Go.zipcruncher.com Redirect
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is go.zipcruncher.com?
Identical to go.paradiskus.com, go.zipcruncher.com is a fake web search engine that, according to the developers, enhances the browsing experience by generating improved results.
These claims often trick users into believing that go.zipcruncher.com is legitimate and useful (especially as it looks similar to Google, Bing, Yahoo, and other legitimate search engines), however, developers promote this site using a browser-hijacking program called ZipCruncher.
Furthermore, go.zipcruncher.com and ZipCruncher are designed to gather information relating to web browsing activity.
Immediately after infiltration, ZipCruncher hijacks Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox, assigning the new tab URL, default search engine, and homepage options to go.zipcruncher.com. Furthermore, although these changes may seem insignificant, users are unable to revert them.
Research shows that ZipCruncher continues to reassign browser options when attempts are made to change them. Therefore, returning browsers to their previous states becomes impossible and users are encouraged to visit go.zipcruncher.com when they search via the URL bar or simply open a new browser tab.
These redirects significantly diminish the browsing experience. Another important downside is information tracking. Research shows that go.zipcruncher.com and ZipCruncher gather data (e.g., IP addresses, URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, etc.) relating to browsing activity.
Collected data often includes personal details and, furthermore, developers sell it to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who generate revenue by misusing private information.
Therefore, information tracking can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. We strongly recommend that you uninstall the ZipCruncher browser hijacker and never return to go.zipcruncher.com
| Name | ZipCruncher browser hijacker |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Symptoms | Manipulated Internet browser(s) settings (homepage, default Internet search engine, new tab settings). User's are forced to visit 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 browsing tracking (potential privacy issues), displaying of unwanted ads, redirects to shady websites. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
The Internet is full of fake search engines similar to go.zipcruncher.com. The list of examples includes (but is not limited to) surfnav.com, okaytab.com, mystartpage.com, and kotcatk.com.
As with go.zipcruncher.com, these sites also claim to enhance the browsing experience by generating improved results and providing other "useful features" (weather forecasts, shortcuts to popular websites, etc.) In fact, fake search engines deliver no real value for regular users.
Their only purpose is to generate revenue for the developers, cause unwanted redirects, and gather various sensitive data. In addition, some feed users with misleading search results and intrusive advertisements. These typically lead to dubious websites. Therefore, using fake search engines can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft.
How did go.zipcruncher.com install on my computer?
ZipCruncher is available for download on its official website. In most cases, however, this browser hijacker infiltrates systems without permission, since developers proliferate ZipCruncher using "bundling" and intrusive advertising methods. "Bundling" is essentially stealth installation of third party programs together with regular software.
Developers hide "bundled" apps within "Custom/Advanced" settings (or other sections) of the download/installation processes - they do not disclose this information properly.
Furthermore, many users rush these procedures and skip steps. In addition, they often click various advertisements without understanding the possible consequences. This behavior can lead to inadvertent installation of PUPs such as ZipCruncher.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
To prevent this situation, be very cautious when browsing the Internet and especially when downloading/installing software. Bear in mind that intrusive ads often seem legitimate, but most lead to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and other dubious websites. If you experience these redirects, immediately remove all dubious applications and browser plug-ins.
Furthermore, carefully analyze each window of the download/installation dialogs and opt-out of all additionally-included programs.
Download your applications from official sources only (using direct download links) and use a legitimate anti-virus/anti-spyware suite. Third party downloaders/installers often include PUPs (they are monetized using the "bundling" method), and thus, these tools should not be used. The key to computer safety is caution.
Screenshot of ZipCruncher browser hijacker:
Website promoting ZipCruncher browser hijacker:
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. 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.
Quick menu:
- What is go.zipcruncher.com?
- STEP 1. Uninstall ZipCruncher application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove go.zipcruncher.com redirect from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove ZipCruncher browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove go.zipcruncher.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove go.zipcruncher.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
ZipCruncher 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, "ZipCruncher"), select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted programs that cause browser redirects to the go.zipcruncher.com website, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
ZipCruncher 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://go.zipcruncher.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 "Search".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the zipcruncher 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 all 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, look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.go.zipcruncher.com) below the “Open a specific or set of pages” option. If present, click 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 "go.zipcruncher.com", and 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 zipcruncher 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 plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click "Extensions" and remove 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, remove hxxp://go.zipcruncher.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: "go.zipcruncher.com"
Right-click on the found preferences and select "Reset" to restore default values.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with zipcruncher 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 zipcruncher 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.
Post a comment:
If you have additional information on zipcruncher browser hijacker or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Go.zipcruncher.com redirect removal instructions
What is go.zipcruncher.com?
Identical to go.paradiskus.com, go.zipcruncher.com is a fake web search engine that, according to the developers, enhances the browsing experience by generating improved results. These claims often trick users into believing that go.zipcruncher.com is legitimate and useful (especially as it looks similar to Google, Bing, Yahoo, and other legitimate search engines), however, developers promote this site using a browser-hijacking program called ZipCruncher. Furthermore, go.zipcruncher.com and ZipCruncher are designed to gather information relating to web browsing activity.
Immediately after infiltration, ZipCruncher hijacks Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox, assigning the new tab URL, default search engine, and homepage options to go.zipcruncher.com. Furthermore, although these changes may seem insignificant, users are unable to revert them. Research shows that ZipCruncher continues to reassign browser options when attempts are made to change them. Therefore, returning browsers to their previous states becomes impossible and users are encouraged to visit go.zipcruncher.com when they search via the URL bar or simply open a new browser tab. These redirects significantly diminish the browsing experience. Another important downside is information tracking. Research shows that go.zipcruncher.com and ZipCruncher gather data (e.g., IP addresses, URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, etc.) relating to browsing activity. Collected data often includes personal details and, furthermore, developers sell it to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who generate revenue by misusing private information. Therefore, information tracking can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. We strongly recommend that you uninstall the ZipCruncher browser hijacker and never return to go.zipcruncher.com
| Name | ZipCruncher browser hijacker |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Symptoms | Manipulated Internet browser(s) settings (homepage, default Internet search engine, new tab settings). User's are forced to visit 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 browsing tracking (potential privacy issues), displaying of unwanted ads, redirects to shady websites. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
The Internet is full of fake search engines similar to go.zipcruncher.com. The list of examples includes (but is not limited to) surfnav.com, okaytab.com, mystartpage.com, and kotcatk.com. As with go.zipcruncher.com, these sites also claim to enhance the browsing experience by generating improved results and providing other "useful features" (weather forecasts, shortcuts to popular websites, etc.) In fact, fake search engines deliver no real value for regular users. Their only purpose is to generate revenue for the developers, cause unwanted redirects, and gather various sensitive data. In addition, some feed users with misleading search results and intrusive advertisements. These typically lead to dubious websites. Therefore, using fake search engines can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft.
How did go.zipcruncher.com install on my computer?
ZipCruncher is available for download on its official website. In most cases, however, this browser hijacker infiltrates systems without permission, since developers proliferate ZipCruncher using "bundling" and intrusive advertising methods. "Bundling" is essentially stealth installation of third party programs together with regular software. Developers hide "bundled" apps within "Custom/Advanced" settings (or other sections) of the download/installation processes - they do not disclose this information properly. Furthermore, many users rush these procedures and skip steps. In addition, they often click various advertisements without understanding the possible consequences. This behavior can lead to inadvertent installation of PUPs such as ZipCruncher.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
To prevent this situation, be very cautious when browsing the Internet and especially when downloading/installing software. Bear in mind that intrusive ads often seem legitimate, but most lead to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and other dubious websites. If you experience these redirects, immediately remove all dubious applications and browser plug-ins. Furthermore, carefully analyze each window of the download/installation dialogs and opt-out of all additionally-included programs. Download your applications from official sources only (using direct download links) and use a legitimate anti-virus/anti-spyware suite. Third party downloaders/installers often include PUPs (they are monetized using the "bundling" method), and thus, these tools should not be used. The key to computer safety is caution.
Screenshot of ZipCruncher browser hijacker:
Website promoting ZipCruncher browser hijacker:
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. 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.
Quick menu:
- What is go.zipcruncher.com?
- STEP 1. Uninstall ZipCruncher application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove go.zipcruncher.com redirect from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove ZipCruncher browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove go.zipcruncher.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove go.zipcruncher.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
ZipCruncher 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, "ZipCruncher"), select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted programs that cause browser redirects to the go.zipcruncher.com website, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
ZipCruncher 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://go.zipcruncher.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 "Search".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the zipcruncher 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 all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, select these entries and click the trash can icon.
Change your homepage:
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.go.zipcruncher.com) below the “Open a specific or set of pages” option. If present, click 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 "go.zipcruncher.com", and 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 zipcruncher 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 plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click "Extensions" and remove 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, remove hxxp://go.zipcruncher.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: "go.zipcruncher.com"
Right-click on the found preferences and select "Reset" to restore default values.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with zipcruncher 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 zipcruncher 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.
Post a comment:
If you have additional information on zipcruncher browser hijacker or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Outstanding!
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