Chrome opening random search results

[xywdx]

So this has been happening to me for a few month.  I'm not sure how it got here, but I did some research and found things like cardinaldata.net being loaded.  

I ran malwareb ytes and it seems to remove 3 files several times, but they would always come back after I restart google chrome.  

Addition.txt FRST.txt log.txt

[AdvancedSetup]

Hello @xywdx and

This is an issue with Google Chrome. Please follow the directions from the following topic to clean and reset Google Chrome.

Once you've done that let me know and we can look at doing some other minor cleanup work.

Thanks

Ron

 

[xywdx]

Hi Ron, thank you for the information.  

I followed through all the steps except the one that says not recommended.  The searches are turning up clean, I will wait and see on Chrome if it is fixed.  

[AdvancedSetup]

Yes, that should have stopped that entry. If you'd like to do a bit more checking and clean up, please run the following. After the reboot new FRST and Addition logs would be needed as the other programs will make changes.

 

Please run the following steps and post back the logs as an attachment when ready.

STEP 01

• If you're already running Malwarebytes 3 then open Malwarebytes and check for updates. Then click on the Scan tab and select Threat Scan and click on Start Scan button.
• If you don't have Malwarebytes 3 installed yet please download it from here and install it.
• Once installed then open Malwarebytes and check for updates. Then click on the Scan tab and select Threat Scan and click on Start Scan button.
• Once the scan is completed click on the Export Summary button and save the file as a Text file to your desktop or other location you can find, and attach that log on your next reply.
• If Malwarebytes won't run then please skip to the next step and let me know on your next reply.

STEP 02

Please download AdwCleaner by Malwarebytes and save the file to your Desktop.

• Right-click on the program and select Run as Administrator to start the tool.
• Accept the Terms of use.
• Wait until the database is updated.
• Click Scan Now.
• When finished, please click Clean & Repair.
• Your PC should reboot now if any items were found.
• After reboot, a log file will be opened. Copy its content into your next reply.

 

RESTART THE COMPUTER Before running Step 3

STEP 03
Please download the Farbar Recovery Scan Tool and save it to your desktop.

Note: You need to run the version compatible with your system. You can check here if you're not sure if your computer is 32-bit or 64-bit

• Double-click to run it. When the tool opens, click Yes to disclaimer.
• Press the 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 also makes another log (Addition.txt). If you've, run the tool before you need to place a check mark here.
• Please attach the Additions.txt log to your reply as well.

 

Thanks

Ron

 

[xywdx]

Hi Ron,

I just confirmed, the issue is still there.  When I search for say "puppies" on chrome, it will work and I can open the results, but after a short while, the page changes to Bing with the search term "puppies".  

What I was worried about was this:

Which seems very suspicious to me.  

I have attached the files after following your instructions.  

Thanks

Addition.txt FRST.txt log.txt AdwCleaner[C03].txt

[AdvancedSetup]

Hi @xywdx

Yes, the log still shows that Google Chrome did not seem to get cleaned up well enough. Please try the following method to clean Chrome.

 

Chrome
Reset Chrome back to defaults to completely clear out issues with Chrome.

• Open Chrome and at the top right, click  More tools  Extensions
• Write down the list of Extensions installed.
• Next, go to >> Google Sync << and sign into your account. Make sure you know your password as this will clear it from the browser.
• Scroll down until you see the   "reset sync" button to clear your data from the server and remove your passphrase.
• Now, close all Chrome windows. Chrome cannot be running for the next step. If needed, print this information or use another browser to read the information.
• Press the Windows key + R at the same time, to bring up the run dialog box.
   
  • 
     
• Type in (or copy/paste) the following and press Enter:     %localappdata%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\

1. Press Ctrl + A to select all the files and folders.
2. Hold down Ctrl + A and click once on the files "Bookmarks" and "Bookmarks.bak". This will unselect them.
3. With all the files selected (except for your Bookmarks), press the Delete key and click Yes to delete the files and folders.
4. Example of all files and folders selected, except Bookmarks

 

Restart your computer now and run a NEW Threat Scan with Malwarebytes and a new Scan with AdwCleaner as well. Both scanners should come back clean now.

Note: It is now about 2:30 AM for me so I will probably be going offline soon. Please try to complete soon if you can, otherwise, I'll check back on you again sometime tomorrow.

Thanks

Ron

 

 

Edited May 8, 2019 by AdvancedSetup
updated information

[xywdx]

Hi Ron,

Thank you for the information.  I was away at work and just got back.  I followed your instructions, hopefully this time it worked.  I will follow up if it occurs again.

Thanks!

[AdvancedSetup]

Sounds good. Let me give you the following advice to help keep you clean.

 

Let's get real. If you're not backing up your data and you're still using Google Chrome then you're just not serious about Privacy, Safety, and protecting your data. Malwarebytes is a fantastic program but you still need to back up your data and you still need to block scripts and Ads in your browser. 
If you're still using Google Chrome I would highly suggest you consider using Firefox instead. For more advanced users you might consider installing NoScript as well (it does have a higher learning curve though)

Help Secure your browsers

Please install uBlock Origin for your browsers to better protect your system

FireFox, Chrome, Opera , Safari, Microsoft Edge
AdBlock for Internet Explorer
How to use uBlock Origin to protect your online privacy and security | uBlock Origin tutorial 2018

This video tutorial above explains how to use uBlock Origin in advanced user mode and all the advanced settings to protect your online privacy and help prevent unwanted sites from changing your browser settings

Follow-up Reading

Everything you need to know about cybercrime
10 easy ways to prevent malware infection 
Keep your data backed up

Thank you for choosing Malwarebytes and tell your friends and family too. We're here to help.

Ron

 

 

[AdvancedSetup]

Glad we could help.

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Thanks