How to Remove Worldsearchpro.com Redirect: Browser Hijacker Removal Guide

Browser hijackers are a common type of potentially unwanted program (PUP) that change your browser settings without proper permission, typically redirecting your searches to alternate search engines. Worldsearchpro.com is one such browser hijacker that claims to enhance your browsing experience but actually compromises your privacy and security. This comprehensive guide explains what the Worldsearchpro.com redirect is, how it operates, and provides detailed instructions to completely remove it from your system.

What is Worldsearchpro.com?

Worldsearchpro.com is a fake search engine that presents itself as a legitimate tool for improving your search results and enhancing your browsing experience. However, it’s actually a browser hijacker that modifies your browser settings without proper consent and monitors your online activities.

When this browser hijacker infects your system, it makes several unwanted changes:

• Changes your browser’s homepage to Worldsearchpro.com
• Sets Worldsearchpro.com as your default search engine
• Modifies new tab page settings to open Worldsearchpro.com
• Alters browser shortcuts to include the Worldsearchpro.com URL
• May install browser extensions or “helper objects” to maintain these changes

The primary goal of Worldsearchpro.com is not to provide improved search functionality as it claims, but rather to generate revenue for its developers through various means, including collecting and selling user data, displaying advertisements, and redirecting users to sponsored websites.

How Worldsearchpro.com Works

Worldsearchpro.com operates through a series of deceptive practices designed to install itself on your system and maintain persistence:

Distribution Method

The primary distribution method for Worldsearchpro.com is software bundling. This deceptive marketing technique involves:

• Freeware bundles: Including the browser hijacker alongside free software downloads
• Deceptive installers: Using misleading installation wizards that hide optional installations in “Custom” or “Advanced” settings
• Third-party downloaders: Using download managers that install additional unwanted programs

Most users inadvertently install Worldsearchpro.com by rushing through installation processes and selecting “Express” or “Recommended” options without carefully reviewing what’s being installed.

Browser Modifications

Once installed, Worldsearchpro.com makes several changes to your browser configuration:

• Changes your homepage to Worldsearchpro.com
• Sets Worldsearchpro.com as your default search engine
• Modifies new tab settings to load Worldsearchpro.com
• Alters browser shortcuts by appending the Worldsearchpro.com URL to the target field

Additionally, it installs “helper objects” (browser extensions or background processes) that continually monitor your browser settings and revert any changes you try to make, making manual removal challenging.

Data Collection and Privacy Concerns

Worldsearchpro.com actively collects various types of user data, including:

• IP addresses
• Search queries
• Websites visited
• Browsing patterns
• Potentially personal information entered in forms

This data is often shared with third parties, which may include advertisers or even cybercriminals, creating significant privacy risks. The collected information can be used for targeted advertising, to build user profiles, or for more nefarious purposes.

Signs of Worldsearchpro.com Infection

You may be infected with the Worldsearchpro.com browser hijacker if you notice any of these symptoms:

• Your browser homepage has been changed to Worldsearchpro.com without your permission
• Your search queries are redirected through Worldsearchpro.com
• New browser tabs open to Worldsearchpro.com
• You experience frequent redirects to unfamiliar or sponsored websites
• Your browser performance has noticeably decreased
• You see an increased number of advertisements, including pop-ups
• Changes to browser settings are automatically reverted

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you likely have the Worldsearchpro.com browser hijacker and should follow the removal instructions in this guide.

Advanced Technical Verification Methods

For technically experienced users who want to verify the presence of the Worldsearchpro.com hijacker and understand its impact, here are advanced investigation methods:

1. Browser Shortcut Analysis

Check browser shortcuts for modifications that force redirection to Worldsearchpro.com:

For Windows:

1. Locate your browser shortcut on the desktop, taskbar, or Start menu
2. Right-click on the shortcut and select “Properties”
3. Examine the “Target” field for additions after the original browser executable path
4. Look for text like “hxxp://www.worldsearchpro.com/” appended to the legitimate browser path

2. Browser Extension Inspection

Check for suspicious browser extensions or add-ons that might be related to Worldsearchpro.com:

For Chrome:

1. Enter chrome://extensions in the address bar
2. Look for any recently installed, unfamiliar extensions
3. Pay special attention to extensions with vague descriptions or missing developer information

For Firefox:

1. Enter about:addons in the address bar
2. Select “Extensions” from the left menu
3. Review all installed extensions for anything suspicious

3. Registry Investigation (Windows)

Examine the Windows registry for entries related to Worldsearchpro.com:

Common Registry Locations to Check:

• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Google\Chrome\Extensions

To check these locations:

1. Press Win+R, type “regedit” and press Enter
2. Navigate to each location listed above
3. Look for entries containing “worldsearchpro” or other suspicious entries

4. Browser Settings Examination

Check your browser’s settings to see if Worldsearchpro.com has been set as the default search engine or homepage:

For Chrome:

1. Enter chrome://settings in the address bar
2. Under “On startup,” check if Worldsearchpro.com is listed
3. Under “Search engine,” verify if Worldsearchpro.com is set as the default

For Firefox:

1. Enter about:preferences in the address bar
2. Check the “Home Page” setting for Worldsearchpro.com
3. Check the “Default Search Engine” setting

5. Process and Task Analysis

Check for suspicious background processes that might be related to the browser hijacker:

1. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager
2. Check both the “Processes” and “Startup” tabs for unfamiliar entries
3. Look for recently installed applications in the “Apps” section of Windows Settings

If these advanced verification methods confirm the presence of Worldsearchpro.com, proceed with the complete removal instructions in the next section.

How to Remove Worldsearchpro.com

Removing the Worldsearchpro.com browser hijacker requires a multi-step approach to ensure all components are eliminated. Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Uninstall Suspicious Applications

First, remove any suspicious applications that might be responsible for the browser hijacker:

For Windows 10/11:

1. Right-click on the Start button and select “Apps and Features”
2. Scroll through the list and look for recently installed unfamiliar applications
3. Click on any suspicious program and select “Uninstall”
4. Follow the uninstallation prompts to complete the removal

For Windows 7/8:

1. Open Control Panel from the Start menu
2. Select “Programs and Features” (or “Uninstall a program”)
3. Look for suspicious programs or anything related to Worldsearchpro.com
4. Right-click on each suspicious program and select “Uninstall”

For macOS:

1. Click Finder, then go to Applications
2. Look for any suspicious applications
3. Drag them to the Trash, then right-click the Trash icon and select “Empty Trash”

Step 2: Remove Browser Extensions

Next, remove any suspicious browser extensions that might be related to Worldsearchpro.com:

Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome and enter chrome://extensions in the address bar
2. Look for any suspicious or unfamiliar extensions
3. Click the “Remove” button for each suspicious extension
4. Confirm removal when prompted

Mozilla Firefox

1. Click the menu button (three lines) and select “Add-ons and themes”
2. Select the “Extensions” tab
3. Review the list for any suspicious extensions
4. Click the three dots next to any suspicious extension and select “Remove”

Microsoft Edge

1. Click the menu button (three dots) and select “Extensions”
2. Look for any suspicious or unfamiliar extensions
3. Click the “Remove” button for each suspicious extension

Safari

1. Click “Safari” in the menu bar and select “Preferences”
2. Go to the “Extensions” tab
3. Select any suspicious extension and click “Uninstall”

Step 3: Fix Browser Shortcuts

Worldsearchpro.com often modifies browser shortcuts to maintain redirects:

For Windows:

1. Locate your browser shortcut on desktop, taskbar, or Start menu
2. Right-click on the shortcut and select “Properties”
3. In the “Target” field, remove any text after the original browser path
4. For example, change: "C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe" hxxp://www.worldsearchpro.com/ to just "C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe"
5. Click “OK” to save the changes
6. Repeat for all browser shortcuts

Step 4: Reset Browser Settings

Reset your browser settings to remove any lingering changes made by Worldsearchpro.com:

Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome and enter chrome://settings in the address bar
2. Scroll down and click on “Advanced” to expand additional options
3. Scroll to the “Reset and clean up” section
4. Click “Restore settings to their original defaults”
5. Confirm by clicking “Reset settings”

Mozilla Firefox

1. Click the menu button and select “Help”
2. Choose “Troubleshooting Information”
3. Click the “Refresh Firefox” button in the top-right corner
4. Confirm by clicking “Refresh Firefox” in the dialog box

Microsoft Edge

1. Click the menu button and select “Settings”
2. Choose “Reset settings” from the left menu
3. Click “Restore settings to their default values”
4. Confirm by clicking “Reset”

Safari

1. Click “Safari” in the menu bar and select “Preferences”
2. Go to the “General” tab to reset your homepage
3. Go to the “Search” tab to reset your search engine
4. For a complete reset, select “History” > “Clear History” and select “all history”

Step 5: Scan with Trojan Killer

To ensure all components of the browser hijacker are removed, perform a full system scan with specialized security software:

1. Download and install Trojan Killer from the official website
2. Launch the program and run a full system scan
3. Review the scan results, which will identify any browser hijackers and related components
4. Allow the software to remove all detected threats
5. Restart your computer when prompted to complete the removal process

How to Prevent Browser Hijackers

To protect yourself from browser hijackers like Worldsearchpro.com in the future, follow these preventive measures:

Safe Downloading Practices

• Download from official sources: Only download software from official websites or reputable app stores
• Avoid third-party downloaders: Use direct downloads rather than download managers when possible
• Be cautious with freeware: Free software often comes bundled with unwanted programs

Careful Installation

• Choose custom/advanced installation: Always select custom or advanced installation options to see what else is being installed
• Read each installation step: Don’t rush through installation wizards; carefully read each screen
• Decline additional offers: Uncheck boxes for additional toolbars, extensions, or programs
• Pay attention to fine print: Read the terms and conditions for mentions of additional software

System Protection

• Keep software updated: Ensure your operating system and browsers have the latest security updates
• Use security software: Install reputable antivirus or anti-malware software with real-time protection
• Enable browser protection features: Most modern browsers have built-in security features that can be enabled
• Consider browser extensions: Security-focused extensions can help block malicious websites and downloads

Regular Maintenance

• Periodically review installed programs: Check your installed programs list regularly and remove anything suspicious
• Check browser extensions: Regularly review and remove unnecessary browser extensions
• Scan your system: Run regular security scans to detect potential threats early

Similar Threats to Be Aware Of

Worldsearchpro.com is just one of many browser hijackers. Be vigilant about these similar threats:

• Search Baron – A similar browser hijacker that redirects searches
• Bing Redirect Virus – Redirects searches through Bing
• Yahoo Search Redirect – Forces redirects through Yahoo
• SearchGaga – Another fake search engine with similar behavior
• Clarity Tab – Browser hijacker that changes new tab settings

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Worldsearchpro.com a virus?

Worldsearchpro.com is not technically a virus but rather a browser hijacker, which falls into the category of potentially unwanted programs (PUPs). Unlike viruses that self-replicate and cause direct damage to files or systems, browser hijackers primarily focus on modifying browser settings without proper user consent. However, this doesn’t mean Worldsearchpro.com is harmless. It significantly compromises your privacy by tracking your browsing activities, collecting personal information, and sharing this data with third parties. Additionally, it degrades your browsing experience through unwanted redirects and may expose you to potentially harmful content through its search results. While not as immediately destructive as ransomware or trojans, the privacy violations and security risks posed by Worldsearchpro.com make it a threat that should be removed from your system.

How did Worldsearchpro.com get installed on my computer?

Worldsearchpro.com typically infiltrates systems through a deceptive marketing technique called “bundling.” This involves hiding the browser hijacker within the installation process of other software, particularly freeware and shareware downloads. When users download and install free software, they often rush through the installation steps, selecting “Express” or “Recommended” installation options. These options typically include pre-checked boxes that authorize the installation of additional programs like Worldsearchpro.com. The key information about these extra installations is usually hidden in the “Custom” or “Advanced” installation screens that many users skip. Additionally, some third-party download sites and download managers deliberately bundle unwanted software with legitimate programs. To avoid such unwanted installations, always choose the custom installation option, carefully read each screen during installation, and download software only from official sources rather than third-party download sites.

Why can’t I just change my browser settings back?

Attempting to simply change your browser settings back after a Worldsearchpro.com infection is often ineffective because the browser hijacker employs several persistence mechanisms. First, Worldsearchpro.com typically installs “helper objects” (additional software components or browser extensions) that continually monitor your browser settings and automatically revert any changes you make. Second, it modifies your browser shortcuts by altering the target field to include the Worldsearchpro.com URL, ensuring that even if you change your settings, you’ll still be redirected when launching the browser via these shortcuts. Third, it may create registry entries that reload its settings during browser startup. These combined tactics make it difficult to permanently remove by just changing settings. A comprehensive removal approach that addresses all these persistence mechanisms—uninstalling related programs, removing extensions, fixing shortcuts, cleaning the registry, and resetting browser settings—is necessary for complete removal.

Will using private browsing protect me from browser hijackers?

Private browsing (also known as incognito mode) offers limited protection against browser hijackers like Worldsearchpro.com. While private browsing prevents your browser from saving your browsing history, cookies, site data, and information entered in forms, it does not prevent browser hijackers that have already been installed on your system from functioning. If Worldsearchpro.com has modified your browser settings or installed extensions, these changes will typically still affect your browsing experience even in private mode. Additionally, private browsing doesn’t prevent tracking at the network level or by extensions that have been allowed to run in private mode. For comprehensive protection against browser hijackers, you need to actively remove them from your system using the steps outlined in this guide and implement preventive measures such as careful software installation practices and the use of reputable security software, rather than relying solely on private browsing features.

Conclusion

The Worldsearchpro.com browser hijacker represents a significant privacy and security concern despite its seemingly innocuous appearance as a search engine. By modifying browser settings without proper consent, tracking user activities, and potentially exposing users to harmful content, this browser hijacker can significantly degrade your online experience and compromise your personal information.

Removing Worldsearchpro.com requires a comprehensive approach that addresses all aspects of the infection, from uninstalling related programs and browser extensions to fixing modified shortcuts and resetting browser settings. The multi-step removal process outlined in this guide should help you completely eliminate this browser hijacker from your system.

Remember that prevention is always better than cure when it comes to browser hijackers and other potentially unwanted programs. By adopting safe downloading practices, carefully reading installation screens, and maintaining good security habits, you can significantly reduce the risk of future infections.

For ongoing protection against browser hijackers and other security threats, consider using comprehensive security software like Trojan Killer, which can detect and remove these threats before they impact your browsing experience.