FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

How to remove Architecture Tab browser hijacker

Also Known As: srchingoz.com redirect
Damage level: Medium

What kind of application is Architecture Tab?

Upon analysis of the Architecture Tab browser extension, our team has determined that it operates as a browser hijacker by altering browser settings to promote a fake search engine called srchingoz.com. It is important to note that users typically add browser hijackers such as Architecture Tab to their browsers unintentionally.

srchingoz.com browser hijacker

Architecture Tab browser hijacker overview

Architecture Tab alters browser settings, such as the homepage, new tab page, and default search engine, to force users to visit and use srchingoz.com. This fake search engine presents search results from Bing. It is worth noting that although Bing is a legitimate search engine, it does not make srchingoz.com trustworthy.

Using unreliable and fake search engines may put users' security and privacy at risk as they may display fraudulent or malicious content and collect users' search queries, browsing history, and possibly other information, which can be misused in various ways.

Moreover, browser hijackers such as Architecture Tab can prevent users from modifying the affected browser settings, making it difficult or impossible for users to revert to previous settings unless they remove these applications. Our removal guide is provided below the article.

Threat Summary:
Name Architecture Tab
Threat Type Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab
Browser Extension(s) Architecture Tab
Supposed Functionality Access to unique and interesting feats of architecture from across the world.
Promoted URL srchingoz.com
Detection Names (srchingoz.com) N/A (VirusTotal)
Serving IP Address (srchingoz.com) 108.159.227.23
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), fake Flash Player installers.
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.
▼ Download Combo Cleaner
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 hijackers in general

The primary goal of browser hijackers is to generate revenue for their creators by promoting fake search engines or displaying ads. These fake search engines may appear legitimate, but they often display ads and search results that are irrelevant or even malicious. The ads displayed by browser hijackers may also lead to other unwanted software or malicious websites.

Examples of browser-hijacking apps are Abstract Art Tab, Search New Tab, and Active Land.

How did Architecture Tab install on my computer?

Browser hijackers are typically spread through software bundles, where the hijacker is bundled together with other free software. When the user installs the free software, the hijacker is also installed without their knowledge or consent.

Browser hijackers can also be distributed through malicious ads, notifications from unreliable pages, deceptive sites, or as part of spam email campaigns.

How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?

Be cautious when downloading and installing software from the Internet. Only download programs from trusted sources (e.g., official pages and legitimate stores). Always read the terms and conditions before installing. Do not trust apps with few or no reviews.

Pay attention to the installation process. Many browser hijackers are bundled with free software, and you may inadvertently install them if you do not carefully read and decline additional offers (using the provided settings/options) during the installation. Also, do not trust ads on questionable websites or agree to receive notifications from such pages.

If your computer is already infected with Architecture Tab, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.

Srchingoz.com redirects to bing.com (GIF):

Architecture Tab browser hijacker srchingoz.com shows bing.com results

Permissions asked by Architecture Tab browser hijacker:

Architecture Tab browser hijacker asking for permissions

Website promoting Architecture Tab browser hijacker:

Website used to promote Architecture Tab browser hijacker

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:

Architecture Tab 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.

srchingoz.com browser hijacker 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 (which cause browser redirects to the srchingoz.com website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Architecture Tab browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove browser redirects:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing srchingoz.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 "Architecture Tab" and other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Change your homepage:

Removing srchingoz.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 "Architecture Tab", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.srchingoz.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 srchingoz.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 "srchingoz.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 srchingoz.com 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 srchingoz.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 "Architecture Tab", as well as all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Change your homepage:

Removing srchingoz.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 "Architecture Tab", remove hxxp://srchingoz.com and enter your preferred domain, which will open each time you start Mozilla Firefox.

Change your default search engine:

Removing srchingoz.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 srchingoz.com 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 srchingoz.com 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.

Post a comment:
If you have additional information on srchingoz.com redirect or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

The objective behind forcing users to utilize a fake search engine is commonly to create revenue for the developers of the browser hijacker or the fake search engine.

Is visiting srchingoz.com a threat to my privacy?

If you visit/use srchingoz.com, your privacy may be compromised. Fake search engines have the ability to gather search queries, browsing history, and personal information, which can be utilized to monitor your online activities, show personalized advertisements, or even distribute your data to third parties.

How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?

Browser hijackers are commonly spread using social engineering tactics, such as intrusive ads and browser notifications. They may also be distributed as bundled software in software downloaders and installers.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Architecture Tab browser hijacker?

Combo Cleaner is an effective tool for removing browser hijackers. Manual removal may not be successful when dealing with multiple hijackers, as they can reinstall each other and block removal settings. Therefore, removing all hijackers at once may be necessary to guarantee complete elimination.

▼ Show Discussion

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.

Our malware removal guides are free. However, if you want to support us you can send us a donation.

About PCrisk

PCrisk is a cyber security portal, informing Internet users about the latest digital threats. Our content is provided by security experts and professional malware researchers. Read more about us.

Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

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

QR Code
srchingoz.com redirect QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of srchingoz.com redirect on your mobile device.
We Recommend:

Get rid of Windows malware infections today:

▼ REMOVE IT NOW
Download Combo Cleaner

Platform: Windows

Editors' Rating for Combo Cleaner:
Editors ratingOutstanding!

[Back to Top]

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.