Threat Database Browser Hijackers Startsear.ch Hijacker

Startsear.ch Hijacker

By CagedTech in Browser Hijackers
Published:
Last updated:

Threat Scorecard

Popularity Rank: 8,197
Threat Level: 50 % (Medium)
Infected Computers: 18,791
First Seen: September 27, 2013
Last Seen: September 27, 2026
OS(es) Affected: Windows

The detection of Startsear.ch Hijacker on your system indicates a potential security threat that requires immediate attention. This Trojan-type threat can compromise your computer's integrity and put your personal data at risk. It is essential to understand the nature of this threat and take prompt action to remove it and prevent future infections.

What Is Startsear.ch Hijacker?

The Startsear.ch Hijacker is a type of malware that can alter your browser's settings and redirect you to unwanted websites, potentially exposing you to further malicious content. This threat can be particularly troublesome, as it may not exhibit obvious symptoms, making it challenging to detect and remove. Understanding the characteristics of this threat is crucial in taking effective countermeasures.

How Startsear.ch Hijacker Operates

Malware like Startsear.ch Hijacker typically operates by infiltrating a system through various means, such as exploited vulnerabilities, phishing attacks, or bundled software installations. Once inside, it can modify system and browser settings to control your browsing experience, often for malicious purposes such as data theft or forced advertising. This type of threat can also download additional malware, further compromising your system's security.

Symptoms of Infection

Symptoms of a Startsear.ch Hijacker infection can vary but commonly include unwanted changes to your browser's homepage, search engine, or the appearance of persistent pop-ups and advertisements. Your browser may also become slower or more unstable. In some cases, you might notice that your search results are being redirected to suspicious websites. These symptoms indicate that your system is likely infected and requires a thorough cleanup.

How to Remove Startsear.ch Hijacker

  1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking to limit the malware's ability to interfere with the removal process. This mode allows you to use the internet to download removal tools while minimizing system functionality to prevent the malware from running.
  2. Perform a full scan of your system using a reputable anti-malware tool, such as SpyHunter. Ensure the tool is updated to detect and remove the latest threats, including the Startsear.ch Hijacker.
  3. Uninstall suspicious programs that you do not recognize or that were installed around the time the symptoms appeared. Be cautious and only remove programs you are sure are malicious or unnecessary.
  4. Reset your browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.) to their default settings. This step will remove any changes made by the malware, including altered homepages and search engines. Note that this will also remove any saved passwords and extensions, so be prepared to reinstall or reconfigure them afterward.
  5. After completing the above steps, reboot your computer and perform another full scan to ensure the malware has been completely removed. Repeat the scan a few times if necessary, until no threats are detected.

Conclusion

Removing the Startsear.ch Hijacker from your system requires careful and methodical steps to ensure complete eradication. By following the guidelines outlined above and maintaining good cybersecurity practices, such as regularly updating your software and being cautious with email attachments and downloads, you can significantly reduce the risk of future infections. Remember, staying informed and proactive is key to protecting your digital environment from evolving threats like the Startsear.ch Hijacker.

SpyHunter Detects & Remove Startsear.ch Hijacker

File System Details

Startsear.ch Hijacker may create the following file(s):
# File Name MD5 Detections
1. ssBarLcher.dll 5364af70a2ea70e710482e6ecdadb7e1 4,215
2. VshareComplete.dll e0c256256b8e4501941227e864d9ad3d 40
3. VshareComplete64.dll fe23d1e6ca5b4aec373d7a692865f9f6 1
More files

Registry Details

Startsear.ch Hijacker may create the following registry entry or registry entries:
CLSID
{08337871-0e50-4031-9110-3bd21ca3c065}
{3D782BB2-F2A5-11D3-BF4C-000000000000}
{78F3A323-798E-4AEA-9A57-88F4B05FD5DD}
{79D60450-56C5-4A8C-9321-6D5BC2A81E5A}
{7AC3E13B-3BCA-4158-B330-F66DBB03C1B5}
{8F97BFF8-488B-4107-BCEE-B161AB4E4183}
{BB49DAC0-7542-405C-B2C0-672B78885B56}
{BB7256DD-EBA9-480B-8441-A00388C2BEC3}
{C876A2AD-D4BA-11D3-9D38-D0D087C500CC}
{DB1F5554-582C-4F53-82CC-458D2C04A2F1}
Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Approved Extensions\{08337871-0E50-4031-9110-3BD21CA3C065}
Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Approved Extensions\{78F3A323-798E-4AEA-9A57-88F4B05FD5DD}
Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Approved Extensions\{7AC3E13B-3BCA-4158-B330-F66DBB03C1B5}
SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes\{6BD63EF5-F376-4104-B390-F6E1E3BEDAAC}
Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar\WebBrowser\{7AC3E13B-3BCA-4158-B330-F66DBB03C1B5}
SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Browser Helper Objects\{08337871-0e50-4031-9110-3bd21ca3c065}
SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\explorer\Browser Helper Objects\{78F3A323-798E-4AEA-9A57-88F4B05FD5DD}
Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\{78F3A323-798E-4AEA-9A57-88F4B05FD5DD}
Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\{7AC3E13B-3BCA-4158-B330-F66DBB03C1B5}
Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\{8F97BFF8-488B-4107-BCEE-B161AB4E4183}
SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\{A1B48071-416D-474E-A13B-BE5456E7FC31}
Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\Settings\{78F3A323-798E-4AEA-9A57-88F4B05FD5DD}
Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\Settings\{7AC3E13B-3BCA-4158-B330-F66DBB03C1B5}
Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\Stats\{78F3A323-798E-4AEA-9A57-88F4B05FD5DD}
Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\Stats\{7AC3E13B-3BCA-4158-B330-F66DBB03C1B5}
Software\StartSearch
Software\vShare.tv
Software\Vsharecomplete
Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes\{6BD63EF5-F376-4104-B390-F6E1E3BEDAAC}
SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar\{7AC3E13B-3BCA-4158-B330-F66DBB03C1B5}
SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\explorer\Browser Helper Objects\{78F3A323-798E-4AEA-9A57-88F4B05FD5DD}
SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\{78F3A323-798E-4AEA-9A57-88F4B05FD5DD}
SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\{7AC3E13B-3BCA-4158-B330-F66DBB03C1B5}
SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\{8F97BFF8-488B-4107-BCEE-B161AB4E4183}
SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\{A1B48071-416D-474E-A13B-BE5456E7FC31}
StartSearch Toolbar
vShare.tv plugin
{ec4b6105-e039-42fb-8e18-c8aa393f0018}_is1

Directories

Startsear.ch Hijacker may create the following directory or directories:

%APPDATA%\VshareComplete
%PROGRAMFILES%\StartSearch plugin
%PROGRAMFILES%\VshareComplete
%PROGRAMFILES%\vShare.tv plugin
%PROGRAMFILES(x86)%\StartSearch plugin
%PROGRAMFILES(x86)%\VshareComplete
%PROGRAMFILES(x86)%\vShare.tv plugin

URLs

Startsear.ch Hijacker may call the following URLs:

startsear.ch