Remove Conduit Search and search.conduit.com (Virus Help Guide)

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Written by: Stelian

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Conduit Search is a browser hijacker that is bundled with other free software that you download off of the Internet. Once installed it will set the homepage and search engine for any installed browsers to http://search.conduit.com without your permission.

[Image: Conduit Search virus]

Conduit it’s technically not a virus, but it does exhibit plenty of malicious traits, such as browser hijacking, and in general just interfering with the user experience. The industry generally refers to it as a “PUP,” or potentially unwanted program.

Conduit Search browser hijacker is bundled with other free software that you download off of the Internet. Unfortunately, some free downloads do not adequately disclose that other software will also be installed and you may find that you have installed adware without your knowledge.

For example, when you install Utorrent, you will also agree to change your default browser homepage and default search engine to search.conduit.com., and install the Conduit Toolbar.
However when you uninstall Utorrent from your computer, your web browser’s default settings will not be restored. This means that you’ll have to remove Conduit Toolbar and search.conduit.com from your favorite web browser manually.

[Image: Conduit Search installation]

You should always pay attention when installing software because often, a software installer includes optional installs, such as this search.conduit.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.
The below instructions are for Windows users, however we also have an Android guide and a Mac OS guide which should help clean up your device.

How to remove Conduit Search and Search.conduit.com search redirect (Removal Guide)

This malware removal guide may appear overwhelming due to the amount of the steps and numerous programs that are being used. We have only written it this way to provide clear, detailed, and easy to understand instructions that anyone can use to remove malware for free.
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.
To remove the Conduit Search and Search.conduit.com redirect, follow these steps:

STEP 1: Uninstall the malicious programs from Windows

In this first step, we will try to identify and remove any malicious program that might be installed on your PC.

  1. Go to the uninstall menu.

    Windows 10 or Windows 8.1

    1. To uninstall a program on Windows 10 or Windows 8, right-click on the Windows Start button and choose “Control Panel” from the pop-up menu.
      Control Panel in Windows 10
    2. When the “Control Panel” window opens click on the “Uninstall a program” option under “Programs” category.
      Uninstall A Program on Windows 10

    Windows 7

    1. If you are using Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7, click the “Start” button, then click on the “Control Panel” menu option.
      [Image: Control Panel in Windows Start Menu]
    2. When the “Control Panel” window opens click on the “Uninstall a program” option under “Programs” category.
      [Image: Uninstall a program]
  2. When the “Programs and Features” screen is displayed, scroll through the list of currently installed programs and uninstall any unwanted programs.
    Known malicious programs: Search Protect, Client-Connect_uninstaller, TakeSave, DNS Unlocker, Cinema Plus, Price Minus, SalesPlus, New Player, MediaVideosPlayers, Browsers_Apps_Pro, PriceLEess, Pic Enhance, Sm23mS, Salus, Network System Driver, SS8, Save Daily Deals, Word Proser, Desktop Temperature Monitor, CloudScout Parental Control, Savefier, Savepass, HostSecurePlugin, CheckMeUp or HD-V2.2.
    The malicious program may have a different name on your computer. To view the most recently installed programs, you can click on the “Installed On” column to sort your program by the installation date. Scroll through the list, and uninstall any unwanted or unknown programs.

    If you cannot find any unwanted programs on your computer, you can proceed with the next step.

    If you are having issues while trying to uninstall a program, you can use Revo Uninstaller to completely remove this unwanted program from Windows.

    Uninstall malicious programs

STEP 2: Use Malwarebytes to remove Conduit Search and Search.conduit.com search redirect

Malwarebytes is a powerful on-demand scanner which will remove the Conduit Search and Search.conduit.com search redirect from your PC. It is important to note that Malwarebytes will run alongside antivirus software without conflicts.

  1. You can download download Malwarebytes from the below link.
    MALWAREBYTES DOWNLOAD LINK (This link open a new page from where you can download “Malwarebytes”)
  2. When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the “mb3-setup-consumer” file to install Malwarebytes on your computer.
    Malwarebytes installer
    You may be presented with an User Account Control pop-up asking if you want to allow Malwarebytes to make changes to your device. If this happens, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
    Malwarebytes User Account Control Prompt
  3. When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through the installation process.
    Setup Malwarebytes installer
    To install Malwarebytes on your machine, keep following the prompts by clicking the “Next” button.
    Completing the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard
  4. Once installed, Malwarebytes will automatically start and update the antivirus database. To start a system scan you can click on the “Scan Now” button.
    Perform a system scan with Malwarebytes
  5. Malwarebytes will now start scanning your computer for malicious programs.
    This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
    Malwarebytes scanning for malware
  6. When the scan has completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected.
    To remove the malicious programs that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine Selected” button.
    Malwarebytes Quarantine Selected
  7. Malwarebytes will now quarantine all the malicious files and registry keys that it has found.
    To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
    Malwarebytes removing malware from computer
    When the malware removal process is complete, you can close Malwarebytes and continue with the rest of the instructions.

STEP 3: Use Zemana AntiMalware Free to scan for Malware and Unwanted Programs

Zemana AntiMalware is a free malware scanner which can detect malicious programs that your antivirus has failed to find.

  1. You can download Zemana AntiMalware Free from the below link:
    ZEMANA ANTIMALWARE FREE DOWNLOAD LINK (This link open a new webpage from where you can download “Zemana AntiMalware Free”)
  2. Double-click on the file named “Zemana.AntiMalware.Setup.exe” to start the installation of Zemana AntiMalware.
    Double-click on the Zemana AntiMalware to instal it
    You may be presented with a User Account Control dialog asking you if you want to run this file. If this happens, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
    Zemana AntiMalware UAC
  3. Click on the “Next” button, to install Zemana AntiMalware on your computer.
    Zemana AntiMalware installation
    When you reach the “Select Additional Tasks” screen, you can opt-out the “Enable Real Time Protection” option, then click on the “Next” button.
    Opt-out of the real-time protection feature
  4. When Zemana AntiMalware will start, click on the “Scan” button.
    Scan computer with Zemana AntiMalware
  5. Zemana AntiMalware will now scan computer for malicious files. This process can take up to 10 minutes.
    Zemana AntiMalware performing a scan
  6. When Zemana AntiMalware has finished it will display a list of all the malware that the program found. Click on the “Next” button, to remove the malicious files from your computer.
    Zemana AntiMalware removing Conduit Search and Search.conduit.com redirect browser hijacker
    Zemana AntiMalware will now start to remove all the malicious programs from your computer. When the process is complete, you may need to restart your computer.

STEP 4: Double-check for malicious programs with HitmanPro

HitmanPro finds and removes malware, adware, bots, and other threats that even the best antivirus suite can oftentimes miss. It’s designed to run alongside your antivirus suite, firewall, and other security tools.

  1. You can download HitmanPro from the below link:
    HITMANPRO DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open a new web page from where you can download “HitmanPro”)
  2. When HitmanPro has finished downloading, double-click on the “hitmanpro” file to install this program on your computer.
    HitmanPro icon
    You may be presented with an User Account Control pop-up asking if you want to allow HitmanPro to make changes to your device. If this happens, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
    HitmanPro User Account Control Pop-up
  3. When the program starts you will be presented with the start screen as shown below. Now click on the Next button to continue with the scan process.
    HitmanPro setup process
  4. HitmanPro will now begin to scan your computer for malware.
    HitmanPro scanning for Conduit Search and Search.conduit.com redirect virus
  5. When it has finished it will display a list of all the malware that the program found as shown in the image below. Click on the “Next” button, to remove malware.
    HitmanPro detected malware
  6. Click on the “Activate free license” button to begin the free 30 days trial, and remove all the malicious files from your computer.
    Activate HitmanPro to remove Conduit Search and Search.conduit.com redirect browser hijacker
    When the process is complete, you can close HitmanPro and continue with the rest of the instructions.

(Optional) STEP 5: Reset your browser to the default settings

If you are still experiencing issues with the Conduit Search and Search.conduit.com search redirect in Internet Explorer, Firefox or Chrome, we will need to reset your browser to its default settings.
This step needs to be performed only if your issues have not been solved by the previous steps.

Google Chrome

Google Chrome has an option that will reset itself to its default settings. Resetting your browser settings will reset the unwanted changes caused by installing other programs. However, your saved bookmarks and passwords will not be cleared or changed.

  1. Click on Chrome’s main menu button, represented by three horizontal lines. When the drop-down menu appears, select the option labeled Settings.
    Google Chrome Settings menu
  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 Advanced link (as seen in the below example).
    Click on Chrome Advanced button
  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 settings button.
    Google Chrome Reset 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.
    Restore Google Chrome to default settings

Internet Explorer

You can reset Internet Explorer settings to return them to the state they were in when Internet Explorer was first installed on your PC.

  1. Open Internet Explorer, click on the “gear icon” IE Icon Gear in the upper right part of your browser, then click again on Internet Options.
    [Image: Internet Options in Internet Explorer]
  2. In the “Internet Options” dialog box, click on the “Advanced” tab, then click on the “Reset” button.
    [Image: Reset Internet Explorer]
  3. In the “Reset Internet Explorer settings” section, select the “Delete personal settings” check box, then click on “Reset” button.
    [Image: Reset Internet Explorer to its default settings]
  4. When Internet Explorer has completed its task, click on the “Close” button in the confirmation dialogue box. You will now  need to close your browser, and then you can open Internet Explorer again.
    [Image Reset Internet Explorer settings]

Mozilla Firefox

If you’re having problems with Firefox, resetting it can help. The reset feature fixes many issues by restoring Firefox to its factory default state while saving your essential information like bookmarks, passwords, web form auto-fill information, browsing history and open tabs.

  1. In the upper-right corner of the Firefox window, click the Firefox menu button ([Image: Firefox Menu button]), then click on the “Help” ([Image: Firefox Help button]) button.
    Firefox Help button
  2. From the Help menu, choose Troubleshooting Information.
    If you’re unable to access the Help menu, type about:support in your address bar to bring up the Troubleshooting information page.
    Troubleshooting Information in Firefox
  3. Click the “Refresh Firefox” button in the upper-right corner of the “Troubleshooting Information” page.
    Refresh Firefox button
  4. To continue, click on the “Refresh Firefox” button in the new confirmation window that opens.
    Reset Firefox settings to default
  5. 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“.
Your old Firefox profile will be placed on your desktop in a folder named “Old Firefox Data“. If the reset didn’t fix your problem you can restore some of the information not saved by copying files to the new profile that was created. If you don’t need this folder any longer, you should delete it as it contains sensitive information.
Your web browser should now be free of the Conduit Search and Search.conduit.com redirect.
If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove Conduit Search and Search.conduit.com search redirect from your PC, please do one of the following:

10 Rules to Avoid Online Scams

Here are 10 practical safety rules to help you avoid malware, online shopping scams, crypto scams, and other online fraud. Each tip includes a quick “if you already got hit” action.

  1. Stop and verify before you click, log in, download, or pay.

    warning sign

    Most scams win by creating urgency. Verify using a trusted method: type the website address yourself, use the official app, or call a known number (not the one in the message).

    If you already clicked: close the page, do not enter passwords, and run a malware scan.

  2. Keep your operating system, browser, and apps updated.

    updates guide

    Updates patch security holes used by malware and malicious ads. Turn on automatic updates where possible.

    If you saw a scary “update now” pop-up: close it and update only through your device settings or the official app store.

  3. Use layered protection: antivirus plus an ad blocker.

    shield guide

    Antivirus helps block malware. An ad blocker reduces scam redirects, phishing pages, and malvertising.

    If your browser is acting weird: remove unknown extensions, reset the browser, then run a full scan.

  4. Install apps, software, and extensions only from official sources.

    install guide

    Avoid cracked software, “keygens,” and random downloads. During installs, choose Custom/Advanced and decline bundled offers you do not recognize.

    If you already installed something suspicious: uninstall it, restart, and scan again.

  5. Treat links and attachments as untrusted by default.

    cursor sign

    Phishing often impersonates delivery services, banks, and popular brands. If it is unexpected, do not open attachments or log in through the message.

    If you entered credentials: change the password immediately and enable 2FA.

  6. Shop safely: research the store, then pay with protection.

    trojan horse

    Be cautious with brand-new stores, “closing sale” stories, and prices that make no sense. Prefer credit cards or PayPal for dispute options. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, and crypto payments.

    If you already paid: contact your card issuer or PayPal quickly to dispute the transaction.

  7. Crypto rule: never pay a “fee” to withdraw or recover money.

    lock sign

    Common patterns include fake profits, then “tax,” “gas,” or “verification” fees. Another is a “recovery agent” who demands upfront crypto.

    If you already sent crypto: stop paying, save evidence (wallet addresses, TXIDs, chats), and report the scam to the platform used.

  8. Secure your accounts with unique passwords and 2FA (start with email).

    lock sign

    Use a password manager and unique passwords for every account. Enable 2FA using an authenticator app when possible.

    If you suspect an account takeover: change passwords, sign out of all devices, and review recent logins and recovery settings.

  9. Back up important files and keep one backup offline.

    backup sign

    Backups protect you from ransomware and device failure. Keep at least one backup on an external drive that is not always connected.

    If you suspect infection: do not connect backup drives until the system is clean.

  10. If you think you are a victim: stop losses, document evidence, and escalate fast.

    warning sign

    Move quickly. Speed matters for disputes, account recovery, and limiting damage.

    • Stop payments and contact: do not send more money or respond to the scammer.
    • Call your bank or card issuer: block transactions, replace the card if needed, and start a dispute or chargeback.
    • Secure your email first: change the email password, enable 2FA, and remove unfamiliar recovery options.
    • Secure other accounts: change passwords, enable 2FA, and log out of all sessions.
    • Scan your device: remove suspicious apps or extensions, then run a full malware scan.
    • Save evidence: screenshots, emails, order pages, tracking pages, wallet addresses, TXIDs, and chat logs.
    • Report it: to the payment provider, marketplace, social platform, exchange, or wallet service involved.

These rules are intentionally simple. Most online losses happen when decisions are rushed. Slow down, verify independently, and use payment methods and account controls that give you recourse.

114 thoughts on “Remove Conduit Search and search.conduit.com (Virus Help Guide)”

  1. I followed all the steps and my pc seems to be working great – thank you! Conduit came in when I installed utorrent. Doesn’t that bother utorrent users? Or they all know to uncheck the conduit box, and us newbies get the PUP. Certainly turns me off of utorrent though.

  5. Some of it worked wonderfully. But Hitman Pro crashed repeatedly even after several installs. And both Adware and Junkware Removal tool links “could not be found”. So I am hopeful that the changes in the browsers and scans by Malware Bytes did the trick.

  6. Hello, I followed your instructions for the mixidj thing, and it worked perfectly. I then did the same thing over again to try to get rid of the conduit thing. I’ve gone through all the steps 3 times, and when I go into my computer, and open up the hard drive file, conduit still appears when I do a system search. There are 3 files remaining, and when I try to delete them, it continuously says that the delete failed. Any suggestions?

    • Hello Riat,
      Lets try to remove this infection:
      STEP 1: Run a scan with AdwCleaner
      1. Download AdwCleaner from here: http://general-changelog-team.fr/fr/downloads/finish/20-outils-de-xplode/2-adwcleaner

      2.Close all open programs and internet browsers.

      3.Double click on adwcleaner.exe to run the tool.

      4.Click on Clean button. Your computer should restart.

      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, please run a scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and HitmanPro as see in this guide.
      Stay safe!

  7. Hello Stelian This all worked great. I only got this Conduit after I had to reformat my laptop after getting that FBI Warning Virus (the one saying you have illegal downloads pay $300) is there a way to get rid of that without having to do a system restore? It completely took over PC and couldn’t even get to Home screen.

  10. I found folders that relate to this, but the malware has the files protected by a “special permission” under security that prevents its deletion. Despite having ownership and admin I cannot delete the file.

    • Hello Kevis,
      Lets try to remove this infection:
      STEP 1: Run a scan with AdwCleaner
      1. Download AdwCleaner from here: http://general-changelog-team.fr/fr/downloads/finish/20-outils-de-xplode/2-adwcleaner

      2.Close all open programs and internet browsers.

      3.Double click on adwcleaner.exe to run the tool.

      4.Click on Clean button. Your computer should restart.

      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, please run a scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and HitmanPro as see in this guide.
      Stay safe!

      • Hello,
        Lets try to fix this:
        Click on Help in the Firefox menu, located at the top of your screen. When the drop-down menu appears, click on the Troubleshooting Information option.
        Firefox’s Troubleshooting Information page should now be visible, displayed in a new tab or window. To reset your browser to its default state, click on the Reset Firefox button.
        A confirmation dialog should now be displayed, asking if you want to reset Firefox to its initial state. To initiate the process, click on the Reset Firefox button.
        Stay safe!

  17. Thank you sooooooo much for the wonderful help of cleaning up my laptop! I cringe thinking of what it would have cost taking it to a computer fix it place so this do it yourself virus removal guide is a lifesaver! Thank you again!!

  20. Thank you for all of your help! Unfortunately, HitmanPro does not allow me to choose the “activate free license” option—it wants me to pay the annual fee. Is there another free program I can use in its place?

    • Hello,
      HitmanPro has a free 30 days trial for home users, however if you are using a corporate or business computer will not get this free trial.

      Lets try to remove this infection:
      STEP 1: 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.

      STEP 2: Run a scan with Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool:

      1. You can download from Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool from here : http://www.kaspersky.com/antivirus-removal-tool?form=1

      2. Double click the setup file to run it, then follow the onscreen prompts until it is installed

      Click the Options button (the ‘Gear’ icon), then make sure only the following are ticked:

      System Memory

      Hidden startup objects

      Disk boot sectors

      Local Disk (C:)

      Also any other drives (Removable that you may have)

      3. Then click on Actions on the left hand side

      4. Click Select Action, then make sure both Disinfect and Delete if disinfection fails are ticked

      5. Click on Automatic Scan, then click the Start Scanning button, to run the scan.

      Next, please run a scan with HitmanPro and if a threat is detect, please post the log in your next reply, so that I may take a look.
      Stay safe!

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