Remove Search.us.com Toolbar (Uninstall Guide)

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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Search.us.com Toolbar is a browser hijacker, which is promoted via other free downloads, and once installed it will add the Search.us.com Toolbar, change your browser homepage and default search engine to start.search.us.com.
Search.us.com will display advertisements and sponsored links in your search results, and may collect search terms from your search queries.
[Image: Search.us.com virus]
Search.us.com Toolbar got on your computer after you have installed another free software or add-on that had bundled into their installer this browser hijacker.
For example, when you install vPlay, you will also agree to change your default browser home page and default search engine to start.search.us.com, and install the Search.us.com Toolbar.
However, when you uninstall vPlay from your computer, your web browser’s default settings will not be restored. This means that you’ll have to remove Search.us.com Toolbar from your favorite web browser manually.

You should always pay attention when installing software because often, a software installer includes optional installs, such as this browser hijacker. Be very careful what you agree to install.
Always opt for the custom installation and deselect anything that is not familiar, especially optional software that you never wanted to download and install in the first place. It goes without saying that you should not install software that you don’t trust.

Search.us.com Toolbar – Virus Removal Instructions

STEP 1 : Uninstall Search.us.com Toolbar from your computer

  1. To uninstall Search.us.com Toolbar program from your computer, click the Start button, then select Control Panel, and click on Uninstall a program.
    If you are a Windows 8 user, you can right-click on a bottom left hot corner (formerly known as the Start button) and select Control panel from there, then select Uninstall a program.
    [Image: Uninstall a program]
  2. Seach and uninstall Search.us.com Toolbar from your computer.
    [Image: Uninstall Search.us.com Toolbar program]

Please note that on some computers these programs might have a different name, search for any program developed by Search.us.com  and uninstall it from your computer.
Because Search.us.com Toolbar is installed with other additional programs, we recommend that you search and uninstall any other unwanted or unknown programs from your computer.

STEP 2 : Remove the Search.us.com Toolbar residual damage from your browser

Search.us.com has installed a browser extension (Search.us.com Toolbar), and has changed your homepage and default search engine to start.search.us.com

Remove Search.us.com Toolbar from Internet Explorer

  1. Remove Search.us.com Toolbar extension from Internet Explorer.
    Open Internet Explorer,then click on the gear icon [Image: Internet Explorer gear icon] (Tools for Windows XP users) at the top (far right) and then  select Manage add-ons.
    [Image: Manage Add-ons in Internet Explorer]
    From the Toolbars and Extensions tab, select Search.us.com Toolbar extension, then click on Disable.
    [Image: Search.us.com Toolbar Internet Explorer extension]
    NOTE: Search.us.com Toolbar may have added additional add-ons which you will need to remove. We recommend that you remove any unwanted or unknown add-ons from Internet Explorer.
  2. Set Internet Explorer default search engine from Search.us.com to Bing.
    To change your default search engine, click on the gear icon [Image: Internet Explorer gear icon] , select Manage Add-ons, and then, under Add-on Types, click Search Providers.
    Select Bing and on click the Set Default button.
    [Image: Search.us.com Internet Explorer redirect]
    To remove search.us.com from Internet Explorer, select Search (search.uscom) and click on Remove.
    [Image: Search.us.com redirect Internet Explorer removal]
  3. Change your Internet Explorer home page from start.search.us.com to its default
    To change your home page, click on the gear icon [Image: Internet Explorer gear icon] , select Internet Explore options, and in the General tab,under the Home page section, click on Use default to restore Internet Explorer default home page.
    [Image: Set Internet Explorer to its default homepage]

Remove Search.us.com Toolbar from Mozilla Firefox

  1. Remove Search.us.com Toolbar extensions from Firefox.
    At the top of the Firefox window, click the orange Firefox button, then select Add-ons.
    Firefox addon menu
    Select the Extensions tab, then remove Search.us.com Toolbar extension from Mozilla Firefox.
    [Image: Search.us.com Toolbar Firefox extension]
    NOTE: Search.us.com Toolbar may have added additional extensions which you will need to remove. We recommend that you remove any unknown extensions from Mozilla Firefox.
  2. Reset your default search engine and home page from Search.us.com to their default.
    To reset your search engine and homepage to their default, we will use the SearchReset extension.This add-on is very simple: on installation, it backs up and then resets your search preferences and home page to their default values, and then uninstalls itself. This affects the search bar, URL bar searches, and the home page.
    You can download SearchReset from the below link, and then we will just need to install it to revert Firefox to its default settings.
    SEARCHRESET DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open another web page from where you can download the SearchReset Firefox extension)
    [Image: SearchReset extension]

Remove Search.us.com Toolbar from Google Chrome

  1. Remove Search.us.com Toolbar extensions from Google Chrome.
    Click the Chrome menu Chrome menu  button on the browser toolbar, select Tools and then click on Extensions.
    Google Chrome Extensions
    In the Extensions tab, remove (by clicking on the Recycle Bin) Search.us.com Toolbar extensions from Google Chrome.
    [Image: Search.us.com Toolbar Chrome extension]
    NOTE: Search.us.com Toolbar may have added additional extensions which you will need to remove. We recommend that you remove any unwanted or unknown extensions from Google Chrome.
  2. Set Google Chrome default search engine from Search.us.com to Google.
    Click the Chrome menu Chrome menu  button, then select Settings and click on Manage search engines in the Search section.
    In the Search Engines dialog that appears, select Google and click the Make Default button that appears in the row.
    [Image: Search.us.com Chrome redirect]
    Search for Search (search.us.com) in the Search Engines list, and click the X button that appears at the end of the row.
    [Image: Search.us.com Chrome redirect removal]
  3. Change Google Chrome homepage from start.search.us.com to its default.
    Search.us.com Toolbar has modified your Google settings to open their webpage whenever you start your browser, so we will need to revert this change.
    Click the Chrome menu Chrome menu  button, then select Settings and click on One the New Tab page in the On Startup section.
    [Image: Change Google Chrome homepage to its default]

STEP 3: Remove Search.us.com Toolbar registry keys with AdwCleaner.

  1. You can download AdwCleaner from the below link.
    ADWCLEANER DOWNLOAD LINK     (This link will automatically download AdwCleaner on your computer)
  2. Before starting this utility, close all open programs and internet browsers.
  3. Double click on adwcleaner.exe to run the tool.
  4. Click on Delete, then confirm each time with Ok.
    Adwcleaner utility
  5. Your computer will be rebooted automatically. A text file will open after the restart.
  6. NEXT, double click on adwcleaner.exe to run the tool.
  7. Click on Uninstall, then confirm with yes to remove this utility from your computer.

STEP 4: Run a computer scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

  1. You can download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free from the below link, then double click on it to install this program.
    MALWAREBYTES ANTI-MALWARE DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open a download page in a new window from where you can download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free)
  2. When the installation begins, keep following the prompts in order to continue with the setup process. DO NOT make any changes to default settings and when the program has finished installing, make sure you leave both the Update Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware and Launch Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware checked, then click on the Finish button.
    [Image: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware final installation screen]
  3. On the Scanner tab, select Perform quick scan and then click on the Scan button to start scanning your computer.
    [Image: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Quick Scan]
  4. Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware will now start scanning your computer as shown below.
    [Image: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware scanning for Search.us.com Toolbar virus]
  5. When the Malwarebytes scan will be completed, click on Show Result.
    [Image: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware scan results]
  6. You will now be presented with a screen showing you the malware infections that Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware has detected.Please note that the infections found may be different than what is shown in the image. Make sure that everything is Checked (ticked) and click on the Remove Selected button.
    [Image:Malwarebytes removing malware]

STEP 5: Run a computer scan with HitmanPro

  1. Download HitmanPro from the below link, then double click on it to start this program.
    HITMANPRO DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open a new web page from where you can download HitmanPro)
  2. HitmanPro will start and you’ll need to follow the prompts (by clicking on the Next button) to start a system scan with this program.
    HitmanPro installation
  3. HitmanPro will start scanning your computer for malware, as seen in the image below.
    HitmanPro scans for Search.us.com Toolbar virus
  4. Once the scan is complete,you’ll see a screen which will display all the infected files that this utility has detected, and you’ll need to click on Next to remove these malicious files.
    HitmanPro scan results
  5. Click Activate free license to start the free 30 days trial and remove all the malicious files from your computer.
    HitmanPro 30 days activation button

If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove Search.us.com Toolbar from your machine, please start a new thread in our Malware Removal Assistance forum.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

15 thoughts on “Remove Search.us.com Toolbar (Uninstall Guide)”

  1. THANK YOU SO MUCH! Search us wasn’t slowing my computer down at all but it was annoying that I couldn’t access my msn as easily. Problem fixed thank you AdwCeaner I’m so satisfied I think I might donate!

  2. Oh my gosh, this article is awesome! Everything worked and that POS search.us.com toolbar and all it’s sneaky things are GONE! Thank you awesome person that made this tutorial!!!!!!!!!

  4. Hello,
    Lets try to remove this infection:
    STEP 1: Run a scan with AdwCleaner

    Please run AdwCleaner (as seen on STEP 3) to remove this infection!

    STEP 2: Run a scan with Junkware Removal Tool

    1.Download Junkware Removal Tool to your desktop from the below link:

    JUNKWARE REMOVAL TOOL : http://thisisudax.org/download…

    2. Double-click on the JRT.exe icon to start this utility.

    3. The tool will open and start scanning your system. Please be patient as this can take a while to complete depending on your system’s specifications

    Next, lets run the below scans:
    Run a scan with RogueKiller
    1. Please download the latest official version of RogueKiller.
    RogueKiller Download Link : http://www.sur-la-toile.com/RogueKiller/RogueKiller.exe
    2. Double click on RogueKiller.exe to start this utility and then wait for the Prescan to complete.This should take only a few seconds and then you can click the Scan button to perform a system scan.
    3. After the scan has completed, press the Delete button to remove any malicious registry keys.
    Run a scan with ESET Online Scanner
    1.Download ESET Online Scanner utility.
    ESET Online Scanner Download Link : http://download.eset.com/special/eos/esetsmartinstaller_enu.exe
    2. Double click on the Eset installer program (esetsmartinstaller_enu.exe).
    3.Check Yes, I accept the Terms of Use, then click the Start button.
    4.Check Scan archives and push the Start button.
    5. ESET will then download updates for itself, install itself, and begin scanning your computer. Please be patient as this can take some time.
    6. When the scan completes, click on the Finish button.
    Next, can you please run a scan with Combofix and post the logs here so that I can get an idea on what’s going on:

    You can download ComboFix from here: http://download.bleepingcomputer.com/sUBs/ComboFix.exe

    VERY IMPORTANT !!! Save as Combo-Fix.exe during the download.ComboFix must be renamed before you download to your Desktop

    Close any open browsers.

    Very Important!!!> Temporarily disable your anti-virus, script blocking and any anti-malware real-time protection before performing a scan. They can interfere with ComboFix or remove some of its embedded files which may cause “unpredictable results”.

    WARNING: Combofix will disconnect your machine from the Internet as soon as it starts

    Please do not attempt to re-connect your machine back to the Internet until Combofix has completely finished.

    If there is no internet connection after running Combofix, then restart your computer to restore back your connection.

    1. Double click on ComboFix.exe & follow the prompts.

    2. Accept the disclaimer and allow to update if it asks

    3. When finished, it shall produce a log for you.

    Notes:

    Do not mouse-click Combofix’s window while it is running. That may cause it to stall.

    Do not “re-run” Combofix. If you have a problem, reply back for further instructions.

    If after the reboot you get errors about programs being marked for deletion then reboot, that will cure it.

    Please post all the logs here, so that I can get an idea on what’s going on. Also let me know how is your computer running.

  5. Well done.

    I uninstalled Search.us toolbar by simple installation of SEARCHRESET.
    Many Thanks!
    Danilo S.

  7. Hello,
    Did you follow all the steps including the Adwcleaner scan?
    Lets try to remove this infection:
    STEP 1: Run a scan with AdwCleaner

    Please run AdwCleaner (as seen on STEP 3) to remove this infection!

    STEP 2: Run a scan with Junkware Removal Tool

    1.Download Junkware Removal Tool to your desktop from the below link:

    JUNKWARE REMOVAL TOOL : http://thisisudax.org/download…

    2. Double-click on the JRT.exe icon to start this utility.

    3. The tool will open and start scanning your system. Please be patient as this can take a while to complete depending on your system’s specifications

    Waiting for your reply to see how everything is running…

  8. Followed all the steps and deleted start.search.us.com from the toolbare and homepage. The maleware tools did not detect aby maleware though and only IE healed while Firefox and Chrome are still infected (by start.search.us.com and searchnu.com). Any Idea?

  9. Hello,
    Lets try to remove this program:
    STEP 1: Run a scan with AdwCleaner
    Please run AdwCleaner (as seen on STEP 3) to remove this infection!

    STEP 2: Run a scan with Junkware Removal Tool

    1.Download Junkware Removal Tool to your desktop from the below link:

    JUNKWARE REMOVAL TOOL : http://thisisudax.org/download…

    2. Double-click on the JRT.exe icon to start this utility.

    3. The tool will open and start scanning your system. Please be patient as this can take a while to complete depending on your system’s specifications

    Waiting for your reply to see how everything is running…

  11. THANK YOU SO MUCH! This was the fifth site I check and the only one that gave me instructions that worked!

  14. The extension may be called something like “Default Tab 2.0” in Mozilla Firefox instead of “Search.us.com Toolbar”.

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