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Hey guys I need some help.Everytime I search something on google,I'm redirected to other search sites.I have antivirus software and adware removal,but none of it works.Any help would be great.
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It seems that so many people are having problems understanding how these strange redirects work and what causes them that a quick write up was was needed. I hope this explains things....
Q) I am getting redirected after doing a search, it happens almost every time I do a search. What's up with Google?
A) It is not Google, if you are getting redirected on almost every search, regardless of the type of website you intended to visit then your machine has most likely been infected with Malware (malicious software).
Q) That cannot be true, I only get redirected on Google's search engine, all others such as Yahoo! are fine. So it must be Google's fault?
A) Nope, criminals often create software that remains dormant until you visit a certain site (such as Google) and then it activates when you perform a certain task, such as clicking on a link. It is their way of trying to confuse you and this allowing their malicious software to remain on your computer for longer.
Q) What is the purpose of this software that has been put on my computer?
A) If you are getting redirected to another search engine that you have never heard of before then the criminal may getting a reward/payment if you purchase any goods from the website/search engine. The website you are being directing to may also be trying to download more nasties onto your computer for other more sinister motives.
Q) So all redirects are bad news?
A) No, not at all, moving a web page from one place to another and setting up a redirect so visitors can still find it is perfectly normal, you will come across redirects every now and again as you traverse the web, but you shouldn't see them on all or almost all sites you visit. If you see an excessive amount of strange redirects and/or you are being taken to the same site regardless of the type of site you originally intended to visit, then its a sign you have malware.
Q) Okay I have malware, how do I get rid of it?
A) There are hundreds if not thousands of different types of "redirect viruses" each one will be slightly different, some will be detected by your usual Anti-Virus such as Norton or Mcafee but others will slip through the net. Don't expect one single Internet Security product to give you 100% protection.
Google has created a help article that contains further info and a list of suggested scans, as well as info on how to create a HiJackThis log and post it on another forum, so some pros can take a look and see if any of your computer settings have been changed without your permission Strange pop-ups and other malware - Web Search Help (please do not run the Hijackthis program and delete the results as you cause problems with your computer, use it under guidance from a professional)
There are dozens of other people who have had problems with strange redirects here Google Groups feel free to join in the chat, many people have suggested that a product called "Hitman Pro" works, but of course every virus is different and it may or may not work for you. (BTW I have never used Hitman Pro)
Q) So I just need to find as many scanners as possible until I find one that works?
A) Be careful, criminals also create fake scanners that do more harm than good, never download anything unless you trust the author, so do some research first or get a second opinion. Plenty of forums on the web where people discuss products.
Q) Can Google offer 1-1 support?
A) I am not aware of any such service.
Q) I have tried every reputable AV scanner and I still can't get rid of these pesky redirects, what now?
A) Unfortunatley this is the Google web search forum and not a malware forum but you may want to have a read of some posts in these forums and maybe make contact with someone who deals with such issues - malware forums - Google Search
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