RetroReviveSearch.com Redirect

RetroReviveSearch.com is a deceptive search engine promoted through the Retro Revive browser hijacker. This potentially unwanted program (PUP) alters browser settings without user consent, redirecting searches and new tabs to its own domain. While it may appear as a harmless tool offering a “retro” aesthetic, its primary goal is to generate revenue through forced redirects and data collection.

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Threat Overview

RetroReviveSearch.com operates as a browser hijacker, modifying browser settings to redirect users to its own search engine. It is often bundled with freeware or deceptive pop-up ads, leading to unintentional installations. Once installed, it can be challenging to remove due to persistence mechanisms that prevent users from reverting changes.

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Threat Summary Table

Attribute	Details
Threat Type	Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab
Associated Domain	retrorevivesearch.com
Detection Names	Not publicly specified
Symptoms of Infection	Altered homepage, new tab URL, and default search engine; forced redirects
Damage	Privacy issues, unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites
Distribution Methods	Deceptive pop-up ads, bundled with free software installers
Danger Level	Moderate
Removal Tool	SpyHunter – Download Here

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In-Depth Analysis

How Did I Get Infected?

Infections typically occur when users download free software bundled with the Retro Revive extension or click on deceptive pop-up ads. These installations often happen without explicit user consent, leading to unexpected browser behavior.

What Does It Do?

Once installed, RetroReviveSearch.com modifies browser settings, setting itself as the default search engine, homepage, and new tab URL. It may also collect browsing data, including search queries and visited websites, potentially compromising user privacy.

Should You Be Worried?

Yes. While not as destructive as some malware, browser hijackers like RetroReviveSearch.com pose significant privacy risks and can lead to further infections if not addressed promptly.

Manual Removal Guide for Browser Hijackers

Step 1: Uninstall Suspicious Programs (Windows & Mac)

Before resetting your browser, remove any software that may have installed the hijacker.

Windows (10, 11, 8, 7)

1. Press Win + R, type appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter.
2. Find Unwanted Applications
   • Look for recently installed programs that seem suspicious (e.g., “EasySearch,” “QuickFind,” “Search Manager”).
3. Uninstall
   • Click on the suspicious program > Select Uninstall > Follow on-screen instructions.

Mac (macOS Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, Catalina, Mojave, etc.)

1. Open Finder and go to Applications.
2. Look for unknown or unwanted programs.
3. Drag any suspicious apps to the Trash and empty the Trash.

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Step 2: Remove Browser Hijacker from Web Browsers

Google Chrome

1. Reset Chrome to Default Settings
   • Open Chrome > Click ⋮ Menu (top-right corner) > Settings.
   • Scroll down and select Reset settings > Click Restore settings to original defaults > Confirm.
2. Remove Suspicious Extensions
   • Open chrome://extensions/ and remove unknown extensions.
3. Change Default Search Engine & Homepage
   • Go to Settings > Search engine > Select Google or another trusted search engine.
   • Under On Startup, remove any unwanted URLs.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Reset Firefox
   • Click the Menu (☰) > Select Help > Click More Troubleshooting Information > Refresh Firefox.
2. Remove Unknown Extensions
   • Open Add-ons Manager (Ctrl + Shift + A) > Remove any suspicious extensions.
3. Change Search Engine & Homepage
   • Open Settings > Search > Choose Google or another safe search engine.

Microsoft Edge

1. Reset Edge
   • Click ⋮ Menu > Settings > Reset settings > Restore to default values.
2. Remove Unwanted Extensions
   • Open edge://extensions/ and remove any unfamiliar extensions.

Safari (Mac Only)

1. Reset Safari & Clear Data
   • Open Safari > Click Safari (top-left menu) > Select Clear History.
   • Go to Preferences > Privacy > Click Manage Website Data > Remove All.
2. Delete Suspicious Extensions
   • Open Safari > Preferences > Extensions > Remove anything unfamiliar.
3. Change Homepage & Search Engine
   • Open Preferences > General > Change your homepage to a trusted site.
   • In Search, set your search engine to Google or a preferred option.

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Step 3: Check for Unauthorized System Changes

Windows – Check the Hosts File

1. Open Notepad as Administrator (Win + S, type Notepad, right-click, Run as Administrator).
2. Click File > Open and navigate to:makefileCopyEditC:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
3. If you see unknown IPs or URLs at the bottom, remove them.
4. Save changes and restart your computer.

Mac – Check the Hosts File

1. Open Terminal (Command + Space, type Terminal).
2. Type:bashCopyEditsudo nano /etc/hosts
3. Look for suspicious entries and delete them.
4. Press Ctrl + X, then Y, then Enter to save.

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Automatic Removal Using SpyHunter (Windows & Mac)

For those who prefer a quick, hassle-free removal process, using SpyHunter is highly recommended.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Click here to download SpyHunter: Download SpyHunter

Step 2: Install & Run SpyHunter

1. Follow the instructions on the SpyHunter Download Page to install the software.
2. Open SpyHunter and run a full system scan.

Step 3: Remove Browser Hijackers

1. SpyHunter will detect all malware and potentially unwanted programs.
2. Click Fix Threats to remove the detected hijacker.
3. Restart your device to complete the cleanup process.

Step 4: Reset Browser Settings (If Necessary)

Even after SpyHunter removes the hijacker, you may need to reset your browser settings manually (refer to browser-specific instructions above).

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Preventing Future Browser Hijacker Infections

• Be cautious when installing free software – opt for Custom Installation to avoid bundled malware.
• Avoid clicking on suspicious ads or pop-ups – they often distribute browser hijackers.
• Keep your operating system and software updated – outdated programs are more vulnerable to infections.
• Use a trusted anti-malware tool like SpyHunter to provide real-time protection against threats.

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Conclusion

RetroReviveSearch.com is a browser hijacker that compromises user experience and privacy by altering browser settings and redirecting searches. To protect your system, it's crucial to remove this threat promptly. Using a reputable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter can assist in detecting and eliminating such threats effectively.