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Removal instructions for the Astromenda browser hijacker

Also Known As: Astromenda.com virus
Damage level: Medium

What is Astromenda.com?

The Astromenda browser toolbar claims to enhance users' Internet browsing experience by allowing immediate access to various social networking websites (for example, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and improving the quality of Internet search results.

Although this browser plug-in may seem to deliver legitimate and useful functionality, be aware that it is categorized as a browser hijacker or redirect virus. It modifies browser settings to promote (via redirects) the astromenda.com fake search engine. 

Astromenda.com browser hijacker

Astromenda browser hijacker overview

Astromenda employs a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling' to install on Internet browsers (Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome) without users' consent. Bundling allows developers to stealthily distribute their applications together with other software.

Therefore, users commonly infect their computers with the Astromenda browser hijacker when downloading free software from freeware download websites.

Currently, most popular freeware download websites (such as download.com, softonic.com, and soft32.com) use small programs called 'download managers' or 'download clients' to monetize their free services by promoting installation of toolbars, widgets, and other browser extensions together with the chosen free software.

These websites claim that these applications are '100% legitimate and virus-free', careless download and installation of freeware usually leads to adware or malware infections. These infections are likely to cause intrusive online advertisements, privacy issues, or in the case of astromenda.com, unwanted browser redirects.

Although Astromenda poses no direct virus or malware threats, most users are redirected to this website without their consent.

If you notice that your homepage, default search engine, and new tab URL settings are assigned to astromenda.com without your approval, follow this removal guide to uninstall Astromenda browser hijacker from your Internet browsers.

Threat Summary:
Name Astromenda
Threat Type Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab
Browser Extension(s) Astromenda
Promoted URL astromenda.com
Detection Names (astromenda.com) Webroot (Malicious), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
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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Browser hijacker examples

Created by IronSource Ltd, Astromenda is similar to other potentially unwanted programs such as GroovorioTaplika, and MySearchDial. Rather than providing any real value for the user, these browser add-ons generate intrusive online advertisements and modify Internet browser settings without users' permission.

How did Astromenda install on my computer?

Browser hijackers can be bundled with ordinary programs. Bundled installers can be downloaded from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.). The risk of allowing such content into the system is increased by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

Additionally, browser-hijacking software is promoted on legitimate-looking webpages and scam sites. Most users access these websites via redirects caused by pages utilizing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, and installed adware.

Intrusive advertisements also proliferate browser hijackers. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?

We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. When installing, we advise reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplements.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate. For example, while intrusive ads may look harmless – they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with advertisements/redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Astromenda, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.

Deceptive free software installer used in astromenda.com browser hijacker distribution:

astromenda.com browser hijacker installer

Deceptive website used for tricking Internet users into downloading and installing Astromenda.com browser hijacker:

Installer used in Astromenda distribution

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:
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Quick menu:

Astromenda.com 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.

Uninstall Astromenda browser hijacker via control panel

In the uninstall programs window: look for "Astromenda", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted program (that causes browser redirects to the Astromenda.com website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Astromenda.com homepage and default Internet search engine removal from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove browser hijackers:

Internet Explorer logoRemove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Remove Astromenda.com related Internet Explorer add-ons:

Remove Astromenda browser hijacker from Internet Explorer step 1

Click the "gears" icon Internet Explorer options icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for the "Astromenda Toolbar" and "Astromenda Helper Object", select these entries and click "Remove".

Change your homepage:

Remove Astromenda browser hijacker from Internet Explorer step 2

Click the "gear" icon Internet Explorer options icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Internet Options", in the opened window remove hxxp://www.astromenda.com and enter your preferred domain, which will open each time you launch Internet Explorer. You can also enter 'about:blank' to open a blank page when you start Internet Explorer.

Change your default search engine:

Remove Astromenda browser hijacker from Internet Explorer step 3

Click the "gear" icon Internet Explorer options icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". In the opened window, select "Search Providers", set "Google", "Bing", or any other preferred search engine as your default, then remove "Astromenda".

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the astromenda.com virus, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.

Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows XP

Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 7

Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.

Reseting Internet Explorer settings to default in Windows 8 - accessing

In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - Internet options advanced tab

Click the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - click the Reset button in the Internet options advanced tab

Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - confirm settings reset to default by clicking the reset button

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Remove Astromenda.com related Google Chrome extensions:

Remove Astromenda browser hijacker from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome options icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Tools" and click on "Extensions". Locate "Astromenda New Tab" and click the trash can icon.

Change your homepage:

Remove Astromenda browser hijacker from Google Chrome step 2

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome options icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, click "set pages", hover your mouse over hxxp://www.astromenda.com and click the x symbol. Now, you can add your preferred website as your homepage.

Change your default search engine:

Remove Astromenda browser hijacker from Google Chrome step 4

To change your default search engine in Google Chrome: Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome options icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings", in the "Search" section, click "Manage Search Engines...", remove "Astromenda" and add or select your preferred Internet search engine.

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the astromenda.com virus, 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 plugins from Mozilla Firefox:

Remove Astromenda.com related Mozilla Firefox add-ons:

Remove Astromenda browser hijacker from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click on "Extensions" and remove "Astromenda New Tab".

Change your homepage:

Remove Astromenda browser hijacker from Mozilla Firefox step 2

To reset your homepage click on the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), then select "Options", in the opened window remove hxxp://astromenda.com and enter your preferred domain, which will open every time you start Mozilla Firefox.

Change default search engine:

Remove Astromenda browser hijacker from Mozilla Firefox step 3

In the URL address bar, type about:config and press Enter.
Click "I'll be careful, I promise!".
In the search filter at the top, type: "Astromenda.com"
Right-click on the found preferences and select "Reset" to restore default values.

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with astromenda.com virus 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 astromenda.com virus, 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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If you have additional information on astromenda.com virus or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

The motivation behind developing software that causes rogue redirects is profit. In other words, cyber criminals (e.g., developers of browser hijackers and fake search engines, etc.) generate revenue through redirects to sites like astromenda.com.

Is visiting astromenda.com a threat to my privacy?

To a certain extent, yes. Websites like astromenda.com usually gather (and sell) information about their visitors.

How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?

Browser hijackers are primarily distributed via online scams, bundled installers, deceptive promotional webpage, freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, spam browser notifications, and intrusive adverts.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Astromenda browser hijacker?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed browser-hijacking applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be ideal. In cases when multiple browser hijackers are present, after one is removed – the others may simply reinstall it. Furthermore, removal-related settings might be unmodifiable with browser-hijacking software installed. Therefore, it is essential to remove 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.

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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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Astromenda.com virus QR code
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