Docksearch(dot)net is set as the homepage and new tab page on your browser? If that is the case, there’s a pretty good chance that your browser has been hijacked. Browser hijackers are malicious programs, used to infect a computer system and spam ads and banners on its browser. The system would also be slower because of the hijacker, as even malicious programs may need to run through the PC’s hardware. You can learn more in the following article.
| Name |
|
| Main Domain Address |
Docksearch.Net |
| Solution #1 |
The easiest way to remove and other browser hijackers from your computer is with the help of an anti-malware tool. This software will also protect your computer from severe cyber threats like ransomware |
|
Solution #2 |
You can remove the browser hijacker by hand by carefully following all the guidelines of our step-by-step guide below. |
| Distribution |
PUPs, malicious ads, bundle packs. |
Docksearch(Dot)Net – How and Why Did I Get Hijacked?
The most common distribution method for a browser hijacker is through a freeware program bundled with other applications. Users install it, without reading the Terms of Use or looking at the Advanced or Custom options in the install wizard. The catch is that the bundled programs often include browser hijackers or adware. That’s why programs should be installed with extra vigilance. You should deny the installation of any suspicious software. Don’t invite hostile applications into your computer.
Browser hijackers are especially annoying since everyone uses the Internet on a daily (sometimes hourly) basis. Worse yet, hoax search engines like Docksearch(dot)net make themselves the default search tool on the infected browser. This can make the use of Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo or other genuine search engines more difficult for the user due to the change in the default search engine bar. Some of the browsers that can be affected are Google Chrome, Microsoft’s Edge, and Mozilla Firefox.
Docksearch(Dot)Net – More Details
Docksearch(dot)net lacks the usual protection measures present in legitimate search engines; site encryption, a coherent Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, and an actual search database (Docksearch(dot)net redirects all searches to another search engine and then to Google.) The On top of that, the hijacker could potentially collect data from its users. That can be dangerous to users who unwittingly give their personal data just by using Docksearch(dot)net.
Docksearch(dot)net redirects through another URL.
The hijacker also redirects searches through Findamo(dot)com, another fishy search engine, that has been reported to be a browser hijacker. Redirection to other sites is never a good sign, and no legitimate search engine does it. Docksearch(dot)net doesn’t have its own database, making it a virtually useless piece of software.
Docksearch(dot)net also collects cookies, small files that store user information, including;
- IP addresses
- Your PC’s brand and characteristics
- Browser information
- Referral data
- Accounts
- E-mail addresses
That information is often collected by browser hijackers so it can be used by shady internet advertisers. That only fuels the avalanche of junk advertisement, banners, pop-ups, etc. These ads often lead to more malware, adware, viruses, and other nasty things you don’t want in your browser.
Docksearch(Dot)Net – Removal Guide
As you can see, getting your browser hijacked can be quite disruptive to your computing. You shouldn’t worry, though as its possible to remove it completely. All you need to do is either download an anti-malware program to remove the hijacker easily or follow the removal instruction provided bellow. Also, take care not to get infected in the future; avoid downloading from dubious websites, don’t click on suspicious ads, install programs with care, always check the options of the install wizard, and equip your PC with a good anti-malware tool.
How to Enter Safe Mode
Booting Into Safe Mode in the Windows XP, Vista, 7 operating systems
- Unplug devices such as USB flash drives, Memory Sticks, DVD’s, CD’s, anything that can be bootable
- Now you have to decide which of the following methods is right for your computer. If you have:
- –One operating system on your PC, then press F8 repeatedly when you see the first boot screen after restarting your computer. If the Windows logo appears, repeat the same action until you enter the
–Multiple operating systems on your computer. This is very similar to booting with a single operating system. Press F8 repeatedly when you see the first boot screen. You just have to use the arrow keys to choose which system you should boot. - When the Advanced Boot Options appear, you should select the Safe Mode option with the arrow keys. Confirm the selection by pressing Enter
- Log into your computer using the Administrator account
While you’re in safe mode, your screen will be windowed.
Booting into Safe Mode on the Windows 8, 8.1, and 10 Operating Systems
- Open the Start menu
- Hold down the Shift button and left-click on the Power icon, then click Restart
- After the reboot, the Startup menu will appear. From there, choose Troubleshoot
- From the Troubleshoot menu choose Advanced Options
- Once you’re in Advanced Options, click on Startup Settings
- Click Restart
- A menu should appear after the reboot. Choose Safe Mode by pressing its corresponding key number. The PC will restart and boot into Safe Mode.
Remove/Uninstall Docksearch(Dot)Net from Windows
Here’s a way to remove the program. This method will work regardless if you’re on Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP. Simply selecting the program and pressing delete won’t work, as it’ll leave a lot of small files. That’s bad because these leftovers can linger on and cause all sorts of problems. The best way to delete a program is to Uninstall it. Here’s how you can do that:
- Hold the “Windows” button (It’s between CTRL and Alt on most keyboards) and press “R.” You’ll see a pop-up window
- In the textbox, type “appwiz.cpl”, then press “Enter.”
- The “Programs and features” menu should now appear. It’s a list of all the programs installed on the PC. Here you can find the program, select it, and press Uninstall.
Follow these instructions and you’ll be able to uninstall it successfully.
How to Remove Docksearch(Dot)Net from Your Browser
Before resetting your browser’s settings, you should know that this action will wipe out all your recorded usernames, passwords, and other types of data. Make sure to save them in some way
Internet Explorer
- Start Internet Explorer
- Go to the Tools menu and click on Manage add-ons.
- In the Manage add-ons window, bellow Add-on Types, select Toolbars and Extensions
- If you see a suspicious toolbar, select it and click Disable
- In Manage Add-ons window, in Add-on Types, Select Search Providers
- Chose a search engine and click Set as default
- Select the unknown search engine and click Remove and Close
- Open the Tools menu, select Internet Options
- In the General tab, in Home page, enter your preferred page
- Click Apply and OK
- On the desktop, right-click on Internet Explorer icon and select Properties
- In the Properties window, under the Shortcut tab, in Target delete the text after iexplore.exe
- Click Apply, click OK to save
- Click Close
- Start Google Chrome
- On the upper-right corner, there a Customize and Control Google Chrome menu icon. Click on it, then click on Settings
- Click Extension under Chrome
- In the Extensions menu, click on the unknown extensions, then click on the trash bin icon
- Under Chrome, Click on Settings
- In Settings, under on Startup click Set pages
- In the Startup pages menu, select the suspicious entries and click on X
- Click OK
- In Settings, under Appearance select the Show home button and click Change
- In the Home page menu, click Use New Tab page and press OK
- In the Settings window under Search, click on Manage search engines
- Once you enter Search engines, select your search engine of choice and click Make default
- In the default search settings list, find the unknown search engine and click on X
- Click Done
- Start Mozilla Firefox
- In the upper right corner, click on the Open menu icon and select Add-ons
- Inside the Add-ons Manager select Extensions
- Search the list of extensions for suspicious entries. If you find any, select them and click Disable
- Click on the Open menu icon, then click Options
- In the Options window, under General tab, Click Restore to Default
- Click OK
- In the Firefox window, right next to the URL field, click the down arrow icon. Select Manage Search Engines
- In Manage Search Engines List window, select the unknown search engine and press Remove
- Click OK
