Removal instructions for the "DogsFan extension" browser hijacker
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of software is DogsFan extension?
Our research team discovered the DogsFan extension while investigating suspect websites. This piece of software displays browser wallpapers featuring canines.
However, after examining this browser extension, we learned that it modifies browser settings in order to promote the goog.dogsfanext.com fake search engine. Due to this, DogsFan extension is classified as a browser hijacker.
DogsFan extension browser hijacker overview
Browser-hijacking software reassigns browsers' homepages, default search engines, and new tab/window URLs to the addresses of endorsed websites. DogsFan extension makes these changes to browsers as well. Hence, with it installed: new browser tabs/windows opened and search queries entered into the URL bar – result in redirects to the goog.dogsfanext.com site.
Fake search engines usually cannot provide search results, so they redirect to legitimate Internet search websites. This also applies to goog.dogsfanext.com; at the time of research, it redirected to the Bing search engine (bing.com). It must be mentioned that this site could lead elsewhere since factors like user geolocation may impact redirects.
Browser hijackers often use persistence-ensuring techniques to complicate their removal and prevent users from restoring the browsers.
Additionally, DogsFan extension spies on users' browsing activity. Targeted data may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so on. The collected data can then be shared with or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the President of browser-hijacking software like DogsFan extension on devices can result in the system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | DogsFan extension |
| Threat Type | Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab |
| Browser Extension(s) | DogsFan extension |
| Supposed Functionality | Browser wallpapers featuring dogs |
| Promoted URL | goog.dogsfanext.com |
| Detection Names (goog.dogsfanext.com) | Combo Cleaner (Malware), CRDF (Malicious), CyRadar (Malicious), Forcepoint ThreatSeeker (Malicious), Fortinet (Malware), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (goog.dogsfanext.com) | 172.67.141.163 |
| 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). |
| 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 hijacker examples
We have analyzed numerous browser hijackers; Your Best World News Extension, Dancing Tubes, Retro Sunset – are just a couple of examples.
Browser-hijacking software appears legitimate and offers a broad range of useful functionalities. However, the features are usually fake and serve the purpose of bait to trick users into downloading/installing the software.
It must be stressed that even if a browser extension or application operates as advertised – that is not definitive proof of legitimacy or safety.
How did DogsFan extension install on my computer?
We acquired DogsFan extension from its "official" promotional webpage. Aside from such pages, browser hijackers are pushed by scam websites. Most visitors access these webpages via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware.
Browser-hijacking software can also be bundled with ordinary programs. The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., skipping steps/sections, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Browser hijackers are proliferated by intrusive advertisements as well. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. Additionally, installation processes must be approached with care. Therefore, we recommend reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, and so forth.
Another recommendation is to be cautious while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look harmless – they redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
Should you keep encountering such ads/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with DogsFan extension, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.
Permissions asked by DogsFan extension browser hijacker:
Website promoting DogsFan extension browser hijacker:
Appearance of goog.dogsfanext.com redirecting to the Bing search engine (GIF):
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 DogsFan extension?
- STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove DogsFan extension browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove goog.dogsfanext.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove goog.dogsfanext.com redirect from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
DogsFan extension 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, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
DogsFan extension browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove DogsFan extension browser hijacker using Combo Cleaner:
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 "DogsFan extension" 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 "DogsFan extension", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.goog.dogsfanext.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 "goog.dogsfanext.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 goog.dogsfanext.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 "DogsFan extension", 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 "DogsFan extension", remove hxxp://goog.dogsfanext.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 goog.dogsfanext.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 goog.dogsfanext.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.
Post a comment:
If you have additional information on goog.dogsfanext.com 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 to visit goog.dogsfanext.com website?
Cyber criminals (i.e., developers of fake search engines and browser hijackers) generate revenue through redirecta to websites like goog.dogsfanext.com.
Is visiting goog.dogsfanext.com a threat to my privacy?
Most likely, yes. Websites like goog.dogsfanext.com typically gather (and sell) visitor data.
How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?
The most commonly used distribution techniques include: deceptive promotional webpages, freeware and free file-hosting websites, bundled installers, online scams, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, spam browser notifications, and intrusive ads.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove DogsFan extension browser hijacker?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate installed browser-hijacking applications. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security software) might be ineffective, especially when multiple browser hijackers are present. In these instances, after one is removed – the others may simply reinstall it. Furthermore, removal-related settings might be unmodifiable with this software installed. Therefore, browser hijackers must be removed thoroughly and all at once.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion