Google Redirect Virus

The Google Redirect Virus, which is also known as Tidserv, TDSS or Alureon, is a Trojan used by hackers to leave your computer open to identity harvesting. It's so sneaky that your spyware probably won't even notice it, and you won't be able to tell you've been scammed until it's too late.

What is the Google Redirect Virus?

The Google Redirect Virus is a hack that uses a seemingly viable Google search results link to create a myriad of problems for you and your computer. The most obvious result of this Trojan virus is that it redirects a Google search results link to a malicious website. Once you are redirected to the site, the mayhem begins. The site can infect your computer with other viruses or try to trick you into buying a fake product or service in order to steal your financial information.

The virus may also make your computer alert you that your downloads didn't complete even if they did, or that you have errors in your Windows applications. It may also create backdoors that allow an outside party to access information stored on your computer.

How to Clear the Google Redirect Virus from Your System

Have you ever tried to open a Google Alerts link or a link on a website and found yourself on a webpage that has nothing to do with the link? Chances are you may have the Google Redirect Virus on your computer. You don't need any fancy software that you may have seen advertised to combat this type of virus to clear it from your system. Instead, use these steps:

1. Open your computer's Device Manager. You can find the Device Manager by going to your Control Panel and selecting "Device Manager" under the "Devices and Printers" category.
2. Click on "View."
3. Select "Show Hidden Devices."
4. Click on the plus sign to expand the list of devices on your computer.
5. Find the device called "TDSSserv.sys."
6. Right click on the device and choose "Disable" from the pop-up menu.
7. Close the Device Manager.
8. Run your computer's spyware software. Other names for the Google Redirect Virus are "Adware.ClearSearch.Process" and "Trojan.Agent/Gen-Falint.Process." You may see these listed in your virus scan.
9. Reset your computer's router by poking the end of a paper clip into the hole labeled "Reset" on the back of the router. This will clear the router's memory.

If you are still having problems with the virus, try this fix:

1. Go to your computer's Start menu and click on the "Run" option under the Programs category.
2. Copy and paste "C:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts" into the prompt area.
3. Choose a word processor in which to open this program when you are prompted to do so. Notepad will work fine.
4. There will be a list of IP addresses at the bottom of the document. Delete all of the IP addresses except for "127.0.0.1 localhost."
5. Save the document.

Once you have taken these steps, you should be able to use Google once again to search the internet without fear. Don't forget to check out our top ranked antivirus software programs.

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