How to Fix a Redirect Hijack

by Thomas King

Redirect hijacks, also known as browser hijackers and Internet redirect viruses, redirects your Internet searches to random websites. Redirect hijacks are particularly difficult to remove because they often disable your anti-malware programs, and prevent you from accessing popular Internet security websites. To work around this, temporarily disable the redirect hijack by loading the Windows operating system in Safe Mode with Networking.

1. Restart your computer.

2. Press "F8" repeatedly while your computer is booting up, then the Windows "Advanced Boot Options" menu appears.

3. Select "Safe Mode with Networking" from the Windows "Advanced Boot Options" menu appears. The Windows operating system loads in Safe Mode with Networking.

4. Download one of several free anti-malware programs available online, such as Malwarebytes, Microsoft Security Essentials or Avira AntiVir Personal Free AntiVirus.

5. Install and launch the anti-malware program.

6. Run a "Full System Scan" using the anti-malware program. The steps for running a full system scan differ slightly depending on the anti-malware program. For example, in Malwarebytes, click the "Scanner" tab, check the box next to "Perform Full Scan" and click "Scan." In Microsoft Security Essentials, click the "Home" tab, check the box next to "Full" and click "Scan."

7. Restart your computer normally.

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