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HomeHome Spyware DatabaseSpyware Database SearchMaid Removal Guide"SearchMaid Removal Guide"

SearchMaid Removal Guide

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SearchMaid Description

SearchMaid is a browser hijacker that changes Internet Explorer default start and search pages to web sites on the searchmaid.com domain. The spyware installs a toolbar and shows undesirable commercial advertisements. SearchMaid can get into the computer along with some ad-supported software. It also can be manually installed. SearchMaid secretly runs on every Windows startup.

Disclaimer:

  1. SpywareRemove.com IS NOT associated, affiliated, consorted, or connected with the publishers SearchMaid.
  2. We object, reject, and disapprove all the malicious and objectionable business practices of the publishers of SearchMaid.
  3. Our goal and objective is to completely eliminate the promotion of SearchMaid and other malware publishers off the Internet. In addition, we seek the complete deletion of all the malware programs, including all their polymorphic variants, which are developed and distributed all over the Internet, in the same manner as the publishers of SearchMaid.
The readers of this posting should not confuse, mistake, or associate this article to be a promotion or advertisement of SearchMaid, since the aim of this posting is to educate users on how to detect and eliminate SearchMaid off their computer. Any information provided is "as is" for reference and educational purposes only.

How can I Detect SearchMaid?

The most common spyware removal tactic is to uninstall SearchMaid by using the "Add/Remove Programs" utility. However, as there may still be hidden SearchMaid files, it's possible that SearchMaid will reappear after reboot. Follow the SearchMaid detection and removal methods below.

SearchMaid Automatic Detection (Recommended)

Is your PC infected with SearchMaid? To safely & quickly detect SearchMaid, we highly recommend you...

Download SpyHunter's Malware Scanner Download SpyHunter's Malware Scanner.

SpyHunter's free version is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter's malware scanner detects SearchMaid on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove SearchMaid and other malware threats.

SearchMaid Manual Removal Instructions

Below is a list of SearchMaid manual removal instructions and SearchMaid components listed to help you remove SearchMaid from your PC. Backup Reminder: Always be sure to back up your PC before making any changes.

Note: This manual removal process may be difficult and you run the risk of destroying your computer. We recommend that you use SpyHunter's malware detection tool to check for SearchMaid.

Step 1 : Use Windows File Search Tool to Find SearchMaid Path

  1. Go to Start > Search > All Files or Folders.
  2. In the "All or part of the the file name" section, type in "SearchMaid" file name(s).
  3. To get better results, select "Look in: Local Hard Drives" or "Look in: My Computer" and then click "Search" button.
  4. When Windows finishes your search, hover over the "In Folder" of "SearchMaid", highlight the file and copy/paste the path into the address bar. Save the file's path on your clipboard because you'll need the file path to delete SearchMaid in the following manual removal steps.
    Read more about How to Find SearchMaid with File Search Tool

Step 2 : Use Windows Task Manager to Remove SearchMaid Processes

  1. To open the Windows Task Manager, use the combination of CTRL+ALT+DEL or CTRL+SHIFT+ESC.
  2. Click on the "Image Name" button to search for "SearchMaid" process by name.
  3. Select the "SearchMaid" process and click on the "End Process" button to kill it.
  4. Remove the "SearchMaid" processes files:

  5. Read more about How to kill SearchMaid Processes

Step 3 : Use Registry Editor to Remove SearchMaid Registry Values

  1. To open the Registry Editor, go to Start > Run > type regedit and then press the "OK" button.
  2. Locate and delete the entry or entries whose data value (in the rightmost column) is the spyware file(s) detected earlier.
  3. To delete "SearchMaid" value, right-click on it and select the "Delete" option.
  4. Locate and delete "SearchMaid" registry entries:

  5. Read more about How to Remove SearchMaid Registry Entries

Step 4 : Use Windows Command Prompt to Unregister SearchMaid DLL Files

  1. To open the Windows Command Prompt, go to Start > Run > type cmd and then click the "OK" button.
  2. Type "cd" in order to change the current directory, press the "space" button, enter the full path to where you believe the SearchMaid DLL file is located and press the "Enter" button on your keyboard. If you don't know where SearchMaid DLL file is located, use the "dir" command to display the directory's contents.
  3. To unregister "SearchMaid" DLL file, type in the exact directory path + "regsvr32 /u" + [DLL_NAME] (for example, :C\Spyware-folder\> regsvr32 /u SearchMaid.dll) and press the "Enter" button. A message will pop up that says you successfully unregistered the file.
  4. Search and unregister "SearchMaid" DLL files:

  5. Read more about How to Remove SearchMaid DLL Files

Step 5 : Detect and Delete Other SearchMaid Files

  1. To open the Windows Command Prompt, go to Start > Run > type cmd and then press the "OK" button.
  2. Type in "dir /A name_of_the_folder" (for example, C:\Spyware-folder), which will display the folder's content even the hidden files.
  3. To change directory, type in "cd name_of_the_folder".
  4. Once you have the file you're looking for type in "del name_of_the_file".
  5. To delete a file in folder, type in "del name_of_the_file".
  6. To delete the entire folder, type in "rmdir /S name_of_the_folder".
  7. Select the "SearchMaid" process and click on the "End Process" button to kill it.
  8. Remove the "SearchMaid" processes files:

  9. Read more about How to Delete Harmful Files

SearchMaid Recommendation

RECOMMENDED: To avoid the unnecessary risk of damaging your computer, we highly recommend you use a good malware remover to track SearchMaid and automatically remove SearchMaid as well as other spyware, adware, trojans, and virus threats in your PC.

If you believe you have SearchMaid installed on your computer, check for SearchMaid with SpyHunter's Malware Scanner.


SpyHunter's free version is only for malware detection. To remove SearchMaid and other malware threats, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool. Since new SearchMaid files are constantly being released, it is normally advised to run SpyHunter's scanner weekly to get the latest updates on SearchMaid and other malware threats.

To learn more on SearchMaid, see our SearchMaid resource section below.


More SearchMaid Resources

What is Browser Hijackers?


SearchMaid is a type of Browser Hijackers.

Browser hijackers change your Internet web browser settings without your permission. Sometimes this means changing your home page to a pay-per-click site so that the author of the browser hijacker software earns money. Sometimes browser hijackers may change your ?search? page so that all your queries lead to pay-per-click sites, while also tracking your Internet activity. Unfortunately, simply restoring your browser to factory settings usually will not prevent the browser hijacker from working.

Think you have SearchMaid? Run SpyHunter's malware scan and automatically detect SearchMaid on your PC.

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SearchMaid Prevention Rules


Protect your computer from SearchMaid and other spyware by following these four easy prevention rules.

Rule #1: Keep your Windows Security up-to-date

Microsoft provides updates weekly and can always be downloaded manually from the Microsoft website.
Tip: Regularly visit Windows Update and set your computer to receive security & critical updates automatically.

To get Microsoft Update, go to IE > Tools > Windows Update > Product Updates, and select "ALL High-Priority Security Updates" from the list.

Then open IE and go to Internet Options > Security > Internet, then press "Default Level", then OK. Now press "Custom Level."

Rule #2: Download and install a reliable anti-spyware software

A good anti-spyware software that recognizes current SearchMaid spyware as well as other forms of spyware can can be the answer to all your security issues. Listed below is an anti-spyware program that can effectively reverse the damage of your computer and detect SearchMaid automatically.

Download SpyHunter's Malware Scanner Download SpyHunter's Malware Scanner

SpyHunter's free version is only for malware detection. To remove SearchMaid and other malware threats, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool.

Rule #3: Install and keep your firewall turned on

A firewall is essential for a complete protection of your PC. Make sure that your firewall is always turned on. A firewall can prevent unwanted software like SearchMaid from infecting your computer.

Rule #4: Keep your anti-spyware definitions up-to-date

Since new SearchMaid files can be created every day, it is important to keep your anti-spyware program up-to-date. Your anti-spyware scanner should have an update feature where with a click of a button you can get new spyware definitions instantly. Often, an anti-spyware software will open an update window reminding you that there are new updates available.

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