Homepage changed when computer restarts.
Recently, I had downloaded adware into my computer. I then immediately ran all my anti-virus software that removed many of them. Somehow, this one still seemed to linger. It had been detected by one of my anti-virus softwares, but when it tried to remove it, it kept reappearing. Although it only happens when I restart my computer, it always brings me to a Russian website. I couldn't decipher what the add-on was either since it was in Russian as well. I tried resetting my FireFox settings, but it doesn't seem to remove it. This is very concerning to me and I'd be glad if there is a solution to this. If more information is needed, please do ask. All help is accepted!
Chosen solution
sure, you're very welcome - best of luck!
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hello, some part of the adware is probably still active on your system, so please perform all those steps:
- go to the firefox menu ≡ > addons > extensions & remove any suspicious entries (toolbars, things that you have not installed intentionally, don't know what purpose they serve, etc).
- also go to the windows control panel / programs and remove all toolbars or potentially unwanted software from there.
- finally, run a full scan of your system with different security tools like the free version of malwarebytes & adwcleaner, which are specialised in adware and browser hijackers.
Remove a toolbar that has taken over your Firefox search or home page Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware
Just as I thought, nothing new happened. I've been looking everywhere in FireFox, but it seems like it's just invisible to the detections. If you're wondering, it opens up this tab on every new computer boot: http://smartinf.ru/?utm_source=uoua03&utm_content=none
Should I just try to block it with some sort of website blocker? It seems to help the problem of it showing up, but it's still on my computer...
no, blocking would just scratch on the symptoms - you should get it out of your system totally. what did the result of the two recommended scanning tools say?
I've been using Avast and Malwarebytes. Nothing came up for Malwarebytes, but Avast did catch 2 add-ons. I proceeded to remove them, but 1 still lingered. It would say that it was all clean, but it would stay on there. On my next scans, it couldn't detect anything.
please use adwcleaner as well
...Which I did, but it only found a coupon toolbar plugin (which I had disabled) that I had installed for my mother...
you might have a look into the scheduled tasks in the windows task scheduler and the autostart programs of your computer. maybe you can find something malicious what doesn't get picked up by the scan tools there yourself: https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc766428.aspx http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/using-system-configuration
Alright then. Thank you for your service. I will proceed to try to find a fix with the help you provided. If all else fails, I will call a relative of mine that has more experience within the computer than I do. Again, thank you.
Chosen Solution
sure, you're very welcome - best of luck!