Some random download make an unauthorized search engine my default in Safari. I clicked "revert to original settings". Now when I open Safari I get the same four annoying Apple ads instead of a search page. I've been told it's better to use Safari than Chrome, but this is too aggravating.
Any suggestions?
MacBook Pro (13-inch Mid 2012), OS X Mavericks (10.9.1)
Adware is installed without your knowledge, removing it will help.
1. Use free Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Mac/ AdwareMedic to remove adware
http://www.adwaremedic.com/index.php
Download, install , open, and run it by clicking “Scan for Adware” button to remove adware.
Once done, quit Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.
or
Remove the adware manually by following the “HowTo” from Apple.
http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203987
2. Disable Extensions and test.
Safari > Preferences > Extensions
Turn all extensions off and test
Enable Extensions one by one and test.
To uninstall any extension, select it and click the “Uninstall” button.
3. Safari > Preferences > Search > Search Engine :
Deselect and select your preferred search engine.
4. Safari > Preferences > General > Homepage:
Set your Homepage.
You inadvertently installed adware. You do not need to download or install anything to fix it.
For a description of how this may have occurred, how to avoid it in the future, and for Apple's recommended actions read How to install adware. Apple's instructions are linked in the Recovery Procedure near the end of that document. Read and follow them carefully. Pay particular attention to the easily overlooked passages directing you to restart your Mac when required.
Review your Gatekeeper settings: OS X : About Gatekeeper - Apple Support. Gatekeeper is designed to help prevent you from inadvertently installing garbage software.
You can manually troubleshoot the issue by looking into associated probable causes
but that may take some time and great attention to detail. The methods suggested in
this site do not appear to require accessing command-line, though, so that's a plus...
http://www.thesafemac.com/eliminating-browser-redirects-and-advertisements/
•Tech Guides - the safe mac:
http://www.thesafemac.com/tech-guides/
{another and different browser issue relates to pop-up messages and hold-hostage warnings
such as the situation shown here: "a Browser Pop-up has Taken Over my Safari browser"...}
https://sites.google.com/site/appleclubfhs/support/advice-and-articles/browser-p opup-hijack-safari
The method of restarting Safari with extensions off, as suggested in the above, is often good
enough to regain control over Safari; then be able to make setting corrections before relaunch.
• If Safari is slow, stops responding, quits unexpectedly, or has other issues - Apple Support
• Stop pop-up ads and adware in Safari - Apple Support
The Adware situation may be in relation to some other component that was installed in the system
while browsing or choosing to install software from unsafe sites. Avoid bittorrent & 'free' software
as it usually may contain bad or corrupted files that can play havoc with your Mac & its software.
Several kinds of malware or adware related symptoms may be manually dealt with, given time...
The above suggestions, including earlier reply, should be somewhat helpful depending on cause.
Good luck in this matter! 🙂
How do I get a search engine to open automatically in Safari?
