MyStartSearch.com

By CagedTech in Browser Hijackers
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Threat Scorecard

Popularity Rank: 584
Threat Level: 50 % (Medium)
Infected Computers: 137,354
First Seen: September 26, 2014
Last Seen: February 1, 2026
OS(es) Affected: Windows

MyStartSearch.com is associated with Web browser hijacker that is associated with the MyStartSearch.com search engine. However, MyStartSearch.com only is a search engine in its name. This is because MyStartSearch.com is not designed to return legitimate search results or allow computer users to find online content. Rather, MyStartSearch.com may display large numbers of advertisements and sponsored links in response to any query made by the computer user. The MyStartSearch.com search engine is linked to the MyStartSearch.com Web browser toolbar, a Web browser extension that is known to cause numerous problems on affected computers. Malware researchers have noted that MyStartSearch.com may affect other, legitimate Web browser add-ons and cause the affected Web browsers to display pop-up windows and slow down considerably. However, the main symptom linked to MyStartSearch.com is the presence of Web browser redirects to the MyStartSearch.com search engine. Because MyStartSearch.com essentially takes over the affected Web browser, PC security researchers classify MyStartSearch.com as a browser hijacker.

MyStartSearch.com and Similar Potentially Unwanted Programs

Adware, browser hijackers and a variety of other low-level threats are known as Potentially Unwanted Programs. Although not considered threatening, add-ons like MyStartSearch.com may present many symptoms as known threats. PC security researchers have also noted that MyStartSearch.com and similar PUPs may be linked to threats that may install these PUPs in order to monetize their attacks. PC security experts suggest computer users to remove MyStartSearch.com completely from affected computers. PUPs may be bundled with other software. In many cases, MyStartSearch.com may be bundled with free software acquired from dubious online sources. However, it is also common for MyStartSearch.com to be bundled with legitimate software that may be included in a third party installer. Malware researchers advise extra care when installing new software and refusal of any included software set to be installed by default.

Common Issues Associated with MyStartSearch.com

Since the main purpose of MyStartSearch.com is to force computer users visit MyStartSearch.com repeatedly, the main symptom linked to MyStartSearch.com is the presence of irritating browser redirects, both to MyStartSearch.com and to other websites. PC security researchers have also noted that MyStartSearch.com may cause affected Web browsers to display this low-quality search engine in pop-up windows or make links lead to MyStartSearch.com instead of to their real destination. A common issue related to MyStartSearch.com is the fact that this Web browser toolbar may make changes to affected Web browsers automatically. This change may include changing the affected Web browser's default search engine and homepage to MyStartSearch.com, ensuring that computer users are exposed to MyStartSearch.com as soon as the affected Web browser starts up.

Removing MyStartSearch.com from an Affected Machine

Malware researchers advise that computer users use a reliable security program capable of removing PUPs. Many security programs cannot detect or remove PUPs since they are designed for more sophisticated threats such as Trojans, worms and viruses. This is what makes PUPs a well used tool among marketers and threat creators, since the fact that they are not as destructive as traditional threats makes it more likely that they will remain on a computer and carry out their attack. Once the MyStartSearch.com toolbar has been removed, it may be mandatory to revoke any unwanted modifications made to the affected Web browser's settings (such as restoring the default search engine and homepage). Once MyStartSearch.com has been removed, PC security analysts recommend performing a thorough scan of the affected computer to ensure that the MyStartSearch.com toolbar has not led to any other infections or PUPs entering on the affected PC.

SpyHunter Detects & Remove MyStartSearch.com

File System Details

MyStartSearch.com may create the following file(s):
# File Name MD5 Detections
1. wnf_mystartsearch.exe 453e479265ea6a9cd579b67ac4c66ee0 14
2. int_mystartsearch.exe 0c27ef35a6d074ab97f7b28491405be7 13
3. con_mystartsearch.exe 65d28b730f1b3c654812eb6f78b807d5 6
4. 96734908f02e234c21976c6acc11e73f6e0ae9c00738110665a16711f2344f6e 8cc94d3786f36419ad25ab40cf5112c6 2
5. wpc_mystartsearch.exe 047a1fa847bde86ca1b63aca7ef755fb 2
6. Apr1fix_3397_cor_mystartsearch.exe b8ace0283f67a13d76202251569cad92 1
7. mystartsearch.exe 823291eff0ce60ed54786b9399558cf1 1
8. Apr7_3397_cor_mystartsearch.exe 226c0170c30d573b17e522d5dd129dca 1
9. smt_mystartsearch.exe baaa124e1ef21f97212ad46a095aab05 1
10. Apr27_3566_cor_mystartsearch.exe 6c134a906b5ba820399629916b9ddf77 1
11. May6_3648_cor_mystartsearch.exe 657572625a5b71a5beb396c6da3b59b2 1
12. May7_3657_cor_mystartsearch.exe b8154644d38db41ecc5cfa4980530cb1 1
13. Cara Memperbaiki PC yang Terinfeksi Adware Mystartsearch.exe 42beb21688d5cc39d9cefbbf35f902ca 1
14. cvs1_mystartsearch.exe 03a2f2682bb726cd7ffccd008883f9b0 1
15. bdo_mystartsearch.exe 1955797ca29a30066bc713761f94ac21 1
16. sien_mystartsearch.exe dce744f449d75a647bff7fef3e541303 1
17. cvs2_mystartsearch.exe 323d1737a863c71d18092fe189483862 1
18. lly_mystartsearch.exe 2d4b800dac2200155dbc70cf8a55f97b 1
19. 4597_cor_mystartsearch.exe aba3722139ce2fcf4c16f6bac4d4e56d 1
20. 4594_cornl_mystartsearch.exe 3dde5a4489a2a37f2e4c4d1228c5217f 1
21. 4726_cornl_mystartsearch.exe 1118fecf872f72050c5e1d0747b2b4e1 1
22. 4727_cor_mystartsearch.exe 8d0a9b81dd7244b6dfa010e2a3fb66af 1
23. 4893_cornl_mystartsearch.exe 409e95078d4a28ff41af6cba5f751532 1
24. 4973_cornl_mystartsearch.exe 17f265cbf7834ea9ab87554745a5ab3b 1
25. cvs_mystartsearch.exe 24250e6a4bf9778741037436932997e2 1
26. llys_mystartsearch.exe 204d0c4f1804b97e3b0aea65a399847d 1
27. %UserProfile%\mystartsearch\
28. %UserProfile%\mystartsearch\478.json
29. %UserProfile%\mystartsearch\MessageBox.xml
30. %UserProfile%\mystartsearch\images\
31. %UserProfile%\mystartsearch\images\checkbox_select.png
32. %UserProfile%\mystartsearch\images\checked.png
33. %UserProfile%\mystartsearch\images\close.png
34. %UserProfile%\mystartsearch\images\bg1.png
35. %UserProfile%\mystartsearch\images\bg.png
36. %UserProfile%\mystartsearch\images\bk_shadow.png
37. %UserProfile%\mystartsearch\images\button.png
38. %UserProfile%\mystartsearch\images\button1.png
39. %UserProfile%\mystartsearch\images\checkbox.png
40. %UserProfile%\mystartsearch\images\code\
41. %UserProfile%\mystartsearch\images\code\code1.jpg
42. %UserProfile%\mystartsearch\images\code\code2.jpg
43. %UserProfile%\mystartsearch\images\code\code3.jpg
44. %UserProfile%\mystartsearch\images\code\code4.jpg
45. %UserProfile%\mystartsearch\images\code\code5.jpg
46. %UserProfile%\mystartsearch\images\code\code6.jpg
47. %UserProfile%\mystartsearch\images\code\Thumbs.db
48. %UserProfile%\mystartsearch\images\Thumbs.db
49. %UserProfile%\mystartsearch\images\min.png
50. %UserProfile%\mystartsearch\images\loading_bg.png
51. %UserProfile%\mystartsearch\images\loading_light.png
52. %UserProfile%\mystartsearch\images\unchecked.png
53. %UserProfile%\mystartsearch\images\scrollbar.bmp
54. %UserProfile%\mystartsearch
55. %UserProfile%\mystartsearch\images
56. %UserProfile%\mystartsearch\images\code
More files

Registry Details

MyStartSearch.com may create the following registry entry or registry entries:
File name without path
http_www.mystartsearch.com_0.localstorage
http_www.mystartsearch.com_0.localstorage-journal
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\mystartsearchSoftware
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes\{33BB0A4E-99AF-4226-BDF6-49120163DE86}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes\DefaultScope "{33BB0A4E-99AF-4226-BDF6-49120163DE86}"
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes\{0633EE93-D776-472f-A0FF-E1416B8B2E3A}\URL "http://www.mystartsearch.com/web/?utm_source=b&utm_medium=[AFFILIATE ID]&utm_campaign=install_ie&utm_content=ds&from=[AFFILIATE ID]&uid=[HARD D
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\Start Page "http://www.mystartsearch.com/?type=hp&ts=[TIMESTAMP]&from=[AFFILIATE ID]&uid=[HARD DRIVE ID]"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Clients\StartMenuInternet\Safari.exe\shell\open\command\ ""C:\Program Files (x86)\Safari\Safari.exe" http://www.mystartsearch.com/?type=sc&ts=1427639391&from=amt&uid=VBOXXHARDDISK_VB540a1e04-12c9aa1b"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Clients\StartMenuInternet\Google Chrome\shell\open\command\ ""C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe" http://www.mystartsearch.com/?type=sc&ts=1427639391&from=amt&uid=VBOXXHARDDISK_VB540a1e04-12c9aa1b"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Clients\StartMenuInternet\IEXPLORE.EXE\shell\open\command\ "C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe http://www.mystartsearch.com/?type=sc&ts=1427639391&from=amt&uid=VBOXXHARDDISK_VB540a1e04-12c9aa1b"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Clients\StartMenuInternet\OperaStable\shell\open\command\ ""C:\Program Files (x86)\Opera\Launcher.exe" http://www.mystartsearch.com/?type=sc&ts=1427639391&from=amt&uid=VBOXXHARDDISK_VB540a1e04-12c9aa1b"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Clients\StartMenuInternet\FIREFOX.EXE\shell\open\command\ ""C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe" http://www.mystartsearch.com/?type=sc&ts=1427639391&from=amt&uid=VBOXXHARDDISK_VB540a1e04-12c9aa1b"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\MAIN\Default_Search_URL "http://www.mystartsearch.com/web/?type=ds&ts=[TIMESTAMP]&from=[AFFILIATE ID]&uid=[HARD DRIVE ID]&q={searchTerms}"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\MAIN\Start Page "http://www.mystartsearch.com/?type=hp&ts=[TIMESTAMP]&from=[AFFILIATE ID]&uid=[HARD DRIVE ID]"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\MAIN\Default_Page_URL "http://www.mystartsearch.com/?type=hp&ts=[TIMESTAMP]&from=[AFFILIATE ID]&uid=[HARD DRIVE ID]"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\MAIN\Search Page "http://www.mystartsearch.com/web/?type=ds&ts=[TIMESTAMP]&from=[AFFILIATE ID]&uid=[HARD DRIVE ID]&q={searchTerms}"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\MAIN\Default_Page_URL "http://www.mystartsearch.com/?type=hp&ts=[TIMESTAMP]&from=[AFFILIATE ID]&uid=[HARD DRIVE ID]"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\MAIN\Start Page "http://www.mystartsearch.com/?type=hp&ts=[TIMESTAMP]&from=[AFFILIATE ID]&uid=[HARD DRIVE ID]"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\MAIN\Default_Search_URL "http://www.mystartsearch.com/web/?type=ds&ts=[TIMESTAMP]&from=[AFFILIATE ID]&uid=[HARD DRIVE ID]&q={searchTerms}"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\MAIN\Search Page "http://www.mystartsearch.com/web/?type=ds&ts=[TIMESTAMP]&from=[AFFILIATE ID]&uid=[HARD DRIVE ID]&q={searchTerms}"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Clients\StartMenuInternet\FIREFOX.EXE\shell\open\command\ ""C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe" http://www.mystartsearch.com/?type=sc&ts=1427639391&from=amt&uid=VBOXXHARDDISK_VB540a1e04-12c9aa1b"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Clients\StartMenuInternet\Google Chrome\shell\open\command\ ""C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe" http://www.mystartsearch.com/?type=sc&ts=1427639391&from=amt&uid=VBOXXHARDDISK_VB540a1e04-12
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Clients\StartMenuInternet\IEXPLORE.EXE\shell\open\command\ "C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe http://www.mystartsearch.com/?type=sc&ts=1427639391&from=amt&uid=VBOXXHARDDISK_VB540a1e04-12c9aa1b"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Clients\StartMenuInternet\OperaStable\shell\open\command\ ""C:\Program Files (x86)\Opera\Launcher.exe" http://www.mystartsearch.com/?type=sc&ts=1427639391&from=amt&uid=VBOXXHARDDISK_VB540a1e04-12c9aa1b"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Clients\StartMenuInternet\Safari.exe\shell\open\command\ ""C:\Program Files (x86)\Safari\Safari.exe" http://www.mystartsearch.com/?type=sc&ts=1427639391&from=amt&uid=VBOXXHARDDISK_VB540a1e04-12c9aa1b"
Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\DOMStorage\mystartsearch.com
Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\DOMStorage\www.mystartsearch.com
SOFTWARE\mystartsearchSoftware
SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\mystartsearchSoftware

Directories

MyStartSearch.com may create the following directory or directories:

%APPDATA%\mystartsearch

URLs

MyStartSearch.com may call the following URLs:

.mystartsearch.com
mystartsearch.com

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