Step 1: Uninstall Suspicious Programs
The first step in getting rid of iStartSurf is to check for any suspicious programs installed on your computer. Follow these steps:
- Open the “Control Panel” by clicking the Start button and selecting Control Panel.
- Click on the “Uninstall a program” option under the Programs category.
- Look for any recently installed suspicious programs or ones that you do not recognize.
- Right-click on the program and select “Uninstall”.
- Follow the prompts to completely remove the program from your computer.
Step 2: Reset Internet Explorer to Default Settings
Resetting Internet Explorer to its default settings can help remove any unwanted changes made by iStartSurf. Follow these steps:
- Open Internet Explorer.
- Click on the gear icon in the top right corner and select “Internet options”.
- In the “Internet Options” window, go to the “Advanced” tab.
- Click on the “Reset” button.
- In the Reset Internet Explorer Settings window, check the “Delete personal settings” box.
- Click on the “Reset” button to initiate the reset process.
- Once the reset is complete, click on the “Close” button.
Step 3: Scan Your Computer for Malware
It is essential to scan your computer for malware, as iStartSurf might have been bundled with other malicious software. Follow these steps:
- Download and install a reputable antivirus or anti-malware program if you do not have one already.
- Update the antivirus program to ensure you have the latest virus definitions.
- Perform a full system scan to detect and remove any malware or viruses.
- Follow the prompts to quarantine or delete any identified threats.
Step 4: Modify Internet Explorer Startup Settings
To ensure iStartSurf does not return as your default homepage, you may need to modify your Internet Explorer startup settings. Follow these steps:
- Open Internet Explorer.
- Click on the gear icon in the top right corner and select “Internet options”.
- In the “Internet Options” window, go to the “General” tab.
- Delete the iStartSurf URL from the “Home page” field.
- Enter the URL of your preferred homepage or leave it blank for a blank homepage.
- Click on the “Apply” button and then “OK” to save the changes.
Browsing with a hijacked browser can be frustrating and a potential threat to your online security. By following this step-by-step guide, you should be able to remove iStartSurf from Internet Explorer and regain control over your browsing experience. Remember to stay vigilant and regularly scan your computer for malware to prevent similar hijackers from infecting your system in the future.