How to remove MetricMaster browser hijacker and the redirects it generates

What kind of software is MetricMaster?

MetricMaster is a rogue browser extension promising a widget capable of providing metric system unit conversions. Our research team discovered this piece of software during a routine investigation of dubious sites.

After examining MetricMaster, we determined that it is a browser hijacker. This extension makes alterations to browser settings in order to promote (via redirects) the goog.metermasterext.com fake search engine.

MetricMaster browser hijacker overview

On our test machine, MetricMaster assigned goog.metermasterext.com as the browser's homepage, default search engine, and new tab/window URL. Therefore, whenever a new browser tab/window was opened or a search query was entered into the URL bar – it resulted in redirects to the goog.metermasterext.com webpage.

Fake search engines typically cannot provide search results, so they redirect to genuine Internet search engines. During our investigation, goog.metermasterext.com led to the Bing search engine (bing.com). However, it must be mentioned that this webpage could lead elsewhere since factors like user geolocation may impact redirects.

Browser-hijacking software commonly uses persistence-ensuring techniques to complicate its removal and prevent users from recovering their browsers.

Like most browser hijackers, MetricMaster spies on users' browsing activity. Targeted data may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so on. The collected data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

To summarize, the presence of software like MetricMaster on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	MetricMaster
Threat Type	Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab
Browser Extension(s)	MetricMaster
Promoted URL	goog.metermasterext.com
Detection Names (goog.metermasterext.com)	N/A (VirusTotal)
Serving IP Address (goog.metermasterext.com)	172.67.185.121
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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner 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.

Browser hijacker examples

QuickMovie Search, SearchToDo, and Inspire Me Tab are merely a few examples of browser hijackers that we have examined recently.

Software within this classification usually appears ordinary and harmless. It also offers a broad range of "useful" and "advantageous" features. However, these functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

It must be stressed that even if a browser extension or an application operates as advertised – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.

How did MetricMaster install on my computer?

We acquired MetricMaster from its "official" download page. Aside from legitimate-looking promotional webpages, browser hijackers are also endorsed on scam sites.

Users primarily access these pages via redirects caused by websites that employ rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware.

The "bundling" marketing technique – packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements – is used to proliferate browser-hijacking software as well.

The risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., ignoring times, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

Additionally, browser hijackers are spread by intrusive advertisements. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of browser hijackers?

Researching software is essential before downloading or purchasing it. We recommend downloading only from official and verified channels. Installation processes must be treated with care. Therefore, we advise reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, tools, etc.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – yet redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

If you keep encountering adverts and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with MetricMaster, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this browser hijacker.

Appearance of goog.metermasterext.com redirecting to the Bing search engine (GIF):

Permissions asked by MetricMaster browser hijacker:

Website promoting MetricMaster 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 MetricMaster?
• STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted applications using Control Panel.
• STEP 2. Remove MetricMaster browser hijacker from Google Chrome.
• STEP 3. Remove goog.metermasterext.com homepage and default search engine from Mozilla Firefox.
• STEP 4. Remove goog.metermasterext.com redirect from Safari.
• STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.

MetricMaster 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.

MetricMaster browser hijacker removal from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove MetricMaster 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 "MetricMaster" 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 "MetricMaster", look for a browser hijacker URL (hxxp://www.goog.metermasterext.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.metermasterext.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.metermasterext.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 "MetricMaster", 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 "MetricMaster", remove hxxp://goog.metermasterext.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.metermasterext.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.metermasterext.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 to visit goog.metermasterext.com website?

Redirects to websites like goog.metermasterext.com are generated because cyber criminals (e.g., developers of browser hijackers and fake search engines, etc.) profit through them.

Is visiting goog.metermasterext.com a threat to my privacy?

To a certain extent, yes. Sites classified as fake search engines (e.g., goog.metermasterext.com, etc.) usually collect information about their visitors. This data may then be sold to third-parties.

How did a browser hijacker infiltrate my computer?

Browser-hijacking software is predominantly proliferated via bundled installation setups, deceptive promotional webpages, online scams, freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, spam browser notifications, and intrusive advertisements.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove MetricMaster browser hijacker?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all browser-hijacking applications installed. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be ideal, especially when multiple browser hijackers have infiltrated the system. In these instances, after one is removed – the others may reinstall it. Browser-hijacking software might also deny access to removal-related settings and/or undo user-made changes. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate browser hijackers thoroughly and all at once.

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