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Removal instructions for the "Bounce off the Wall" browser hijacker

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

What kind of website is newgensearch.com?

Bounce off the Wall is a rogue browser extension. After investigating this piece of software, we determined that it is a browser hijacker. Bounce off the Wall modifies browser settings to promote (via redirects) the newgensearch.com fake search engine.

newgensearch.com browser hijacker

Bounce off the Wall browser hijacker overview

Browser-hijacking software makes changes to browser settings (e.g., default search engine, homepage, new tab/window, etc.). Due to these alterations, users can be forced to visit the endorsed website when they enter a new search query into the URL bar or open a new browser tab/window.

Bounce off the Wall promotes newgensearch.com. While most fake search engines cannot generate search results and redirect to legitimate Internet search sites (e.g., Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc.), newgensearch.com is an exception.

Once a Web search is performed via this site, it first provides "related top searches", and after one is selected –  newgensearch.com presents results filled with sponsored content. It is noteworthy that illegitimate search engines capable of providing search results often push untrustworthy, deceptive, and potentially malicious content.

Browser hijackers can use persistence-ensuring techniques, such as restricting access to removal-related settings or undoing user-made changes – to prevent browser recovery.

What is more, Bounce off the Wall likely has data-tracking abilities. Browser-hijacking software typically targets visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so on. The gathered data can be monetized via sale to third-parties.

To summarize, software like Bounce off the Wall on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Bounce off the Wall
Threat Type Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab
Browser Extension(s) Bounce off the Wall
Promoted URL newgensearch.com
Detection Names (newgensearch.com) Gridinsoft (Malware), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Serving IP Address (newgensearch.com) 18.154.110.45
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

X-Finder. SearchFindQuest, and Qtr Search are merely a couple of our latest articles on browser hijackers. They tend to appear legitimate and offer hand features. However, these functions are usually fake, as they serve as bait to trick users into downloading/installing.

It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.

How did Bounce off the Wall install on my computer?

Browser hijackers can be bundled with ordinary software. These pre-packed installers can be downloaded from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.). The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by rushing through installations (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

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

This software is proliferated by intrusive adverts as well. When clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?

We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of additional apps, extensions, features, etc.

We advise caution while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – yet redirect users to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).

If you keep encountering such advertisements/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Bounce off the Wall, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.

Appearance of a newgensearch.com redirect (GIF):

Bounce off the Wall browser hijacker redirecting to newgensearch.com (GIF)

Permissions asked by Bounce off the Wall browser hijacker:

Bounce off the Wall browser hijacker asking for permissions

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Quick menu:

Bounce off the Wall 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.

Bounce off the Wall browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove browser redirects:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing newgensearch.com related Google Chrome extensions

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

Change your homepage:

Removing newgensearch.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 "Bounce off the Wall", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.newgensearch.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 newgensearch.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 "newgensearch.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 newgensearch.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 newgensearch.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 "Bounce off the Wall", as well as all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Change your homepage:

Removing newgensearch.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 "Bounce off the Wall", remove hxxp://newgensearch.com and enter your preferred domain, which will open each time you start Mozilla Firefox.

Change your default search engine:

Removing newgensearch.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 newgensearch.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 newgensearch.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.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Redirects to websites like newgensearch.com are generated because cyber criminals (i.e., developers of fake search engines and browser hijackers) profit through them.

Is visiting newgensearch.com a threat to my privacy?

To a certain extent, yes. Sites like newgensearch.com usually collect (and sell) visitor data.

How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?

Browser hijackers are primarily proliferated via bundled installers, online scams, deceptive promotional webpages, freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, spam browser notifications, and intrusive adverts.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Bounce off the Wall browser hijacker?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate all browser-hijacking applications that are present. Manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In cases where multiple browser hijackers have infiltrated the system, after one is removed – the others may simply reinstall it. Additionally, browser-hijacking software might complicate its removal by denying access to removal-related settings. Hence, it is paramount 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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Software uninstall instructions
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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