Google Search Results Redirected

Symptoms:

You search for something at Google, or other search engines for that matter, and when you click the search results, you're redirected to a related web page or search page, but NOT the original search result page.

Cause:

As embarrassing as it may be, pornographic video content is a common cause of this infection. Someone on your computer may have been trying to view a video that required a "special codec" to view. They may have been prompted to download the new "codec" and, during installation of that codec, the computer becomes infected.

Solution:

Download the necessary tools and print these instructions, before you begin the cleanup process. This will prevent you from having to return to this page after each reboot.

1. Turn off System Restore. Right-click on My Computer and choose Properties. Click on the System Restore tab. Check the box that says "Turn off System Restore on all drives." This will help to prevent a reinfection.
2. Cleanup ALL temporary files. This is explained, in more detail, here (opens in a new window).
3. Install, update and run Spybot Search & Destroy (free). Make sure you're running a FULL SYSTEM SCAN. Reboot.
4. Install, update and run Webroot Spy Sweeper. Make sure you're running a FULL SYSTEM SCAN. Reboot.
5. Download Fixwareout.exe. Once downloaded, double-click the file to run it. Make sure you allow any firewall programs to run the software. Follow the instructions. You will need to reboot your computer and the startup process will be much slower than normal, but don't worry...you'll be given a prompt when it is done removing the problem.
6. Once the infection has been cleaned and you know your computer is running properly, you can turn System Restore back on.

Please leave a comment and let us know if this article helped you. Some people may need further instruction. Don't be afraid to ask.