Greenet is a browser hijacker that come bundled with another free software that you have downloaded. During installation, it changes Google Chrome’s settings such as a home page and default search engine. In addition, this hijacker may change the properties of Chrome shortcuts on the desktop and in the Start menu by adding argument http://greenet.xyz/. So, every time, when you will run your Google Chrome, it will open a Greenet web site.
Don’t panic! Greenet will not, generally speaking, do you any harm. You probably will want to get rid of it as quickly as possible, because this browser hijacker is a very annoying! Every time you start your Google Chrome you will see Greenet web page. Of course you can setup your home page again, but next time you start your browser you will see that annoying web site return. As mentioned above, the Chrome’s hijacker changed the default search engine on the unwanted web-site too, so all your search queries will be redirected too. Thus the authors of the browser hijacker may collect the search terms of your queries, and redirect you to malicious websites.
Technically, Greenet hijacker is not a virus, but the virus behaves similarly. As a rootkit hides in the system, changes Chrome’s settings, and blocks them from changing. Also this hijacker can install additional Google Chrome’s addons, extensions and modules that will display advertising banners and popups.
How to Greenet infection get installed onto computer
Probably this browser hijacker get installed onto your PC when you have installed a free software like E-Mail checker, PDF creator, video codec, etc. Because, most commonly Greenet 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 Greenet hijacker on your PC.
Symptoms of Greenet infection
- Greenet hijacks your Google Chrome homepage, default search engine and shortcut.
- Internet Searches are redirected to Greenet.
- Internet may be slow.
- Antivirus detects adware and PUP infections.
How to remove Greenet from Chrome (Step-by-step instructions)
The following instructions is a full step-by-step guide, which will help you to remove Greenet hijacker from 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. Uninstall Greenet associated adware by using Windows Control Panel.
2. Remove Greenet hijacker and malicious extensions from Google Chrome with AdwCleaner.
3. Remove Greenet from Google Chrome with JRT (Junkware Removal Tool).
4. Remove Greenet from Chrome with MalwareBytes Anti-malware.
5. Reset Chrome settings to remove Greenet browser hijacker (Optional).
1. Uninstall Greenet 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. Take a good look at the list! If you have found something you don’t recognize or any unknown programs, then uninstall it here.
2. Remove Greenet hijacker and malicious extensions from Google Chrome with AdwCleaner.
AdwCleaner is a free software that scans for and removes adware, toolbars, potentially unwanted programs (PUP) and browser hijackers like Greenet. AdwCleaner makes it quick and absolutely free! This utility does not conflict with any antivirus, so that it can be safely used.
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 Greenet browser hijacker. 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 Greenet from Google Chrome with JRT (Junkware Removal Tool).
JRT (Junkware Removal Tool) is a free security software that will automatically remove all traces of adware, toolbars and potentially unwanted programs. This utility does not conflict with any antivirus, so that it can be safely used.
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, Google Chrome’s settings and extensions and remove Greenet related malicious software that has been found.
When cleaning a computer is completed, JRT will display a log file.
4. Remove Greenet from Chrome with MalwareBytes Anti-malware.
Malwarebytes Anti-malware detects and removes malicious software such as adware, toolbars, potentially unwanted programs (PUP) and browser hijackers like Greenet that even the most well-known antivirus and antimalware programs cannot. This program does not conflict with any antivirus, so that it can be safely used.
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 Greenet. 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 Greenet hijacker related files, folders, registry keys. Once disinfection is completed, you may be prompted to Restart.
5. Reset Chrome settings to remove Greenet browser hijacker (Optional)
Open the Google Chrome menu by clicking on the button in the form of three horizontal stripes (
). It opens the drop-down menu. Click to Settings option.
Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the “Show advanced settings” link. Now scroll down until the Reset settings section is visible, as shown below and click on the Reset settings button.
Confirm your action, click on the Reset button. After that, your Google Chrome’s settings will be reset to the original and redirect to Greenet will be deleted.
Finish words.
After completing these instructions, redirect to Greenet in Google Chrome will be completely removed. Your home page and default search engine has been restored. Unfortunately, the authors of such malicious software are constantly updating them, making it difficult to cure the computer. Therefore, if this guide will not help, then you have caught a new version of Greenet hijacker and then the best option – ask for help here.
