Combo Search Removal Guide

There is a new browser extension "in town" that might pose a threat to your virtual safety, and its name is Combo Search. We do not claim that this is a major threat to your operating system or your files; definitely, you cannot mention this application on the same page with a ransomware program. Still, it is possible that this extension indirectly takes you to pages where you could be presented with potentially unsafe third-party web content. Due to such potential threats we have classified this tool as a potentially unwanted program or PUP. However, if you do not recall installing this extension, it is quite likely that this PUP has sneaked onto your system in a freeware bundle that may have carried a bunch of malware infections. If you leave such threats on your computer, you may soon experience all kinds of issues, including loss of CPU power, damaged files, losing money from your accounts, and so on. We believe that your PC needs to be completely void of potentially harmful programs so that you can feel secure in your virtual world. Let us tell you in more details why we advise you to remove Combo Search from your browser.

You can find the promotion page of this browser extension at install.combo-search.com. This is a very basic webpage with hardly any information. The main "feature" is obviously the "Add to Chrome" button. If you click on this button, you can directly install this tool. Yet another official source is the Chrome web store (chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/combo-search/cfnpfjaodlkgbpijbkkjlahbehlddlml). It is possible that you have installed this application from one of these sources. But let us tell you a "trick." Can you see that mumbo-jumbo code, "cfnpfjaodlkgbpijbkkjlahbehlddlml," at the end of the web store URL? Now, this is the unique Chrome ID of this tool. If you are in doubt before installing any Chrome extension really, you can run this code in Google or any other reputable search engines and see what you find. In this case, it is most likely that you will see links to malware hunter pages that want to tell you how and why you should remove Combo Search. This could be a good nudge for you to wake up and realize that this PUP may not be as reliable as you may have thought.

But, unfortunately, this may not be the only way for this application to appear in your Google Chrome browser. We have found that this PUP might also travel in freeware bundles. However, such software packages may include several different malware infections, such as browser hijackers, adware apps, fake alerts as well as potentially unwanted applications. Most users are quite careless when they install bundles and do not pay attention to the possibly unwanted additional components as they are rushing to install their target application. A lot of times the real content of a malicious bundle is not even revealed unless you choose the custom installation option at the beginning of the process. Sometimes only the license agreement contains such information, which is mostly ignored by computer users. We suggest that you always download applications and updates from official sources because this way there is less chance of infecting your computer with PUPs and malware programs. But, if you do not remember installing this browser extension, we advise you to scan your system with a reputable online malware scanner to detect all infections that may be endangering the normal operations of your system. If you listen to us, you will also delete Combo Search from your Google Chrome browser to be on the safe side.

This browser extension installs a button in your Chrome browser that pops up a window with the choice of three search engines (Google, Yahoo, and Bing) and you can set whichever as your new default. If you enter a query in your address bar and hit Enter, you would see search results displayed by the chosen search engine. While this could sound like a good idea and a useful tool, we need to tell you about some potential issues. This PUP forwards your search to feed.combo-search.com first, and only then to the preferred search engine. This could give an opportunity for this PUP to alter the search results and inject affiliates' advertisements and links. This could be a dangerous thing if you consider that third parties may not always be reliable and reputable. Even cyber criminals could pose as third parties and promote malicious websites through inserted ads and links. We have also found that this browser extension might set splintersearch.com as your new tab page. This is a potentially harmful search engine page that, again, could introduce you to questionable third-party contents through its search results. Hopefully, by now you see why we are skeptical about this PUP and ask you to delete it if you agree with our points.

Fortunately, this PUP does not cause you too much headache as it can be easily removed through your browser settings. Please follow our guide below if you have never removed browser extensions before. Keep in mind that there could be more serious threats on your computer as well. Leaving the slightest potential risk on board could create further system security issues without end. Therefore, we suggest that you find a reliable anti-malware application and install it as soon as possible so that your computer can be protected against all known malware infections. But you should also not forget about updating all your drivers and programs regularly because this can help preventing cyber criminals from gaining easy access to your computer via outdated bugs.

Remove Combo Search from your browser

Google Chrome

1. Tap Alt+F to bring up the menu.
2. Navigate to More Tools and then, choose Extensions.
3. Find Combo Search in the list and click on the trash can icon on the right.
4. In the confirmation window, click Remove.