Yahoo Hijack Google Chrome

[Lesno]

When running Windows 8, Yahoo began to hijack all searches in Google Chrome.  Also getting a lot of pop up adds.  No matter how many times I reset default search or reinstall Chrome, still comes back to Yahoo.  Upgraded to Windows 10 in hope that would help, but didn't.  Found other instances of this question on-line, but solutions were few, complicated, and very specific to the particular machine.  Any suggestions?

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Hello,

    

 

They call me TwinHeadedEagle around here, and I'll try to help your with your issue.

 

     

    

Before we start please read and note the following:

• We're primarily oriented on malware removal here, so you must know that some issues just cannot be solved and you must be prepared for this. Some tools we use here will remove your browser search history, so backup your important links and all the files whose loss is unacceptable.
• Limit your internet access to posting here, some infections just wait to steal typed-in passwords.
• Please be patient. I know it is frustrating when your PC isn't working properly, but malware removal takes time. Keep in mind that private life gets in the way too. Note that we may live in totally different time zones, what may cause some delays between answers.
• Don't run any scripts or tools on your own, unsupervised usage may cause more harm than good.
• Do not paste the logs in your posts, attachments make my work easier. There is a More reply options button, that gives you Upload Files option below which you can use to attach your reports. Always attach reports from all tools.
• Always execute my instructions in given order. If for some reason you cannot completely follow one instruction, inform me about that.
• Do not ask for help for your business PC. Companies are making revenue via computers, so it is good thing to pay someone to repair it.
• If I don't hear from you within 3 days from this initial or any subsequent post, then this thread will be closed.

I can't foresee everything, so if anything not covered in my instructions happens, please stop and inform me!

There are no silly questions. Never be afraid to ask if in doubt!

 

 

 

  Rules and policies

 

We won't support any piracy.

That being told, if any evidence of illegal OS, software, cracks/keygens or any other will be revealed, any further assistance will be suspended. If you are aware that there is this kind of stuff on your machine, remove it before proceeding!

The same applies to any use of P2P software: uTorrent, BitTorrent, Vuze, Kazaa, Ares... We don't provide any help for P2P, except for their removal. All P2P software has to be uninstalled or at least fully disabled before proceeding!

 

Failure to follow these guidelines will result with closing your topic and withdrawning any assistance.

 

 

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Please download Farbar Recovery Scan Tool and save it to your desktop.

Note: You need to run the version compatibale with your system. If you are not sure which version applies to your system download both of them and try to run them.

Only one of them will run on your system, that will be the right version.

• Double-click to run it. When the tool opens click Yes to disclaimer.
• Press Scan button.
• It will make a log (FRST.txt) in the same directory the tool is run. Please attach it to your reply.
• The first time the tool is run, it makes also another log (Addition.txt). Please attach it to your reply.

[Lesno]

Thanks for responding quickly.  I hope these are the correct files.

FRST.txt

Addition.txt

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Uninstall some programs

We need to uninstall some unwanted/unneeded programs.

• Press the + R on your keyboard at the same time. Type appwiz.cpl and click OK.
• Search there for each entry mentioned below, right-click the entry and click Uninstall one at a time

The list of programs to uninstall:

• Search Toolbar

After completing uninstalls, please manually reboot your machine!

Note: If you get the message like: An error occurred while trying to uninstall, just press Yes.

Note: If you are unable to uninstall all programs, please inform me, but continue with other steps.

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Scan with ZOEK

Please download ZOEK by Smeenk and save it to your desktop (preferred version is the *.exe one)

Temporary disable your AntiVirus and AntiSpyware protection - instructions here.

createsrpoint;autoclean;emptyalltemp;ipconfig /flushdns >>"%temp%\log.txt";b

• Right-click on icon and select Run as Administrator to start the tool.
• Wait patiently until the main console will appear, it may take a minute or two.
• In the main box please paste in the following script:
• Make sure that Scan All Users option is checked.
• Push Run Script and wait patiently. The scan may take a couple of minutes.
• When the scan completes, a zoek-results logfile should open in notepad.
• If a reboot is needed, it will be opened after it. You may also find it at your main drive (usually C:\ drive)

Post its content into your next reply.

[Lesno]

Here are the zoek results.  I forgot to check 'Scan All Users' but it seemed to do it anyway.  Let me know if I need to rerun.

 

zoek-results.txt

[TwinHeadedEagle]

It is okay. How is your PC behaving now?

[Lesno]

It is the same.  Yahoo still hijacking Google. Pop up ads continue...

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Scan with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool

 

Please re-run Farbar Recovery Scan Tool to give me a fresh look at your system.

• Right-click on icon and select Run as Administrator to start the tool.

  (XP users click run after receipt of Windows Security Warning - Open File).

• Make sure that Addition option is checked.
• Press Scan button and wait.
• The tool will produce two logfiles on your desktop: FRST.txt and Addition.txt.

Please upload them into your next reply.

[Lesno]

Here are the new ones.

 

Addition.txt

FRST.txt

[Lesno]

Hi, just checking in.  Thanks for your help so far.

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Fix with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool

This fix was created for this user for use on that particular machine.

Running it on another one may cause damage and render the system unstable.

Download attached fixlist.txt file and save it to the Desktop:

Both files, FRST and fixlist.txt have to be in the same location or the fix will not work!

• Right-click on icon and select Run as Administrator to start the tool.

  (XP users click run after receipt of Windows Security Warning - Open File).

• Press the Fix button just once and wait.
• If for some reason the tool needs a restart, please make sure you let the system restart normally. After that let the tool complete its run.
• When finished FRST will generate a log on the Desktop, called Fixlog.txt.

Please upload it to your reply.

fixlist.txt

[Lesno]

Next results attached.  Browser still has same problem.

 

Fixlog.txt

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Can you reinstall Google Chrome?

[Lesno]

Reinstalled Chrome, seems to be ok.  Running through a few openings and closings and reboot now.  Thank you.

Any idea how it was caused because I'm quite careful, usually.  If it happens again, is there anything I can do myself or should we go through the same process?  Finally, are any of my uploaded files (fixlog, frst, addition) a security vulnerability if someone else takes them?

Regards.

[TwinHeadedEagle]

I am not sure, there is a infection that uses Yahoo Hijack that is very common these days.

Logs do not reveal any personal information.

Glad I could help. We will delete all used tools and I'll give you some tips to harden your security and learn how to protect yourself

Recommended reading:

MUST READ - security tips:

• Computer Security - a short guide to staying safer online.

• Simple and easy ways to keep your computer safe and secure on the Internet

• How Malware Spreads - How did I get infected

MUST READ - general maintenance:

• What to do if your Computer is running slowly?

The Importance of Software Updating:

In order to stay protected it is very important that you regularly update all of your software. Cybercriminals depend on the apathy of users around software updates to keep their malicious endeavor running.

Operating systems, such as Windows, and applications, such as Adobe Reader or JAVA, are used by tens of millions of computers and devices around the world, making them a huge target for cybercriminals. Downloading updates and installing them can sometimes be tedious, but the advantages you get from the updates are certainly worth it.

• How to configure and use Automatic Updates in Windows
• How to update Java
• How to update Adobe Reader

Recommended additional software:

CCleaner - to clean unneeded temporary files.

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware - to scan your system from time to time in search for malware.

Malwarebytes' Anti-Exploit - to prevent plenty of mostly exploited vulnerabilities.

McShield - to prevent infections spread by removable media.

Unchecky - to prevent from installing additional foistware, implemented in legitimate installations.

Adblock - to surf the web without annoying ads!

Post-cleanup procedures:

Download DelFix by Xplode and save it to your desktop.

• Run the tool by right click on the icon and Run as administrator option.
• Make sure that these ones are checked:
  • Remove disinfection tools
  • Purge system restore
  • Reset system settings
• Push Run.
• The program will run for a few seconds and display a notepad report. You do not need to attach it.

The tool will also record healthy state of registry and make a backup using ERUNT program in %windir%\ERUNT\DelFix

Tool deletes old system restore points and create a fresh system restore point after cleaning.

My help is free for everybody.

If you're happy with the help provided and/or wish to show your appreciation for the assistance you received, then you can consider a donation:

Thank you!

Stay safe,

TwinHeadedEagle

[Maurice Naggar]

Glad we could help.

If you need this topic reopened, please send a Private Message to any one of the moderating team members. Please include a link to this thread with your request. This applies only to the originator of this thread.

Other members who need assistance please start your own topic in a new thread. Thanks!