SearchMyFile Adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is SearchMyFile?
SearchMyFile is a deceptive application that supposedly provides advanced search functionality allowing users to find files stored on their computers. Initially, this functionality may seem legitimate and useful, however, this potentially unwanted program (PUP) is likely to infiltrate systems without permission and record sensitive data.
Furthermore, SearchMyFile is classed as adware - a form of unwanted software that feeds users with numerous intrusive advertisements.
Immediately after infiltration, SearchMyFile delivers coupons, banners, pop-ups, and other malicious ads. To achieve this, developers employ certain tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. The displayed ads often conceal underlying website content, thereby significantly diminishing users' Internet browsing experience.
In addition, they might lead to infectious websites or even execute scripts that download and install malware/PUPs. Therefore, clicking them can cause high-risk computer. SearchMyFile adware is essentially used to generate fraudulent advertising revenue.
As mentioned above, SearchMyFile continually records various information (mostly relating to Internet browsing habits). The data (keystrokes, URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, etc.) is likely to include personal details that SearchMyFile's developers later sell to third parties. These criminals often misuse personal details to generate reveue.
Thus, the presence of a data-tracking app such as SearchMyFile can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. Furthermore, although SearchMyFile is not confirmed to misuse system resources, some potentially unwanted programs do. In some cases, PUPs mine cryptocurrency or run other unwanted processes in the background without permission.
In doing so, potentially unwanted programs significantly diminish overall computer performance. For these reasons, we strongly advise you to eliminate all adware-type applications (including SearchMyFile) without delay.
| Name | Ads by SearchMyFile |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Symptoms | Seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing. Intrusive pop-up ads. Decreased Internet browsing speed. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers. |
| Damage | Decreased computer performance, browser tracking - privacy issues, possible additional malware infections. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Research shows that SearchMyFile is related to the cleanserp.net browser hijacker. SearchMyFile is also virtually identical to Nilla Weather, Gordon Deals, MediaDownloader, and dozens of other adware-type applications. Note that all of these apps offer certain "useful features", however, these claims are merely attempts to create an impression of legitimacy.
In fact, only a small percentage of PUPs deliver any real value for regular users - most are useless. Apps such as SearchMyFile are designed only to generate revenue for the developers.
Rather than (or, in some cases, together with) providing any of the features promised, potentially unwanted programs generate ads and record information, thereby posing a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety.
How did SearchMyFile install on my computer?
SearchMyFile is available for download on its official website, however, this PUP is also distributed using intrusive ads, and a deceptive marketing method called "bundling". Therefore, due to careless behavior and poor knowledge by many users, SearchMyFile often infiltrates systems without permission.
Be aware that "bundling" is stealth installation of third party applications together with regular software/apps. "Bundled" applications are hidden within the "Custom/Advanced" settings or other sections of the download/installation processes.
Many users click various advertisements without considering the possible consequences. Furthermore, they rush the download/installation processes and skip steps. In doing so, they expose their systems to risk of various infections.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
The key to computer safety is caution. Therefore, pay close attention when downloading/installing software and browsing the Internet in general. Study each step of the download/installation processes and decline offers to download/install additional apps. Note that third party downloaders/installers are monetized using the "bundling" method (they promote dubious apps).
Therefore, we strongly advise that you avoid using such tools. Furthermore, criminals invest considerable time and resources into designing malicious ads. Most look genuine, however, malicious ads redirect to survey, gambling, adult dating, and other rogue websites. If you encounter these redirects, immediately eliminate all suspicious programs/browser extensions.
Screenshot of SearchMyFile adware:
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Quick menu:
- What is SearchMyFile?
- STEP 1. Uninstall SearchMyFile application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove SearchMyFile adware from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove SearchMyFile ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove 'Ads by SearchMyFile' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove SearchMyFile extension from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
SearchMyFile adware 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 "SearchMyFile", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted program that causes SearchMyFile ads, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove SearchMyFile adware from Internet browsers:
At time of research, SearchMyFile did not install its browser plug-ins on Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, however, it was bundled with other adware. Therefore, you are advised to remove all potentially unwanted browser add-ons from your Internet browsers.
Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
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 browser extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by searchmyfile, 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 all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, select these entries and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by searchmyfile, 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 plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by searchmyfile 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, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.
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 upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by searchmyfile, 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:
Commonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.
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Outstanding!
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