So, today we will talk with you about what "Search protect" is, how to get rid of this infection, and also discuss how it appears on the computer. Probably, many users have already encountered computer viruses and know that it can be quite difficult to get rid of some. So let's quickly see what “Search protect” is for and how to remove it once and for all.
What and why?
We start by exploring our program today. If it can be called such. In general, if you are wondering what Search protect is, you can start to panic - this is a kind of browser hijacker virus. He is able to steal your entered data. Not very pleasant, especially if you often hammer in your browser bank card numbers or logins / passwords from electronic wallets.
In addition, Search protect is a program that supposedly helps you surf the Internet. In fact, it simply clutters the processes and "drowns" the computer. In other words, it starts to slow down. The longer the virus sits in the system, the stronger the “brakes”. You can start to panic if your PC turns on for 5 minutes, opens the program for another 10, and gives a lot of errors. Thus, it is worth seeing where this infection comes from. After all, then these places can simply be avoided.
Places of infection
Well, if you have been thinking for a long time how to close "Search protect" and delete it once and for all, then you most likely have already visited one of the following "places" where this infection can occur.
The first place is given, of course, to various hacking programs. When using them, users are forced to turn off the anti-virus system. And this is a great opportunity to activate the virus.
In addition, you can also catch "Search protect" (and any other spam) by clicking on suspicious advertising links. Sometimes a single click on a banner is enough - and the infection is already in the operating system.
Third place goes to the so-called download managers. They very “love” to install a variety of malware along with the downloaded file. The search protect virus also belongs to such content. After the download is complete, you will find a “carriage and a small cart” of strange and new content. So let's try to figure out with you now how it is possible to rid yourself and your computer of annoying spam.
Check
Now that we know what Search Protect is, it’s worth fighting this infection. Any such "battle" begins with banal actions - checking the computer for viruses.
Dr.Web is perfect for this venture. If for some reason you don’t like it, you can also use Avast. Well, or Nod32. There is no fundamental difference - only the desire of the user.
In any case, before starting the scan, you should update the virus database. After that, run a deep scan, and then wait for the results. Patience may be required here - sometimes a check takes several hours. After obtaining the final results, simply cure everything that was discovered. Does not work? Then just delete the corrupted and dangerous files. You can close the antivirus and continue to work further.
Delete
If you notice that you have the “Search protect” icon, then this can only mean one thing: the program of the same name is installed somewhere on the computer. Touching the label makes no sense - it still will not help us. So you can remove it, and then proceed with more important things.
Visit the "control panel". It will have to find "Add or Remove Programs." Click on this item and wait a bit. You will see a list of all installed content and games that are only available in the system. What should be done? Get rid of the "Search protect" application, as well as those "prog" that you have not been using for a long time (and do not plan).
Right-click on the necessary lines, and then select the "delete" menu item. After completing this stage, it remains to do just a couple of simple steps that will surely help us defeat the annoying "Search protect".
The processes
It’s time to take a peek at the Task Manager. It is in it that we will have to disable the process created by the virus, which does not allow ordinary users to permanently remove "Search protect". To do this, press Ctrl + Alt + Del.
Now in the window that appears (from the version of Windows 7 and above) select "Task Manager". A window will open before you, in which we will now work. Go to the "processes" tab. Look carefully at what is running on the computer. After that, you will have to find the line Protectsvc. Complete this "task". Do not be afraid - it is this line that will prevent us from permanently deleting "Search protect". After that, you can safely close the service and move on.
Shortcuts
As you can see, so far there is nothing complicated in removing today's infection. Now we should look at the shortcut properties of all your browsers installed on your computer. After all, it is there that the remains of our current infection lurk.
Right-click on the browser icon, and then select "Properties." A small window will pop up in front of you. In it you will have to turn your attention to the "object" field. Scroll it to the “stop”, and then see if there is anything in quotation marks after the executable (exe) file. Yes? Then erase the inscription along with the brackets, and then save the changes. These were, perhaps, the only remnants of our infection. But do not rush to rejoice. It is best to clean the registry before the final reboot. CCleaner will help you with this.
That's all. Now you know what "Search protect" is, as well as possible methods to combat this infection. Do not "run" the treatment of the computer. Indeed, if treatment is not possible, you will be forced to reinstall the entire operating system.