thesmartsearch.net malware is bundled within the installation packages from Softonic, Cnet, Soft32, Brothersoft or other similar web sites. So, read term of use and user agreement very carefully before installing any software or otherwise you can end up with another malicious software like thesmartsearch.net hijacker on your PC.
Symptoms of thesmartsearch.net infection
- thesmartsearch.net hijacks your web browser homepage, default search engine and browser shortcuts.
- Internet Searches are redirected to thesmartsearch.net.
- Internet may be slow.
- Antivirus detects adware and ransomware infections.
How to remove thesmartsearch.net redirect (Step-by-step instructions)
The following instructions is a full step-by-step guide, which will help you to remove thesmartsearch.net hijacker from Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer and Google Chrome. Moreover, the steps below will help you to uninstall potentially unwanted software such as adware and toolbars that your computer may be infected. Please do the instructions step by step. If you need a help or have any questions, then ask for our assistance here or type a comment below.
1. Delete thesmartsearch.net associated adware by using Windows Control Panel.
2. Remove thesmartsearch.net hijacker and malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer and Google Chrome with AdwCleaner.
3. Remove thesmartsearch.net redirect with JRT (Junkware Removal Tool).
4. Remove thesmartsearch.net browser hijacker related files and registry keys with MalwareBytes Anti-malware.
1. Delete thesmartsearch.net associated adware by using Windows Control Panel.
Press Windows key 
, then click Search 
. Type Control panel and press Enter. If you using Windows XP or Windows 7, then click Start and select Control Panel. It will open the Windows Control Panel as shown below.
Click Uninstall a program 
It will open a list of all programs. Scroll down, select SearchOffModule and click Uninstall.
Most important, scroll through the all list, and uninstall any unknown programs.
2. Remove thesmartsearch.net hijacker and malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer and Google Chrome with AdwCleaner.
Download AdwCleaner from the link below.
Once finished, open a directory in which you saved it. You will see a icon like below.
Double click the AdwCleaner desktop icon. Once this tool is started, you will see a screen like below.
Press Start button to perform a system scan for thesmartsearch.net adware and malicious extensions. Once AdwCleaner has finished, it will open a scan report as shown below.
Review the report and then click Cleaning button. It will display a prompt.
Click OK. When the cleaning process is finished, AdwCleaner may ask you to reboot your computer.
When your PC is started, you will see an AdwCleaner log.
3. Remove thesmartsearch.net redirect with JRT (Junkware Removal Tool).
Download Junkware Removal Tool from the link below.
JRT (Junkware Removal Tool) download link.
Open a directory in which you saved the JRT. You will see an icon like below.
Run it. Junkware Removal Tool will try to update itself, if a new version is available. Once updating is done, you will see JRT DISCLAIMER.
Please read and press any key to continue. First, JRT creates a restore point and once complete, it will start a scan of a computer.
During the scan, Junkware Removal Tool will check Startups, Services, Processes, Files, Folders, Registry keys, Registry values, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer (EDGE), Google Chrome extensions and remove thesmartsearch.net related malicious software that has been found.
When cleaning a computer is completed, JRT will display a log file.
4. Remove thesmartsearch.net related files and registry keys with MalwareBytes Anti-malware.
Download MalwareBytes Anti-malware (MBAM) from the link below.
MalwareBytes Anti-malware download link
Once downloaded, close all programs and windows on your computer. Open a directory in which you saved it. Double-click on the icon that named mbam-setup like below.
When the installation begins, you will see the Setup – Wizard that will help you install MalwareBytes Anti-malware on your computer.
Once installation is complete, you will see window similar to the one below.
Now click on the Scan Now button to start scanning your computer for malware that cause a redirect to thesmartsearch.net. This procedure can take some time, so please be patient.
When the scan is finished, make sure all entries have “checkmark” and click Remove Selected button. MalwareBytes Anti-malware will start to remove thesmartsearch.net browser hijacker related files, folders, registry keys. Once disinfection is completed, you may be prompted to Restart.
The End.
Your computer should now be free of thesmartsearch.net redirect. If you need help with the instructions, then ask for help here.
