Hello @rkjsmith18
fwiw ~ my Yahoo Redirect boiler plate
Search.Yahoo.com` Redirect Virus – What You Need To Know
How to Remove Yahoo Search Redirect [Virus Removal Guide]
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Resetting Google Chrome to clear unexpected issues
Reset Chrome settings to default
Web Browser Cleaning
Browser Push Notifications
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- Did you clear browser cookies n’ cache?
- Do you run browser sync?
- Did you recently install any program / browser extension?
- Did you recently allow push notifications?
- Did you recently change site permissions?
- Did you reset browser?
- Did you run Norton Full Scan?
- Did you run Malwarebytes Scan?
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AI Overview
A Yahoo search redirect typically occurs when malware, known as a browser hijacker, modifies browser settings to redirect searches to search.yahoo.com without user consent. This can be frustrating, but it’s usually a sign of a potentially unwanted application (PUA) rather than a full-fledged virus.
What is a Yahoo Search Redirect?
Browser Hijacker:
A type of malware that takes control of your browser’s settings (homepage, default search engine, new tab URLs).
Redirection:
Instead of using your preferred search engine, your browser gets redirected to Yahoo Search (search.yahoo.com).
Not Necessarily Malicious:
While annoying, these redirects don’t always indicate severe threats, but they can lead to malicious websites or expose sensitive data.
PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application):
Browser hijackers are often classified as PUAs, meaning they are unwanted but not always harmful in the traditional sense.
How to Fix Yahoo Search Redirects:
Remove Suspicious Extensions:
- Go to your browser’s settings (e.g., Chrome’s “More tools” > “Extensions”).
- Look for and remove any extensions you don’t recognize or remember installing.
Reset Your Browser’s Search Engine:
- In your browser’s settings, locate the search engine settings.
- Set your preferred search engine (like Google) as the default.
- Remove Yahoo Search from the list of available search engines.
Check for Malware:
- Run a scan with reputable anti-malware software (e.g., Malwarebytes).
- Remove any threats detected.
Reset Browser Settings:
- In your browser’s settings, look for an option to reset or restore settings to their defaults (e.g., Chrome’s “Reset and clean up” option).
Check Browser Shortcuts:
- Right-click on your browser’s shortcut (on the desktop or taskbar).
- Select “Properties”.
- Check the “Target” field and make sure it only points to the browser executable (e.g., “chrome.exe”) and not to any other website or URL.
Consider a Full System Scan:
- If the problem persists, run a full scan of your computer with your antivirus software.
Remove Suspicious Programs:
- If you suspect a specific program is causing the redirect, uninstall it from your computer’s control panel or settings.
AI responses may include mistakes.
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AI Overview
To fix a Chrome browser redirecting to Yahoo search, first remove suspicious Chrome extensions and check your search engine settings to set Google as default. Then, perform a malware scan to find and remove malicious software that may be causing the issue, a common sign of a browser hijacker. If the problem persists, reset Chrome’s settings to default, check and fix your Chrome desktop shortcuts for any unwanted text after the file path, and uninstall any recently installed, unwanted applications.
Remove Suspicious Extensions
- Open Chrome and go to Settings > Extensions (or type
chrome://extensions/ in the address bar).
- Look for any extensions you don’t recognize or remember installing.
- Click Remove for any suspicious extensions.
Reset Chrome Settings
- Open Chrome and go to Settings > Reset and clean up.
- Select Restore settings to their original defaults and then Reset settings.
Check and Fix Chrome Shortcuts
- Right-click on your Chrome shortcut on the desktop and select Properties.
- In the Target field, ensure the path only points to
chrome.exe. Delete any extra text after the file path.
Scan for Malware
- Download and run a scan with a reputable anti-malware tool like Malwarebytes.
- Remove any threats or malicious software found by the scanner.
Uninstall Unwanted Programs
- If you can’t remove an unwanted program from within Chrome, check your installed programs for suspicious items.
- On Windows, go to the Control Panel > Programs and Features (or Apps & features in Settings) and uninstall any suspicious applications.
Check Browser Sync Settings
- Temporarily turn off browser sync in your Chrome settings to prevent the redirect from spreading to other devices.
AI responses may include mistakes.
