Browser Hijacker

Searchinet.net Virus Removal Guide

Searchinet.net is an unwanted browser extension that causes frequent redirects to suspicious web pages. It is being promoted as a useful tool for enhancing the browsing experience but its actions make it a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP). This threat act as a browser hijacker as it modifies the infected browser settings and promotes a fake search engine (Searchinet.net.com). Read this guide to know how to remove this infection from your PC.

SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware

Threats like Searchinet.net Virus keeps getting back on PC if all associated files are not removed. So you are advised to use a powerful Malware Removal Tool to run a thorough scan of your PC and delete all threats at once.

Special Offer SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware offers a 7-day fully-functional Free Trial. Credit card required, NO charge upfront. No charge if you cancel up to two business days before the trial period ends. Read SpyHunter 5 Review, and Free SpyHunter Remover details.
Compatible with: Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10/11 (32-bit and 64-bit)

What is Searchinet.net?

Searchinet.net is a dubious browser hijacker infection that can secretly attack any Windows PC. It is a notorious threat created and distributed by hackers for making illegal profit. Once this nasty threat enters your PC, it can easily infect your main browsers such as Google Chrome, IE, Safari, Edge, Firefox, Opera, and others.

Remove Searchinet.net

After that, it will start making unwanted changes to your browser and system settings. Searchinet.net will replace your homepage and search engine without permission and won’t let you revert those changes. It will forcibly change the search results and show sponsored results on your system. Your system will get extremely slow, lots of pop-ups and new tab ads will get opened automatically. It can also install other unwanted extensions on your system which can cause further problems.

Searchinet.net virus can also track your online activities to steal your personal and financial details without permission. It can also create loopholes on your system that can work as a safe passage into your system for other threats and cyber crooks. It is advised to remove Searchinet.net virus completely from your PC as early as possible.

How does it infect your PC?

Searchinet.net virus mostly intrudes your system through spam emails, bundled freeware programs, suspicious sites, porn sites, misleading ads, fake updates, and unsafe network file sharing. Most users don’t even notice such threats until the damage is done. They often ignore ads and redirects but it could be dangerous.

Do not download freeware programs from unknown and unreliable sources. Always choose the custom or advanced installation method to avoid hidden programs. Scan all the email attachments before opening, can do not open attachments from any spam emails. Also, avoid clicking on unknown links, and misleading advertisements while browsing the Internet.

Fake software updates (or pirated software), game hacks, patches, etc. often contain malicious programs. Advertisements asking you to update and program like browser, software, anti-virus, etc. are completely fake and often drop malware on your system, so avoid clicking on such ads.

Once Searchinet.net virus gets into your machine, it will disable your anti-virus and firewall security. It can create new shortcuts files and spread them into different locations. Some threats can also create new registry files to get regenerated after removal.

Searchinet.net: Threat Analysis

Name Searchinet.net
Type Browser Hijacker
Threat Level High (source to distribute other harmful threats).
Symptoms Users can experience lots of pop-up ads, push notifications, and forced browser redirection.
Distribution It could be distributed through spam emails, bundled freeware, porn, or torrent sites.
Damage It can modify browsers, show unwanted Ads, steal personal info and bring other threats.
Removal Download SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware

Is Searchinet.net harmful?

It is a browser-based infection looking to make an easy profit by showing ads and redirecting searches. It might not look as harmful as any ransomware or trojan virus but it can do some significant damage. Searchinet.net mainly promotes dubious websites that distribute other threats. It can bring more threats and viruses to your system without your knowledge.

When dealing with PUPs like this, you must clean them properly or they can always come back. It will use its registry keys to get back on your system again and again. This threat can also expose your privacy by selling your personal information to cybercriminals. You can become a victim of online fraud or identity theft. It can also provide cybercriminals remote access to your PC  by opening a backdoor. You are advised to follow this guide to completely remove Searchinet.net from your computer.

How To Remove Searchinet.net Virus

Searchinet.net is a dangerous malware that can cause major damage to your computer. This nasty threat will bring several new problems on your PC. This is why it is quite imperative to delete this threat permanently before it completely damages your entire computer system. Once it manages to infiltrate your system, it will make your system vulnerable. This nasty malware is capable of bringing other harmful viruses on your system without your consent. It can completely obliterate your system performance in no time. This virus also has tendency to hide its malicious copies at various locations on your PC under different names. It is not an easy job to find and remove those virus related files manually.

In this guide, you will find instructions for two very different techniques to get rid of Searchinet.net infection . The first one is the Automatic Removal which is quite fast, effective and accurate. The second method is Manual Removal which usually takes lots of time, needs technical expertise, and often fails to give desired results. However, it is advised to take help of both techniques to ensure complete removal of the malware from your system. In case you are not handy with system operations and techincal stuff, just opt for the automatic malware removal process to eliminate Searchinet.net infection. The Automatic Removal process is fast, precise, and error-free whereas the Manual Removal process is time-consuming and a slight mistake can corrupt the entire operating system. We advised you to take the help of both methods to eliminate the virus from your PC.

Automatic Searchinet.net Removal Guide

As you already know that, Searchinet.net is a notorious and cunning malware that is not hard to remove easily by any user through manual means. This virus can keep coming back on the infected computer through files and shortcuts or settings that it has already created on your machine. Removing all those at once is the only way to get rid of this infection and stop it from getting on your system ever again.

So the best way to remove Searchinet.net effectively is to use a powerful Automatic Removal Tool and save your time and efforts. This software is a well-trusted and very powerful anti-malware program that can detect all hidden threats like Trojan, Ransomware, Worms, Spyware, Rootkits, and many others. It also provides 24X7 customer support and one-on-one Spyware HelpDesk support for Custom Malware removal. Advanced System Guard feature detects and removes threats in real-time. It has a very User-Friendly Interface and regular Malware updates make it most effective against the latest malware attacks.

How SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware Works

  • First, you need to click on the below download button to get the software.

Geek’s Recommendation

Some time threats like Searchinet.net keep getting back on the machine if all associated files are not removed. So you are advised to use a powerful Malware Removal Tool to run a thorough scan of your PC and delete all threats at once.

Compatible with: Windows 11/10/8/7 (32 Bit and 64 Bit)

Special Offer SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware offers a 7-day fully-functional Free Trial. Credit card required, NO charge upfront. No charge if you cancel up to two business days before the trial period ends. Read SpyHunter 5 Review, and Free SpyHunter Remover details.
  • Then double-click on the installer you downloaded to install the program.
SpyHunter Installeruser access control
  • Launch the Anti-Malware application and Start Scan Now of your PC.
Scan for Searchinet.net
  • The software will scan your PC for all hidden threats and viruses on your system.
Scan for Searchinet.net
  • Click on the Next button to see results and delete Searchinet.net and other threats.
Remove Searchinet.net

Manual Searchinet.net Removal Guide

Before you start Manual Removal
Please Bookmark This Page by pressing the {ctrl+D} button or print it out on paper before you start the Manual Removal because you may need to restart your PC or browser.) Attention! For the safety of your system, please confirm a few things before you begin Manual Removal of Searchinet.net infection:
  1. You have done this before, which means you have experience in removing the virus manually;
  2. That you know your way around PC and  all necessary processes and applications;
  3. You know about Registry entry and the Serious repercussions of any mistake;
  4. Make sure you can reverse any mistake made during Searchinet.net manual removal.

If you don’t attain any of the above standards, then manual removal could be a very risky idea. It is most likely best for you to use the Automatic Malware Removal Tool to find and delete Searchinet.net, which is a totally secure and efficient method.

Compatible with: Windows 11/10/8/7 (32 Bit and 64 Bit)

Special Offer SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware offers a 7-day fully-functional Free Trial. Credit card required, NO charge upfront. No charge if you cancel up to two business days before the trial period ends. Read SpyHunter 5 Review, and Free SpyHunter Remover details.

Start PC in safe mode with networking

[mks_tabs nav=”horizontal”] [mks_tab_item title=”Windows 11″]
  • Press Windows & I keys together on keyboard to open Settings page and select Recovery option.
Recovery option
  • Now from the Advance settings option, click on Restart Now button.
Advanced startup
  • Select the Troubleshoot option from the list.
Troubleshoot
  • Click on Advanced Options from the Troubleshoot menu.
Advanced Options
  • Click on Startup Settings from the Advanced options.
Startup Settings
  • Press the Restart button on this page.
Restart
  • Finally, hit 5 to start your PC in Safe Mode.
5 [/mks_tab_item] [mks_tab_item title=”Windows 10″]
  • Click on the Start button and press the Power button.
win10 start button
  • Hold the Shift key and click the Restart option.
win10 restart
  • Select the Troubleshoot option from the list.
Troubleshoot
  • Click on Advanced Options from the Troubleshoot menu.
Advanced Options
  • Click on Startup Settings from the Advanced options.
Startup Settings
  • Press the Restart button on this page.
Restart
  • Finally, hit 5 to start your PC in Safe Mode.
5 [/mks_tab_item] [mks_tab_item title=”Windows 8″]
  • Press Windows & C buttons on the keyboard then select the Settings option.
Windows 8 settings
  • Hold down the Shift key then click on the Restart button from the Power option.
Windows 8 restart
  • Select the Troubleshoot option from the list.
Troubleshoot
  • Click on Advanced Options from the Troubleshoot menu.
Advanced Options
  • Click on Startup Settings from the Advanced options.
Startup Settings
  • Press the Restart button on this page.
Restart
  • Finally, hit 5 to start your PC in Safe Mode.
5 [/mks_tab_item] [mks_tab_item title=”Windows 7″]
  • Click on the Restart button, wait for Windows to load, and start pressing F8 button before the Windows splash screen shows.
Press F8 button
  • From the Advanced Boot option, use arrow keys to select Safe Mode with Networking option.
safe mode with networking
  • Press ENTER button to start PC in safe mode.
[/mks_tab_item] [mks_tab_item title=”All Windows OS”]
  • Press Windows Key + R buttons together on the keyboard.
  • Type msconfig in the Run Box then click the OK button.
  • Click on the Boot tab to open the System Configuration window.
  • Choose Safe Boot, check the network box, Click Apply, and press the OK button.
Safe boot [/mks_tab_item] [/mks_tabs]

End Process From Task Manager

  • Press Windows Key + R buttons together on the keyboard.
  • Type taskmgr in Run Box and then click OK button.
  • Find Searchinet.net related or any harmful program.
  • Now right-click on it then click End process.
Stop Searchinet.net related task

Uninstall Searchinet.net from Windows PC

[mks_tabs nav=”horizontal”] [mks_tab_item title=”Windows 11″]
  • Right-click on Start or Windows button and select Apps and Features option.
Windows 11 Apps and Features
  • Find Searchinet.net or other harmful programs, click on three dots icon, and press Uninstall button.
Uninstall Searchinet.net from Windows 11 [/mks_tab_item] [mks_tab_item title=”Windows 10″]
  • Click on the Start or Windows button and click on Settings option.
Windows 10 settings
  • Click on the Apps option from Windows 10 settings page.
Windows 10 apps
  • Find Searchinet.net or other harmful programs, then click on Uninstall option.
Uninstall Searchinet.net From Windows 10 [/mks_tab_item] [mks_tab_item title=”Windows 8″]
  • First of all Press Windows Key + R buttons together.
win + R button
  • Type appwiz.cpl in the Run Box and then click OK button to open Programs and Features windows.
appwiz.cpl
  • Find and remove Searchinet.net or other harmful programs.
Uninstall Searchinet.net from Windows 8 [/mks_tab_item] [mks_tab_item title=”Windows 7″]
  • Click on the Start or Windows button and select Control Panel option.
Windows 7 Control Panel
  • Click on Uninstall A Program option under the Programs section.
Windows 7 Programs option
  • Find Searchinet.net or other harmful programs and click on uninstall option.
Uninstall Searchinet.net from Windows 7 [/mks_tab_item] [/mks_tabs]

Remove Virus related Windows Registry entries

  • Press Windows Key + R buttons together on the keyboard.
  • Type regedit in Run Box and then click OK button.
  • Registry Editor will open, then press CTRL +F buttons together.
  • Now type Searchinet.net and then click on Find Next button.
  • Find all the related entries and delete them one by one
Remove Searchinet.net related registry

Warning: Meddling with Windows Registry files might not be a good idea if you don’t have advanced knowledge about registry files. Deleting the wrong file can break down your entire system. Proceed at your own risk, or just skip this step. You can choose the Automatic Removal method and avoid all the problems.

Remove Searchinet.net From Mac

If you are a mac user, and your machine got infected by this nasty malware then you need to remove it as soon as possible. Although Mac systems are quite safe they still do get infected. So you can delete this infection using the below steps:

Stop Program From Activity Monitor

  • First, you need to open Utilities folder on your Mac system.
  • Find the Activity Monitor icon and double-click on it to open it.
  • Find Searchinet.net related process, click the cross button from the upper left side corner to end task.
  • A pop-up dialogue box will appear on the screen, click on the Force Quit button.

Remove Virus From Application Folder

  • First, go to the Dock option (bottom of your screen) then click on Finder App.
  • Now you have to open the Applications Folders to see all the programs.
  • Find Searchinet.net or any other unwanted program then move it to Trash.
Remove Searchinet.net

Remove Searchinet.net Related Files From Mac

When any program is installed on your Mac, it creates several files on your system that support the functioning of that application. If you need to remove any virus from your Mac, then you need to delete all related files completely. These files could be found at :
  1. LaunchAgents
  2. Application Support
  3. LaunchDaemons
Follow below steps to remove virus related files from these locations:
  • First of all press the Command+Shift+G buttons together on your keyboard.
  • Now you can see Go To Folder option on your Mac screen.
  • Type in /Library/LaunchAgents in the text field and click on Go button.
  • Find and remove Searchinet.net related files.
Now follow the same process for Application Support and LaunchDaemons folders. But be careful, don’t delete any important files or you can break down your entire system.

Attention: If you are not tech-savvy, then it could be quite difficult to remove Searchinet.net manually from your Mac. The best way is to download SpyHunter Mac Anti-Malware and see if it can detect all hidden threats and viruses on your computer. It’s really super easy and you should give it a try.

How SpyHunter Mac Anti-Malware Works

  • First, download the SpyHunter for Mac by clicking on the below button.

Some time threats like Searchinet.net keep getting back on the machine if all associated files are not removed. So you are advised to use a powerful Malware Removal Tool to run a thorough scan of your Mac and delete all threats at once.

Special Offer SpyHunter for Mac offers a 15-day fully-functional Free Trial. Credit card required, NO charge upfront. No charge if you cancel up to two business days before the trial period ends. Read SpyHunter for Mac Review, and Free SpyHunter Remover details.
  • Now go to the Download Folder from the Docs and Install the SpyHunter Anti-Malware For Mac.
Install SpyHunter for Mac
  • Launch the Program, and click on Start Scan Now button.
Spyhunter for Mac start scan now
  • Software will start running a full scan of your mac instantly to look for any malware, virus, threats, malicious programs or security risks, and so on.
Spyhunter for mac scanning
  • Finally, you will see a list of malware detected on your mac, now click on Next button to start the removal process.
Remove Malware with spyhunter for mac

Remove Searchinet.net From Browser

Most of the time, threats like this make several changes to the browser which helps it to track victims’ online activities. It is important to completely remove Searchinet.net from the browser or it may come back. Follow the below steps to remove this infection from your browser.

Delete Malicious Extensions From Browser

Many spyware now has browser hijacking capabilities to show ads, offers, alerts, notifications, or stealing the personal information of the victim. Follow the below steps to remove harmful extensions from your browser.

[mks_tabs nav=”horizontal”] [mks_tab_item title=”Google Chrome”]

Remove Searchinet.net From Google Chrome

Note: Type or copy-paste – chrome://extensions in the URL bar of Google Chrome then press ENTER button to open the extensions page directly or follow the below steps.

  • Open Google Chrome browser, click the Menu (⋼) option from the upper right corner.
  • Select More tools then click on Extensions option to find all installed Extensions on chrome.
  • Choose Searchinet.net related extensions then click the trash can icon to remove completely.
Remove Searchinet.net From Google Chrome[/mks_tab_item] [mks_tab_item title=”Firefox”]

Remove Searchinet.net From Mozilla Firefox

Note: Type or copy-paste – about:addons in URL bar Firefox then hit ENTER button to open the extensions page directly or follow the below steps.

  • Open Mozilla Firefox browser, click on Menu (☰) option from the upper right corner.
  • Select Add-ons option from the drop-down menu of the list.
  • Choose the Extensions option to see all installed extensions on your browser.
  • Choose Searchinet.net related extensions then click on Remove button.
Remove Searchinet.net From Mozilla Firefox[/mks_tab_item] [mks_tab_item title=”MS Edge”]

Remove Searchinet.net From Microsoft Edge

  • Open MS Edge browser, click on More Tools (⋼) option from the upper right corner.
  • Select Extensions option from the drop-down menu to see extensions on your browser.
  • Choose Searchinet.net related extensions then click on Uninstall button to remove it.
Remove Searchinet.net From Microsoft Edge[/mks_tab_item] [mks_tab_item title=”Internet Explorer”]

Remove Searchinet.net From Internet Explorer

  • Open Internet Explorer then click on Menu option from the upper right corner.
  • Select manage Add-ons option from the drop-down list to see all installed extensions.
  • Find Searchinet.net related extensions and click on Disable button to remove it.
Remove Searchinet.net From Internet Explorer[/mks_tab_item] [mks_tab_item title=”Apple Safari”]

Remove Searchinet.net From Apple Safari

  • Open Safari browser then tap on Preferences option from Safari menu.
  • Open the Extensions tab, find Searchinet.net related extensions then click Uninstall button.
  • Finally, again click the Uninstall button to remove the extension completely.
Remove Searchinet.net From Apple Safari[/mks_tab_item] [/mks_tabs]

Reset Browser Setting to Default

Once you remove Searchinet.net from your browser, you might want to reset the browser to default settings to reset any changes made by the virus. Follow the below steps for that : [mks_tabs nav=”horizontal”] [mks_tab_item title=”Google Chrome”]

Reset Google Chrome Web Browser

  • Open Google Chrome, click on Menu (⋼) then select settings option.
  • On Settings page, scroll down to the bottom, click Show Advanced settings option.
  • From Reset and clean up click on Restore settings to their original defaults.
  • Finally, click on Reset Settings button to reset your chrome browser.
Reset Google Chrome Web Browser[/mks_tab_item] [mks_tab_item title=”Firefox”]

Reset Mozilla Firefox Browser

  • Open Mozilla Firefox browser, click on Menu (☰) option, and select the (?) icon.
  • Click on the Troubleshooting Information option from the drop-down menu.
  • Then press the Refresh Firefox button and give confirmation.
Reset Mozilla Firefox Browser[/mks_tab_item] [mks_tab_item title=”MS Edge”]

Reset MS Edge Browser

  • Open MS Edge browser, click on More Tools (⋼) option, and select settings.
  • Click on Choose what to clear Option, choose first three options then click on Clear button.
Reset MS Edge Browser[/mks_tab_item] [mks_tab_item title=”Internet Explorer”]

Reset Internet Explorer Browser

  • Open Internet Explorer then click on Menu icon and hit Internet options.
  • Visit Advanced tab, click Reset button, check Delete personal settings option, and hit Reset button.
Reset Internet Explorer Browser[/mks_tab_item] [mks_tab_item title=”Apple Safari”]

Reset Safari To Default

  • Open Safari browser, tap on Safari menu and select Reset Safari option.
  • Now check all the boxes and then finally click on Reset button.
Reset Safari To Default[/mks_tab_item] [/mks_tabs]

How to Enable Browser Protection

Follow the below steps to enable built-in dangerous site protection in your web browsers. You can follow the same steps if you want to stop the malware protection on your browser.

[mks_tabs nav=”horizontal”] [mks_tab_item title=”Google Chrome”]

Google Chrome – Dangerous Sites Protection

  • Open your Chrome web browser, type “chrome://settings” in the URL bar, and press Enter.
  • Got to bottom of the page and select the “Show advanced settings” option.
  • Look for the Privacy and security section then click on Sync and Google services.
  • Now turn on the Safe Browsing (Protect you and your device from dangerous sites) option.
Chrome dangerous site (phishing) protection[/mks_tab_item] [mks_tab_item title=”Firefox”]

Mozilla Firefox – Block Attack Sites and Web Forgeries

  • Open your Firefox web browser, click on Menu (☰) and select Options from the list.
  • Now click on the Security option and then select the following items:
block suspicious sites on Firefox
  1. Warn me when sites try to install add-ons
  2. Block reported attack sites
  3. Block reported web forgeries
[/mks_tab_item] [mks_tab_item title=”MS Edge”]

Edge Browser – Activate SmartScreen Filter

  • Open your MS Edge web browser, click on More (⋼) icon from the upper right corner.
  • Click on the Settings option from the Edge menu drop-down list.
  • Scroll down and find View Advanced Settings option then open it.
  • Turn ON the “help protect my PC from malicious sites and downloads with SmartScreen Filter” option.
Edge smart screen filter[/mks_tab_item] [mks_tab_item title=”Internet Explorer”]

Internet Explorer – Activate Microsoft SmartScreen Filter

  • Open your IE web browser, then click on Menu icon and hit Safety options.
  • Now click on the SmartScreen Filter option from the drop-down list.
  • Turn on SmartScreen Filter and restart your browser.
IE phishing protection[/mks_tab_item] [mks_tab_item title=”Apple Safari”]

Safari Browser – Change Security preferences in Safari

  • Open your Safari web browser, then tap on the Safari menu and select Preferences.
  • Now you have to open the Security options on your Safari browser.
  • Check Warn When Visiting a Fraudulent website box from the Fraudulent Sites section.
Safari Phishing protection[/mks_tab_item] [/mks_tabs]

If you made these settings on your browser then phishing and malware protection on your browser is now active. But it does not mean that your computer cannot get infected by threats. These settings may block some dangerous and suspicious sites but there are other ways through which hackers can target your PC. So you must download a powerful Anti-Malware application on your computer that provides real-time protection to ensure your system security.

Tips To Prevent Searchinet.net Virus in Future

    • Use a good anti-virus, be it a free version but don’t use cracked security programs.
    • Make sure that your Windows firewall is active, so it can block upcoming threats.
    • Keep your Windows OS and other programs updated to avoid vulnerabilities.
    • Download updates only from official websites, don’t use suspicious sites.
    • Never download and install pirated software, games, or illegal patches on your PC.
    • Do not open spam emails from an unknown sender and scan all attachments before opening.
    • Never download freeware third-party programs from unreliable sources or websites.
    • Avoid connecting your PC to unsafe public Wi-Fi to protect your privacy.
    • You can also use a VPN to spoof your connection and avoid malicious sites.
    • Create a system restore point on your system for security purposes.
    • Keep a backup of all your important files to avoid data loss.
Still, having issues? Need help?

Some time threats like Searchinet.net keep getting back on the machine if all associated files are not removed. You are advised to use a Powerful Anti-Malware Tool to run a thorough scan of your PC and delete all threats at once.

Compatible with: Windows 11/10/8/7 (32 Bit and 64 Bit)

Special Offer SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware offers a 7-day fully-functional Free Trial. Credit card required, NO charge upfront. No charge if you cancel up to two business days before the trial period ends. Read SpyHunter 5 Review, and Free SpyHunter Remover details.

About the author

Robert Calvert

Robert is the Chief Security Expert and Founder of PCSafetyGeek.com website. He is a cybersecurity enthusiast who loves to research about Malware outbreaks and write about their remedies. He also like to spend time trying new software, reviewing them and sharing IT news. However he is a real coffee lover and likes to play chess in spare time (which is quite rare 😜).

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