What is Hao123.com?
Baidu, one of the largest web services in China created the Hao123.com website. It is a legitimate website that enhances Internet users’ browsing experience through giving easy access to trending sites, quick Internet search access, etc. Though this site is not malicious, there are many computer users refer to it as the Hao123.com virus or simply a virus. They refer to as such since the site is promoted using ‘Hao123 client’, a program provided as freeware and this software modifies Internet browser settings and sets Hao123.com as the user’s default search engine and homepage.
It is promoted through a free download websites using ‘download clients’, which offer installation of additional promoted software to all the users downloading the freeware. Remember when installing free software downloaded, users should inspect carefully each installation step and select the ‘Custom’ or ‘Advanced’ options, rather than ‘Quick’ or ‘Typical’ ones. After selecting the advanced installation, ensure that you deselect the installation of additional browser toolbars or add-ons and strictly disallow any suggested changes to your Internet browser settings.
Basically, the Hao123.com website is not malicious or virus or malware related infections, but, Hao123 client, it uses deceptive means of promotion, so it is categorized as adware. Usually, browser redirects to Hao123.com are caused by reckless free software installation mainly by the user. To avoid installation of this adware, practice caution when downloading any free software since, nowadays, most freeware download websites employ deceptive ‘download clients’ to simply trick computer users into installing advertised browser plug-ins and add-ons together with the chosen freeware. The additional advertised browsers or simply the extensions rarely add any real value for the user, and but often cause browser redirects and generate intrusive ads to mainly generate revenue as well. Always take precautions that when downloading free programs, closely inspect each step and decline installation of any promoted browser plug-ins, and also remember when installing downloaded freeware, always select the ‘Advanced’ or ‘Custom’ installation options because this will reveal any bundled adware listed for installation and allow you to deselect those you don’t want. If you feel that your Internet browser settings were modified without your permission, use the removal guide provided below to completely eliminate these issues.
Common symptoms of Hao123.com browser hijacker infection:
- Modifying the web browser’s default home page to Hao123.com
- It alters the browser’s search provider, built-in search box to www.hao123.com
- It is capable to modify the ‘new tab’ functionality to launch the modified search portal page
- Browser shortcuts are also altered to redirect to Hao123.com
Prevention:
One should always pay attention when installing software because often, a software installer includes more optional installs, such as this Hao123 browser hijacker. Always be very careful and keen what you agree to install.
Always opt for the custom installation and deselect anything that is unfamiliar, and suspicious, especially optional software that you never wanted to download and install. You can then remember the saying that you should not install software that you don’t trust.
How to manually remove Hao123.com?
Uninstall Hao123 from Windows
Windows 8 or 10:
1. Go to uninstall menu
- Right-click on the Windows Start button and choose “Control Panel” from the pop-up menu to uninstall a program on Windows 10 or Windows 8, .
2. When the “Control Panel” window opens click on the “Uninstall a program” option right under “Programs” category.
2. When the “Programs and Features” screen is displayed, scroll through the list of currently installed programs and uninstall “Hao123 – client“, “Hao123 uninstall” or “GO_Hao123”.
note: To view the most recently installed programs, you can click on the “Installed On” column to sort your program by the installation date. Scroll through the list, and uninstall any unwanted programs.
How to automatically remove Hao123.com?
Use an anti-malware program
We recommend using SpyRemover Pro, a highly effective and widely used malware removal program to clean your computer of Hao123.com. In addition to Hao123.com, this program can detect and remove the latest variants of other malware.
SpyRemover Pro has an intuitive user interface that is easy to use. To get rid of Hao123.com, the first step is to install it, scan your computer, and remove the threat.
To remove Hao123.com from your computer using SpyRemover Pro, you need to perform the following steps:
Basic steps of SpyRemover Pro:
Step 1. Run SpyRemover Pro installer
Click on the .exe file that just downloaded in the lower right corner of your browser window.
Step 2. Click Yes
Click Yes to accept the User Account Control settings dialog.
Step 3. Foll0w setup instructions
Follow the instructions to get SpyRemover Pro set up on your computer and you will be good to go!
“use a one click solution like SpyRemover Pro”
