Remove Search.InstallMac.com from Apple Mac OS X

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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Search.InstallMac.com is a browser hijacker, which is promoted via other free downloads, and once installed it will change your browser homepage and default search engine to Search.InstallMac.com
[Image: Search.installmac.com hijack]
Search.InstallMac.com homepage got on your computer after you have installed a freeware software (video recording/streaming, download-managers or PDF creators) that had bundled into their installation this browser hijacker.
For example, when you install VPlay, you will also agree to change your browser homepage and default search engine to Search.InstallMac.com.
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.InstallMac.com homepage 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 Search.InstallMac.com 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.

How to remove Search.InstallMac.com from Apple Mac OS X (Removal Guide)

This page is a comprehensive guide, which will remove Search.InstallMac.com browser hijacker, and any other adware program that may have been installed on your Apple Mac OS X.
Please perform all the steps in the correct order. If you have any questions or doubt at any point, STOP and ask for our assistance.
STEP 1: Remove Search.InstallMac.com from Safari, Google Chrome and Firefox
(Optional) STEP 2: Remove Search.InstallMac.com with AdwareMedic

Remove “Search.InstallMac.com” from MAC OS X

STEP 1: Remove “Search.InstallMac.com” from Safari, Google Chrome and Firefox

Remove from Safari (Mac OS X)

  1. From the Safari menu, select “Preferences“.
    Safari Mac OS X Preferences
    In the Safari Preferences window, click the “Extensions” tab. Find the “Search.InstallMac.com” plugin, then click on the “Uninstall” button. This infection can add more than one extension, it is recommended that you remove all unknown extensions from Safari.
    Known malicious extensions: MacSaver, MacVX (and variants like MacVaX), MacCaptain, MacPriceCut, SaveOnMac, Mac Global Deals or MacDeals, MacSter, MacXcoupon, Shop Brain (or variants like SShoP Braaiin), PalMall, MacShop, MacSmart, News Ticker Remover, Shopper Helper Pro, Photo Zoom, Best YouTube Downloader, ArcadeYum, Extended protection, Video download helper, FlashFree or GoldenBoy.
    Delete
  2. Next, select “Preferences“, go to the “General” tab and change the “Default Search Engine” to Google. Then, in the “General” tab, find the “Home Page” and change it to “google.com”.
    Remove

Remove from Chrome (Mac OS X)

  1. Click on Chrome’s main menu button, represented by three horizontal lines ([Image: Chrome's main menu button]) .When the drop-down menu appears, select the option labeled Settings.
    [Image: Click on Settings button]
  2. Chrome’s Settings should now be displayed in a new tab or window, depending on your configuration. Next, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the Show advanced settings link (as seen in the below example).
    [Image: Click on Show advanced settings link]
  3. Chrome’s advanced Settings should now be displayed. Scroll down until the Reset browser settings section is visible, as shown in the example below. Next, click on the Reset browser settings button.
    [Image: Click on Reset browser button]
  4. A confirmation dialog should now be displayed, detailing the components that will be restored to their default state should you continue on with the reset process. To complete the restoration process, click on the Reset button.
    [Image: Click on Reset button to restore Chrome to default settings]

Remove from Firefox (Mac OS X)

  1. In the Firefox’s address bar type: about:support, then click on Enter.
  2. Click the “Reset Firefox” button in the upper-right corner of the “Troubleshooting Information” page.
    [Image: Reset Firefox to its default settings]
  3. To continue, click on the “Reset Firefox” button in the new confirmation window that opens.
    [Image: Click on the Reset Firefox button]
  4. Firefox will close itself and will revert to its default settings. When it’s done, a window will list the information that was imported. Click on the “Finish“.

(OPTIONAL) STEP 2: Remove Search.InstallMac.com virus with AdwareMedic

If you are still experiencing issues with the Search.InstallMac.com redirect in Safari, Firefox or Chrome, we will need to scan your Mac OS X for malware. This step needs to be performed only if your issues have not been solved by the previous steps.

  1. You can download AdwareMedic from the below link:
    ADWAREMEDIC DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open a new web page from where you can download “AdwareMedic”)
  2. One you have downloaded AdwareMedic, please perform a scan as see in the below video:
Your Apple Mac OS X should now be free of the Search.InstallMac.com infection. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove Search.InstallMac.com adware 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.

42 thoughts on “Remove Search.InstallMac.com from Apple Mac OS X”

  1. Thanks for this tip!! It honestly worked and I didn’t lose my Bookmarks! Don’t download anything folks because it will just add to your problems when this simple reset does it all!!!

  5. Whew! Thanks! I didn’t download either of the programs you suggested, just uninstalled extensions I didn’t want. I was so annoyed and now am HAPPY!

  7. Just go to safari<preferences<extensions and then delete the unibar search or search.me I'm not sure which it was.

  9. Awesome thank you! I’ll have to watch out the next time my fiancee says she wants to download a cute island ppt theme

  10. YAY!!!!! THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!!! That is the 2nd time that happened and I get so frustrated…..I HATE bong!…..I mean Bing:-)

  12. Thank you! I share the same sense of gratitude as most of those who posted before me. Glad you posted this. Keep this up!

  13. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!! I was worried that I was going to put another virus on my computer when I installed this, but it worked! INSTALL MAC IS GONE YAYYY!

  14. Thank you. I removed it from Safari, but sometimes it still appears on chrome. How can I remove it from chrome? I’ve tried the preference, default homepage search engine stuff but I still see the install.mac appear on chrome for me.

    Help?
    Thank you.

  16. thank you so much! that dumb thing has been on my computer for like over a month, and now its gone! woohoo! you’re such an awesome dude!

  19. Lind
    Thank you so much, I am so grateful for such an easy way to do it. You are awesome, thanks for making my day. You saved me from taking a trip to apple store.

  20. Hi Stelian,
    A very big thank you – I’ve just removed this s*** from my system, thanks to you…

  21. THANK YOU SOOO MUCH MAN REALLY COOL AND EASY WAY
    THANKS THANKS THANKS THAT’S AWESOME
    WOOOOHOO FINALLY GOT THE RIGHT PERSON!!!

  38. Thanks for the help!! this shet come with rar expander beta – really was a headache.
    but the second meted works very fine, again thanks!

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