SnappyTab browser hijacker removal instructions

SnappyTab – What is it?

“SnappyTab” search hijacker is a potentially unwanted application (PUA)¹, that is distributed as a plugin for your internet browser. It is usually advertised as an add-on for Chrome or Firefox, that aids to search some precise info, for instance, about sport events, make your web browser far more secure, allow downloading of any kind of video clip, et cetera. Also, this app adds the “Managed by your organization” feature (on Chrome browsers).

Nevertheless, the “SnappyTab” plugin is pretty pointless due to the fact that all such functions are currently embedded to your web browser and/or Windows. Such advertising and marketing mottos are targeted at low-skilled computer users, such as pensioners or schoolchildren. But often even qualified users are getting caught on such an attraction. In specific cases, this hijacker is spread together with free software.

SnappyTab Search Hijacker

How harmful is SnappyTab hijacker?

Besides its uselessness, SnappyTab hijacker is additionally quite hazardous for web browser use. It transforms your search engine to its particular – Snappytab.com, and likewise modifies your background, putting its watermark on your wallpaper (or, in some cases, altering it to default with the specified sign).

Besides seeable alterations done by SnappyTab hijacker, you might observe that some of your search questions are redirecting to the dubious sites, filled with web links and promotions – so-called doorway sites. Such sites can contain web links for malware downloads. The chance of redirecting surges if you try to launch Google search page forcibly.

But all these actions are more annoying than truly damaging. The greatest hazard, especially for individuals who have a considerable amount of confidential information in their internet browsers, is installed in information collecting capabilities. Cookie files, conversations, often-visited web pages, and other activities are easily gathered by SnappyTab hijacker.

How to remove SnappyTab search hijacker?

• Download and install GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
• Open GridinSoft Anti-Malware and perform a “Standard scan“.
• “Move to quarantine” all items.
• Open “Tools” tab – Press “Reset Browser Settings“.
• Select proper browser and options – Click “Reset”.
• Restart your computer.

Browser hijackers are usually rather very easy to delete. Usually, they have an independent application that can be found in the list of installed software. Due to the certain distribution way of SnappyTab hijacker, it can be quickly tracked and erased by hand. However, if you got SnappyTab in the bundle with a free program, your system might be infected with a lot more serious malware – trojans, spyware or perhaps ransomware. That’s why I’d advise you make use of anti-malware tools to deal with the SnappyTab PUA and all various other malware.

You can make use of Microsoft Defender² – it is capable of detecting and clearing away various malware, including mentioned hijacker. Nevertheless, severe malware, that can exist on your PC in the discussed instance, can disable the Windows antivirus program by editing the Group Policies. To avoid such scenarios, it is better to make use of GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

To detect and erase all malicious applications on your computer with GridinSoft Anti-Malware, it’s better to utilize Standard or Full scan. Quick Scan is not able to find all the malicious programs, because it scans only the most popular registry entries and folders.

You can see the detected malicious apps sorted by their possible hazard till the scan process. But to choose any actions against malicious apps, you need to wait until the scan is finished, or to stop the scan.

To set the action for each spotted malicious or unwanted program, click the arrow in front of the name of the detected malware. By default, all the viruses will be removed to quarantine.

Reverting browser settings to original ones

To reset your browser settings, you need to use the Reset Browser Settings option. This action is not able to be intercepted by any malicious program, hence, you will surely see the result. This action can be found in the Tools tab.

After choosing the Reset Browser Settings button, the menu will be shown, where you can choose, which settings will be reverted to the original.

Deleteing SnappyTab hijacker manually

Besides using anti-malware software for browser restoration, you may choose the “Reset browser settings” function, which is usually embedded in all popular browsers.

1. Open “Settings and more” tab in upper right corner, then find here “Settings” button. In the appeared menu, choose “Reset settings” option :
2. After picking the Reset Settings option, you will see the following menu, stating about the settings which will be reverted to original :

1. Open Menu tab (three strips in upper right corner) and click the “Help” button. In the appeared menu choose “troubleshooting information” :
2. In the next screen, find the “Refresh Firefox” option :

After choosing this option, you will see the next message :

1. Open Settings tab, find the “Advanced” button. In the extended tab choose the “Reset and clean up” button :
2. In the appeared list, click on the “Restore settings to their original defaults” :
3. Finally, you will see the window, where you can see all the settings which will be reset to default :
   

1. Open Settings menu by pressing the gear icon in the toolbar (left side of the browser window), then click “Advanced” option, and choose “Browser” button in the drop-down list. Scroll down, to the bottom of the settings menu. Find there “Restore settings to their original defaults” option :
2. After clicking the “Restore settings…” button, you will see the window, where all settings, which will be reset, are shown :

As an afterword, I want to say that time plays against you and your PC. The activity of browser hijacker must be stopped as soon as possible, because of the possibility of other malware injection. This malware can be downloaded autonomously, or offered for you to download in one of the windows with advertisements, which are shown to you by the hijacker. You need to act as fast as you can.

References

1. More information about PUAs
2. Detailed review of Microsoft Defender