1-search browser hijacker removal instructions

Written by Wilbur Woodham
The 1-search search hijacker is an example of a standard unwanted program; such programs are spread massively nowadays. In this article you will see the detailed guidance of “1-search” hijacker removal in different tactics: making use of anti-malware software and hand-operated elimination technique.
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1-search – What is it?

“1-search” search hijacker is a potentially unwanted application (PUA)1, that is distributed as a plugin for your internet browser. It is typically promoted as an add-on for Chrome or Firefox, that assists to browse some particular details, for instance, about sporting activity events, make your web browser a lot more secure, enable downloading of any video clip, et cetera. Also, this app adds the “Managed by your organization” feature (on Chrome browsers).

Nevertheless, the “1-search” plugin is quite ineffective because all such features are currently embedded to your browser and/or system. Such advertising mottos are targeted at low-skilled computer users, for example, pensioners or schoolchildren. However often even experienced users are getting caught on such an appeal. In specific cases, this hijacker is spread along with free apps.

1-search hijacker - 1-search.net

1-search Search Hijacker

Here is a short summary for the 1-search hijacker
NAME1-search
Site1-search.net
HostingAS16276 OVH SAS
France, Bar-le-Duc
Infection TypeBrowser Hijacker, Unwanted Application
IP Address178.32.58.199
SymptomsChanged search engine; search queries redirection
Similar behaviorClassifieds, Locate, Searchprotectors
Fix Tool
To remove possible virus infections, try to scan your PC

How harmful is 1-search hijacker?

Besides its uselessness, 1-search hijacker is likewise really hazardous for web browser utilization. It alters your search engine to its specific – 1-search.net, and additionally changes your background, adding its watermark on your background image (or, sometimes, altering it to default with the specified symbol).

Besides aesthetic transformations done by 1-search hijacker, you can see that many of your search queries are redirecting to the suspicious websites, filled with web links and ads – so-called doorway websites. Such websites can include web links for malware downloads. The possibility of redirecting surges if you attempt to launch Google search page forcibly.

However all these actions are more frustrating than truly damaging. The major risk, specifically for people who have a considerable amount of confidential information in their browsers, is installed in information gathering functionalities. Cookie files, chats, often-visited web pages, and various other activities are easily gathered by 1-search hijacker.

How to remove 1-search search hijacker?

  • Download and install GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
  • Open GridinSoft Anti-Malware and perform a “Standard scan“.
  • “Move to quarantine” all items.
  • Open “Tools” tab – Press “Reset Browser Settings“.
  • Select proper browser and options – Click “Reset”.
  • Restart your computer.

Browser hijackers are typically pretty easy to deal with. In most cases, they have a separate app that can be located in the list of installed software. As a result of the certain distribution tactic of 1-search hijacker, it can be easily tracked and removed manually. Nevertheless, if you got 1-search in the bundle with a free applications, your personal computer might be contaminated with much more severe malwaretrojans, spyware or even ransomware. That’s why I’d advise you make use of anti-malware programs to remove the 1-search PUA and all other malware.

You can use Microsoft Defender2 – it is capable of discovering and clearing away a wide range of malware, including mentioned hijacker. However, severe malware, that can exist on your computer in the discussed instance, can disable the Windows antivirus program by editing the Group Policies. To stay clear of such situations, it is far better to utilize GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

To detect and delete all unwanted applications on your desktop with GridinSoft Anti-Malware, it’s better to use Standard or Full scan. Quick Scan is not able to find all the malicious programs, because it checks only the most popular registry entries and directories.

Main screen in GridinSoft Anti-Malware

You can observe the detected viruses sorted by their possible harm simultaneously with the scan process. But to perform any actions against malware, you need to hold on until the scan is over, or to stop the scan.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware during the scan

To set the action for each spotted virus or unwanted program, click the arrow in front of the name of the detected malicious app. By default, all malware will be moved to quarantine.

List of the detected malware after the scan

Reverting browser settings to original ones

To revert your browser settings, you are required to use the Reset Browser Settings option. This action is not able to be intercepted by any virus, hence, you will surely see the result. This option can be found in the Tools tab.

Tools tab in GridinSoft Anti-Malware

After pressing the Reset Browser Settings option, the menu will be displayed, where you can specify, which settings will be reverted to the original.

Reset Browser Settings options

Deleteing 1-search hijacker manually

Besides using anti-malware software for browser restoration, you may choose the “Reset browser settings” function, which is usually embedded in all popular browsers.

To reset Edge, do the following steps :
  1. Open “Settings and more” tab in upper right corner, then find here “Settings” button. In the appeared menu, choose “Reset settings” option :
  2. Reseting the Edge browser

  3. After picking the Reset Settings option, you will see the following menu, stating about the settings which will be reverted to original :
For Mozilla Firefox, do the next actions :
  1. Open Menu tab (three strips in upper right corner) and click the “Help” button. In the appeared menu choose “troubleshooting information” :
  2. The first step to revert Mozilla Firefox

  3. In the next screen, find the “Refresh Firefox” option :
  4. The second step of Firefox restoration
    After choosing this option, you will see the next message :
    The last step for Firefox

If you use Google Chrome
  1. Open Settings tab, find the “Advanced” button. In the extended tab choose the “Reset and clean up” button :
  2. In the appeared list, click on the “Restore settings to their original defaults” :
  3. Finally, you will see the window, where you can see all the settings which will be reset to default :
Opera can be reset in the next way
  1. Open Settings menu by pressing the gear icon in the toolbar (left side of the browser window), then click “Advanced” option, and choose “Browser” button in the drop-down list. Scroll down, to the bottom of the settings menu. Find there “Restore settings to their original defaults” option :
  2. After clicking the “Restore settings…” button, you will see the window, where all settings, which will be reset, are shown :

As an afterword, I want to say that time plays against you and your PC. The activity of browser hijacker must be stopped as soon as possible, because of the possibility of other malware injection. This malware can be downloaded autonomously, or offered for you to download in one of the windows with advertisements, which are shown to you by the hijacker. You need to act as fast as you can.

I need your help to share this guide.

Browser hijackers are among the largest and also disruptive kinds of malware. I published this article to help you, so I wish you will help me to make the computer world completely clean of malware. Please, share this article in the social networks you use – Twitter, Reddit, Facebook – wherever.
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Wilbur Woodham
How to Remove 1-search?

Name: 1-search

Description: 1-search - a lot of users became a victim of browser hijacker. I have a lot of friends who literally bombed me with the questions like “how to remove 1-search?”. In this article we will show you how to deal with 1-search (1-search.net), which may corrupt your browser’s correct performance, and create a lot of troubles while you are working.

Operating System: Windows

Application Category: Browser Hijacker

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References

  1. More information about PUAs
  2. Detailed review of Microsoft Defender

About the author

Wilbur Woodham

I was a technical writer from early in my career, and consider IT Security one of my foundational skills. I’m sharing my experience here, and I hope you find it useful.

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