How did Amazon Smart Search take over my computer and how can I prevent it?
Amazon Smart Search not only took over Firefox, but Google Chrome and IE. I tried uninstalling anything from Amazon other than the Kindle reader which was installed many weeks ago. This did not happen immediately after I installed Firefox. I was looking at some PC cleaners, and driver updaters, but do read carefully and have no idea how Smart Search took over. I am really pissed at Amazon and will let them know. In the meantime, I have to get it off my other two search engines. I did the somewhat "dangerous" method to get it off Firefox. This may not be the forum for how do I get it off my computer, but if anyone has any ideas of how not to get into this situation again, I would appreciate feedback.
Chosen solution
For anyone seeing this question, the answer was found by googling the question.
Amazon Smart Search has been characterized by some as a virus, and I agree with that characterization. Anything that takes over any part of my computer without my permission and on top of that takes several hours to get rid of is a virus. On the lessor side it it is called a PUP, can't remember what the first P stands for, but basically it is an unwanted program (the UP).
Amazon Smart Search is bundled with other free programs. The better ones will ask you if you want it. I read very carefully and research on the Internet any programs that look interesting that I am not familiar with, including reviews. I don't think I accepted this, considering the articles about it, but can't be sure. It is noted that this is not always asked and it just downloads with the program you are after.
In any way, there is no excuses for no having an uninstaller that removes the whole )(*)(&(&_ program and all its pieces.
I tried following some of the manual suggestion in the article I found. It was taking off personal settings and just difficult to follow. After three hours, in total frustration, I reviewed Malware on the Internet. Found no bad reviews, and downloaded their free version. It not only removed what was left of Amazon Smart Search, but another PUP that I was working to get rid of. Then on top of that, all of my personal preferences in windows was restored. I had my computer back again. The relief was immense.
I did the full scan which took over an hour. I'm sure there are other similar programs that could be used and am just giving my experience, not trying to sell Malware.
The answer to preventing it is not downloading any freeware. Not an acceptable solution to me. Reading carefully all the fine print is always a necessity.
I saw from the articles that Amazon has been doing this since some time in 2013. I am still furious that they designed something that stole 3-4 hours of my life. They should not be allowed to get away with it. It is far past time for some social action.
Read this answer in context 👍 2All Replies (7)
In order to change the default search engine or the order of search engines in the top right search box in Firefox, please perform the following steps:
- Move the mouse cursor inside the search box at the top right of the Firefox window and click the down arrow next to the provider's logo.
- If you would like to select another search engine, simply pick the engine from the dropdown list.
In order to change the order of the search engines, do this:
- From the dropdown list, select Manage Search Engines....
- In the upcoming window, you have all your search engines listed. To change the order, simply click one search engine and then select Move up or Move down from the buttons on the right side in order to change the order of the search engines.
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@MtnSinger
I used to use it on my old computer. You should be able to uninstall it through the control panel.
1) Start > Settings > Control Panel. 2) Uninstall Program or Add/Remove or Program/Features 3) It's probably listed as Amazon App or Amazon Toolbar. Just select it and click uninstall.
That removed everything for me. You can also do it manually by browser, but it's more steps. I think there's directions online…i can find them if this doesn't work for you.
The keyword.URL pref is no longer used in current current Firefox releases, so you can reset this pref via the right-click context menu.
You can use the SearchReset extension to reset some preferences to the default values.
Note that the SearchReset extension only runs once and then uninstalls automatically, so it won't show on the "Firefox > Add-ons" page (about:addons).
If you do not keep changes after a restart or otherwise have problems with preferences, see:
it did not remove everything.
Fixing it was not the question. How to prevent it was.
Chosen Solution
For anyone seeing this question, the answer was found by googling the question.
Amazon Smart Search has been characterized by some as a virus, and I agree with that characterization. Anything that takes over any part of my computer without my permission and on top of that takes several hours to get rid of is a virus. On the lessor side it it is called a PUP, can't remember what the first P stands for, but basically it is an unwanted program (the UP).
Amazon Smart Search is bundled with other free programs. The better ones will ask you if you want it. I read very carefully and research on the Internet any programs that look interesting that I am not familiar with, including reviews. I don't think I accepted this, considering the articles about it, but can't be sure. It is noted that this is not always asked and it just downloads with the program you are after.
In any way, there is no excuses for no having an uninstaller that removes the whole )(*)(&(&_ program and all its pieces.
I tried following some of the manual suggestion in the article I found. It was taking off personal settings and just difficult to follow. After three hours, in total frustration, I reviewed Malware on the Internet. Found no bad reviews, and downloaded their free version. It not only removed what was left of Amazon Smart Search, but another PUP that I was working to get rid of. Then on top of that, all of my personal preferences in windows was restored. I had my computer back again. The relief was immense.
I did the full scan which took over an hour. I'm sure there are other similar programs that could be used and am just giving my experience, not trying to sell Malware.
The answer to preventing it is not downloading any freeware. Not an acceptable solution to me. Reading carefully all the fine print is always a necessity.
I saw from the articles that Amazon has been doing this since some time in 2013. I am still furious that they designed something that stole 3-4 hours of my life. They should not be allowed to get away with it. It is far past time for some social action.
What's the point of scolding someone for a mistake? The bottom line is HOW CAN THE PROBLEM BE FIXED? Oh, and Malware free does not do the whole job.