OnlinePrivacyManager modifies browser settings to promote hp.myway.com
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OnlinePrivacyManager is a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that alters specific browser settings and redirects traffic to hp.myway.com, the infamous search engine imposter. This browser hijacker assigns the fake search engine to the new tab URL and homepage to force users to perform searches on this less than reliable website. It primarily targets most popular browsers, including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer and others.
It can enter the system as a browser extension or via software bundles, malicious pop-up ads, or redirects on various suspicious pages. Once installed, it sets hp.myway.com as the primary search engine and prevents people from using legitimate search engines, such as Google, Bing, Yahoo, and others. Unfortunately, it is designed to look harmless and even similar to the famous search engines. Thus, many people either fail to identify the hijack or continue to use it believing that it is legit.
Even though its design seems unsuspicious, this browser hijacker aims to collect various information on its users. It starts by tracking geolocation and accessing IP addresses and then continues to gather browsing history and other personal data. Note that many people might enter their private information into the query bar — those details are also collected by this potentially unwanted application. In fact, its developers might either keep the information for their own benefit or share it with third parties.
Browser hijackers cause damage to users and their computers
Despite the fact that the OnlinePrivacyManager virus term is technically incorrect, many people refer to this browser hijacker exactly like that since it can put users’ privacy at risk, lead to financial losses or even identity theft. Therefore, people are highly advised to keep an eye on the slightest changes on their browser to spot the potentially unwanted program as soon as possible.
Additionally, this fake search engine displays a never-ending flow of various promotional content while browsing. Even though it is advertised as a tool to enhance the browsing experience, it merely deteriorates it. Keep in mind that a continuous flow of ads can slow down your system and expose your computer to numerous infections. For example, if you click on a malicious ad, it can trigger an automatic installation of malware within seconds.
Likewise, it is essential to remove OnlinePrivacyManager virus as soon as you spot its presence. The quickest method to protect your system and prevent PUP infiltration in the first place is to have an antivirus running on your system. Reimage can help you not only eliminate various infections but also notify you when such potentially unwanted programs like this browser hijacker try to enter the system.
However, OnlinePrivacyManager removal is a multi-step procedure. Thus, you should not only get rid of the hijacker-related components from your computer but also clean your browser. We have prepared useful guidelines showing how to reset browser settings after the hijack. They are suitable for all types of browsers. If you complete the elimination from the browser as well, your computer will be safe to use again.
Summary of the PUP
Name | OnlinePrivacyManager |
Type | Browser hijacker, potentially unwanted program, fake search engine |
Related URL | hp.myway.com |
Similar PUPs | Searchmarquis.com, Mazy Search, S3arch.page |
Distribution | Browser extension in software bundles, malicious pop-ups |
Symptoms | It changes the primary search engine to a fake one, and users are forced to use it whenever they open the new tab or go to the homepage |
Removal | Start the removal process by scanning your computer files with Reimage Repair; then use the manual browser setting reset guidelines below |
Learn how to detect hijackers in software bundles
Usually, potentially unwanted programs are hidden deep inside the software bundles. In other terms, if you attempt to download freeware, it is most probably bundled with a potentially unwanted program or another add-on. Therefore, it is essential to learn how to spot browser hijackers inside software bundles to protect your system against such unwanted applications.
Firstly, we suggest downloading programs only from official websites or authorized distributors. Once you start the installation procedure, you must always pick Manual/Advanced installation mode. If you are offered to finish the procedure in Quick/Custom/Express mode, always deny it. Commonly, browser hijackers are hidden in the steps that these parameters avoid to show for the user.
Furthermore, follow each installation step attentively and search for offers to install extras alongside the primary software. They are usually pre-selected for the user and you must manually de-select those tick boxes. Otherwise, you will agree to install potentially unwanted programs or other suspicious applications on your system. Once you finish the installation, check your system with reputable antivirus software.
Finally, our experts warn users to stay away from the advertising content online. In many cases, potentially unwanted applications are hidden inside them or you might even be redirected to their distribution sources. Therefore, if you want to protect your computer, never click on any types of ads, including banners, pop-ups, etc.
Proceeding to OnlinePrivacyManager virus uninstall
Unfortunately, just as many other browser hijackers’, OnlinePrivacyManager removal can be complicated. This potentially unwanted program not only places its components on the system but also modifies essential browser settings. Likewise, you should use a combination of elimination tools.
Firstly, start by performing a full system scan with Reimage or another reputable antivirus software. Once it detects the browser hijacker, quarantine its files and then delete them. This procedure will quickly remove OnlinePrivacyManager virus from your computer and make sure that all of its files are gone as well.
Later, you must reset the affected browser settings manually. For example, get rid of the malicious extension and change the primary search engine to a legitimate one. For that, we have created a very easy step-by-step guide to show regular computer users how to finish the elimination procedure. If you successfully uninstall this browser hijacker, you will be able to enjoy an uninterrupted browsing experience again.
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OnlinePrivacyManager redirect virus Removal Tutorial
To remove the unwanted program from your computer, use these instructions below to uninstall associated programs or apps from your Windows or Mac computer. Then scroll down for instructions how to clean each affected web browser individually.
Remove OnlinePrivacyManager redirect virus from Windows
Windows 10/8.1/8 users
Click on the Windows logo to open Windows menu. In search, type control panel and select the matching result. Then go to Programs and Features.
Windows 7 users
First, open Windows menu by clicking on the icon in the lower left corner of the screen. Then go to Control Panel and find section called Programs. Click on the Uninstall a program option under it.
Windows XP users
In Windows XP, click Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs.
Uninstall unwanted programs
Once in Programs and Features, look through the list of installed programs. You can click on Installed on tab to sort the programs by their installation date.
Right-click on suspicious programs you can't remember installing and choose Uninstall. Follow instructions provided by the Uninstall Wizard, click Next and finally Finish to uninstall the unwanted program from your PC.
Remove OnlinePrivacyManager redirect virus from Mac
- Click on Finder.
- Go to Applications folder.
- Look for suspicious applications you can't remember installing. Right-click them and select Move to Trash.
- After moving all suspicious apps to Trash, right-click the Trash bin in Mac's Dock and select Empty Trash.
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Remove OnlinePrivacyManager redirect virus from Google Chrome
Remove suspicious Chrome extensions
- Open Chrome and type chrome://extensions into address bar and press Enter.
- Here, look for suspicious extensions, and Remove them.
- Don't forget to confirm by pressing Remove in the confirmation pop-up.
Change Start Page settings
- In Chrome address bar, type chrome://settings and press Enter.
- Scroll down to the On startup section. Check for suspicious extensions controlling these settings, and Disable them.
- Additionally, you can set browser to Open a specific page or set of pages via these settings. Simply choose this option, click Add a new page, enter your preferred URL (f.e. www.google.com) and press Add.
Change default search settings
- In Chrome URL bar, type chrome://settings/searchEngines and press Enter. Make sure you type searchEngines, not searchengines. Additionally, you can go to chrome://settings and find Manage search engines option.
- First, look at the list of search engines and find the one you want to set as default. Click the three dots next to it and select Make Default.
- Finally, look through the list and eliminate suspicious entries. Right-click the three dots and select Remove from the list.
Remove push notifications from Chrome
If you want to get rid of the annoying ads and so-called push-notifications viruses, you must identify their components and clean your browser. You can easily remove ads from Chrome by following these steps:
- In Google Chrome, press on Menu (upward arrow) in the top-right corner of the window.
- Select Settings.
- Go to Privacy and Security > Site Settings.
- Open Notifications.
- Here, go to the Allow list and identify suspicious URLs. You can either Block or Remove by pressing on the three vertical dots on the right side of the URL. However, we suggest the Block option, so the site won't ask you to enable the notifications if you ever visit it again.
Reset Google Chrome browser
- The final option is to reset Google Chrome. Type chrome://settings in the URL bar, press Enter and then scroll down until you see Advanced option. Click it and scroll to the bottom of the settings.
- Click Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Click Restore settings to confirm.
Remove OnlinePrivacyManager redirect virus from Mozilla Firefox
Remove unwanted add-ons from Firefox
- Open Firefox and type about:addons in the URL bar. Press Enter.
- Now, click on Extensions (in the left section).
- Click Remove next to every suspicious browser add-on that you can't remember installing.
Change Firefox Homepage
- In Firefox address bar, type about:preferences and hit Enter.
- Look at the left and click the Home tab.
- Here, delete the suspicious URL and type or paste in the URL of a website you'd like to set as your homepage.
Alter preferences in Firefox
- Type about:config in Firefox address bar and hit Enter.
- Click I accept the risk! to continue.
- Here, type in the URL which has taken over your browser without your knowledge. Right-click each value that includes it and choose Reset.
Remove annoying push notifications from Firefox
Suspicious sites that ask to enable push notifications gain access to Mozilla's settings and can deliver intrusive advertisements when browsing the Internet. Therefore, you should remove access to your browser by following these simple steps:
- In Mozilla Firefox, click on Menu (the three horizontal bars) on the top-right corner of the window, then choose Options.
- Click on Privacy and Security, then scroll down to Permissions section.
- Here, find Notifications and click Settings button next to it.
- Identify all unknown URLs and choose to Block them. Click Save Changes afterward.
Reset Mozilla Firefox
- In Firefox, type about:support in the address bar and press Enter.
- Click on Refresh Firefox...
- Click Refresh Firefox again to confirm.
Remove OnlinePrivacyManager redirect virus from Microsoft Edge
Remove suspicious extensions:
- Open MS Edge browser and click on the three dots button in the top right corner, then click on Extensions.
- Look through the list of installed extensions and find the ones you can't remember installing or simply suspicious-looking ones. Right-click on them and choose Uninstall. Then confirm by pressing Uninstall again.
Change MS Edge Start Page and default search engine:
- Click on the three dots again and go to Settings. First, make sure that you choose to Open Microsoft Edge with A specific page or pages option. Then click the X next to suspicious URLs and type in the one you want to set as your homepage. Click the Save icon to confirm.
- Click on the three dots > Settings. Scroll down and click on Show Advanced Settings. Then scroll down until you find Change search engine button. Click it. Here, select the search engine you prefer using and click Set as default.
Additionally, we recommend selecting and Removing suspicious search engines.
Turn off push notifications in Edge
If you keep receiving pop-up ads or other promotional content while browsing on Microsoft Edge, your browser might be corrupted by a potentially unwanted program (PUP). You have to clean it — follow these easy instructions:
- In Microsoft Edge, open Menu (three horizontal dots) in the top-right corner of the screen and click Settings;
- Click on Advanced settings.
- Scroll down to the Website permissions section. Here, click Manage permissions.
- Find Notifications and Remove all suspicious websites.
Clear browsing data
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner again and click on Settings. Find Clear browsing data section and click Choose what to clear button.
- In the next window, select all options and click Clear.
Remove OnlinePrivacyManager redirect virus from Safari
Uninstall suspicious Safari extensions
- Open Safari and click on Safari button in the top left corner. Select Preferences in the menu that appears on the screen.
- Now, go to Extensions tab. Look at the left to see all installed extensions, click on suspicious ones and hit that Uninstall button as shown in the picture. Confirm your choice by clicking Uninstall again. Repeat until you get rid of all unwanted extensions.
Change Safari Homepage and default search engine
- In Preferences, open the General tab. Here, check what URL is set as your homepage. Delete it and type in whatever URL you want to set as your Safari Start Page.
- Next, go to the Search tab. Here, choose what Search engine you want to set as default.
- Next, click on Manage websites... then Remove all... and then Done.
Remove push notifications on Safari
Some suspicious websites can try to corrupt your Safari by asking to enable push notifications. If you have accidentally agreed, your browser will be flooded with various intrusive advertisements and pop-ups. You can get rid of them by following this quick guide:
- Open Safari and click on Safari button in the top-left corner of the screen to select Preferences;
- Go to Websites tab and navigate to Notifications on the left side toolbar.
Reset Safari
- Click on Safari > Clear History...
- Then choose to clear All history and hit Clear History button to confirm.
- Go to Safari > Preferences and then open Privacy tab.
- Click Manage Website Data... then Remove All. To finish, click Done.
- Finally, clear Safari cache. In Safari Menu, click Develop > Clear Cache.
Remove OnlinePrivacyManager redirect virus from Internet Explorer
TIP: If you are still using IE, we strongly advise using Microsoft Edge or a different browser because Microsoft is no longer providing technical or security support for IE browser.
Remove suspicious extensions from IE
- Now, go back to Toolbars and Extensions.
- Below Show:, select All add-ons.
- Right-click suspicious extensions and choose Disable, or, if available - Remove.
- If any pop-up appears, confirm your choice.
Tip: If you can't find any suspicious extensions, most likely you have uninstalled them via Programs and Features already. This mostly applies to IE browser.
Change default search provider and remove suspicious ones
- Open Internet Explorer and click on the gear icon in the top right of the window.
- Then select Manage Add-ons.
- Here, click on Search Providers tab.
- Here, we recommend setting Bing, Google or another trusted and well-known search provider as default. To do it, right-click the provider and choose Set as default.
- Now you can right-click suspicious search providers and choose Remove.
Change IE Home Page
- In Internet Explorer, click the gear icon in the top left corner.
- Choose Internet Options.
- Change Home Page URL to whatever page you want to use as your homepage.
- Click Apply.
- Click OK.
Block pop-up notifications on Internet Explorer
Suspicious websites can gain access to your Internet Explorer browser through push notifications. If you enable them even by accident, you will start receiving numerous annoying ads and other advertising content while browsing. The easiest way to remove push-notification viruses is by performing the following steps:
- In Internet Explorer, click on the Menu (the gear button) on the top-right corner of the window, then select Internet Options.
- Go to the Privacy tab;
- Look for Pop-up Blocker section and select Settings;
- Scroll through all URLs and you can Remove them one by one or all at the same time. Click Close.
Reset Internet Explorer
- Click the gear icon in IE menu > Internet Options. Now click on Advanced tab.
- Under Reset Internet Explorer settings, click Reset...
- Click on the checkbox next to Delete personal settings.
- Click Reset.
- To finish, click Close.
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Scott Bolton is a senior content strategist in our Geek’s Advice team. He is exceptionally passionate about covering the latest information technology themes and inspire other team members to follow new innovations. Despite the fact that Scott is an old-timer among the Geeks, he still enjoys writing comprehensive articles about exciting cybersecurity news or quick tutorials.
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