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How to remove the Bottle browser hijacker

Also Known As: Bottle redirect
Damage level: Medium

What kind of software is "Bottle"?

While investigating suspicious websites, our researchers discovered an installer (commonly detected as Valyria) that contained the Bottle browser hijacker. Unlike most software within this classification, it does not modify browser settings to promote its fake search engine – oldforeyes.com.

Bottle browser hijacker denying access to Chrome extension list

Bottle browser hijacker overview

Typically, browser hijackers assign promoted websites as browsers' homepages, default search engines, and new tab/window URLs. Bottle does not operate in this manner.

When we launched its installer – the Bottle extension was present while the script was running. Additionally, when we closed/opened the Chrome browser – Bottle disappeared for a time and then reappeared.

Furthermore, the hijacker was only visible in the Chrome extension list if it was open before the installer was executed. Otherwise, Bottle denied access to the extension list.

At the time of research, this browser hijacker redirected to oldforeyes.com and then to the Bing search engine (bing.com) – when an attempt to search the Web was made. However, the oldforeyes.com fake search engine might land elsewhere since that may depend on certain factors, such as user geolocation.

Bottle can be removed by simply ending the script's processWindows PowerShell via Windows Task Manager. Alternatively, the script ends, and the browser hijacker is essentially eliminated – when the operating system is restarted.

However, should Bottle be updated – we strongly recommend running a full system scan to detect any additional threats that may be present. Additionally, it is pertinent to mention that any later iterations of Bottle could modify browser settings.

Should ending the script's process on Task Manager or rebooting the system fail to eradicate this browser hijacker – use the removal steps provided below.

What is more, browser-hijacking software typically has data-tracking abilities. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The collected information can be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

To summarize, generally, the presence of browser-hijacking software on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Bottle
Threat Type Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab
Detection Names (installer) Avast (Script:SNH-gen [Drp]), Combo Cleaner (VB:Trojan.Valyria.8026), ESET-NOD32 (PowerShell/TrojanDownloader.Agent.FVN), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan.VBS.SAgent.gen), VIPRE (VB:Trojan.Valyria.8026), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Browser Extension(s) Bottle
Promoted URL oldforeyes.com
Detection Names (oldforeyes.com) N/A (VirusTotal)
Serving IP Address (oldforeyes.com) 104.21.75.248
Rogue Process Name Windows PowerShell (process name may vary)
Affected Browser Settings Homepage, new tab URL, default search engine
Symptoms Manipulated Internet browser settings (homepage, default Internet search engine, new tab settings). Users are forced to visit the hijacker's website and search the Internet using their search engines.
Distribution methods Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling).
Damage Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites.
Malware Removal (Windows)

To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner.
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To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Browser hijacker examples

We have analyzed thousands of browser hijackers; Movie SearcherCosmos Extension, and Daily Jokes are merely a couple of our newest finds.

Browser-hijacking software usually appears legitimate and harmless. Users are often lured into downloading/installing this software with promises of various "handy" features. However, these functionalities seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

It must be mentioned that even if an extension or an app operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not proof of its legitimacy or safety.

How did Bottle install on my computer?

We downloaded Bottle's installer from a deceptive webpage. In addition to various scam sites, browser hijackers can have "official" promotional pages. Most users access such pages via redirects caused by websites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware.

Intrusive advertisements proliferate browser-hijacking software as well. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

"Bundling" – packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions – is also used to distribute browser hijackers. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., used "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.

How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?

We strongly advise researching software and downloading it from official/verified channels. Furthermore, installation must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.

We also advise being careful when browsing since fake and malicious content typically appears legitimate. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look harmless, they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., adult dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).

In case of encounters with such ads/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Bottle, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.

Deceptive website promoting an installer containing Bottle browser hijacker:

Website used to promote Bottle browser hijacker

Appearance of Bottle browser hijacker preventing access to the Chrome extension list (GIF):

Bottle browser hijacker preventing access to Chrome extension list (GIF)

Appearance of oldforeyes.com redirecting to the Bing search engine (GIF):

Bottle browser hijacker redirecting via oldforeyes.com to Bing (GIF)

Ending Bottle browser hijacker's script through the Windows Task Manager:

Bottle browser hijacker end process on Task Manager

Instant automatic malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

Bottle browser hijacker removal:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.

Windows 10 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.

Windows 7 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.

macOS (OSX) users:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.

Browser-hijacking application uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window: look for any recently installed suspicious applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted applications, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Bottle browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove browser redirects:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing oldforeyes.com related Google Chrome extensions

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate "Bottle" and other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Change your homepage:

Removing oldforeyes.com from Google Chrome homepage

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, disable "Bottle", look for a browser hijacker URL (e.g., hxxp://www.oldforeyes.com) below the "Open a specific or set of pages" option. If present click on the three vertical dots icon and select "Remove".

Change your default search engine:

Removing oldforeyes.com from Google Chrome default search engine

To change your default search engine in Google Chrome: Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings", in the "Search engine" section, click "Manage search engines...", in the opened list look for the URL you're being redirect to (e.g., hxxp://www.oldforeyes.com), when located click the three vertical dots near this URL and select "Delete".

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the bottle redirect, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing oldforeyes.com related Mozilla Firefox extensions

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Change your homepage:

Removing oldforeyes.com from Mozilla Firefox homepage

To reset your homepage, click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), then select "Settings", in the opened window disable the browser-hijacking extension, remove the browser hijacker's URL and enter your preferred domain, which will open each time you start Mozilla Firefox.

Change your default search engine:

Removing oldforeyes.com from Mozilla Firefox default search engine

In the URL address bar, type "about:config" and press Enter. Click "Accept the Risk and Continue".

In the search filter at the top, type: "extensionControlled". Set both results to "false" by either double-clicking each entry or clicking the Mozilla Firefox switch about:config entry button button.

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with bottle redirect removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, firefox menu icon in the opened menu, click Help.

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

Removing browser hijackers from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

Make sure your Safari browser is active and click Safari menu, then select Preferences...

removing browser hijacker from safari step 2 - removing extensions

In the preferences window select the Extensions tab. Look for any recently installed suspicious extensions and uninstall them.

Removing browser hijackers from safari step 3 - changing homepage

In the preferences window select General tab and make sure that your homepage is set to a preferred URL, if its altered by a browser hijacker - change it.

removing browser hijackers from safari step 4 - changing the default Internet search engine

In the preferences window select Search tab and make sure that your preferred Internet search engine is selected.

Optional method:

Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...

resetting safari step 1

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing browser hijackers from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate any recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, and remove them.

Change your homepage and new tab settings:

Removing browser hijackers from Microsoft Edge step 2

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section look for the name of the browser hijacker and click "Disable".

Change your default Internet search engine:

Removing browser hijackers from Microsoft Edge step 3

To change your default search engine in Microsoft Edge: Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Privacy and services", scroll to bottom of the page and select "Address bar". In the "Search engines used in address bar" section look for the name of the unwanted Internet search engine, when located click the "Disable" button near it. Alternatively you can click on "Manage search engines", in the opened menu look for unwanted Internet search engine. Click on the puzzle icon Microsoft Edge (Chromium) puzzle icon near it and select "Disable".

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the bottle redirect, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

  • If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

declining installation of browser hijackers while downloading free software sampleA browser hijacker is a type of adware infection that modifies Internet browser settings by assigning the homepage and default Internet search engine settings to some other (unwanted) website URL. Commonly, this type of adware infiltrates operating systems through free software downloads. If your download is managed by a download client, ensure that you decline offers to install advertised toolbars or applications that seek to change your homepage and default Internet search engine settings.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the purpose of forcing users to visit oldforeyes.com website?

Cyber criminals (e.g., developers of browser hijackers and fake search engines, etc.) generate revenue through redirects to sites like oldforeyes.com.

Is visiting oldforeyes.com a threat to my privacy?

Most likely, yes. Websites like oldforeyes.com usually collect (and sell) information about their visitors.

How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?

We downloaded an installer containing oldforeyes.com from a deceptive software-promoting webpage. In addition to such sites, browser hijackers are commonly spread via untrustworthy download sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), bundled installers, online scams, spam browser notifications, and intrusive adverts.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Bottle browser hijacker?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate all browser-hijacking applications present. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution, particularly in cases involving multiple browser hijackers. Since after one is removed – the others may reinstall it. Furthermore, browser-hijacking software may be capable of denying access to removal-related settings and/or undoing user-made changes. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate browser hijackers thoroughly and all at once.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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Bottle redirect QR code
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