How to remove Search101.info browser hijacker

Search101.info is a questionable website that would be set as your homepage if you have a certain browser hijacker installed on your computer. It will change your browser’s settings and try to redirect you to sponsored websites.

 

If you get redirected to Search101.info whenever you open your browser, your computer is likely infected with a browser hijacker. It’s not a serious computer infection, but as you’ve probably already noticed, it’s very annoying. In order to redirect you to sponsored websites, which is its main purpose, it will change your browser’s settings and set its promoted site (in this case Search101.info) as your homepage and new tabs. It will also change your default search engine so that you can be exposed to sponsored search results and be redirected. Redirecting you to sponsored websites is the main purpose of a hijacker but there is no reason why you should put up with it, seeing as you get nothing from it.

A browser hijacker is not particularly harmful as it does not directly harm the computer. However, having it installed does pose certain dangers as you could end up being redirected to potentially dangerous websites that could expose you to malware or scams. Since it could potentially expose you to dangerous content, the sooner you delete Search101.info, the better. It would be easiest to use anti-virus software to do that, as the program would take care of everything.

If a browser hijacker is installed, you likely are not aware of how they are distributed. They use a sneaky method called software bundling, which essentially allows it to come attached to free software and install alongside.

Browser hijackers install via software bundling

In most cases, browser hijackers install sneakily, via software bundling. This method allows programs to come attached to free software and install alongside without needing explicit permission from users. The method is quite frowned upon, and programs that use it are usually detected as potential threats by anti-virus programs. Most free programs you download from unofficial websites will have adware, browser hijackers and PUPs attached as extra offers, and this method will allow them to install alongside automatically. Fortunately, despite being hidden during installation, the offers are optional.

If you want to prevent unwanted installations, download programs from official websites and pay attention to how you install them. Most importantly, when given the option, opt for Advanced (Custom) settings instead of Default. Advanced will make all offers visible, and you will be able to deselect all of them. All you really need to do is uncheck the boxes of those offers.

Search101.info will be set as your homepage

Browser’s settings will change your browser’s settings in a very noticeable way, which at very least allows you to quickly get rid of it. Whether you’re using Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, Search101.info will be set as your homepage. Your search engine will be changed in addition to that. These changes will not be reversible while the hijacker remains installed, so until then, you’re stuck with Search101.info loading every time you open your browser.

Search101.info looks like any other browser hijacker promoted website. It has shortcuts to social media like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, the time displayed in a large font, and a search box. Using search boxes on hijacker promoted sites is not recommended because you would be exposed to sponsored content. Browser hijackers aim to redirect you to sponsored websites, and they do that by inserting links into search results. If you’re not careful, you would could end on potentially dangerous websites that could expose you to malware or scams.

Lastly, it should be mentioned that browser hijackers track your browsing and collect information, such as what sites you visit, what you search for, your IP address, etc. This information is often used for advertising purposes and/or shared with unknown third-parties. It does not collect personal information, but it’s still intrusive behaviour that you shouldn’t put up with.

Search101.info removal

Browser hijackers aren’t particularly complex infections, so you can remove Search101.info both manually and using anti-virus software. Though the latter is recommended because the program would take care of everything for you, as well as undo all setting changes. Once you delete Search101.info and restore your settings, your browsing will go back to normal.