Google Redirect Virus

[Lady Lyuba]

Ever got that virus where whenever you click on a search result from Google you always keep getting redirected to another page? Well, I got it right now, opening the search result in a new tab is a way around it, but, if you ever got it, how did you safely get rid of it? I heard of ways - but I also have heard if done incorrectly it could damage your computer.

 

So if you've ever had to deal with this virus in the past, what did you do about it?

[antiaircraft]

This is actually a common tactic employed by a lot of malware (since Google is a commonly used search engine after all), so a specific set of instructions isn't really a good solution I'm afraid. :( That said, an anti-malware sweep from one or two tools might help with the problem. I've been told this tool from Kaspersky is reasonably good at taking out some of the associated malware (specifically, the malware that prevents other anti-malware scanners from working properly). After a run from that, a sweep from any other anti-malware scanner should be able to pick up and remove the offender. For malware that causes this particular set of symptoms, most anecdotal evidence (and a few guides) seem to suggest that a free scan from Spyware Doctor will do the trick.

[nailguard]

At first, I thought I had the google redirect virus when I changed firefox versions. Turns out: it was just an oversight; I didnt switch the homepage from yahoo to google, so whenever I did my searches, I was always wondering why I ended up with yahoo results. So, check to make sure you are using google as the homepage, and see if your results in redirects.

 

If I did encounter the virus, I would use some guides like this one found using google :D :

http://www.2-viruses.com/how-to-fix-google-results-hijacker-google-redirect-virus-problem

 

If you can get access to a computer that hasnt been infected by the virus, you can use the google search engines effectively, record the steps, and attempt to fix the problem.

Worst comes to worst, reformat or restoring from recovery disc is an option, but probably the least desirable one :(

[Alice ☮]

Sometimes, there are guides, but they are usually very specific. What exactly is the site that you get redirected to?

 

EDIT: I know, because I've gotten it before, and so has my grandma >_< (It's a bit infuriating, isn't it? XP)

Edited October 13, 2011 by ..Alice..

[snowwhite]

I've gotten the google redirect virus many times, and now I've managed a setup that keeps out all that malware! Best anti-malware out there that I have found is Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, which you can get at malwarebytes.org. I also run Spybot Search & Destroy on a regular basis (safer-networking.org). Both of these should be run with a firewall (I'm using ZoneAlarm Pro) as well as an anti-virus program.

 

For help with malware or virus removal, you can go to the forums at bleepingcomputer.com or at the Spybot S&D forums, both have experts willing to help and give you explicit instructions on how to remove them from your system.

[xox__saraa]

I agree with snowwhite. I recommend getting Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware. It'll scan your computer for anything malicious and it will remove it itself.

[COOLEZ]

I was actually finding a solution too!