Remove startmeinweb.de - how it works
The browser hijacker "startmeinweb.de" should be removed immediately, as it not only changes the start pages of your browser, but can also establish connections to other virus-contaminated websites. Deleting the malware is more difficult than with other hijackers, since "startmeinweb.de" stores additional files on your computer. In this practical tip, we explain how you can completely remove the malware from your system.
Step 1: Delete startmeinweb.de from the Windows user directory
Some files from startmeinweb.de nest directly on your computer in your personal folder.
- Click "Start" and then "Computer".
- Go to the directory "Users"> "Public"> "Public documents".
- Here you will find the files "Homepage Setter", " " and "website". Delete them.
- You may discover a folder such as "phase6_19_Daten". Remove this along with all the content.
- Then empty the trash.
Step 2: Uninstall programs from Windows
Next, remove any unknown programs that you recently installed.
- Read more about this in the instructions for uninstalling programs via the Control Panel.
- Do not restart Windows afterwards, even if you are asked to do so.
Step 3: Reset browser to factory settings
Then your browser is on. Reset them to the factory settings. The following instructions show you how to do this:
- Google Chrome,
- Internet Explorer,
- Mozilla Firefox,
- Opera,
- safari
Step 4: clean up hijacked browser shortcuts
If you started your browser, it could still happen that the startmeinweb.de website opens. So the next thing you need to do is clean up the browser shortcuts.
- Right-click on the shortcuts of your browser and select the "Properties" from the context menu.
- Under the "Link" tab, click in the "Target" field. For example, there should be nothing behind "" C: \ ... .. \ Google \ Chrome \ Application \ chrome.exe "for Google Chrome.
- If you find any other entries there, delete them.
- Confirm the change with "Apply" and "OK".
- Repeat these steps with all browser shortcuts. Also note the shortcuts in your taskbar. You may have to completely delete the shortcut from your taskbar and add it again.
Step 5: check Windows autostart
So that you don't experience a nasty surprise the next time you restart your computer, you should still check the autostart.
- Open the Windows autostart.
- If there are cryptic programs without manufacturer information that you can set in connection with startmeinweb.de, deactivate them.
Step 6: Find and delete the remaining malware from startmeinweb.de
Finally, check your computer with special anti-malware tools so that you are sure that there is no other malware in the background.
- AdwCleaner: Finds and removes other hijackers and adware programs.
- Malwarebytes Anti-Malware: Scans your system for other malware.
On the next page you will find the top tools against viruses. This article applies to Windows 7.