What is Search.searchfzlm.com?
When you see the Search.searchfzlm.com as your new homepage, it’s definitely not a good sign. It is just one nasty browser hijacker. Your computer is infected if you notice its appearance and this infection must be dealt with immediately. You should not neglect the browser hijacker, because it is working in silence. Even right now, as you read this article, the malicious tool is definitely controlling your web browser. This malicious tool also changes your homepage settings, and eventually will cause some other changes as well. Once it has taken over the browser, your default search engine has been changed. And then the search results shown appear as if provided by a well-known search engine, but they are not what they seem to be. The malicious app injects fake entries among them as well in the form of ads. The hijacker creates an ad-layer which blocks its competitors’ commercials, so, what you will see are only what the malicious app allows you to see. The ads might be offering great deal and you will think that you are getting the best deal available, but the truth is, you will pay more than necessary. This tool is turning you into an easy target, so don’t shop online while this tool remains active on your computer. It is not just the fake deals, the hijacker is also monitoring and recording your online activities such as your search inquiries, visited websites and followed links. It can also “see” your usernames and passwords, so never overlook this issue. So don’t shop online as much as possible, because if you use your credit card to pay for goods, the Search.searchfzlm.com app may steal your billing address and credit card details, that you don’t want to happen. The Search.searchfzlm.com hijacker can never be of use to you. Don’t hesitate to get rid of it.
How can I get Search.searchfzlm.com infection?
The Search.searchfzlm.com hijacker is a piece of infectious software that was installed on your computer either inadvertently or purposely. But in most cases, this browser hijacker gets into your computer without you knowing. Some you won’t notice being installed into your computer and seemed you have provided your permission and assistance to operate, when in fact you didn’t even notice. This is what usually happens. After all, it wasn’t disclosed openly. The malicious app may have arrived through bundled program together with some freeware you downloaded off the Internet. The bundling method is quite popular nowadays, in fact, it is what mostly used tactics. Definitely, it is an easy way to distribute malware without so much hustle. All the malware developers are required to do is to attach their malicious apps to the installation files of other programs so it can easily generate revenue. Now, everything else is up to you. When installing a program, always opt for advanced/custom setup wizard because under the custom option, you will be presented with a list of all additional apps that are about to be installed. So always be careful. Carefully browse and analyze the list. Only give your permission to those apps you trust and familiar with. Never rush. Always consider the situation.
Removing Search.searchfzlm.com virus
The Search.searchfzlm.com infection is specifically developed to generate money to its creators one way or another. The specialists from various antivirus companies like Bitdefender, Kaspersky, Norton, Avast, ESET, etc. advise that there is no harmless virus, if it’s a virus, it is indeed harmful in small or big ways.
Remove Search.searchfzlm.com from browsers
Google Chrome
- Press Win+E and locate the “%LocalAppData%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default” folder.
- Delete these files: Preferences, Secure Preferences, and Web Data
- Empty the Recycle Bin.
Internet Explorer
- Press Win+Q and enter regedit. Press the Enter key.
- Modify the “http://search.searchfzlm.com” value data in the following registry keys:
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\Start Page (64-bit!)
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\Start Page
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\Start Page - Modify the value data in the following value names in “HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes\{0633EE93-D776-472f-A0FF-E1416B8B2E3A}” registry key:
FaviconURL (value data: “http://search.searchfzlm.com/favicon.ico”)
FaviconURLFallback (value data: “http://search.searchfzlm.com/favicon.ico”)
TopResultURL (value data: “http://search.searchfzlm.com”)
URL (value data: “http://search.searchfzlm.com”) - Close the editor.
Mozilla Firefox
- Press Win+E and locate the “%AppData%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\[Unique Mozilla user ID]” folder.
- Open prefs.js in a text editor (Notepad).
- Modify the user_pref(“browser.startup.homepage”, “http://search.searchfzlm.com/”) string with a URL you want as your home page.
These instructions indicate how to get rid of Search.searchfzlm.com automatically. The instructions need to be applied on the infected computer.
- Turn the infected computer on. If it is turned on, restart it.
- When BIOS screen disappears after the reboot, tap F8 key repeatedly. Advanced Options menu will show up. If Windows logo appears, reboot the PC and try pressing F8 again.
- When you access Advanced Options menu, use arrow keys to navigate and choose Safe Mode with Networking. Press Enter to access the mode.
4. Wait for Windows to load Safe Mode with Networking.
5. Press and hold the Windows key and then press R key.
6. If you have pressed both keys correctly, Windows Run Box will pop up.
7. Type the following into the Open box:
explorer https://www.fixmypcfree.com/removal
*Note, that there has to be a single space gap in between iexplore and http. Click OK.
8. Internet Explorer will open and a download dialog bar will appear at the bottom of your screen. Click Run to begin the installation automatically once SpyHunter is downloaded.
9. Click OK if your system asks whether you want to run SpyRemover Pro software.
10. Run SpyRemover Pro and perform a full system scan.
11. Once all the malicious infections are detected, click Fix Threats. SpyRemover Pro will ask you to register the software.
12. By registering SpyRemover Pro you will also be able to protect your computer from other potential threats. Once you have registered the program, the malware will be removed. Reboot your PC to fully implement the malware removal procedure.
