According to computer security professionals, Search.chill-tab.com is a program that falls under the category of unwanted software from web browser hijackers family. Once hijacker get installed on your computer, it takes over your web-browser like Firefox, Google Chrome, IE and Edge. Search.chill-tab.com browser hijacker introduces changes to your web-browser’s settings, including home page, new tab page and search engine by default, and installs unwanted extensions deep inside your personal computer. This is the main reason why you need to remove it from your computer and restore your web-browser search engine and startpage back to the default.
Table of contents
- What is Search.chill-tab.com
- Search.chill-tab.com redirect removal guidance
- Manual Search.chill-tab.com removal
- Remove suspicious software using Windows Control Panel
- Fix web-browser shortcuts, altered by Search.chill-tab.com browser hijacker
- Delete Search.chill-tab.com home page from Firefox
- Remove Search.chill-tab.com homepage from Chrome
- Get rid of Search.chill-tab.com start page from Microsoft Internet Explorer
- How to automatically get rid of Search.chill-tab.com browser hijacker
- Manual Search.chill-tab.com removal
- Stop Search.chill-tab.com redirect and other intrusive web sites
- Don’t know how your web-browser has been hijacked by Search.chill-tab.com browser hijacker?
- To sum up
As mentioned above, the Search.chill-tab.com browser hijacker also modifies the internet browser’s search engine. So, your internet browser, when searching something, will display a hodgepodge of ads, links to unwanted and ad web-pages and search results from the big search engines such as Google or Bing. As a result, actual use of a internet browser’s search becomes uncomfortable. Moreover, it can also lead to slowing or even freeze your web browser.
Often, the system that has been infected by Search.chill-tab.com hijacker infection, will be also infected by adware (sometimes called ‘ad-supported’ software) which opens a large count of various ads. It can be pop-ups, text links in the web pages, banners where they never had. What is more, the ad-supported software can replace the legitimate ads with malicious ads which will offer to download and install malicious software and unwanted software or visit the various dangerous and misleading pages.
The hijacker infection like Search.chill-tab.com often change all browser shortcuts which located on your Desktop to force you visit various intrusive web-sites and show annoying popups. As a result, your browser can still redirect you to an undesired web site despite your browser is actually free of browser hijacker.
So, it is very important to clean your personal computer of browser hijacker as quickly as possible. The steps, which is shown below, will allow you to remove Search.chill-tab.com search from the Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer and MS Edge and other browsers.
Search.chill-tab.com redirect removal guidance
There are a simple manual guide below which will assist you to remove Search.chill-tab.com from your MS Windows PC. The most effective method to delete this hijacker infection is to complete the manual removal guide and then run Zemana, Malwarebytes or AdwCleaner automatic tools (all are free). The manual way will assist to weaken this browser hijacker and these malware removal tools will completely remove Search.chill-tab.com and return the Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer and MS Edge settings to default.
Manual Search.chill-tab.com removal
The useful removal steps for the Search.chill-tab.com . The detailed procedure can be followed by anyone as it really does take you step-by-step. If you follow this process to remove Search.chill-tab.com redirect let us know how you managed by sending us your comments please.
Remove suspicious software using Windows Control Panel
First of all, check the list of installed applications on your computer and uninstall all unknown and recently installed applications. If you see an unknown application with incorrect spelling or varying capital letters, it have most likely been installed by malware and you should clean it off first with malicious software removal tool such as Zemana Anti-malware.
Windows 8, 8.1, 10
First, click Windows button , then press Search . Type ‘Control panel’and press Enter as displayed on the screen below.
After the ‘Control Panel’ opens, click the ‘Uninstall a program’ link under Programs category as on the image below.
You will see the ‘Uninstall a program’ panel as shown on the image below.
Very carefully look around the entire list of applications installed on your PC system. Most likely, one or more of them are responsible for the appearance of advertisements and browser redirect to the intrusive Search.chill-tab.com web-site. If you have many programs installed, you can help simplify the search of malicious programs by sort the list by date of installation. Once you have found a suspicious, unwanted or unused application, right click to it, after that press ‘Uninstall’.
Windows XP, Vista, 7
First, press ‘Start’ button and select ‘Control Panel’ at right panel as displayed in the figure below.
When the Windows ‘Control Panel’ opens, you need to press ‘Uninstall a program’ under ‘Programs’ like below.
You will see a list of software installed on your system. We recommend to sort the list by date of installation to quickly find the programs that were installed last. Most likely they responsibility for the appearance of popups and web browser redirect. If you are in doubt, you can always check the program by doing a search for her name in Google, Yahoo or Bing. After the program which you need to remove is found, simply click on its name, and then press ‘Uninstall’ like below.
Fix web-browser shortcuts, altered by Search.chill-tab.com browser hijacker
Unfortunately, the hijacker can also hijack Windows shortcuts (mostly, your web-browsers shortcuts), so that the Search.chill-tab.com homepage will be opened when you launch the Chrome, Internet Explorer, Firefox and MS Edge or another web-browser.
Open the properties of the internet browser shortcut. Right click on the shortcut of infected web-browser and choose the “Properties” option and it’ll show the properties of the shortcut. Next, choose the “Shortcut” tab and have a look at the Target field as shown on the screen below.
Normally, if the last word in the Target field is chrome.exe, iexplore.exe, firefox.exe. Be sure to pay attention to the extension, should be “exe”! All shortcuts that have been changed by hijacker such as Search.chill-tab.com usually point to .bat, .cmd or .url files instead of .exe as displayed below
Another variant, an address has been added at the end of the line. In this case the Target field looks like …Application\chrome.exe” http://site.address as on the image below.
In order to fix a shortcut, you need to insert right path to the Target field or remove an address (if it has been added at the end). You can use the following information to fix your shortcuts which have been changed by hijacker.
Google Chrome | C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe |
C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe | |
FF | C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe |
Internet Explorer | C:\Program Files (x86)\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe |
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe | |
Opera | C:\Program Files (x86)\Opera\launcher.exe |
C:\Program Files\Opera\launcher.exe |
Once is complete, click OK to save changes. Repeat the step for all web-browsers that are redirected to the Search.chill-tab.com unwanted web-page.
Delete Search.chill-tab.com home page from Firefox
If the Firefox web browser application is hijacked, then resetting its settings can help. The Reset feature is available on all modern version of Firefox. A reset can fix many issues by restoring Firefox settings like homepage, newtab page and search provider by default to its default state. It’ll save your personal information such as saved passwords, bookmarks, and open tabs.
First, launch the FF. Next, click the button in the form of three horizontal stripes (). It will show the drop-down menu. Next, click the Help button ().
In the Help menu press the “Troubleshooting Information”. In the upper-right corner of the “Troubleshooting Information” page click on “Refresh Firefox” button as on the image below.
Confirm your action, click the “Refresh Firefox”.
Remove Search.chill-tab.com homepage from Chrome
Run the Reset web-browser tool of the Chrome to reset all its settings like home page, newtab and search provider by default to original defaults. This is a very useful tool to use, in the case of web-browser hijacks like Search.chill-tab.com.
- First, run the Chrome and press the Menu icon (icon in the form of three horizontal stripes).
- It will show the Google Chrome main menu, click the “Settings” menu.
- Next, click “Show advanced settings” link, which located at the bottom of the Settings page.
- On the bottom of the “Advanced settings” page, click the “Reset settings” button.
- The Google Chrome will display the reset settings dialog box as on the image above.
- Confirm the web-browser’s reset by clicking on the “Reset” button.
- To learn more, read the blog post How to reset Google Chrome settings to default.
Get rid of Search.chill-tab.com start page from Microsoft Internet Explorer
The Internet Explorer reset is great if your internet browser is hijacked or you have unwanted extensions or toolbars on your browser, which installed by a malware.
First, launch the IE, then press ‘gear’ icon . It will display the Tools drop-down menu on the right part of the browser, then click the “Internet Options” as displayed in the figure below.
In the “Internet Options” screen, select the “Advanced” tab, then click the “Reset” button. The IE will show the “Reset Internet Explorer settings” prompt. Further, click the “Delete personal settings” check box to select it. Next, press the “Reset” button like below.
Once the task is finished, press “Close” button. Close the Microsoft Internet Explorer and reboot your personal computer for the changes to take effect. This step will help you to restore your web-browser’s home page, newtab page and default search provider to default state.
How to automatically get rid of Search.chill-tab.com browser hijacker
Many antivirus companies have designed applications that allow detect and remove browser hijacker, and thereby revert back all your typical internet browsers settings. Below is a a few of the free programs you may want to use. Your computer can have tons of potentially unwanted software, ‘ad supported’ software and hijacker infections installed at the same time, so we recommend, if any unwanted or malicious program returns after rebooting the machine, then start your PC system into Safe Mode and use the anti-malware tool once again.
How to get rid of Search.chill-tab.com with Zemana
You can get rid of Search.chill-tab.com automatically with a help of Zemana Free. We advise this malicious software removal utility because it can easily get rid of hijackers, potentially unwanted software, adware and toolbars with all their components such as folders, files and registry entries.
Download Zemana Anti Malware from the link below.
164032 downloads
Author: Zemana Ltd
Category: Security tools
Update: July 16, 2019
When downloading is finished, close all windows on your personal computer. Further, open the set up file named Zemana.AntiMalware.Setup. If the “User Account Control” dialog box pops up as displayed below, click the “Yes” button.
It will open the “Setup wizard” that will allow you install Zemana Anti-Malware (ZAM) on the PC system. Follow the prompts and do not make any changes to default settings.
Once installation is complete successfully, Zemana Free will automatically launch and you can see its main window as shown on the image below.
Next, click the “Scan” button to begin scanning your PC for the Search.chill-tab.com browser hijacker and other kinds of potential threats like malware and adware. Depending on your system, the scan can take anywhere from a few minutes to close to an hour.
When it has completed scanning, you will be opened the list of all found threats on your computer. Review the report and then click “Next” button.
The Zemana Free will delete Search.chill-tab.com hijacker and other security threats and move threats to the program’s quarantine. When finished, you can be prompted to reboot your system.
Use Malwarebytes to delete hijacker
Remove Search.chill-tab.com hijacker manually is difficult and often the hijacker infection is not completely removed. Therefore, we advise you to run the Malwarebytes Free that are completely clean your PC system. Moreover, the free application will allow you to remove malicious software, potentially unwanted applications, toolbars and ‘ad supported’ software that your computer may be infected too.
Download Malwarebytes Free from the link below. Save it on your MS Windows desktop or in any other place.
326385 downloads
Author: Malwarebytes
Category: Security tools
Update: April 15, 2020
Once the downloading process is complete, close all windows on your PC system. Further, open the file named mb3-setup. If the “User Account Control” prompt pops up as displayed below, click the “Yes” button.
It will display the “Setup wizard” that will allow you install Malwarebytes on the machine. Follow the prompts and do not make any changes to default settings.
Once installation is done successfully, press Finish button. Then Malwarebytes will automatically start and you can see its main window as displayed on the screen below.
Next, click the “Scan Now” button to perform a system scan for the Search.chill-tab.com browser hijacker and other web browser’s harmful extensions. A system scan can take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes, depending on your PC. When a threat is detected, the number of the security threats will change accordingly.
When the system scan is finished, it’ll open you the results. Review the scan results and then click “Quarantine Selected” button.
The Malwarebytes will remove Search.chill-tab.com hijacker related files, folders and registry keys and add items to the Quarantine. When the task is done, you can be prompted to reboot your computer. We recommend you look at the following video, which completely explains the procedure of using the Malwarebytes to delete browser hijackers, ad-supported software and other malware.
Scan and free your personal computer of browser hijacker with AdwCleaner
AdwCleaner is a free removal utility which can scan your PC system for a wide range of security threats such as adware, hijackers such as Search.chill-tab.com, PUPs as well as other malware. It will perform a deep scan of your PC including hard drives and Windows registry. Once a malicious software is found, it will help you to delete all detected threats from your system by a simple click.
- Download AdwCleaner from the following link. Save it to your Desktop so that you can access the file easily.
AdwCleaner download
225261 downloads
Version: 8.4.1
Author: Xplode, MalwareBytes
Category: Security tools
Update: October 5, 2024
- Once downloading is done, double click the AdwCleaner icon. Once this tool is launched, click “Scan” button . This will begin scanning the whole computer to find out Search.chill-tab.com hijacker and other internet browser’s harmful add-ons. This process may take some time, so please be patient. When a threat is found, the number of the security threats will change accordingly.
- When the scan get finished, a list of all threats found is produced. When you’re ready, click “Clean” button. It will open a prompt, press “OK”.
These few simple steps are shown in detail in the following video guide.
Stop Search.chill-tab.com redirect and other intrusive web sites
It is also critical to protect your web-browsers from malicious web-pages and advertisements by using an ad-blocking program such as AdGuard. Security experts says that it’ll greatly reduce the risk of malware, and potentially save lots of money. Additionally, the AdGuard can also protect your privacy by blocking almost all trackers.
- Download AdGuard program by clicking on the link below. Save it on your MS Windows desktop or in any other place.
Adguard download
26627 downloads
Version: 6.4
Author: © Adguard
Category: Security tools
Update: November 15, 2018
- Once downloading is done, start the downloaded file. You will see the “Setup Wizard” program window. Follow the prompts.
- When the installation is finished, click “Skip” to close the setup program and use the default settings, or click “Get Started” to see an quick tutorial that will help you get to know AdGuard better.
- In most cases, the default settings are enough and you don’t need to change anything. Each time, when you start your machine, AdGuard will start automatically and stop pop-up advertisements, pages such Search.chill-tab.com, as well as other malicious or misleading web pages. For an overview of all the features of the application, or to change its settings you can simply double-click on the icon named AdGuard, which may be found on your desktop.
Don’t know how your web-browser has been hijacked by Search.chill-tab.com browser hijacker?
The hijacker is usually gets on your computer along with free software and install themselves, with or without your knowledge, on your PC. This happens especially when you are installing a freeware. The program installer tricks you into accepting the install of third party programs, which you don’t really want. Moreover, some paid software can also install additional software which you don’t want! Therefore, always download free software and paid applications from reputable download web-sites. Use ONLY custom or manual install mode and never blindly press Next button.
To sum up
Now your computer should be clean of the Search.chill-tab.com search. Delete AdwCleaner. We suggest that you keep Malwarebytes (to periodically scan your PC for new malware, browser hijackers and ‘ad supported’ software) and AdGuard (to help you block intrusive pop up ads and harmful web-pages). Moreover, to prevent hijackers, please stay clear of unknown and third party software, make sure that your antivirus application, turn on the option to scan for PUPs (potentially unwanted programs).
If you need more help with Search.chill-tab.com related issues, go to our Spyware/Malware removal forum.