How to uninstall InboxAce browser hijacker?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is hp.myway.com?
InboxAce is a rogue application developed by the Mindspark Interactive Network. This app supposedly allows access to email accounts (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.) Therefore, it may seem that InboxAce is a legitimate and useful tool. However, this application often infiltrates systems without users' permission.
Furthermore, it stealthily modifies Internet browser settings and continually monitors Internet browsing activity. Due to this, InboxAce is categorized as a browser hijacker and a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA).
Browser hijackers primarily target Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer and other popular browsers. These rogue application operate by assigning the addresses of fake search engines as browsers' new tab/window, default search engine and homepage URLs. InboxAce makes these alterations to browsers as well - in order to promote hp.myway.com.
Hence, users are redirected to hp.myway.com - when they open a new browser tab/window or attempt to search via the URL bar. These redirects seriously diminish the browsing experience. Initially, these changes may appear insignificant, however it is impossible to revert them. Since browser hijackers reassign any changes users attempt to make to their browsers.
Therefore, recovering an affected browser is impossible - without removal of the software affecting it. The search engines browser hijackers promote are fake and as such - are rarely capable of generating search results; so, they tend to redirect to Google, Yahoo, Bing and other legitimate ones.
In addition, InboxAce tracks Internet browsing activity by collecting the URLs of visited websites, viewed pages, typed search queries, Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, and other sensitive information.
The collected data might contain personally identifiable information that InboxAce's developers (Mindspark Interactive Network) share with cooperating third party companies, which misuse private details to generate revenue.
Presence of information-tracking apps on systems can result in severe privacy issues and even identity theft. It is strongly advised to eliminate InboxAce and similar software from devices immediately.
Name | InboxAce browser hijacker |
Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
Detection Names | Avast (Win32:UnwantedSig [PUP]), DrWeb (Adware.MyWebSearch.145), ESET-NOD32 (Win32/Toolbar.MyWebSearch.BA Potentiall), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:WebToolbar.Win32.Agent.gen), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
Browser Extension(s) | InboxAce |
Supposed Functionality | Easy access to email accounts |
Affected Browser Settings | Homepage, new tab URL, default search engine |
Promoted Domain | hp.myway.com |
Serving IP Address (hp.myway.com) | 23.38.136.27 |
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. |
InboxAce is practically identical to ProductManualsPro, WatchMyTVShows, OnlinePrivacyManager and dozens of other applications developed by Mindspark. These apps offer different functionalities, yet their behavior is the same. However, despite how good the promised features may sound - they are usually nonoperational. In fact, this is true of all PUAs.
The only aim of unwanted applications is to generate as much revenue as possible; hence, functionality and user safety are irrelevant. PUAs are designed to cause undesirable redirects, modify browsers, run intrusive advertisement campaigns and collect personal information.
How did InboxAce install on my computer?
The main distribution techniques of software like InboxAce is via "official" download websites and through a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" (stealth installation of third party applications with regular software). Bundled programs are typically hidden within the "Custom/Advanced" settings of download/installation setups.
Users often rush these procedures and skip steps, thereby exposing their systems to potential infections and unintentionally compromising their own privacy. Another way that PUAs proliferate is via intrusive advertisements. Upon being clicked, they can execute scripts to download/install such apps without user permission.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is highly recommended to research software before download/installation. All downloads must be done from official and verified sources. Unofficial and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks and other third party downloaders - are deemed to be untrustworthy, as they commonly offer deceptive and/or bundled content.
Download and installation processes must be treated with care. Hence, it is important not to rush when downloading and installing software. Furthermore, it is crucial to use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out from all additionally-included applications and decline offers to download/install them.
It is advised to exercise caution when browsing. Intrusive advertisements appear legitimate, however they redirect to questionable websites (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.). In case of encounters with ads/redirects of this kind, the system must be inspected and all suspicious applications and/or browser extensions/plug-ins removed without delay.
If your computer is already infected with InboxAce, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Installation setup of InboxAce browser hijacker:
InboxAce browser hijacker asking for permissions on Google Chrome:
InboxAce browser hijacker asking for permissions on Mozilla Firefox:
Website promoting InboxAce browser hijacker (Google Chrome):
Website promoting InboxAce browser hijacker (Mozilla Firefox):
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Quick menu:
- What is hp.myway.com?
- STEP 1. Uninstall InboxAce application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove hp.myway.com redirect from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove InboxAce browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove hp.myway.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove hp.myway.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
InboxAce browser hijacker removal:
Windows 11 users:
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:
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:
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:
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.
In the uninstall programs window: look for any recently installed suspicious applications (for example, "InboxAce Internet Explorer..."), select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted applications (which cause browser redirects to the hp.myway.com website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
InboxAce browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove browser redirects:
Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:
Click the "gear" icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for any recently installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Change your homepage:
Click the "gear" icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Internet Options", in the opened window remove hxxp://hp.myway.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:
Click the "gear" 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 and then remove "hp.myway".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the inboxace browser hijacker, 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.
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.
Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.
In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.
Click the Reset button.
Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate "InboxAce" and other recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, and remove them.
Change your homepage:
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, disable InboxAce, look for a browser hijacker URL (hp.myway.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:
To change your default search engine in Google Chrome: Click the 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 "Ask Web Search" when located click the three vertical dots near this URL and select "Remove from list".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the inboxace browser hijacker, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the 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.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click on "Extensions" and remove "InboxAce", as well as all other recently installed browser plug-ins.
Change your homepage:
To reset your homepage, click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), then select "Options", in the opened window disable InboxAce, remove hxxp://hp.myway.com and enter your preferred domain, which will open each time you start Mozilla Firefox.
Change your default search engine:
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: "extensionControlled"
Set both results to "false" by either double-clicking each entry or clicking the button.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with inboxace browser hijacker removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click Safari menu, then select Preferences...
In the preferences window select the Extensions tab. Look for any recently installed suspicious extensions and uninstall them.
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.
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...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge 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:
Click the Edge 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:
To change your default search engine in Microsoft Edge: Click the Edge 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 near it and select "Disable".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the inboxace browser hijacker, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
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.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
A 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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