Spyware Database
 Uninstall IWantSearch
IWantSearch Description and Removal Instructions
IWantSearch is an Internet Explorer toolbar that may redirect your search queries through its controlling server. IWantSearch may also download third-party software as part of an automatic update.
www.IWantSearch.com
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
Please note: This website is NOT associated or affiliated in any way
with IWantSearch or its creators. The content provided in this article should NOT be construed as an endorsement, a recommendation or an advertisement for IWantSearch.
The goal of this article is to assist computer users on the detection and removal of IWantSearch. This article is provided on an "as is" basis and to be used for informational purposes only. |
Why Should I Remove IWantSearch?
Note: Manual removal is a difficult process and it is not recommend
unless you are an expert in this field. Therefore, your best defense is to
download and install a reliable anti-spyware program to scan IWantSearch and other spyware on your machine.
In order to detect IWantSearch in the easiest and fastest way possible, we advised trying the free SpyHunter scanner provided on this website.
The free version of SpyHunter is only a detection utility.
However, if you wish to continue to the IWantSearch removal stage with SpyHunter, you must first purchase the full version of SpyHunter or you
can manually remove IWantSearch by moving on to the "Remove IWantSearch Manually" section.
Online threats constantly change to avoid detection, and therefore SpyHunter comes equipped with a full technical support, as well as a
one-on-one customer support service called Spyware HelpDesk which gives its support technicians the ability to create a custom automated
fix tailored to your PC. If SpyHunter is unable to detect and remove IWantSearch, the Spyware Helpdesk will generate a custom fix, transmit
it to your SpyHunter removal tool and completely remove IWantSearch from your PC.
 Download SpyHunter Scanner.
- Run a full system scan to detect IWantSearch files.
- Once you've detected IWantSearch on your PC, you will then need to purchase SpyHunter to start the removal process.
- Reboot your PC and rerun the scan for any remaining traces of IWantSearch.
** SpyHunter scanner version is ONLY for detection. To remove IWantSearch
and other threats, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's removal tool.
Remove IWantSearch Manually
Tip:
If you are not an expert in this field, we highly
recommend you use SpyHunter to scan your PC for IWantSearch. You'll run
the risk of damaging your computer if you make a mistake
during the manual removal process.
To remove all IWantSearch files, you must kill all IWantSearch
processes that are running in your
computer's memory.
To kill IWantSearch
processes, press
CTRL+ALT+DELETE
to open the Windows Task Manager. Click on the
"Processes" tab,
search for IWantSearch, then
right-click it and select
"End
Process" key.
You'll also need to remove IWantSearch
registry keys. To remove IWantSearch registry keys, click on the
Windows
"Start" button
and select
"Run"
to open Windows Registry Editor. A window will popup. Type
"regedit" into the
box, and click
"OK".
Search for the registry key
"HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\IWantSearch."
Right-click it and select
"Delete."
Finally, you'll need to manually delete other
files to clean your PC of IWantSearch. These IWantSearch
can be in the form of EXE, DLL, LSP, TOOLBAR, BROWSER HIJACK, and/or BROWSER PLUGIN. For example, IWantSearch
might create a file like
%PROGRAM_FILES%\IWantSearch\IWantSearch.exe.
Locate and remove these files.
IWantSearch Advice
IWantSearch manual removal process can be difficult to do because you're required to access and edit
sensitive files in your system registry.
Warning: If you try to remove IWantSearch files without being completely
sure what you are doing, you run the risk of damaging or losing important data on your computer.
Tip: To avoid this risk, we highly recommend you use a good spyware cleaner/remover to
automatically find and remove IWantSearch as well as spyware,
adware, trojan and malware in your PC.
IWantSearch Automatic Detection
To automatically search for IWantSearch...
Download SpyHunter Scanner.
** SpyHunter scanner version is ONLY for detection. To remove IWantSearch
and other threats, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's removal tool.
For more details on IWantSearch, please read our "IWantSearch Overview" below.
IWantSearch Overview
In the following sections, we investigate and explain the key malicious properties that are attributed to IWantSearch.
How IWantSearch infects your PC
IWantSearch may use one or more of these methods to infect your computer. IWantSearch is spyware that may take
control of your entire system. IWantSearch may infect your computer...
- Through unexpected email attachments. One of the most popular ways of becoming infected with spyware is by opening an attachment
sent via e-mail. You should never open unexpected email attachments. Confirm with the sender first that they did in fact send the
email.
- Through browser security loopholes while you're surfing the Web. Some spyware can even bypass firewalls by disguising itself as
part of legitimate software.
- Through instant messenger programs. If you're not secured by a good firewall, spyware can attach itself when you're
sharing files with your instant messenger.
- IWantSearch recreates, repairs and updates itself. IWantSearch and other complex spyware
applications may recreate, repair and update themselves to evade deletion. When IWantSearch alters, restores and updates
its files, DLLs, registry keys and process, a scanner may only remove part of the program allowing the other
remaining files to execute procedures to repair and update. In these cases, it can make the IWantSearch manual removal
process very difficult.
IWantSearch Prevention Rules
Follow these IWantSearch prevention rules and protect your computer from IWantSearch and other spyware:
Rule #1: Ensure that your Windows Security is up-to-date.
Every week Microsoft provides their new updates that can always be downloaded manually from the Microsoft website. To get
Microsoft Update, you should do the following steps:
- Go to IE > Tools > Windows Update > Product Updates,
- Select "ALL High-Priority Security Updates" from the list,
- Open IE and go to Internet Options > Security > Internet,
- Press "Default Level" and then OK,
- Press "Custom Level."
Rule #2: Download and install a reliable anti-spyware software.
A good anti-spyware software that recognizes current IWantSearch as well as other forms of spyware
can be the answer to all your security issues. Listed below is an anti-spyware program that can effectively
reverse the damage of your computer and detect IWantSearch automatically.
Download SpyHunter Scanner.
** SpyHunter scanner version is ONLY for spyware detection. To remove IWantSearch
and other online threats, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's removal tool.
Rule #3: Keep your anti-spyware definitions up-to-date.
New IWantSearch files can be created every day, thus it is very important to ensure that your
anti-spyware program is up-to-date. Your anti-spyware scanner should have an update feature where with a click
of a button so you can get new spyware definitions immediately. Often, good anti-spyware software will open
an update window reminding you that there are new updates available.
Rule #4: Install and keep your firewall turned on.
A firewall is vital for a complete protection of your PC. Ensure that your firewall is always turned on.
A firewall can stop unwanted software like IWantSearch from hijacking your PC.
IWantSearch and other Spyware Related Info:
Wikipedia.org/Spyware - Wikipedia's definition of spyware.
StopBadware.org - A non-profit organization that aims to fight against badware.
Anti-Spyware Coalition - Is a group dedicated to building a consensus about definitions and best
practices in the debate surrounding spyware and other potentially unwanted technologies.
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