Member Avatar for tutonk

My browser home pages keep resetting to a page enaricles.com. This happens on both Google Chrome and IE. I reset them manually, but then when I reboot my PC, they reset again. I'm guessing it is some spyware or adware, but I am too much of a software novice to know how to find the offending files. This is an almost 4 year old work laptop that is in desperate need of a tune up since it does not appear that it will be getting replaced any time soon. Any help is greatly appreciate in diagnosing and getting rid of this problem.

Thank you

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by dee101g

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This looks like a classic browser‑hijacker/adware case: a persistent component is restoring your homepage (enaricles.com) on every boot by changing browser settings, installing an extension/toolbar, modifying shortcuts or startup tasks, or altering the hosts/DNS. As advised, an on‑demand scan is the right first move, and ’s suggestion to run repair utilities/registry checks is sensible as a follow‑up. (us.norton.com)

Immediate, practical plan (do these in order): disconnect the PC from the network; back up personal documents (do not copy executable files); boot into Safe Mode (or use a clean rescue USB) so fewer malicious components are active; run a full, up‑to‑date scan with a reputable anti‑malware scanner and allow it to quarantine/remove anything found; reboot and rescan. If scanners miss it, an offline rescue scan or specialized removal steps are often necessary. (bleepingcomputer.com)

Manual checks that commonly catch the culprit: inspect every browser shortcut (right‑click → Properties → Target) and remove any URL that’s appended after the browser executable; remove unknown or recently added extensions/add‑ons; uninstall unfamiliar programs from Control Panel / Apps & features; review Task Scheduler and Startup items (Task Manager) for entries that relaunch the hijacker; reset each browser to defaults (Chrome/IE reset/clean up); and check/reset the Hosts file if it contains redirects to that domain. After cleanup, change passwords for accounts you used while infected. (lifewire.com)

If the problem persists across user accounts or comes back after these steps, create a fresh local user to test and, failing that, plan a full OS reinstall (backup first). Because this is a work laptop, consider coordinating with IT before wiping. If help is needed, post the exact homepage URL, installed program names and a malware scan log so responders can point to targeted removal steps. (support.avast.com)

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Member Avatar for nullptr

Scan your system with MBAM, select Free version download.
Then try running ESET's online scanner.

Their may be some manual cleanup needed once the infection is removed.
Post back if you need further assistance and provide the scan logs.

Member Avatar for dee101g

Nullptr is right, MBAM is a good program.

One other app to know about from Tweaking.com ... Tweaking_Repair_AIO which can be downloaded from a number of locations including here.

This wizard-based cleanup and repair utility includes running MBAM (Malwarebytes). It also has registry backup, scannow, and some other basic pieces that may help you with other issues. The scripts for resetting to defaults are quite good.

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