{"id":398834,"date":"2026-08-02T04:06:49","date_gmt":"2026-08-02T04:06:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/?p=398834"},"modified":"2026-08-02T04:06:49","modified_gmt":"2026-08-02T04:06:49","slug":"damaged-package-email-virus-how-the-fake-customer-complaint-installs-malware","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/damaged-package-email-virus-how-the-fake-customer-complaint-installs-malware\/","title":{"rendered":"Damaged Package Email Virus: How the Fake Customer Complaint Installs Malware"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>Damaged Package<\/strong> email is a malware-delivery trap aimed at businesses and customer-service teams. It pretends to come from a dissatisfied customer who uploaded photos and an unboxing video because the files were too large to attach.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad716494022\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309684--placement_360520\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3957935887\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The link does not open evidence of a damaged parcel. It leads to a fake video page that downloads <strong>Delivery_Unboxing_Verification.zip<\/strong>, which contains a malicious Windows executable. Do not open or run it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1536\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/damaged-package-email-malware.png\" alt=\"Damaged Package email downloading a malicious ZIP archive and executable\" class=\"wp-image-398803\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/damaged-package-email-malware.png 1536w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/damaged-package-email-malware-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/damaged-package-email-malware-1024x683.png 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The fake customer complaint leads to a bogus video page that downloads Delivery_Unboxing_Verification.zip and a malicious executable.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad4130175696\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309746-ad_309691-placement_360521\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"4456629336\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Damaged Package Email Virus Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This malspam campaign is written as a routine customer complaint rather than a traditional security warning or unpaid invoice. A sender using the name <strong>Monica Barnes<\/strong> claims that a delivered product was heavily damaged inside its packaging. The message says photos and an unboxing video were recorded as evidence but could not be attached because the files were too large. The recipient is asked to view them through a link and recommend an exchange or refund.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad2416280089\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381396-ad_309691-placement_360566\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1471373341\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That story is tailored to employees who regularly handle returns. A support agent may be used to opening customer photos, so the request feels like ordinary work. The link opens a counterfeit video-hosting page displaying <strong>Video cannot be previewed<\/strong> and a Download button. Clicking the button retrieves a ZIP archive named Delivery_Unboxing_Verification.zip. Inside is an executable installer, not a video or image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The final malware family delivered by the executable has not been identified. That uncertainty is important: the file should not be labeled as one specific trojan without evidence. A loader like this can install an information stealer, remote access trojan, ransomware, keylogger, spyware or another payload selected by the operator. Running it can expose passwords, financial data and business systems even when no obvious window appears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key details that identify the campaign<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The subject resembles Package Delivered With Damaged Contents.<\/li><li>The sender presents herself as a customer named Monica Barnes.<\/li><li>The message mentions damaged contents, an unboxing video and photographs.<\/li><li>Large file size is used as the excuse for an external link.<\/li><li>The fake page says the video cannot be previewed and offers a download.<\/li><li>The downloaded file is Delivery_Unboxing_Verification.zip.<\/li><li>The archive contains a Windows executable rather than customer evidence.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The message should be treated as malicious even if the download is not immediately detected by a security product. New or lightly distributed files can evade signature-based scanning, and the executable may retrieve a different payload after it starts.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad1348464944\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309686-ad_309691-placement_360569\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"6935453015\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad3967691373\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309747-ad_309691-placement_360587\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"9589536513\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How the Damaged Package Malware Email Works<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1: A believable customer complaint reaches the business<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The scammer writes to a retailer, seller or support address and describes a common post-delivery problem. The request is professional enough to resemble a genuine return case and avoids the broken grammar people expect from spam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2: Oversized evidence explains the external link<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sender says the photos and video could not be attached. This gives the attacker a natural reason to send the employee away from the protected email environment and onto a website controlled by the campaign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3: A fake video page continues the story<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The destination looks like a video viewer but displays an error. Instead of suspecting the link, the recipient may believe the browser simply cannot stream the evidence and use the prominent Download button.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad1627991716\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381401-ad_309691-placement_360573\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"5315249587\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 4: A ZIP archive hides the dangerous file<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Delivery_Unboxing_Verification.zip is downloaded. Archives are commonly used to bypass attachment filters and make the enclosed executable less obvious. Windows may also hide known file extensions, making a program look like a document or media file.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 5: The employee extracts and launches the executable<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The infection does not begin merely because a ZIP file exists in Downloads. The critical action is extracting and running the executable. Once launched, it can make system changes and connect to attacker-controlled infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 6: An unknown payload compromises the computer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The installer can deploy malware chosen by the operator. Possible outcomes include credential theft, remote access, data exfiltration or ransomware. Because the payload is not confirmed, responders must investigate behavior and network activity instead of hunting for only one family name.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad1412543373\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381404-ad_309691-placement_381406\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"8735619847\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad692098272\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309748-ad_309691-placement_360588\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3906789406\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Customer-Service Teams Are Strong Targets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Support staff receive messages from strangers by design. They are expected to open order details, receipts and photographs, and a slow response can affect customer satisfaction. Attackers exploit that workflow rather than trying to convince the employee that they won a prize.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The sender does not need an existing relationship with the employee.<\/li><li>Damaged-delivery complaints are common and time-sensitive.<\/li><li>External photos and videos are normal in many return processes.<\/li><li>Shared support inboxes make personal familiarity with the sender unlikely.<\/li><li>A compromised support workstation may access customer records and internal tools.<\/li><li>The employee may run the file to resolve a case quickly.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad811942048\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_318930-ad_309691-placement_360589\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3818335085\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to Do If You Received the Damaged Package Email<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do not use the link or reply to the sender<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Report the message to the security team and preserve the headers. If a real customer case might exist, verify it through the company&#8217;s order system and request evidence through the approved upload portal rather than the email link.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Block the destination and file indicators<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Organizations should block the malicious URL, quarantine matching messages and search endpoints for Delivery_Unboxing_Verification.zip. Also search for extracted executables, browser downloads and processes launched from temporary or Downloads folders.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad1394620723\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360582-ad_309691-placement_360581\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"9971336976\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Warn other support agents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The same campaign may target multiple addresses or branches. A short internal alert with the subject, sender story and filename helps other employees recognize it without circulating the live link.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad4194093371\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381388-ad_309691-placement_381390\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3191649120\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to Do If You Downloaded or Ran the File<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you downloaded the ZIP but did not open it<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Delete the archive, empty the recycle bin and run a security scan. Tell the IT team so they can confirm that no extracted copy or browser-delivered component remains. Downloading alone is less serious than executing the enclosed program, but it still deserves documentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you extracted the archive but did not run the EXE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Delete both the archive and extracted contents, then scan the system. Do not double-click the executable to see what it does. Security staff can analyze the file safely in an isolated environment.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad2610617476\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360567-ad_309691-placement_360771\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"6224621518\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you ran the executable<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Disconnect the computer from Wi-Fi and Ethernet immediately. Do not sign in to more accounts or use the machine to change passwords. Contact the organization&#8217;s security team from another device and report the exact time the file was opened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Secure accounts from a clean device<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Change email, work, banking and other important passwords that were used or stored on the computer. End active sessions and enable multi-factor authentication. If the workstation accessed customer or payment data, follow the organization&#8217;s breach-response process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Scan or rebuild the affected Windows system<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because the payload is unknown, a narrow cleanup is risky. Run a full reputable malware scan and examine persistence, recent processes and outbound connections. A company computer or administrator-level infection may require a clean Windows reimage.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad1543467782\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360571-ad_309691-placement_360772\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"5867729999\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>If you suspect your computer is infected with malware \u2014 slow performance, pop-ups, redirects, or programs you don&#8217;t recognize \u2014 follow the free step-by-step removal guide below to clean it completely.<\/p>\n<div id=\"mwtad2769980993\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381392-ad_309691-placement_381395\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"2944237110\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"mt_title\">Remove Malware from Windows [Step-by-Step Guide]<\/h2>\n<div class=\"mt_noteb\"><strong>Before you start:<\/strong> this guide may look long, but that&#8217;s only because we&#8217;ve broken everything down into clear, detailed steps that anyone can follow \u2014 no technical skills needed, and every tool we use is free.<br \/>Please follow the steps <strong>in order<\/strong>. If you get stuck or have doubts at any point, stop and <a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/forums\/windows-malware-removal-help-support.10\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>ask for help in our free support forum<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 our team will guide you personally.<\/div>\n<div class=\"mwt_summary\">To remove Trojans and other malware from your computer, follow these steps:<\/div>\n<ul class=\"stepsbox\">\n<li><a href=\"#uninstall-windows\"><strong>STEP 1<\/strong>: Uninstall malicious programs from Windows<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#browser-windows\"><strong>STEP 2<\/strong>: Reset browsers back to default settings<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#rkill\"><strong>STEP 3<\/strong>: Use Rkill to terminate suspicious programs<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#malwarebytes\"><strong>STEP 4<\/strong>: Use Malwarebytes to remove Trojans and unwanted programs<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#hitmanpro\"><strong>STEP 5<\/strong>: Use HitmanPro to remove rootkits and other malware<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#adwcleaner\"><strong>STEP 6<\/strong>: Use AdwCleaner to remove malicious browser policies and adware<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#eset\"><strong>STEP 7<\/strong>: Perform a final check with ESET Online Scanner<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 id=\"uninstall-windows\" class=\"mt_blue toch4\">STEP 1: Uninstall malicious programs from Windows<\/h4>\n<p>First, we&#8217;ll manually check your computer for unknown or malicious programs. Adware and browser hijackers often have a working uninstall entry \u2014 removing them this way takes care of the easy part before we run the scanners.<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-tabs su-tabs-style-default su-tabs-mobile-stack\" data-active=\"1\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-tabs-nav\"><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Windows 11<\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Windows 10<\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Windows 8<\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Windows 7<\/span><\/div><div class=\"su-tabs-panes\"><div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Windows 11\">\n<ol class=\"mwt_detailed_steps\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Open the Settings app<\/p>\n<p>Press <strong>Windows + I<\/strong> on your keyboard to open Settings. Alternatively, right-click the <strong>Start<\/strong> button and select &#8220;<strong>Settings<\/strong>&#8221; from the menu.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-129326\" title=\"Right-Click the Start button then select on Settings\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Windows-11-Settings-Option.jpg\" alt=\"Windows 11 Open Settings\" width=\"565\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Windows-11-Settings-Option.jpg 565w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Windows-11-Settings-Option-300x265.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 565px) 100vw, 565px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Go to &#8220;Apps &amp; Features&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>In the Settings window, click &#8220;<strong>Apps<\/strong>&#8221; in the sidebar, then select &#8220;<strong>Apps &amp; Features<\/strong>&#8220;.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-129325\" title=\" Click on Apps then select Apps and Features\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Windows-11-Apps.jpg\" alt=\"Windows 11 Apps and Feature\" width=\"900\" height=\"493\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Windows-11-Apps.jpg 900w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Windows-11-Apps-300x164.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Find and uninstall the malicious program<\/p>\n<p>Scroll through the list of installed apps and look for anything suspicious \u2014 a program you don&#8217;t remember installing, or one with a strange or generic name.<br \/>\n<strong>Quick tip:<\/strong> click &#8220;<strong>Sort by<\/strong>&#8221; and choose &#8220;<strong>Install date<\/strong>&#8220;. Malware is usually one of the most recently installed programs, so it will appear near the top.<br \/>\nWhen you find the malicious program, click the <em>three dots<\/em> next to it and select &#8220;<strong>Uninstall<\/strong>&#8220;.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-129347\" title=\"Uninstall malicious program from Windows 11\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Uninstall-Malicious-Apps-from-Windows-11-1.jpg\" alt=\"Windows 11 Uninstall malicious program\" width=\"800\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Uninstall-Malicious-Apps-from-Windows-11-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Uninstall-Malicious-Apps-from-Windows-11-1-300x162.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"mt_noteb\">Didn&#8217;t find any suspicious programs? That&#8217;s fine \u2014 not all infections install visible apps. Just continue with the next step in this guide.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Complete the uninstall<\/p>\n<p>Confirm by clicking <strong>Uninstall<\/strong> in the message box, then follow the remaining prompts.<br \/>\n<strong>Read each prompt carefully<\/strong> \u2014 some malicious programs use confusing wording or pre-ticked boxes hoping you&#8217;ll click through without looking.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-129323\" title=\"Complete the Uninstall process\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Remove-Malicious-Apps-Windows-11-Confirm.jpg\" alt=\"Windows 11 Confirm Uninstall\" width=\"800\" height=\"434\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Remove-Malicious-Apps-Windows-11-Confirm.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Remove-Malicious-Apps-Windows-11-Confirm-300x163.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Windows 10\">\n<ol class=\"mwt_detailed_steps\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Open the Settings app<\/p>\n<p>Press <strong>Windows + I<\/strong> on your keyboard to open Settings. Alternatively, click the <strong>Start<\/strong> button on the taskbar and select &#8220;<strong>Settings<\/strong>&#8221; (the gear icon).<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-105474 alignnone\" title=\"Click the Start button then click on Settings\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/settings.jpg\" alt=\"Windows 10: Click the Start button then click on Settings\" width=\"700\" height=\"494\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/settings.jpg 700w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/settings-300x212.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click on &#8220;Apps&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>In the &#8220;<em>Windows Settings<\/em>&#8221; window, click &#8220;<strong>Apps<\/strong>&#8220;. The &#8220;<strong>Apps &amp; Features<\/strong>&#8221; section should open by default \u2014 if it doesn&#8217;t, select it from the list on the left.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-105472 alignnone\" title=\"Windows 10: Click on Apps\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/apps.jpg\" alt=\"Windows 10: Click on Apps\" width=\"700\" height=\"501\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/apps.jpg 700w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/apps-300x215.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Find and uninstall the malicious program<\/p>\n<p>Scroll through the list of installed apps and look for anything suspicious \u2014 a program you don&#8217;t remember installing, or one with a strange or generic name.<br \/>\n<strong>Quick tip:<\/strong> click &#8220;<strong>Sort by<\/strong>&#8221; and choose &#8220;<strong>Install date<\/strong>&#8220;. Malware is usually one of the most recently installed programs, so it will appear near the top.<br \/>\nWhen you find the malicious program, click on it and select &#8220;<strong>Uninstall<\/strong>&#8220;.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-105475 alignnone\" title=\"Uninstall malware from Windows\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/uninstall.jpg\" alt=\"Windows 10: Uninstall malware from Windows\" width=\"700\" height=\"503\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/uninstall.jpg 700w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/uninstall-300x216.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"mt_noteb\">Didn&#8217;t find any suspicious programs? That&#8217;s fine \u2014 not all infections install visible apps. Just continue with the next step in this guide.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Complete the uninstall<\/p>\n<p>Confirm by clicking <strong>Uninstall<\/strong> in the message box, then follow the remaining prompts.<br \/>\n<strong>Read each prompt carefully<\/strong> \u2014 some malicious programs use confusing wording or pre-ticked boxes hoping you&#8217;ll click through without looking.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-105473 alignnone\" title=\"Follow the on-screen prompts to uninstall malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Complete-the-uninstall-Windows-10.jpg\" alt=\"Windows 10: Complete the uninstall process\" width=\"700\" height=\"501\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Complete-the-uninstall-Windows-10.jpg 700w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Complete-the-uninstall-Windows-10-300x215.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Windows 8\">\n<ol class=\"mwt_detailed_steps_tab\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Open &#8220;Programs and Features&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Right-click the <strong>Start<\/strong> button in the taskbar, then select &#8220;<strong>Programs and Features<\/strong>&#8220;. This takes you straight to the list of installed programs.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-105481 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Windows-8-1-Programs-and-Features.jpg\" alt=\"Right click on Start and select Programs and Features\" width=\"408\" height=\"452\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Windows-8-1-Programs-and-Features.jpg 408w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Windows-8-1-Programs-and-Features-271x300.jpg 271w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 408px) 100vw, 408px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Find and uninstall the malicious program<\/p>\n<p>Scroll through the list of installed programs and look for anything suspicious \u2014 a program you don&#8217;t remember installing, or one with a strange or generic name. <strong>Click to highlight it<\/strong>, then click the &#8220;<strong>Uninstall<\/strong>&#8221; button.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mt_noteb\">Didn&#8217;t find any suspicious programs? That&#8217;s fine \u2014 not all infections install visible apps. Just continue with the next step in this guide.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-105480\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Uninstall-Programs-in-Windows-8.jpg\" alt=\"Select malicious program then click on Uninstall\" width=\"653\" height=\"457\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Uninstall-Programs-in-Windows-8.jpg 653w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Uninstall-Programs-in-Windows-8-300x210.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 653px) 100vw, 653px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Complete the uninstall<\/p>\n<p>Confirm by clicking <strong>Yes<\/strong> in the message box, then follow the remaining prompts. <strong>Read each prompt carefully<\/strong> \u2014 some malicious programs use confusing wording or pre-ticked boxes hoping you&#8217;ll click through without looking.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Windows 7\">\n<ol class=\"mwt_detailed_steps_tab\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Open the Control Panel<\/p>\n<p>Click the &#8220;<strong>Start<\/strong>&#8221; button, then click &#8220;<strong>Control Panel<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-105479 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/windows-7-start-menu-control-panel.jpg\" alt=\"Windows 7 go to Control Panel\" width=\"346\" height=\"442\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/windows-7-start-menu-control-panel.jpg 346w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/windows-7-start-menu-control-panel-235x300.jpg 235w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 346px) 100vw, 346px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click on &#8220;Uninstall a Program&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>In the <em>Control Panel<\/em>, click &#8220;<strong>Uninstall a Program<\/strong>&#8221; under the <em>Programs<\/em> category.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-105478 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/uninstall-a-program-windows-7.jpg\" alt=\"Select Uninstall malicious program from Control Panel\" width=\"557\" height=\"298\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/uninstall-a-program-windows-7.jpg 557w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/uninstall-a-program-windows-7-300x161.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 557px) 100vw, 557px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Find and uninstall the malicious program<\/p>\n<p>Scroll through the list of installed programs and look for anything suspicious \u2014 a program you don&#8217;t remember installing, or one with a strange or generic name. <strong>Click to highlight it<\/strong>, then click the &#8220;<strong>Uninstall<\/strong>&#8221; button.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mt_noteb\">Didn&#8217;t find any suspicious programs? That&#8217;s fine \u2014 not all infections install visible apps. Just continue with the next step in this guide.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-105477 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/uninstall-Windows-7-Programs.jpg\" alt=\"Uninstall malware from Windows 7\" width=\"614\" height=\"398\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/uninstall-Windows-7-Programs.jpg 614w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/uninstall-Windows-7-Programs-300x194.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 614px) 100vw, 614px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Complete the uninstall<\/p>\n<p>Confirm by clicking <strong>Yes<\/strong> in the message box, then follow the remaining prompts. <strong>Read each prompt carefully<\/strong> \u2014 some malicious programs use confusing wording or pre-ticked boxes hoping you&#8217;ll click through without looking.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"mt_noteb\">Is a stubborn program refusing to uninstall? Use <a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/get-revo-uninstaller\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Revo Uninstaller<\/strong><\/a> to force-remove it completely, including leftover files and registry entries.<\/div>\n<p>With the malicious programs removed, you&#8217;re ready for the next step in this guide.<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"mt_blue toch4\" id=\"browser-windows\">STEP 2: Reset browsers back to default settings<\/h4>\n<p>In this step, we will remove spam notifications,&nbsp; malicious extensions, and change to default any settings that might have been changed by malware.<br \/>Please note that this method will remove all extensions, toolbars, and other customizations but will leave your bookmarks and favorites intact. For each browser that you have installed on your computer, please click on the browsers tab below and follow the displayed steps to reset that browser.<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-tabs su-tabs-style-default su-tabs-mobile-stack\" data-active=\"1\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-tabs-nav\"><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Chrome<\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Firefox<\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Microsoft Edge<\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Internet Explorer<\/span><\/div><div class=\"su-tabs-panes\"><div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Chrome\">\n<h5 class=\"toch5\">Reset Chrome for Windows to default settings<\/h5>\n<p>We will now reset your Chrome browser settings to their original defaults. This will reset your startup page, new tab page, search engine, and pinned tabs. It will also disable all extensions and clear temporary data like cookies. Your favorites, history, and saved passwords will not be cleared.<\/p>\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Open the Chrome menu<\/p><br \/><p>Open Google Chrome and click the <strong>three-dot (\u22ee) icon<\/strong> in the top-right corner.<\/p><br \/><figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"374\" class=\"size-full wp-image-344168 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-1a.jpg\" alt=\"Click the three-dot menu icon in Chrome\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-1a.jpg 700w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-1a-300x160.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><br \/><\/figure><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Open Chrome Settings<\/p><br \/><p>Select <strong>Settings<\/strong> from the Chrome menu.<\/p><br \/><figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"374\" class=\"size-full wp-image-344169 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-1b.jpg\" alt=\"Select Settings from the Chrome menu\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-1b.jpg 700w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-1b-300x160.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><br \/><\/figure><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Select &#8220;Reset settings&#8221;<\/p><br \/><p>Look at the menu on the left side of the Settings page. Scroll down and click <strong>Reset settings<\/strong>.<\/p><br \/><figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"374\" class=\"size-full wp-image-344166 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-2.jpg\" alt=\"Click Reset settings in the Chrome sidebar\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-2.jpg 700w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-2-300x160.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><br \/><\/figure><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><br \/><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Restore Chrome&#8217;s original settings<\/p><br \/><p>Click <strong>Restore settings to their original defaults<\/strong>.<\/p><br \/><figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"374\" class=\"size-full wp-image-344171 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-3-1.jpg\" alt=\"Choose Restore settings to their original defaults\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-3-1.jpg 700w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-3-1-300x160.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure><p><br \/><\/p><div id=\"mwtad476022796\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360576-ad_309691-placement_360773\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"6594472392\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Confirm the Chrome reset<\/p><br \/><p>A confirmation window will appear. Click <strong>Reset settings<\/strong>.<\/p><br \/><p>This will:<\/p><br \/><ul><br \/><li>Restore the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page<\/li><br \/><li>Reset startup pages and pinned tabs<\/li><br \/><li>Disable installed extensions<\/li><br \/><li>Clear temporary cookies and website data<\/li><br \/><\/ul><br \/><p><strong>Don&#8217;t worry:<\/strong> Chrome will not delete your bookmarks, browsing history, or saved passwords.<\/p><br \/><p>Restart Chrome and perform a test search. If your searches now open normally in Google, you can stop here.<\/p><br \/><p><strong>If searches are still redirected through shady domains complete the additional step below.<\/strong><\/p><br \/><figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"374\" class=\"size-full wp-image-344172 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-4.jpg\" alt=\"Confirm the Chrome reset\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-4.jpg 700w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chrome-4-300x160.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><br \/><\/figure><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Remove persistent search hijacker data<\/p><br \/><p><strong>Only complete this step if the redirect continues after resetting Chrome.<\/strong><\/p><br \/><p>Some browser hijackers hide inside Chrome&#8217;s local search-engine database. A standard Chrome reset may not remove this database, which is why searches can continue to pass through shady sites. <\/p><br \/><p>The following procedure creates a backup of the affected database and allows Chrome to build a new, clean version. This is safer and less disruptive than deleting the entire Chrome profile.<\/p><br \/><p><strong>First, prevent Chrome Sync from restoring the hijacked settings:<\/strong><\/p><br \/><ol><br \/><li>Open a new Chrome tab.<\/li><br \/><li>Copy the following address, paste it into Chrome&#8217;s address bar, and press <strong>Enter<\/strong>:<br \/><pre><code>chrome:\/\/settings\/syncSetup\/advanced<\/code><\/pre><br \/><\/li><br \/><li>Under <strong>Manage what you sync<\/strong>, select <strong>Customize sync<\/strong>.<\/li><br \/><li>Turn off <strong>Settings<\/strong> and <strong>Extensions<\/strong>.<\/li><br \/><li>You can leave <strong>Bookmarks<\/strong> and <strong>Passwords<\/strong> enabled so your important data remains synchronized.<\/li><br \/><\/ol><br \/><p><strong>Note:<\/strong> Some newer Chrome versions may automatically redirect this address to the Google Account settings page. If that happens, locate the list of synchronized Chrome data and turn off <strong>Settings<\/strong> and <strong>Extensions<\/strong> there.<\/p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1x-1-1024x702.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><br \/><p>Now save anything you are working on and close every Chrome window.<\/p><br \/><p><strong>Run the cleanup command:<\/strong><\/p><br \/><ol><br \/><li>Press the <strong>Windows key<\/strong> on your keyboard.<\/li><br \/><li>Type <strong>PowerShell<\/strong>.<\/li><br \/><li>Open <strong>Windows PowerShell<\/strong>. Administrator access is not required.<\/li><br \/><li>Copy the entire command shown below.<\/li><br \/><li>Right-click inside the PowerShell window to paste the command, then press <strong>Enter<\/strong>.<\/li><br \/><li>If Windows warns you about pasting multiple lines, select the option to continue.<\/li><br \/><\/ol><br \/><pre><code class=\"language-powershell\">$stamp = Get-Date -Format \"yyyyMMdd-HHmmss\"<br \/><br \/>Get-Process chrome -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue |<br \/> Stop-Process -Force<br \/><br \/>$root = \"$env:LOCALAPPDATA\\Google\\Chrome\\User Data\"<br \/><br \/>if (Test-Path $root) {<br \/> $profiles = Get-ChildItem $root -Directory |<br \/> Where-Object {<br \/> $_.Name -eq \"Default\" -or<br \/> $_.Name -match \"^Profile \\d+$\"<br \/> }<br \/><br \/> foreach ($profile in $profiles) {<br \/> foreach ($name in @(<br \/> \"Web Data\",<br \/> \"Web Data-journal\",<br \/> \"Web Data-wal\",<br \/> \"Web Data-shm\"<br \/> )) {<br \/> $file = Join-Path $profile.FullName $name<br \/><br \/> if (Test-Path $file) {<br \/> $backup = \"$file.search-hijacker-backup-$stamp\"<br \/> Move-Item -LiteralPath $file -Destination $backup<br \/> Write-Host \"Backup created: $backup\"<br \/> }<br \/> }<br \/> }<br \/>}<br \/><br \/>Write-Host \"\"<br \/>Write-Host \"Chrome search data has been cleaned.\"<br \/>Write-Host \"You can now reopen Chrome.\"<\/code><\/pre><br \/><p>Wait until PowerShell displays the following message:<\/p><br \/><pre><code>Chrome search data has been cleaned.<br \/>You can now reopen Chrome.<\/code><\/pre><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1-32-1024x623.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><br \/><p>Close PowerShell and reopen Google Chrome. Chrome will automatically create a clean search database for every local profile.<\/p><br \/><p>Next, copy the following address, paste it into Chrome&#8217;s address bar, and press <strong>Enter<\/strong>:<\/p><br \/><pre><code>chrome:\/\/settings\/searchEngines<\/code><\/pre><br \/><p>Make sure <strong>Google<\/strong> is selected as the default search engine. Test several searches from the address bar and confirm that they no longer pass through shady search engines.<\/p><br \/><p><strong>Your important Chrome data is protected:<\/strong> the PowerShell cleanup does not remove bookmarks, saved passwords, browsing history, cookies, or installed extensions. However, it may reset locally stored Autofill addresses and form suggestions.<\/p><br \/><p>The original search database is not deleted. PowerShell renames it and adds <code>search-hijacker-backup<\/code> to its filename so it can be recovered if necessary.<\/p><br \/><p>Keep <strong>Settings<\/strong> and <strong>Extensions<\/strong> synchronization disabled while testing Chrome. Do not enable every extension at once. Enable only the extensions you recognize, one at a time, and test Chrome after each one.<\/p><br \/><p>If the redirect returns after enabling a particular extension, remove that extension immediately.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Firefox\">\n<h5 class=\"toch5\">Reset Firefox for Windows to default settings<\/h5>\n<p>We will now reset your Firefox browser settings to their default. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Open the Firefox menu and click &#8220;Help&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Click the <strong>three horizontal lines<\/strong> in the top-right corner of Firefox to open the main menu, then select &#8220;<strong>Help<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136955 alignnone\" title=\"Click the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner and then click on Help\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Open-Firefox-Settings.jpg\" alt=\"Click on the Firefox Menu button then select Help button\" width=\"800\" height=\"486\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Open-Firefox-Settings.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Open-Firefox-Settings-300x182.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click &#8220;More troubleshooting information&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>In the <em>Help<\/em> menu, click &#8220;<strong>More troubleshooting information<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136954 alignnone\" title=\"Click the More Troubleshooting Information link\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Firefox-Open-Reset-Menu.jpg\" alt=\"Click More Troubleshooting Information\" width=\"800\" height=\"487\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Firefox-Open-Reset-Menu.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Firefox-Open-Reset-Menu-300x183.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click &#8220;Refresh Firefox&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>On the &#8220;<em>Troubleshooting Information<\/em>&#8221; page, click the &#8220;<strong>Refresh Firefox<\/strong>&#8221; button in the top-right area of the page.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136956 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Refresh-Firefox-button.jpg\" alt=\"Click on Refresh Firefox\" width=\"800\" height=\"488\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Refresh-Firefox-button.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Refresh-Firefox-button-300x183.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Confirm the refresh<\/p>\n<p>In the confirmation window, click &#8220;<strong>Refresh Firefox<\/strong>&#8221; again. This removes extensions, themes, and customized settings \u2014 the usual hiding places for browser hijackers \u2014 while keeping your bookmarks, history, and saved passwords safe.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136957 alignnone\" title=\"Click the on Refresh Firefox to confirm\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Refresh-Firefox-Confirm.jpg\" alt=\"Click again on Refresh Firefox button\" width=\"800\" height=\"488\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Refresh-Firefox-Confirm.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Refresh-Firefox-Confirm-300x183.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click &#8220;Finish&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Firefox will close, reset itself to default settings, and reopen with a window listing the information that was restored. Click &#8220;<strong>Finish<\/strong>&#8221; \u2014 your Firefox is now clean.<\/p>\n<p><strong>About the &#8220;Old Firefox Data&#8221; folder:<\/strong> Firefox saves a copy of your old profile on your desktop. If something you need is missing after the reset, you can recover it from this folder. Otherwise, <strong>delete the folder<\/strong> \u2014 it contains sensitive data like passwords and cookies, and may also still hold the malicious files you just removed.<\/p>\n<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Microsoft Edge\">\n<h5 class=\"toch5\">Reset Microsoft Edge to default settings<\/h5>\n<p>We will now reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings to their default. This will reset your startup page, new tab page, search engine, and pinned tabs. It will also disable all extensions and clear temporary data like cookies. Your favorites, history, and saved passwords will not be cleared.<\/p>\n\n<p><em>Updated for Microsoft Edge on Windows 10 and Windows 11 \u2014 July 2026.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n  <li>\n    <p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Open the Edge menu and click &#8220;Settings&#8221;<\/p>\n    <p>Open Microsoft Edge. In the top-right corner, click the <strong>three-dot (&#8230;) icon<\/strong>, then click <strong>Settings<\/strong>.<\/p>\n    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136961 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Edge-Open-Settings.jpg\" alt=\"Open the Microsoft Edge menu and click Settings\" width=\"800\" height=\"539\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Edge-Open-Settings.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Edge-Open-Settings-300x202.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\n  <\/li>\n\n  <li>\n    <p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Prevent the unwanted settings from returning through Edge Sync<\/p>\n\n    <p>If you are signed in to Microsoft Edge, a bad setting or extension may be stored in your Microsoft account and return after the reset.<\/p>\n\n    <p>Copy the following address, paste it into the Edge address bar, and press <strong>Enter<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n    <pre><code>edge:\/\/settings\/profiles\/sync<\/code><\/pre>\n\n    <p>On the Sync page, turn off these two options:<\/p>\n\n    <ul>\n      <li><strong>Settings<\/strong><\/li>\n      <li><strong>Extensions<\/strong><\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n\n    <p>You can leave <strong>Favorites<\/strong> and <strong>Passwords<\/strong> turned on.<\/p>\n\n    <p>If Edge says that sync is already off, simply continue to the next step.<\/p>\n\n    <p><strong>Important:<\/strong> Edge Sync settings are separate for each profile. If you use more than one Edge profile, switch to each affected profile and repeat this step.<\/p>\n\n    <p>You do not need to sign out of your Microsoft account or delete the Edge profile.<\/p>\n  <\/li>\n\n  <li>\n    <p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Open &#8220;Reset settings&#8221;<\/p>\n\n    <p>In the left sidebar, click <strong>Reset settings<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n    <p>You can also open the reset page directly. Copy the following address, paste it into the Edge address bar, and press <strong>Enter<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n    <pre><code>edge:\/\/settings\/reset<\/code><\/pre>\n\n    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136962 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Resen-and-Clean-Edge-browser.jpg\" alt=\"Open Reset settings in Microsoft Edge\" width=\"800\" height=\"539\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Resen-and-Clean-Edge-browser.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Resen-and-Clean-Edge-browser-300x202.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\n  <\/li>\n\n  <li>\n    <p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click &#8220;Restore settings to their default values&#8221;<\/p>\n\n    <p>Click <strong>Restore settings to their default values<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136963 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Restore-Edge-Settings-Button.jpg\" alt=\"Select Restore settings to their default values in Microsoft Edge\" width=\"800\" height=\"541\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Restore-Edge-Settings-Button.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Restore-Edge-Settings-Button-300x203.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\n  <\/li>\n\n  <li>\n    <p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Confirm the reset<\/p>\n\n    <p>In the confirmation dialog, click <strong>Reset<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n    <p>This resets the startup page, new tab page, search engine, and pinned tabs. It also disables all extensions and clears temporary site data, such as cookies.<\/p>\n\n    <p><strong>Don&#8217;t worry:<\/strong> your favorites, browsing history, and saved passwords will not be deleted.<\/p>\n\n    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136960 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Confirm-Reset-Edge-Browser.jpg\" alt=\"Confirm the Microsoft Edge reset\" width=\"800\" height=\"539\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Confirm-Reset-Edge-Browser.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Confirm-Reset-Edge-Browser-300x202.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\n  <\/li>\n\n  <li>\n    <p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Check your extensions before turning them back on<\/p>\n\n    <p>Copy the following address, paste it into the Edge address bar, and press <strong>Enter<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n    <pre><code>edge:\/\/extensions<\/code><\/pre>\n\n    <p>Remove any extension you do not recognize or no longer use. Pay particular attention to extensions related to search, coupons, shopping, PDF conversion, browser protection, new tabs, or video downloading.<\/p>\n\n    <p>Do not turn all extensions back on at the same time. Enable only the extensions you recognize and trust.<\/p>\n  <\/li>\n\n  <li>\n    <p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Select a trusted search engine<\/p>\n\n    <p>Copy the following address, paste it into the Edge address bar, and press <strong>Enter<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n    <pre><code>edge:\/\/settings\/searchEngines<\/code><\/pre>\n\n    <p>Select <strong>Bing<\/strong>, <strong>Google<\/strong>, <strong>DuckDuckGo<\/strong>, or another search provider you trust and make it the default.<\/p>\n\n    <p>Remove any unknown search engines, especially providers with strange names or addresses that you did not add yourself.<\/p>\n\n    <p>Restart Edge and perform a search from the address bar. If searches are no longer redirected, you can stop here.<\/p>\n  <\/li>\n\n  <li>\n    <p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">If the redirect remains, clean the corrupted search data without deleting the Edge profile<\/p>\n\n    <p>Use this additional step only if Edge continues to redirect searches after the normal reset.<\/p>\n\n    <p>This command cleans the search-engine database from every local Edge profile while keeping your favorites, saved passwords, browsing history, cookies, and profiles.<\/p>\n\n    <p><strong>Before continuing:<\/strong> save anything you are working on because the command will close Microsoft Edge.<\/p>\n\n    <ol>\n      <li>Open the Windows <strong>Start<\/strong> menu.<\/li>\n      <li>Type <strong>PowerShell<\/strong>.<\/li>\n      <li>Open <strong>Windows PowerShell<\/strong>. Administrator access is not required.<\/li>\n      <li>Copy the entire command below.<\/li>\n      <li>Paste it into PowerShell and press <strong>Enter<\/strong>.<\/li>\n    <\/ol>\n\n    <pre><code class=\"language-powershell\">$stamp = Get-Date -Format \"yyyyMMdd-HHmmss\"\n$root = Join-Path $env:LOCALAPPDATA \"Microsoft\\Edge\\User Data\"\n\nGet-Process -Name msedge -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue |\n    Stop-Process -Force -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue\n\nStart-Sleep -Seconds 2\n\nif (-not (Test-Path -LiteralPath $root)) {\n    Write-Host \"The Microsoft Edge profile folder was not found:\"\n    Write-Host $root\n    return\n}\n\n$profiles = Get-ChildItem -LiteralPath $root -Directory |\n    Where-Object {\n        $_.Name -eq \"Default\" -or\n        $_.Name -match \"^Profile \\d+$\"\n    }\n\n$movedFiles = 0\n\nforeach ($profile in $profiles) {\n    foreach ($name in @(\n        \"Web Data\",\n        \"Web Data-journal\",\n        \"Web Data-wal\",\n        \"Web Data-shm\"\n    )) {\n        $file = Join-Path $profile.FullName $name\n\n        if (Test-Path -LiteralPath $file) {\n            $backup = \"$file.search-reset-backup-$stamp\"\n\n            try {\n                Move-Item -LiteralPath $file -Destination $backup -ErrorAction Stop\n                Write-Host \"Cleaned: $($profile.Name)\\$name\"\n                $movedFiles++\n            }\n            catch {\n                Write-Warning \"Could not clean: $file\"\n            }\n        }\n    }\n}\n\nWrite-Host \"\"\n\nif ($movedFiles -gt 0) {\n    Write-Host \"Microsoft Edge search data has been cleaned.\" -ForegroundColor Green\n    Write-Host \"You can now reopen Microsoft Edge.\"\n}\nelse {\n    Write-Host \"No Edge search database files were found.\" -ForegroundColor Yellow\n}<\/code><\/pre>\n\n    <p>The command does not permanently delete the original files. It renames them as backup files, and Edge creates a clean search database when it starts again.<\/p>\n\n    <p><strong>Note:<\/strong> this additional cleanup may also reset saved form-fill suggestions, saved addresses, and manually added search engines. It does not delete favorites, passwords, or browsing history.<\/p>\n  <\/li>\n\n  <li>\n    <p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Reopen Edge and test the browser<\/p>\n\n    <p>Open Microsoft Edge again, visit <strong>edge:\/\/settings\/searchEngines<\/strong>, and select your preferred search engine.<\/p>\n\n    <p>Perform several searches from the address bar to confirm that the redirect is gone.<\/p>\n\n    <p>Keep synchronization for <strong>Settings<\/strong> and <strong>Extensions<\/strong> turned off until you are certain that the computer and extensions are clean. If you enable them again, turn them on one at a time and test Edge after each change.<\/p>\n  <\/li>\n\n  <li>\n    <p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">If Edge still redirects your searches<\/p>\n\n    <p>Open <strong>edge:\/\/policy<\/strong>. If this is your personal computer and Edge displays unknown policies such as <strong>ExtensionInstallForcelist<\/strong> or <strong>DefaultSearchProvider<\/strong>, the hijacker may be installed outside the browser profile.<\/p>\n\n    <p>In that situation, continue with the next malware-removal steps and run a complete antivirus scan. If the computer belongs to a company or school, contact its IT administrator before changing any policies.<\/p>\n  <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Internet Explorer\">\n<h5 class=\"toch5\">Reset Internet Explorer to default settings<\/h5>\n<p>We will now reset your Internet Explorer browser settings to their default. You can reset Internet Explorer settings to return them to the state they were in when Internet Explorer was first installed on your computer.<\/p>\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Go to &#8220;Internet Options&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>Open Internet Explorer, click on the <strong>gear icon<\/strong> in the upper-right part of your browser, then select &#8220;<strong>Internet Options<\/strong>&#8220;.<\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Select the &#8220;Advanced&#8221; tab, then click &#8220;Reset&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>In the &#8220;<em>Internet Options<\/em>&#8221; dialog box, select the&nbsp;&#8220;<strong>Advanced<\/strong>&#8221;&nbsp;tab, then click&nbsp;on the &#8220;<strong>Reset<\/strong>&#8221; button.<\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click on &#8220;Reset&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>In the &#8220;<em>Reset Internet Explorer settings<\/em>&#8221; section, select the &#8220;<em>Delete personal settings<\/em>&#8221; checkbox, then click on the &#8220;<strong>Reset<\/strong>&#8221; button.<\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click on &#8220;Close&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>When Internet Explorer has completed its task, click on the &#8220;<strong>Close<\/strong>&#8221; button in the confirmation dialogue box.<br \/>Close your browser and then you can open Internet Explorer again.<\/p>\n<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<h4 id=\"rkill\" class=\"mt_blue toch4\">STEP 3: Use Rkill to terminate suspicious programs<\/h4>\n<p>Next, we&#8217;ll download and run Rkill to stop any suspicious processes running in the background. This prevents the malware from interfering with the removal tools in the following steps.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">RKill is a program that was developed at BleepingComputer.com that attempts to terminate known malware processes so that your normal security software can then run and clean your computer of infections. When RKill runs it will kill malware processes and then removes incorrect executable associations and fixes policies that stop us from using certain tools.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download Rkill.<\/p>\n<p>You can download RKill to your computer from the below link. When at the download page, click on the <em>Download Now<\/em> button labeled <strong>iExplore.exe<\/strong>. We are downloading a renamed version of Rkill (iExplore.exe) because some malware will not allow processes to run unless they have a certain filename. <\/p>\n  \n<div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bleepingcomputer.com\/download\/rkill\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-160643 mwt_product_icon_logo\" title=\"Malwarebytes Icon\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/RKill-Icon.png\" alt=\"RKILL Logo\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\"\/><\/figure>\n<strong>RKILL DOWNLOAD LINK<\/strong><\/a><br \/><em>(The above link will open a new page from where you can download Rkill)<\/em><\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Run RKill.<\/p>\n<p>After downloading, double-click the <strong>iExplore.exe<\/strong> icon to kill malicious processes. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the&nbsp;<em>Downloads<\/em> folder.<br \/>The program may take some time to search for and end various malware programs.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-160644 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/RKILL-2.jpg\" alt=\"RKILL Window\" width=\"800\" height=\"438\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/RKILL-2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/RKILL-2-300x164.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<p>When it is finished, the black window will close automatically and a log file will open. Do not restart your computer. Proceed to the next step in this guide.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<h4 id=\"malwarebytes\" class=\"mt_blue toch4\">STEP 4: Use Malwarebytes to remove Trojans and unwanted programs<\/h4>\n<p>Now we&#8217;ll install Malwarebytes and run a full scan to detect and remove infections, adware, and potentially unwanted programs from your computer.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Malwarebytes<\/strong> is one of the most popular and trusted anti-malware tools for Windows \u2014 and it&#8217;s completely free for removing infections. It catches threats that many antivirus programs miss, including adware, browser hijackers, and trojans. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your PC in just a few minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download Malwarebytes<\/p> <p>Click the button below to download the latest version of <strong>Malwarebytes for Windows<\/strong> from the official source. The free version is all you need \u2014 it will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software at no cost.<\/p> <div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Malwarebytes Icon\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-81150 mwt_product_icon_logo\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Malwarebytes-LOGO.png\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Logo\"\/><\/figure> <strong><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/downloads\/MBSetup-076886.076886-consumer.exe\" onclick=\"window.open(&#039;https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/get\/malwarebytes-free&#039;);\">DOWNLOAD MALWAREBYTES FOR WINDOWS (FREE)<br \/>\n<\/a><\/strong><br \/><em class=\"small-text-disclaimer\">(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)<\/em><\/div><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li> <p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Install Malwarebytes<\/p><div id=\"mwtad3139977245\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360583-ad_309691-placement_360774\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"8849826992\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>When the download finishes, open your <strong>Downloads<\/strong> folder and <strong>double-click the MBSetup file<\/strong>. If Windows shows a <strong>User Account Control<\/strong> pop-up, click &#8220;<em>Yes<\/em>&#8221; to allow the installation.<\/p>\n\n \n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"975\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285934\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM1.jpg 975w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM1-300x154.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 975px) 100vw, 975px\" \/><\/figure>\n \n\n \n  \n\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes<\/p> \n\n<p>The setup wizard will walk you through a few quick screens:<\/p>\n\n<ul>\n \n  <li>\n    <p>Choose where you&#8217;re installing the program \u2014 &#8220;<strong>Personal Computer<\/strong>&#8221; or &#8220;<strong>Work Computer<\/strong>&#8221; \u2014 then click <strong>Next<\/strong>.<\/p>\n    \n    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"737\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM3-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285953\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM3-1.jpg 737w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM3-1-300x204.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 737px) 100vw, 737px\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n    \n  <\/li>\n  <li>\n    <p>Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.<\/p>\n    \n    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"759\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285937\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM4.jpg 759w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM4-300x198.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 759px) 100vw, 759px\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n    \n  <\/li>\n  <li>\n    <p>When installation is complete, the &#8220;<strong>Welcome to Malwarebytes<\/strong>&#8221; screen will open automatically.<\/p>\n    \n    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"705\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM6-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285951\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM6-1.jpg 705w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM6-1-300x213.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 705px) 100vw, 705px\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n    \n  <\/li>\n  <li>\n    <p>On the final screen, click <strong>Open Malwarebytes<\/strong> to launch the program.<\/p>\n    \n    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"749\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM5-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285952\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM5-1.jpg 749w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM5-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 749px) 100vw, 749px\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n    \n  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Enable &#8220;Scan for Rootkits&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Before scanning, turn on rootkit detection so Malwarebytes can find even the most hidden threats. Click the <strong>Settings<\/strong> gear icon on the left side of the screen.\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"842\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285942\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM8.jpg 842w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM8-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 842px) 100vw, 842px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the settings menu, find &#8220;<strong>Scan for rootkits<\/strong>&#8221; and click the toggle so it turns blue.\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"841\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM9.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285943\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM9.jpg 841w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM9-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 841px) 100vw, 841px\" \/><\/figure>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Done? Click &#8220;<strong>Dashboard<\/strong>&#8221; in the left pane to return to the main screen.\n\n <\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Start the Scan<\/p> <p>Click the blue <strong>Scan<\/strong> button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"849\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM10.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285941\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM10.jpg 849w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM10-300x212.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 849px) 100vw, 849px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Wait for the Scan to Finish<\/p>\n<p>The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take several minutes. Feel free to do something else \u2014 just check back occasionally to see the progress.<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"842\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM11.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285944\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM11.jpg 842w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM11-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 842px) 100vw, 842px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Quarantine the Detected Threats<\/p>\n<p>When the scan is done, you&#8217;ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found \u2014 malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. Click the &#8220;<strong>Quarantine<\/strong>&#8221; button to remove all of them at once.<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"844\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM12.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285945\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM12.jpg 844w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM12-300x213.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 844px) 100vw, 844px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<p>Malwarebytes will now remove the malicious files and registry entries and move them safely into quarantine.\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"842\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM13.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285946\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM13.jpg 842w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM13-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 842px) 100vw, 842px\" \/><\/figure>\n <\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n  <p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Restart Your Computer<\/p>\n  <p>Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot. If Malwarebytes asks you to restart, click <strong>Yes<\/strong>. Once you&#8217;re logged back in, your PC is clean and you can continue with the next steps in this guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"844\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM14.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285947\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM14.jpg 844w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM14-300x213.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 844px) 100vw, 844px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<h4 id=\"hitmanpro\" class=\"mt_blue toch4\">STEP 5: Use HitmanPro to remove rootkits and other malware<\/h4>\n<div id=\"mwtad408804094\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360584-ad_309691-placement_360775\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3952847241\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><p>Next, we&#8217;ll run a second-opinion scan with HitmanPro to catch Trojans, rootkits, and other malicious programs that may have survived the previous step.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>HitmanPro<\/strong> is a second-opinion scanner \u2014 it&#8217;s designed to catch what your main antivirus might have missed. Instead of relying on a single detection engine, it checks the behavior of files in the locations where malware usually hides. Anything suspicious gets sent to the cloud, where it&#8217;s analyzed by two of the best antivirus engines available: <strong>Bitdefender<\/strong> and <strong>Kaspersky<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Good news: <strong>scanning is completely free, with no limits<\/strong>. You only need a license when it&#8217;s time to remove what was found \u2014 and even then, you can activate a <strong>free one-time 30-day trial<\/strong> to clean your PC at no cost. (A full license is $24.95 per year for 1 PC.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download HitmanPro<\/p>\n<p>Click the button below to download <strong>HitmanPro<\/strong>. Remember \u2014 the scan is free, so you have nothing to lose by checking your PC.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-81147 alignleft mwt_product_icon_logo\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/icon-hitmanpro.png\" alt=\"HitmanPro Logo\" width=\"38\" height=\"38\" title=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/get\/hitmanpro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><strong>DOWNLOAD HITMANPRO (FREE SCAN)<\/strong><\/a><br \/><em class=\"small-text-disclaimer\">(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)<\/em><\/div>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Install HitmanPro<\/p>\n<p>When the download finishes, open your <em>Downloads<\/em> folder and double-click the file: <strong>&#8220;hitmanpro.exe&#8221;<\/strong> on 32-bit Windows, or <strong>&#8220;hitmanpro_x64.exe&#8221;<\/strong> on 64-bit Windows.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136909 alignnone\" title=\"Double-click on the HitmanPro setup file\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Download-HitmanPro.jpg\" alt=\"Double-click on the HitmanPro file\" width=\"800\" height=\"422\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Download-HitmanPro.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Download-HitmanPro-300x158.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<p>If a <em>User Account Control<\/em>&nbsp;pop-up asks whether HitmanPro can make changes to your device, click &#8220;<em>Yes<\/em>&#8221; to continue.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136916 alignnone\" title=\"Windows asking for permissions to run the HitmanPro setup file\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-UAC.jpg\" alt=\"Windows asking for permissions to run the HitmanPro setup \" width=\"676\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-UAC.jpg 676w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-UAC-300x222.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Follow the On-Screen Prompts<\/p>\n<p>On the HitmanPro start screen, click &#8220;<strong>Next<\/strong>&#8221; to begin the system scan. No lengthy setup required \u2014 it goes straight to work.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136913 alignnone\" title=\"Click Next to install HitmanPro on your computer\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install.jpg\" alt=\"Click Next to install HitmanPro on your PC\" width=\"800\" height=\"639\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install-300x240.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136912 alignnone\" title=\"Click Next to finish the HitmanPro install\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install-2.jpg\" alt=\"HitmanPro final installer screen\" width=\"800\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install-2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Install-2-300x240.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Wait for the Scan to Finish<\/p>\n<p>HitmanPro will now check your computer for malicious programs. This usually takes just a few minutes thanks to its cloud-based scanning.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136915 alignnone\" title=\"HitmanPro while scanning for malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Scanning.jpg\" alt=\"HitmanPro scans your computer for any infections, adware, or potentially unwanted programs that may be present\" width=\"800\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Scanning.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Scanning-300x240.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Review the Results and Click &#8220;Next&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>When the scan is done, HitmanPro will show you everything it found. Click &#8220;<strong>Next<\/strong>&#8221; to remove the detected threats.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136914 alignnone\" title=\"Click Next to remove the malware that HitmanPro has detected\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Quarantine-Malicious-Files.jpg\" alt=\"HitmanPro scan summary. Click Next to remove malware\" width=\"800\" height=\"643\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Quarantine-Malicious-Files.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Quarantine-Malicious-Files-300x241.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li><li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click &#8220;Activate Free License&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>To remove the malicious files, click the &#8220;<strong>Activate free license<\/strong>&#8221; button. This starts your <em>free 30-day trial<\/em> \u2014 no payment details needed \u2014 and unlocks the full cleanup.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136911 alignnone\" title=\"Click on the Activate free license button to remove malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Activate-License.jpg\" alt=\"Click on the Activate free license button\" width=\"800\" height=\"635\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Activate-License.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/HitmanPro-Activate-License-300x238.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>When the removal is complete, HitmanPro will show a summary of everything it cleaned. Click <strong>Next<\/strong>, then click <strong>Reboot<\/strong> if prompted. If there&#8217;s no reboot prompt, just click <strong>Close<\/strong> \u2014 your PC is clean.<\/p>\n<\/li><\/ol>\n\n<h4 id=\"adwcleaner\" class=\"mt_blue toch4\">STEP 6: Use AdwCleaner to remove malicious browser policies and adware<\/h4>\n<p>We&#8217;ll now use AdwCleaner to remove malicious browser policies and unwanted browser extensions \u2014 the leftovers that keep hijacking your browser settings even after the malware itself is gone.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>AdwCleaner<\/strong> is a free on-demand scanner that specializes in adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted toolbars \u2014 the exact threats that mainstream antivirus programs often miss. It also includes tools that repair the damage malware leaves behind, like hijacked browser settings and malicious policies. It&#8217;s a quick scan that&#8217;s well worth running.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download AdwCleaner<\/p>\n<p>Click the button below to download <strong>AdwCleaner<\/strong> \u2014 it&#8217;s free, portable, and requires no installation.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><figure><\/figure> <a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/get\/adwcleaner\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-84923 alignleft mwt_product_icon_logo\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/AdwCleaner-Icon.png\" alt=\"AdwCleaner Icon\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" title=\"\"><\/figure> <strong>DOWNLOAD ADWCLEANER (FREE)<\/strong><\/a><br \/><em class=\"small-text-disclaimer\">(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)<\/em><\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Run AdwCleaner<\/p>\n<p>Open your <em>Downloads<\/em> folder and double-click the file named &#8220;<strong>adwcleaner_x.x.x.exe<\/strong>&#8220;. There&#8217;s no installation \u2014 the program starts right away.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136932 alignnone\" title=\"Double-click on the AdwCleaner setup file\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Download-AdwCleaner.jpg\" alt=\"Download AdwCleaner on your computer\" width=\"800\" height=\"424\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Download-AdwCleaner.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Download-AdwCleaner-300x159.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>If Windows asks whether you want to allow AdwCleaner to run, click &#8220;<strong>Yes<\/strong>&#8220;. When the license agreement appears, click <strong>I agree<\/strong> to continue.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136935 alignnone\" title=\"Click Yes to allow AdwCleaner to run\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Windows-asks-to-run-AdwCleaner.jpg\" alt=\"Windows ask if you want to run AdwCleaner\" width=\"585\" height=\"424\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Windows-asks-to-run-AdwCleaner.jpg 585w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Windows-asks-to-run-AdwCleaner-300x217.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 585px) 100vw, 585px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Enable &#8220;Reset Chrome policies&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>This setting removes malicious browser policies \u2014 a trick malware uses to lock your browser settings so you can&#8217;t change them back. Click &#8220;<strong>Settings<\/strong>&#8221; on the left side of the window, then turn on &#8220;<strong>Reset Chrome policies<\/strong>&#8220;.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136933 alignnone\" title=\"Enable Reset Chrome policies to remove malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Reset-Chrome-Policies-AdwCleaner.jpg\" alt=\"Enable Reset Chrome policies to remove malicious browser policies\" width=\"800\" height=\"481\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Reset-Chrome-Policies-AdwCleaner.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Reset-Chrome-Policies-AdwCleaner-300x180.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Start the Scan<\/p>\n<p>Click &#8220;<strong>Dashboard<\/strong>&#8221; on the left side of the window, then click the &#8220;<strong>Scan<\/strong>&#8221; button.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136934 alignnone\" title=\"Click on Scan to start a AdwCleaner scan\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Start-a-AdwCleaner-Scan.jpg\" alt=\"Click on Scan to start a AdwCleaner scan\" width=\"800\" height=\"479\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Start-a-AdwCleaner-Scan.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Start-a-AdwCleaner-Scan-300x180.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Wait for the Scan to Finish<\/p>\n<p>AdwCleaner will now check your computer for adware and other malware. This usually takes only a few minutes \u2014 it&#8217;s one of the fastest scanners around.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136931 alignnone\" title=\"AdwCleaner scanning for malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Scan.jpg\" alt=\"AdwCleaner scanning for adware and other malware\" width=\"800\" height=\"479\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Scan.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Scan-300x180.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Quarantine the Detected Threats<\/p>\n<p>When the scan finishes, AdwCleaner will list everything it found. Click the &#8220;<strong>Quarantine<\/strong>&#8221; button to remove all the malicious items at once.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136930 alignnone\" title=\"Click on Quarantine to remove malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Quarantine-Malicious-Files.jpg\" alt=\"Click on Quarantine to remove malware\" width=\"800\" height=\"473\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Quarantine-Malicious-Files.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Quarantine-Malicious-Files-300x177.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li> <p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click &#8220;Continue&#8221; to Finish the Cleanup<\/p> <p><strong>Save any open work first<\/strong> \u2014 AdwCleaner needs to close your open programs before it can clean. When you&#8217;re ready, click the &#8220;<strong>Continue<\/strong>&#8221; button.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Save your work and then click on the Continue button\" width=\"800\" height=\"477\" class=\"size-full wp-image-136929 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Confirm-Removal-Of-Malicious-Files.jpg\" alt=\"Click Continue to remove malicious files\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Confirm-Removal-Of-Malicious-Files.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/AdwCleaner-Confirm-Removal-Of-Malicious-Files-300x179.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p> <p>AdwCleaner will now delete all detected malware from your computer. If it asks you to restart your PC, allow it \u2014 your computer will be clean when you log back in.<\/p> <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<h4 id=\"eset\" class=\"mt_blue toch4\">STEP 7: Perform a final check with ESET Online Scanner<\/h4>\n<p>Finally, we&#8217;ll run ESET Online Scanner as a last sweep to confirm nothing was missed. If this scan comes back clean, your computer is malware-free.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>ESET Online Scanner<\/strong> is a free second-opinion scanner that performs a deep, full-system check for viruses, trojans, rootkits, and other malware. We use it as the final step because it&#8217;s thorough \u2014 if anything slipped past the previous scans, ESET will find it. A clean result here means your computer is malware-free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download ESET Online Scanner<\/p>\n<p>Click the button below to download <strong>ESET Online Scanner<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/get\/esetonlinescanner\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft mwt_product_icon_logo size-full wp-image-148927\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Eset-Logo.png\" alt=\"ESET logo\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" title=\"\"><\/figure><strong>DOWNLOAD ESET ONLINE SCANNER (FREE)<\/strong><\/a><br \/><em>(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)<\/em><\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Run the Installer<\/p>\n<p>When the download finishes, open your <em>Downloads<\/em> folder and double-click &#8220;<strong>esetonlinescanner.exe<\/strong>&#8220;.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148926\" title=\"Double-click on the ESET Online Scanner setup file\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Installer.jpg\" alt=\"Image - Double-click on the ESET Online Scanner setup file\" width=\"800\" height=\"413\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Installer.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Installer-300x155.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Install ESET Online Scanner<\/p>\n<p>On the start screen, select your language from the drop-down menu and click <strong>Get started<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148858\" title=\"Click Get Started to install ESET Online Scanner\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-1.jpg\" alt=\"Image - Click Get Started to install ESET Online Scanner\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<p>On the <em>Terms of use<\/em> screen, click <strong>Accept<\/strong>.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148863\" title=\"Accept Terms to Install ESET Online Scanner\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-2-1.jpg\" alt=\"Image - Accept Terms to Install ESET Online Scanner\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-2-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-2-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Choose your preferences for the <em>Customer Experience Improvement Program<\/em> and the <em>Detection feedback system<\/em> (either choice is fine), then click <strong>Continue<\/strong>.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148859\" title=\"Follow the on-screen prompts to install ESET Online Scanner\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-3.jpg\" alt=\"Image - Follow the on-screen prompts\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-3.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-3-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Start a Full Scan<\/p>\n<p>Click <strong>Full Scan<\/strong> \u2014 this checks your entire computer, not just the common hiding spots.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148860\" title=\"Start a Full Scan with ESET Online Scanner\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-4.jpg\" alt=\"Start a Full Scan with ESET Online Scanner\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-4.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-4-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<p>Select <strong>Enable<\/strong> for <em>Detection of Potentially Unwanted Applications<\/em> \u2014 this lets ESET catch adware and bundled junk programs, not just viruses. Then click <strong>Start scan<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148929\" title=\"Enable PUA Detection and Start Scan\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-Step-5.jpg\" alt=\"Image - Enable PUA Detection and Start Scan\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-Step-5.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-Step-5-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Wait for the Scan to Finish<\/p>\n<p>ESET will now check every file on your computer. Because it&#8217;s a full scan, this can take a while \u2014 often an hour or more, depending on how much data you have. Leave it running in the background and check on it from time to time.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148930\" title=\"Wait for the ESET Online Scanner scan to finish\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-6-1.jpg\" alt=\"Image- Wait for the ESET Online Scanner scan to finish\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-6-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Scan-6-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Review the Results<\/p>\n<p>When the scan completes, the <em>Found and resolved detections<\/em> screen appears. Any threats found were <strong>automatically cleaned and quarantined<\/strong> \u2014 there&#8217;s nothing extra you need to do. Click <strong>View detailed results<\/strong> if you want to see exactly what was removed.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-148933\" title=\"ESET Online Scanner malware removal\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Step-7.jpg\" alt=\"Image - ESET Online Scanner malware removal\" width=\"800\" height=\"532\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Step-7.jpg 800w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ESET-Step-7-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>If ESET found nothing \u2014 congratulations, your computer has passed the final check and is malware-free.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<p>That&#8217;s it \u2014 your Windows computer is now clean. The Trojans, adware, and any other malware have been removed.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future.<br \/>If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Run a computer scan with <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.eset.com\/us\/home\/online-scanner\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ESET Online Scanner<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li>Ask for help in our <strong><a title=\"Malware Removal Assistance for Windows\" href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/forums\/windows-malware-removal-help-support.10\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Windows Malware Removal Help &amp; Support<\/a><\/strong> forum.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Prevent Similar Malspam Attacks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Provide customers with a controlled upload portal for photos and videos.<\/li><li>Block executables inside archives at the email and web gateway.<\/li><li>Configure Windows to show full file extensions.<\/li><li>Prevent ordinary support accounts from installing software.<\/li><li>Use application control to block programs launched from Downloads and temporary folders.<\/li><li>Train support staff to verify external evidence links before opening them.<\/li><li>Isolate shared customer-service workstations from critical servers.<\/li><li>Maintain tested offline or immutable backups.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Bottom Line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Damaged Package email is not a genuine return request. Its customer complaint and unboxing story lead to a fake video page, Delivery_Unboxing_Verification.zip and a malicious executable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The delivered malware family is unknown, so do not reduce the incident to one guessed trojan. If the executable ran, isolate the device, secure accounts from a clean system and perform a complete investigation. Treat the workstation as compromised until responders prove otherwise.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Damaged Package email disguises malware as unboxing evidence from a dissatisfied customer. Its link downloads a ZIP archive containing a dangerous Windows executable.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":50,"featured_media":398803,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ai_generated_summary":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2839,2836,2728],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-398834","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-scam-emails","category-malware-removal-and-popup-scam-alerts","category-trojans","masonry-post","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-50","resize-featured-image"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/398834","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/50"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=398834"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/398834\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":398857,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/398834\/revisions\/398857"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/398803"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=398834"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=398834"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=398834"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}