How do I remove a malicious website from browser?
I accidentally/carelessly clicked on a website (searchleasier.com) while using Firefox browser on my PC, Windows 7. Mc Afee flagged it as very dangerous and advised against opening it, which I haven’t. It’s ‘hi jacked’ Firefox home page and appears whenever I try to open. Microsoft security is up to date and I’ve tried a custom scan of Firefox, to no avail. If anyone can help I will be very grateful Regards
Tidders62
Chosen solution
Hi,
That searchleasier.com is a browser hijacker ....
Go to the 3-bar menu (or 'Tools') => Addons => Extensions and look for any unfamiliar or suspicious looking extensions.
When you find any : remove them.
Do the same in your system's Control Panel.
However : most malware will be 'hiding' somewhere , so let's run malware scans :
Further information can be found in this article : https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/troubleshoot-firefox-issues-caused-malware?cache=no
Run most or all of the listed malware scanners. They all work differently - what one program doesn't pick up, the other might.
Also see : https://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/10852-search-searchleasier-com-redirect
Especially for Mac : https://www.malwarebytes.com/mac/
Read this answer in context 👍 1All Replies (3)
A way out of the trap is to (force it if needed) Close Firefox. Wait about 20 seconds for Firefox to finish closing. Right-click on the Firefox icon and select Open New Window. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sometimes this works. If it opens, close it by Menu > File > Exit. This will flush out that web page from the Session Store.
Chosen Solution
Hi,
That searchleasier.com is a browser hijacker ....
Go to the 3-bar menu (or 'Tools') => Addons => Extensions and look for any unfamiliar or suspicious looking extensions.
When you find any : remove them.
Do the same in your system's Control Panel.
However : most malware will be 'hiding' somewhere , so let's run malware scans :
Further information can be found in this article : https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/troubleshoot-firefox-issues-caused-malware?cache=no
Run most or all of the listed malware scanners. They all work differently - what one program doesn't pick up, the other might.
Also see : https://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/10852-search-searchleasier-com-redirect
Especially for Mac : https://www.malwarebytes.com/mac/
I saw reply from HAPPY112 first so worked through instructions- couldn't find anything suspicious in Mozilla add-ons/extensions or in Control Panel (also had a look in Downloads). Next I ran several scans.
Coincidentally, between getting replies on 8th & attempting fix on 9th Mozilla updated Firefox & Maint. Service to latest version (58.0.2).
At first I thought this fixed problem as I could use Mozilla homepage without interference but Malwarebytes' Anti-malware (free) scan found & quarantined 6 threats (5 relating to searchleas.... and 1 more serious).
One of the sites on the list - Microsoft Safety Scanner - have no connection with Microsoft (sneaky). Site was flagged by McAfee as very risky, keep away!
All seems well now, my thanks for help.