How to remove Motivational Quotes app from your browser
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is Motivational Quotes?
Our team inspected the Motivational Quotes app and found that its purpose is to hijack web browsers. It is common for browser hijackers to promote fake or unreliable search engines. Motivational Quotes promotes motivational-quotes.com - a fake search engine. It does so by changing the settings of the affected web browser.
The developers of this extension have also released a different version titled Daily Motivational Quotes.
Motivational Quotes browser hijacker overview
Motivational Quotes is a browser hijacker that operates by promoting a fake search engine known as motivational-quotes.com. As a browser hijacker, it takes control of web browsers and manipulates their settings. Once added, Motivational Quotes modifies various browser configurations, such as the default search engine, new tab page, and homepage.
Motivational Quotes sets those settings to motivational-quotes.com. We found that motivational-quotes.com redirects users to bing.com. Browser hijackers often employ this behavior to give the appearance of legitimacy and redirect users to a well-known and trusted search engine like Bing.
However, browser hijackers and fake search engines should not be trusted. They can cause various issues for users. Firstly, they can significantly impact the browsing experience by redirecting search queries, altering search results, and injecting unwanted advertisements or sponsored content.
Secondly, they compromise user privacy and security as they may track browsing habits, collect personal information, and expose users to potential phishing attacks or malware. Additionally, browser hijackers can lead to system slowdowns, increased resource usage, and instability, negatively affecting the overall performance of the affected device.
Name | Motivational Quotes |
Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
Browser Extension(s) | Motivational Quotes, Daily Motivational Quotes |
Supposed Functionality | Daily motivational and inspirational quotes |
Promoted URL | motivational-quotes.com |
Detection Names (motivational-quotes.com) | N/A (VirusTotal) |
Serving IP Address (motivational-quotes.com) | 216.239.36.21 |
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. |
More about apps of this type
Removing browser hijackers and fake search engines can be challenging due to their intrusive nature and persistent behavior. Browser hijackers may install hidden components or modify system settings that make it challenging to identify and remove all traces of malicious software. These components can regenerate or restore the hijacker, causing it to persist even after removal attempts.
In order to overcome these difficulties, it is recommended to use reputable antivirus or anti-malware software designed to detect and remove browser hijackers.
More examples of apps that operate as browser hijackers are Wingman Clock, Kryopage, and Cute Cats Tab.
How did Motivational Quotes install on my computer?
Some downloaders and installers present users with deceptive options or pre-selected checkboxes, leading to the installation of browser hijackers if users do not deselect or opt out of these additional components. Fake software update notifications and misleading online advertisements can also trick users into installing browser hijackers.
In other cases, users download and install/add browser hijackers via unreliable sources like P2P networks, third-party downloaders, free file hosting pages, unofficial websites, etc. It is worth mentioning that browser hijackers can be included alongside legitimate software downloads.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
Exercise caution while downloading and installing software. Obtain software from reputable sources and maintain up-to-date operating systems, web browsers, and security software to minimize vulnerabilities. Avoid clicking suspicious links or advertisements, and be cautious when visiting untrusted websites.
When downloading and installing applications, carefully review downloaders and installers for any unwanted bundled apps, ensuring they are deselected before proceeding with the installation. If your computer is already infected with Motivational Quotes, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Motivational-quotes.com redirects to bing.com (GIF):
Permissions asked by Motivational Quotes browser hijacker:
Deceptive website promoting Motivational Quotes browser hijacker:
Screenshot of Daily Motivational Quotes - an identical browser-hijacking extension:
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:
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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 Motivational Quotes?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Motivational Quotes application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove Motivational Quotes browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove motivational-quotes.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove motivational-quotes.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Motivational Quotes 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 motivational-quotes.com website), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Motivational Quotes 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 "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate "Motivational Quotes" 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 "Motivational Quotes", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.motivational-quotes.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 "motivational-quotes.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 motivational-quotes.com 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 "Motivational Quotes", 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 "Motivational Quotes", remove hxxp://motivational-quotes.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 "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 motivational-quotes.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, 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 motivational-quotes.com 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of forcing users visit motivational-quotes.com website?
Forcing users to visit motivational-quotes.com can serve various purposes, such as generating ad revenue, manipulating website traffic statistics, and collecting user data for targeted advertising or potentially malicious intentions.
Is visiting motivational-quotes.com a threat to my privacy?
Visiting motivational-quotes.com can potentially pose a threat to your privacy. As a fake search engine or a website associated with browser hijackers, it may collect your browsing habits, search queries, and personal information. This data can be used for targeted advertising, sold to third parties, or potentially misused for malicious purposes.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
Browser hijackers can gain access to computers using various deceptive methods, including software bundling, malicious email attachments, false software updates, compromised websites, and misleading advertisements.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Motivational Quotes browser hijacker?
Combo Cleaner can scan your computer and eliminate any detected browser-hijacking applications. However, it is important to note that manual removal without security software may not be entirely effective, particularly when dealing with multiple hijackers. Removing one hijacker could potentially lead to the reinstallation of others, thus requiring comprehensive security measures to ensure complete removal.
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