TotalRecipeSearch – What is it?

“TotalRecipeSearch” search hijacker is a potentially unwanted application (PUA)¹, that is promoted as a plugin for your web browser. It is typically promoted as an add-on for Chrome or Firefox, that aids to search some precise info, for example, about sport events, make your web browser a lot more safe, enable downloading of any kind of video clip, and so on. Also, this app adds the “Managed by your organization” feature (on Chrome browsers).

However, the “TotalRecipeSearch” plugin is quite ineffective since all such functions are currently integrated to your web browser and/or system. Such advertising mottos are targeted at low-skilled computer users, such as pensioners or schoolchildren. But occasionally even skilled users are getting caught on such an attraction. In certain instances, this hijacker is distributed along with free tools.

TotalRecipeSearch Search Hijacker

How harmful is TotalRecipeSearch hijacker?

Besides its uselessness, TotalRecipeSearch hijacker is also considerably unsafe for browser usage. It modifies your search engine to its specific – Myway.com, and also transforms your background, adding its watermark on your wallpaper (or, in some cases, altering it to default with the mentioned sign).

Apart from aesthetic modifications done by TotalRecipeSearch hijacker, you might see that several of your search questions are redirecting to the unfamiliar web pages, filled with web links and promotions – so-called doorway websites. Such websites can contain web links for malware downloads. The chance of redirecting surges if you attempt to launch Google search page forcibly.

However all these actions are a lot more annoying than truly destructive. The most significant danger, specifically for individuals who have a great deal of confidential information in their web browsers, is installed in information gathering functionalities. Cookie files, chats, often-visited websites, and other activities are easily gathered by TotalRecipeSearch hijacker.

How to remove TotalRecipeSearch search hijacker?

• Download and install GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
• Open GridinSoft Anti-Malware and perform a “Standard scan“.
• “Move to quarantine” all items.
• Open “Tools” tab – Press “Reset Browser Settings“.
• Select proper browser and options – Click “Reset”.
• Restart your computer.

Browser hijackers are generally rather easy to deal with. Usually, they have an independent application that can be found in the list of installed applications. Due to the particular marketing tactic of TotalRecipeSearch hijacker, it can be conveniently tracked and removed manually. However, if you got TotalRecipeSearch in the package with a free program, your PC can be infected with much more serious malware – trojans, spyware or perhaps ransomware. That’s why I’d recommend you use anti-malware programs to deal with the TotalRecipeSearch PUA and all various other malware.

You can utilize Microsoft Defender² – it is capable of detecting and clearing away different malware, including mentioned hijacker. However, major malware, that may be present on your computer in the discussed situation, can disable the Windows antivirus tool by editing the Group Policies. To prevent such situations, it is far better to make use of GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

To detect and delete all unwanted applications on your desktop with GridinSoft Anti-Malware, it’s better to utilize Standard or Full scan. Quick Scan is not able to find all the malware, because it scans only the most popular registry entries and directories.

You can see the detected malware sorted by their possible harm till the scan process. But to perform any actions against malicious programs, you need to hold on until the scan is finished, or to stop the scan.

To set the action for every spotted malicious or unwanted program, click the arrow in front of the name of the detected virus. By default, all malware will be removed to quarantine.

Reverting browser settings to original ones

To reset your browser settings, you are required to use the Reset Browser Settings option. This action is not able to be counteracted by any malware, hence, you will surely see the result. This action can be found in the Tools tab.

After choosing the Reset Browser Settings button, the menu will be shown, where you can choose, which settings will be reverted to the original.

Deleteing TotalRecipeSearch hijacker manually

Besides using anti-malware software for browser restoration, you may choose the “Reset browser settings” function, which is usually embedded in all popular browsers.

1. Open “Settings and more” tab in upper right corner, then find here “Settings” button. In the appeared menu, choose “Reset settings” option :
2. After picking the Reset Settings option, you will see the following menu, stating about the settings which will be reverted to original :

1. Open Menu tab (three strips in upper right corner) and click the “Help” button. In the appeared menu choose “troubleshooting information” :
2. In the next screen, find the “Refresh Firefox” option :

After choosing this option, you will see the next message :

1. Open Settings tab, find the “Advanced” button. In the extended tab choose the “Reset and clean up” button :
2. In the appeared list, click on the “Restore settings to their original defaults” :
3. Finally, you will see the window, where you can see all the settings which will be reset to default :
   

1. Open Settings menu by pressing the gear icon in the toolbar (left side of the browser window), then click “Advanced” option, and choose “Browser” button in the drop-down list. Scroll down, to the bottom of the settings menu. Find there “Restore settings to their original defaults” option :
2. After clicking the “Restore settings…” button, you will see the window, where all settings, which will be reset, are shown :

As an afterword, I want to say that time plays against you and your PC. The activity of browser hijacker must be stopped as soon as possible, because of the possibility of other malware injection. This malware can be downloaded autonomously, or offered for you to download in one of the windows with advertisements, which are shown to you by the hijacker. You need to act as fast as you can.

References

1. More information about PUAs
2. Detailed review of Microsoft Defender