Remove About:Blank Hijacker

Remove About:Blank Hijacker Guide

About:Blank hijackings are caused by spyware programs known as homepage hijackers or browser hijackers. They can install without your permission or knowledge and are notoriously difficult to remove. They can change your web browser homepage or startpage to a search engine website which the about:blank hijacker publisher is affiliated with. So whenever you use that search engine, revenue is earned for the publisher. The hijacker characteristically displays about:blank in the title and address window. Pop-up ads may also be spawned with about:blank as the title.

Example homepage hijacked by About:Blank

About:Blank hijackers use stealth tactics to avoid detection and removal. Their DLL files can resurrect each other if one is found deleted and random names are used to avoid detection. New variants are constantly released to evade the anti-spyware programs that remove them. They prevent users from changing the homepage via Tools and Internet Options, or may allow users to temporarily change the homepage only to reset it to the hijacked about:blank page later on.

Remove about:blank by first scanning your system with an anti-virus program to ensure that a computer worm isn't the cause of your problem. Then scan your system with XoftSpy anti-spyware program and remove the infections detected.

Download XoftSpy

To avoid future infections update your security settings so programs can't download and install without your permission. Set your web browser security settings to medium or higher. From the Internet Toolbar, go to Tools > Internet Options > Advanced. Make sure all options "Enable Install On Demand...." in the Browsing section and "Allow software to run or install..." in the Security section are unchecked.

Then select the Security tab > Internet > Custom Level.

In the ActiveX section:

Set "Download signed controls" to Prompt.
Set "Download unsigned controls" to Disable'.
Set "Initialize and Script ActiveX controls not marked as safe" to Disable.

Keep your system up-to-date with the latest service pack, firewall, anti-virus and anti-spyware updates.

Whenever you get an unexpected or suspicious dialog box when browsing the Net, never click OK, Accept or even Cancel. Always click the 'X' in the top right hand corner of the box.

Testimonial

I want to express my thanks for the information on removing the about:blank hijacker. I was about to do a low level format on my hard drive to get rid of this persistent trojan, when I ran across your site. I took the step you suggested and the follow-on precautions to prevent future infections.

Also, I will stay away from sites that offer cracks and key gens. Seems that hackers and adware scum are placing trojans on these site. I suppose it is only fitting to screw someone who is trying to rip someone else off. I've learned my lesson.

From now on I'll follow your advice and keeps my anti-virus, anti-spy and anti-hijacker software up to date ... as well as keep up my own intellectual defenses and refrain from going on to questionable sites.

Thanks again,

Carlos

Please personally if you need further assistance to remove about:blank.