Member Avatar for MarcelBig

I am not sure where did I pick up this virus, but i do not want it. I have already tryed add or remove programs in my control panel. No luck. It must have something to do with the registry, but I can not able to clean that.The other day someone in yahoo answers suggest a remove dosearches guide. It requires to download an antivirus not heard before,I just want to make sure everything won't go wrong again.
I would like to get rid of it before it does any damage. A little help would be APPRECIATED!!

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by robert02

Dani AI

Generated

DoSearches is a known browser‑hijacker that typically forces its web page as your homepage/search and can persist by installing helpers and appending a URL to browser shortcuts. It’s usually removable without a full reinstall, but it can resist simple uninstalls because it changes browser settings and autostart entries. (bleepingcomputer.com)

A safe, practical workflow (do these in order; export bookmarks/passwords first):

  1. Back up bookmarks/passwords and create a System Restore point before you touch anything. Revertible backups matter.
  2. Boot to Safe Mode (with Networking) so persistent components don’t run.
  3. Uninstall any obviously unwanted programs from Programs & Features.
  4. Run reputable adware tools (AdwCleaner first, then a full Malwarebytes scan) and apply quarantine/clean.

Create the restore point and use recovery if needed; run the cleaners from Safe Mode when possible. (support.microsoft.com)

Browser cleanup (if Chrome/Firefox opens to DoSearches after step 1–4):

  • Remove unknown/unwanted extensions and review installed search engines; then use the browser “reset/restore” option to return settings to defaults.
  • Inspect each browser shortcut (desktop, taskbar, Start) and remove anything appended to the Target field (anything after the .exe path). If issues persist, use Autoruns (Sysinternals) to find auto‑start entries, BHOs, scheduled tasks, or policy entries that reapply the hijack. (howtogeek.com)

Notes and cautions: ’s warning about unfamiliar “antivirus” installers is correct — avoid unknown tools. was also right to look at shortcuts; that’s a common persistence trick. Editing the registry or HOSTS file can help in stubborn cases but only if you know what you’re changing; otherwise collect logs (Autoruns/HijackThis) and share them. Reinstalling Windows (as did) fixes everything but should be last resort after backups.

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Member Avatar for MarcelBig

Better to be a free solution if possible.

Member Avatar for rubberman

Whatever you do, DO NOT download an antivirus from these knuckleheads! It is (to me at least) an obvious attempt to pwn your system and add it to some malware botnet. As to how to remove it, have you tried mainstream A/V software, including legitimate free/open-source ones like ClamAV?

Member Avatar for sebastianedu

You can remove do sereches from your browese by going to setting tab and disable this default searche page .

Member Avatar for robert02

Same thing happened to my pc i tried a lot of things but in the end i had to reinstall the entire windows any else solutions if someone can tell would be most helpful and welcomed.

Member Avatar for Deezisnuts

Do-searches can modify the shortcut to the web browser. Even if you change the homepage it still comes up I assume? Check the path of the shortcut you are using... make sure that it only points to the file location with no modifier.

Member Avatar for robert02

i will try it next time if it appears for now it is solved as i have reinstalled the whole windows.

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