To fix an Internet Explorer (IE) browser hijacked by a “StartPage” virus, you do not use a standalone tool built by StartPage; instead, you must manually reset IE settings and run an automated anti-malware scanner like Malwarebytes. The term “StartPage Spyware” typically refers to a browser hijacker (such as Trojan.StartPage or Adware.StartPage) that forcibly changes your IE homepage, tracking cookies, and default search settings.
Follow this clean, sequential process to completely remove the hijacker from Internet Explorer: 1. Remove Malicious IE Add-ons Open Internet Explorer. Click the Gear icon (top right) or press Alt + X. Select Manage Add-ons from the dropdown menu. Click Toolbars and Extensions on the left panel. Select any suspicious or recently installed extensions. Click the Disable or Remove button. 2. Purge the Hijacked Search Provider
While still in the Manage Add-ons menu, click Search Providers on the left.
Select a trusted search engine like Google or Bing and click Set as default.
Click on the rogue “StartPage” or suspicious search engine entry. Click Remove. 3. Reset Your Homepage URL Click the Gear icon again and select Internet Options. Navigate to the General tab. Locate the Home page section.
Delete the malicious URL (e.g., startpage.pro or web-startpage.com).
Type your preferred website or type about:blank for a clean slate. Click Apply and then OK. 4. Perform a Full Factory Reset on IE
If the hijacker persists, a complete reset of the browser configuration is required: Open Internet Options via the Gear icon. Switch to the Advanced tab. Click the Reset… button at the bottom.
Check the box for Delete personal settings to clear rogue tracking objects. Click Reset and restart your computer. 5. Clear Deep System Traces Automatically
Browser hijackers often leave hidden executable files or registry entries that will reinfect IE upon reboot. Use dedicated software to finalize cleanup:
Download an official anti-malware tool like Malwarebytes Free Spyware Scanner. Install the application and run a Threat Scan.
Once completed, click Quarantine to isolate and delete the found threats.
Reboot your system to clear out any remaining registry loops.
Are you experiencing any specific symptoms like endless pop-up windows or automatic redirects to other sites even after trying these steps? Let me know your Windows operating system version so I can provide customized registry cleanup steps if needed. How to Remove Startpage Search Engine : r/techsupport
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