How to remove RichExts browser hijacker
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is RichExts?
Upon analyzing the RichExts application, we have determined that it is a browser extension that is designed to take over web browsers (hijack them). The application alters the browser settings to forcefully push a fake search engine (sweetrnd.net). Furthermore, RichExts possesses the capacity to access certain data.
RichExts browser hijacker overview
RichExts modifies browser settings, such as the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page, to redirect users to the fake search engine sweetrnd.net. Our testing has revealed that sweetrnd.net uses results generated by nearbyme.io, a dubious search engine. Also, sweetrnd.net can redirect users to bing.com (provide results from legitimate search engine).
Using untrustworthy search engines can put users at risk of accessing harmful websites, including malicious sites, scams, and potentially dangerous applications. Hence, it is strongly advised to avoid using such search engines.
Moreover, RichExts can read and change data on all websites. When a browser extension can read and change data on all websites, it means that the extension has permission to access and modify any information displayed on any website that the user visits.
This can include personal information such as login credentials, credit card details, and other sensitive data that a user may enter while browsing the Internet. Such permissions are often granted to extensions that provide certain functionalities but can also be misused by malicious actors to steal user data or spread malware.
| Name | RichExts |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | RichExts |
| Supposed Functionality | Beautiful backgrounds for Chrome browsers |
| Promoted URL | sweetrnd.net |
| Detection Names (sweetrnd.net) | Heimdal Security (Malicious), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (sweetrnd.net) | 38.100.129.136 |
| 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), 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. |
Browser hijackers in general
Browser hijackers are designed to promote different search engines, both legitimate and untrustworthy ones. While not all browser hijackers change the settings of web browsers to promote search engines, users are typically unable to remove unwanted search engines from their browser settings while hijacking apps are active.
Some examples of browser hijackers are Cosmica, Life Hacks, and Sports Robot.
How did RichExts install on my computer?
Browser hijackers are often included as an option in the installation process of other software that users download from the Internet. These hijackers are automatically installed unless users uncheck certain boxes or deselect unwanted installations.
Additionally, these hijackers can be distributed through fake software update notifications, shady websites, and untrustworthy web pages. As a result, users may inadvertently download and install them.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
Download apps and files only from reliable sources such as official websites and stores. It is advisable to avoid downloading from third-party sources, unofficial pages, P2P networks, and other similar sources. Exercise caution when clicking on ads on suspicious pages and refrain from permitting these pages to send notifications.
Also, thoroughly check downloaders and installers before completing downloads and installations. Ensure that no additional unwanted apps are included and deselect them if necessary. If your computer is already infected with RichExts, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Sweetrnd.net redirects to nearbyme.io (GIF):
Permissions asked by RichExts browser hijacker:
Official website promoting RichExts browser hijacker:
Deceptive website promoting RichExts 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 RichExts?
- STEP 1. Uninstall RichExts application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove RichExts browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove sweetrnd.net homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove sweetrnd.net redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
RichExts 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, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted applications (which cause browser redirects to the sweetrnd.net website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
RichExts browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove browser redirects:
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 "RichExts" and other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Change your homepage:
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, disable "RichExts", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.sweetrnd.net) 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 "sweetrnd.net", 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 sweetrnd.net redirect, 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 extensions from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate "RichExts", as well as all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Change your homepage:
To reset your homepage, click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), then select "Settings", in the opened window disable "RichExts", remove hxxp://sweetrnd.net 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 "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 
button.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with sweetrnd.net redirect 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 sweetrnd.net redirect, 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 sweetrnd.net redirect or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of forcing users visit sweetrnd.net website?
The creators of sweetrnd.net generate revenue based on the amount of traffic that their website receives. It means that the more users that visit the website, the more revenue they can earn.
Is visiting sweetrnd.net a threat to my privacy?
When visiting sweetrnd.net, your privacy may be at risk. Fake search engines like this have the ability to gather various types of personal information, including browsing activity, search history, and other data.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser hijackers are distributed through various channels, including but not limited to being bundled with other software, fake software updates, suspicious websites, links, and advertisements on untrustworthy pages.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove RichExts browser hijacker?
Combo Cleaner can scan your device for browser-hijacking applications and remove them, but it's worth noting that manually uninstalling these apps may not always be effective. Removing multiple browser hijackers can be difficult, particularly if they have the ability to reinstall each other.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion