Get Rid of Bestsearch.ai Hijacker: Easy Step-by-Step Tutorial

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Signs of Browser Hijacking
3. Step 1: Open My Computer and Navigate to the C Drive
4. Step 2: Locate and Open the User Folder
5. Step 3: Find and Open the App Data Folder
6. Step 4: Check Hidden Items
7. Step 5: Identify and Delete Malware Files
8. Step 6: Kill Background Tasks and Disable Startup Processes
9. Step 7: Delete Temporary Files
10. Step 8: Remove Microsoft Publisher ID Folders
11. Step 9: Use Windows PowerShell to Remove Malware
12. Step 10: Repair the Browser
13. Conclusion

Introduction

Browser hijacking is a serious cybersecurity issue that can result in compromised systems and the installation of harmful applications without the user's consent. This guide will walk You through the steps to investigate and remove browser hijackers from your computer. By following these instructions, you can ensure that your browser functions properly and is free from malware.

Signs of Browser Hijacking

Before we dive into the removal process, let's first identify some signs that indicate your browser may have been hijacked. These signs include:

1. Redirects to unfamiliar websites.
2. Slow and sluggish browsing experience.
3. Unwanted toolbars or extensions.
4. Changes in the browser's homepage or search engine.
5. Pop-up ads appearing frequently.

If you have noticed any of these signs, it's essential to take immediate action to remove the hijacker from your system.

Step 1: Open My Computer and Navigate to the C Drive

To begin the removal process, open the "My Computer" or "This PC" window on your computer. This can typically be accessed from your desktop or the start menu. Once opened, navigate to the C drive, which is the primary hard drive on your computer.

Step 2: Locate and Open the User Folder

In the C drive, you need to locate and open the "Users" folder. This folder contains all the user profiles on your computer. Look for the folder with your username and open it.

Step 3: Find and Open the App Data Folder

Within your user folder, search for the "AppData" folder. If you can't find it, follow these steps to enable the display of hidden items:

• Go to the "View" tab at the top of the File Explorer.
• Check the "Hidden items" option.

Once you can see the AppData folder, open it.

Step 4: Check Hidden Items

Within the AppData folder, you may come across a foreign folder with a file named "install.exe" and possibly another folder. These files are part of the malware application responsible for the browser hijacking. Keep this folder open and minimize the window.

Step 5: Identify and Delete Malware Files

Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type "LocalAppData" and click OK. This will open the Local folder. Scroll down and open the "Temp" folder. This folder is commonly used by malware for executing and installing malicious programs.

Carefully search for the following files and folders and delete them:

• "8m gmail.txt.exe"
• "iPhone hw3mg.tmp" folder

These files are the origin of the browser hijacker and must be removed.

Step 6: Kill Background Tasks and Disable Startup Processes

Next, open the Task Manager on your computer by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc or by right-clicking on the taskbar and selecting Task Manager. In the Task Manager window, search for the "setup install" process name. If found, right-click on it and click "End Task" to kill the process.

If you don't find the "setup install" process name, search for the "age install.exe" process name. Right-click on it and select "Open File Location." This will bring you to the folder where the malware application is located. Minimize this window for now.

To disable the startup process, go to the "Startup" tab in the Task Manager. Right-click on the process related to the hijacker and select "Disable."

Step 7: Delete Temporary Files

To ensure the removal of all malware files, return to the folder where the "age install.exe" file is located. Select all the files in the folder and delete them.

Next, go to the "Temp" folder and delete all temporary files. These files are no longer needed and may contain traces of the malware.

Step 8: Remove Microsoft Publisher ID Folders

To further clean up your computer, remove the Microsoft Publisher ID folders. These folders are for security purposes but can be used by malware.

Go to the "AppData" folder again and select the "Local" folder. Within the "Local" folder, scroll down and find the "Packages" folder. Open it and select all the folders inside. Delete them to remove the publisher ID folders.

Step 9: Use Windows PowerShell to Remove Malware

Windows PowerShell is a powerful command-line tool that can help remove malware. To use it, follow these steps:

1. Go to the start menu and type "Windows PowerShell." Select and open it.
2. A Blue window will open. Wait for a few seconds until you see your username.
3. Copy the code provided in the video description and paste it into the PowerShell window.
4. Press Enter to execute the command.
5. Once the command is complete, type "exit" and press Enter to close PowerShell.

Step 10: Repair the Browser

After removing the malware files, it's important to repair your browser to ensure proper functionality. Follow these steps:

1. Go to the start menu and type "PC settings." Open "PC settings."
2. In the PC settings menu, select the "Apps" tab.
3. Click on "Apps & features."
4. Find your browser (e.g., Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome) in the list of installed apps.
5. Click on the browser and select "Modify" or search for the "Advanced" option and click on it.
6. If the "Modify" option is available, click on it and follow the instructions to repair the browser.
7. If there is no "Modify" option, look for the "Repair" button and click on it.

Once the repair process is complete, restart your PC and verify that your browser is functioning properly again.

Conclusion

Browser hijacking can be a serious threat to your online security and browsing experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively remove malware and restore your browser's functionality. Remember to stay vigilant and ensure that your system is always protected against potential threats.