What is HomeTab?
HomeTab virus is a term used to describe a browser hijacker, which modifies computer users' Internet browser settings by assigning the homepage, new tab, and default search engine settings to search.hometab.com (or search.newhometab.com). This browser hijacker is distributed using free software downloads, and at time of research, the HomeTab browser add-on was 'bundled' with VLC, PDF Creator, Zapp!, and 1Zip downloads. Note that developers of these free programs have no connection with HomeTab. The browser plugin is distributed via customized 'download clients', which offer installation of the HomeTab add-on together with the bundled programs. The best way to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications is to download free software directly from the developers' websites.Internet users who use free software download websites are at risk of installing adware, since, today, most freeware download sites use 'download clients' (such as vitalia download manager, Somoto BetterInstaller, etc.) to promote dubious free browser plugins. Commonly, these promoted browser extensions lead to unwanted ads or browser redirect issues. Technically, HomeTab is not a virus or malware, however, it is categorized as adware or a potentially unwanted program (PUP). After successful installation, it causes browser redirects, unwanted ads, and may lead to serious privacy issues. For these reasons, you are advised to eliminate it from your Internet browser/s (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox).
The HomeTab browser add-on is similar to other adware distributed using a deceptive software marketing method called 'bundling', including for example, Fast Address Bar, Smart Address Bar, Smart Suggestor amongst many others. These programs modify users' Internet browser settings and cause unwanted ads, and furthermore, install without the user's consent. To avoid installation of such adware, Internet users should express caution when downloading free software, particularly when using free software download websites. If your download is managed by a download client, opt-out out of installation of any promoted browser add-ons by clicking the 'decline' button. If your browser homepage has been changed to search.hometab.com or search.newhometab.com, use the removal instructions provided to eliminate the HomeTab adware from your computer.
Deceptive free software installers used in HomeTab adware distribution:
HomeTab adware installer:
Quick menu:
- What is HomeTab?
- STEP 1. Uninstall HomeTab application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove search.hometab.com redirect from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove search.hometab.com browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove search.hometab.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
HomeTab browser hijacker removal:
Windows 7 users:
Click "Start" ("Windows Logo" in the
bottom left corner of your desktop), choose "Control Panel". Locate
"Programs and Features."
Windows XP users:
Click "Start", choose "Settings" and click "Control Panel". Locate and click "Add or Remove Programs".
WIndows 8 users:
Right-click in the screen’s bottom-left corner, select Control Panel. In the opened window choose "Uninstall a Program".
In the uninstall programs window: look for "HomeTab", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling potentially unwanted programs (which cause browser redirects to the search.hometab.com website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software. Remove all entries that this program detects to ensure your PC is clean from any possible spyware and malware infections.
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