There's a troubling issue with my relative's browser that I need help with. Recently, a suspicious page titled 'markedoneofthe' opens automatically every time Google Chrome starts. I've done some research and found that this site is flagged as unsafe, which is definitely concerning. When I disable Adblock, a lot of sketchy ads and articles pop up on this page.
We previously dealt with some malware called Onebrowser on the same PC, but removing it hasn't fixed this issue. I've checked for weird extensions, and there don't seem to be any. Also, the Google search engine has disappeared from the settings, which adds to my worries.
I'm thinking about uninstalling and then reinstalling Chrome. If anyone has a step-by-step guide on how to do that, I'd appreciate it. But I'd love to know if there are other effective methods to get rid of this problem instead. Any advice would be super helpful. Thanks a ton!
5 Answers
Uninstalling and reinstalling Chrome might fix the issue, but remember that if your Google account syncs, it could reinstall those settings. Make sure to check any syncing options. Before uninstalling, maybe create a restore point or backup just in case.
If you're worried about malware, you should definitely run a full scan with Malwarebytes. It's free and can catch a lot of unwanted stuff. Disconnect the computer from the internet for a bit while you figure this out; it helps prevent further issues until you can sort it out.
Don't forget to check the computer for any rogue programs too! Sometimes they like to hide out. Using Windows Defender can help as well. And remember, just being cautious about use is smart until you get it all sorted out.
To deal with that malicious page, I recommend checking if the browser's search engine settings are hijacked. Go to chrome://settings/search and then manage your search engines. It's possible a sketchy engine is set as the default. You can delete anything that doesn't look right, even if it says 'Google'. Also, check for any odd extensions that may have installed themselves.
Did your research clarify who flagged the site as unsafe? It's essential to know that information before navigating away from it.
That sounds like solid advice! I think I'll suggest running that scan first.