Remove “Search Enhance” (Uninstall Guide)

“Search Enhance” is a potentially unwanted program that will take over the search from found on different websites, and replacing the search query results with sponsored links.
[Image: Search Enhance hijack on ebay]
“Search Enhance” is an add-on for Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Chrome that is typically added when you install other free programs. When you install these free programs, they will also install “Search Enhance” as well. Some of the programs that are known to bundle “Search Enhance” include 1ClickDownload, Yontoo and FBPhotoZoom.
Once installed, whenever you will try to use a search form on Ebay,Amazon,Facebook or any other websites, “Search Enhance” will hijack this form and replace it with their own. You will have the possibility to perform a Site Search or Web Search via yousear.ch, giving you affiliate links from which the developers of this extension will colect revenue.
You should always pay attention when installing software because often, a software installer includes optional installs, such as this “Search Enhance”. 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 Enhance” Browser Hijack – Adware Removal Instructions

STEP 1 : Uninstall “Search Enhance” from your computer

“Search Enhance” has installed a program called Search Enhance on your computer which we will need to uninstall.

  1. To uninstall Search Enhance program from your computer,click the Start button, click on Control Panel,the select Uninstall a program. (Add or Remove Programs for Windows XP users)
  2. Search and uninstall Search Enhance from your computer.
    [Image: Search Enhance uninstaller]

Please keep in mind that on some computers, this program might be renamed, if you can’t find Search Enhance on your list,then carefully look for any other program developed by 215 Apps or Excellent Apps ,and uninstall it from your computer.


STEP 2 : Remove the “Search Enhance” residual damage from your browser

Remove “Search Enhance” from Internet Explorer

  1. Open Internet Explorer,then click on the gear icon[Image: icongear.jpg] (Tools for Windows XP users) at the top (far right) and then  select Manage add-ons
    Internet Options in IE
  2. From the Toolbars and Extensions tab, select Search Enhance and click Disable.
    [Image: Search Enhance extension in Internet Explorer]

Remove “Search Enhance” from Mozilla Firefox

  1. At the top of the Firefox window, click the Firefox button, then select Add-ons.
    Firefox addon menu
  2. Select the Extensions tab, then remove Search Enhance from Firefox.
    [Image: Search Enhance extension in Firefox]

Remove “Search Enhance” from Google Chrome

  1. Click the Chrome menu Chrome menu on the browser toolbar,select Tools and then click on Extensions.
    Google Chrome Extensions
  2. In the Extensions tab,remove the Search Enhance extension, by clicking on the Recycle Bin next to the plugin.
    [Image: Search Enhance extension in Chrome]

Please keep in mind that on some computers, the browser add-on might have a different name, if you can’t find Search Enhance on your list,then carefully look for any other extension developed by Search Enhance ,and remove it from your computer.


STEP 3: Remove “Search Enhance” registry keys with Adwcleaner

  1. You can download AdwCleaner from the below link.
    ADWCLEANER DOWNLAOD 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: Scan your computer for malware

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 malware]
  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]

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 after
  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 Enhance” 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.

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