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Hijacked Search Engine

How do I remove http://search.sympatheticface.com that has set itself as my default browser and won't let me change/remove it?

MacBook Air

Posted on Mar 17, 2021 1:50 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 17, 2021 2:46 PM

Go step by step and test.


   1. Remove unknown profiles if present.

      System Preferences > Profiles

      Open System Preferences,  select “General and click  the “Profiles” icon ( a checkmark on a gear) .

      When Profiles pane opens, select the unknown profile and click the minus button at the bottom.

      Section: Remove a configuration profile from your Mac

      Profiles: https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/configuration-profiles-standardize-settings-mh35561/mac


  2. Remove unknown extensions:  Safari > Preferences > Extensions

      https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/use-safari-extensions-sfri32508/mac


   3. Check for adware.


       Run the latest release of Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware/adware, if installed on your Mac.

       For instructions: Install Malwarebytes for Mac v4      Uninstall Malwarebytes for Mac

       Click the “FREE DOWNLOAD” button.

       Click the “Scan” button. Once done, quit Malwarebytes for Mac.

       Restart the computer and relaunch Safari holding the shift key down.

       Scan for Malware again.


       Additional steps  if necessary.

  4. Reset search engine:    https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/customize-your-search-ibrwe75c2a3c/mac

  5. Reset  Homepage.   https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/set-your-homepage-ibrw1020/mac 

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 17, 2021 2:46 PM in response to CurlyBoy_3445

Go step by step and test.


   1. Remove unknown profiles if present.

      System Preferences > Profiles

      Open System Preferences,  select “General and click  the “Profiles” icon ( a checkmark on a gear) .

      When Profiles pane opens, select the unknown profile and click the minus button at the bottom.

      Section: Remove a configuration profile from your Mac

      Profiles: https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/configuration-profiles-standardize-settings-mh35561/mac


  2. Remove unknown extensions:  Safari > Preferences > Extensions

      https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/use-safari-extensions-sfri32508/mac


   3. Check for adware.


       Run the latest release of Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware/adware, if installed on your Mac.

       For instructions: Install Malwarebytes for Mac v4      Uninstall Malwarebytes for Mac

       Click the “FREE DOWNLOAD” button.

       Click the “Scan” button. Once done, quit Malwarebytes for Mac.

       Restart the computer and relaunch Safari holding the shift key down.

       Scan for Malware again.


       Additional steps  if necessary.

  4. Reset search engine:    https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/customize-your-search-ibrwe75c2a3c/mac

  5. Reset  Homepage.   https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/set-your-homepage-ibrw1020/mac 

Hijacked Search Engine

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