How to remove Search.openfile-api.live redirect (Virus removal guide)

Are you facing a problem with the Mozilla Firefox, MS Edge, Google Chrome and Internet Explorer web browsers that constantly redirects to a dubious website named Search.openfile-api.live? Then, there are chances that are your computer/web-browser is infected by adware (sometimes called ‘ad-supported’ software).

How Adware works & Adware effects. Adware is form of malicious software that presents unwanted advertising on a machine, redirects search requests to advertising webpages and gathers confidential information for marketing purposes. Adware can display banner ads, full-screen ads, pop ups, videos, or other varieties of online advertising. Adware can attack your system’s internet browsers like the Chrome, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge and Firefox. Maybe you approve the idea that the ads or pop-ups is just a small problem. But these advertisements eat computer resources and slow down your personal computer performance

Even worse, adware can analyze the location and which Net webpages you visit, and then present ads to the types of content, goods or services featured there. Adware creators can gather and sell your surfing information and behavior to third parties.

Threat Summary

Name	Search.openfile-api.live
Type	adware, PUP (potentially unwanted program), pop ups, pop-up ads, popup virus
Symptoms	unclosable window appear and recommend fake security software when you go to a website, you’re randomly rerouted to another web site that you do not intend to visit new entries appear in your Programs folder an unexpected toolbar appears in your browser your web browser settings are being changed without your request you cannot update your security programs low ping but slow Internet your PC system starts performing very slowly
Removal	Search.openfile-api.live removal guide

How does Adware get on your computer

Adware usually gets onto computer by being attached to free software which downloaded from the Internet. Which means that you need to be proactive and carefully read the Terms of use and the License agreement properly. For the most part, adware software and PUPs will be clearly described, so take the time to carefully read all the information about the software that you downloaded and want to install on your PC system.

Adware is usually written in ways common to malware, spyware and browser hijackers. In order to remove adware software and thereby delete Search.openfile-api.live redirect, you will need follow the steps below or use free adware removal utility listed below.

How to remove Search.openfile-api.live redirect (removal instructions)

In the steps below we will have a look at the adware software and how to remove Search.openfile-api.live from Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox browsers for Windows OS, natively or by using a few free removal tools. Some of the steps below will require you to exit this web-site. So, please read the few simple steps carefully, after that bookmark it or open it on your smartphone for later reference.

To remove Search.openfile-api.live, complete the steps below:

1. Manual Search.openfile-api.live redirect removal
   • Delete newly added adware
   • Remove Search.openfile-api.live redirect from Google Chrome
   • Delete Search.openfile-api.live from Firefox by resetting web browser settings
   • Get rid of Search.openfile-api.live redirect from Internet Explorer
2. Automatic Removal of Search.openfile-api.live redirect
   • How to get rid of Search.openfile-api.live redirect with Zemana Anti-Malware (ZAM)
   • Delete Search.openfile-api.live redirect from web browsers with Hitman Pro
   • Delete Search.openfile-api.live redirect with MalwareBytes Anti-Malware (MBAM)
3. Use AdBlocker to stop Search.openfile-api.live redirect and stay safe online
4. To sum up

Manual Search.openfile-api.live redirect removal

This part of the article is a step-by-step guidance that will show you how to get rid of Search.openfile-api.live redirect manually. You just need to follow every step. In this case, you do not need to install any additional tools.

Delete newly added adware

You can manually get rid of most nonaggressive adware by deleting the program that it came with or removing the adware itself using ‘Add/Remove programs’ or ‘Uninstall a program’ option in Windows Control Panel.

1. If you are using Windows 8, 8.1 or 10 then press Windows button, next click Search. Type “Control panel”and press Enter.
2. If you are using Windows XP, Vista, 7, then click “Start” button and press “Control Panel”.
3. It will show the Windows Control Panel.
4. Further, press “Uninstall a program” under Programs category.
5. It will open a list of all programs installed on the system.
6. Scroll through the all list, and remove suspicious and unknown apps. To quickly find the latest installed programs, we recommend sort software by date.

See more details in the video guidance below.

Remove Search.openfile-api.live redirect from Google Chrome

If you have adware problem or the Google Chrome is running slow, then reset Chrome settings can help you. In the steps below we will show you a solution to reset your Google Chrome settings to original state without reinstall. This will also help to get rid of Search.openfile-api.live redirect from your web-browser.

1. First, launch the Google Chrome and press the Menu icon (icon in the form of three dots).
2. It will display the Google Chrome main menu. Select More Tools, then click Extensions.
3. You will see the list of installed add-ons. If the list has the extension labeled with “Installed by enterprise policy” or “Installed by your administrator”, then complete the following steps: Remove Chrome extensions installed by enterprise policy.
4. Now open the Chrome menu once again, press the “Settings” menu.
5. Next, press “Advanced” link, which located at the bottom of the Settings page.
6. On the bottom of the “Advanced settings” page, click the “Reset settings to their original defaults” button.
7. The Google Chrome will display the reset settings prompt as shown on the screen above.
8. Confirm the web browser’s reset by clicking on the “Reset” button.
9. To learn more, read the blog post How to reset Google Chrome settings to default.

Delete Search.openfile-api.live from Firefox by resetting web browser settings

If the Mozilla Firefox web browser program is hijacked, then resetting its settings can help. The Reset feature is available on all modern version of Firefox. A reset can fix many issues by restoring Mozilla Firefox settings like newtab, start page and search engine to their default state. Essential information like bookmarks, browsing history, passwords, cookies, auto-fill data and personal dictionaries will not be removed.

Click the Menu button (looks like three horizontal lines), and click the blue Help icon located at the bottom of the drop down menu as displayed in the following example.

A small menu will appear, press the “Troubleshooting Information”. On this page, click “Refresh Firefox” button as displayed on the screen below.

Follow the onscreen procedure to return your Mozilla Firefox internet browser settings to their default values.

Get rid of Search.openfile-api.live redirect from Internet Explorer

By resetting Internet Explorer web browser you restore your web browser settings to its default state. This is good initial when troubleshooting problems that might have been caused by adware responsible for Search.openfile-api.live redirect.

First, launch the IE, then click ‘gear’ icon . It will open the Tools drop-down menu on the right part of the web browser, then click the “Internet Options” as shown in the following example.

In the “Internet Options” screen, select the “Advanced” tab, then click the “Reset” button. The Internet Explorer will display the “Reset Internet Explorer settings” dialog box. Further, press the “Delete personal settings” check box to select it. Next, click the “Reset” button as displayed on the image below.

When the task is done, click “Close” button. Close the IE and restart your computer for the changes to take effect. This step will help you to restore your web browser’s newtab page, start page and default search engine to default state.

Automatic Removal of Search.openfile-api.live redirect

Manual removal is not always as effective as you might think. Often, even the most experienced users can not fully delete adware that causes Search.openfile-api.live redirect in your browser. So, we recommend to check your PC for any remaining harmful components with free adware removal programs below.

How to get rid of Search.openfile-api.live redirect with Zemana Anti-Malware (ZAM)

Thinking about remove Search.openfile-api.live redirect from your web-browser? Then pay attention to Zemana. This is a well-known tool, originally created just to locate and remove malicious software, adware and PUPs. But by now it has seriously changed and can not only rid you of malware, but also protect your system from malicious software and adware software, as well as identify and remove common viruses and trojans.

Download Zemana Free from the link below.

Once the download is done, run it and follow the prompts. Once installed, the Zemana AntiMalware (ZAM) will try to update itself and when this process is complete, click the “Scan” button to perform a system scan for the adware software related to Search.openfile-api.live redirect.

When a threat is found, the number of the security threats will change accordingly. Wait until the the scanning is done. When you’re ready, press “Next” button.

The Zemana Anti-Malware (ZAM) will remove adware that causes Search.openfile-api.live redirect in your web-browser.

Delete Search.openfile-api.live redirect from web browsers with Hitman Pro

Hitman Pro is a free removal tool which can check your PC system for a wide range of security threats like malicious software, adwares, PUPs as well as adware software that causes Search.openfile-api.live redirect in your browser. It will perform a deep scan of your PC including hard drives and MS Windows registry. Once a malware is found, it will allow you to remove all detected threats from your personal computer by a simple click.

1. Download HitmanPro from the following link.
   
   

   HitmanPro
   12026 downloads
   Author: Sophos
   Category: Security tools
   Update: June 28, 2018
   
2. When downloading is finished, start the Hitman Pro, double-click the HitmanPro.exe file.
3. If the “User Account Control” prompts, press Yes to continue.
4. In the Hitman Pro window, press the “Next” . Hitman Pro program will scan through the whole PC system for the adware that redirects your browser to the intrusive Search.openfile-api.live webpage. While the tool is scanning, you may see count of objects and files has already scanned.
5. Once that process is complete, Hitman Pro will show a list of found threats. In order to delete all items, simply click “Next”. Now, press the “Activate free license” button to start the free 30 days trial to remove all malicious software found.

Delete Search.openfile-api.live redirect with MalwareBytes Anti-Malware (MBAM)

If you’re having problems with Search.openfile-api.live redirect removal, then check out MalwareBytes Anti-Malware. This is a tool that can help clean up your PC system and improve your speeds for free. Find out more below.

MalwareBytes Free can be downloaded from the following link. Save it on your MS Windows desktop.

Once downloading is done, close all windows on your computer. Further, start the file named mb3-setup. If the “User Account Control” dialog box pops up as shown in the following example, click the “Yes” button.

It will show the “Setup wizard” which will assist you install MalwareBytes Free on the system. Follow the prompts and do not make any changes to default settings.

Once installation is done successfully, click Finish button. Then MalwareBytes Anti Malware will automatically run and you may see its main window as shown on the screen below.

Next, click the “Scan Now” button . MalwareBytes program will scan through the whole personal computer for the adware responsible for Search.openfile-api.live redirect. Depending on your PC system, the scan may take anywhere from a few minutes to close to an hour. When a malware, adware or potentially unwanted programs are found, the number of the security threats will change accordingly.

Once the scan is done, MalwareBytes Anti Malware will show a list of all items detected by the scan. All found threats will be marked. You can remove them all by simply click “Quarantine Selected” button.

The MalwareBytes Anti Malware (MBAM) will get rid of adware software which causes Search.openfile-api.live redirect. Once that process is done, you can be prompted to restart your personal computer. We advise you look at the following video, which completely explains the process of using the MalwareBytes AntiMalware to get rid of hijackers, adware software and other malicious software.

Use AdBlocker to stop Search.openfile-api.live redirect and stay safe online

It is important to use adblocker programs such as AdGuard to protect your system from malicious web pages. Most security experts says that it is okay to stop advertisements. You should do so just to stay safe! And, of course, the AdGuard can to block Search.openfile-api.live and other intrusive web sites.

Download AdGuard by clicking on the following link. Save it directly to your Microsoft Windows Desktop.

After downloading it, double-click the downloaded file to start it. The “Setup Wizard” window will show up on the computer screen like below.

Follow the prompts. AdGuard will then be installed and an icon will be placed on your desktop. A window will show up asking you to confirm that you want to see a quick tutorial as shown on the image below.

Click “Skip” button to close the window and use the default settings, or press “Get Started” to see an quick guidance that will allow you get to know AdGuard better.

Each time, when you start your machine, AdGuard will start automatically and stop unwanted ads, block Search.openfile-api.live, as well as other malicious or misleading webpages. For an overview of all the features of the application, or to change its settings you can simply double-click on the AdGuard icon, that can be found on your desktop.

To sum up

Now your computer should be free of the adware responsible for Search.openfile-api.live redirect. We suggest that you keep Zemana (to periodically scan your machine for new adware softwares and other malware) and AdGuard (to help you stop annoying web-page and malicious web pages). Moreover, to prevent any adware, please stay clear of unknown and third party software, make sure that your antivirus program, turn on the option to detect PUPs.

If you need more help with Search.openfile-api.live redirect related issues, go to here.