Threat Database Adware Adware.MegaSearch.w

Adware.MegaSearch.w

By CagedTech in Adware
Published:
Last updated:

Threat Scorecard

Threat Level: 20 % (Normal)
Infected Computers: 0
First Seen: July 24, 2009
OS(es) Affected: Windows

The detection of Adware.MegaSearch.w on your system indicates the presence of a potentially unwanted program that may be causing disruptions to your browsing experience and overall system performance. This type of software is designed to display advertisements, collect user data, and potentially redirect your browser to unwanted websites. It is essential to understand the nature of this threat and take immediate action to remove it from your system.

What Is Adware.MegaSearch.w?

Adware.MegaSearch.w is a type of adware program that is designed to display unwanted advertisements on your system. The name itself does not indicate a specific malware family, but rather a generic detection name used by security software to identify this type of threat. Adware programs like Adware.MegaSearch.w can be bundled with free software downloads, attached to spam emails, or exploited through vulnerabilities in your system or browser.

How Adware.MegaSearch.w Operates

Once installed, Adware.MegaSearch.w can operate in various ways, including displaying pop-up ads, banners, and sponsored content. It may also collect user data, such as browsing history, search queries, and other sensitive information, which can be used for targeted advertising or sold to third-party companies. Additionally, Adware.MegaSearch.w may modify your browser settings, such as changing your default search engine or homepage, to further display unwanted advertisements.

Symptoms of Infection

Common symptoms of Adware.MegaSearch.w infection include an increase in unwanted advertisements, slow system performance, and unexpected browser behavior. You may also notice that your browser is being redirected to unwanted websites, or that your search results are being manipulated to display sponsored content. In some cases, Adware.MegaSearch.w may also cause your system to crash or freeze, leading to data loss and other system instability issues.

  • Unwanted advertisements and pop-ups
  • Slow system performance and browser crashes
  • Unexpected browser behavior and redirects
  • Modified browser settings and search results

How to Remove Adware.MegaSearch.w

To remove Adware.MegaSearch.w from your system, follow these steps:

  1. Boot your system in Safe Mode with Networking to prevent the adware from loading
  2. Perform a full scan of your system using a reputable anti-malware tool, such as SpyHunter, to detect and remove all instances of Adware.MegaSearch.w
  3. Uninstall any suspicious programs or software that may be related to the adware infection
  4. Reset your browser settings, including Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, to their default values to remove any modified settings
  5. Reboot your system and perform a follow-up scan to ensure that all remnants of Adware.MegaSearch.w have been removed

Conclusion

Removing Adware.MegaSearch.w from your system requires a combination of technical knowledge and the right tools. By following the steps outlined above, you can effectively remove this unwanted program and restore your system to its optimal performance. It is essential to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to prevent future infections, such as keeping your operating system and browser up-to-date, avoiding suspicious downloads, and using reputable anti-malware software to protect your system.

Aliases

12 security vendors flagged this file as malicious.

Antivirus Vendor Detection
Symantec Trackware.MegaSearch
Panda Adware/Naupoint
McAfee potentially unwanted program Generic PUP
K7AntiVirus not-a-virus:AdWare.Win32.MegaSearch.w
Ikarus AdWare.MegaSearch
GData Application.Generic.25098
F-Secure AdWare.Win32.MegaSearch.w
AVG Generic3.QJW
Avast Win32:Adware-gen
AntiVir ADSPY/MegaSearch.W
AhnLab-V3 Win-Trojan/Megasearch.1848320
a-squared AdWare.MegaSearch!IK

File System Details

Adware.MegaSearch.w may create the following file(s):
# File Name MD5 Detections
1. BLSTOO~1.DLL 8aa6e18f91013830a7d682ee07e6e463 0