Removal Instructions for “Blekko” Virus (Free Guide)
Orlando G.
Issue:My computer is infected with some kind Blekko malware... Can I remove it without reinstalling my OS?
Hi,
I think my PC is infected with BLEKKO virus or malware... Is there a reliable way to remove it without completely reinstalling my operating system?
Thank you.
The Blekko virus is a fraudulent search engine that is promoted as real search engine that gives accurate search results and improves online experience of users. However, the Blekko is more than just a potentially unwanted program or PUP upon getting into the Windows computers which contributes numerous malicious activities in the background and damages user device. Once infected, it replaces the search engine, home page and new tab URLs with blekko.com and acquires complete control over the entire browser. To prevent the settings from being restored, it also injects several malicious extensions, plug-ins, toolbars etc. on the browser. The annoying part is that Blekko is a browser-hijacking app that delivers sponsored links constantly.
One of the concerns here is that Blekko is a browser hijacking application that delivers sponsored links. Remember that one of the main symptoms of browser hijacking is that its homepage and new tab address is set to blekko.com. Keep in mind that there is no guarantee that the search results will not be filled with suspicious links that may lead to dangerous sites. After clicking them, you may be tricked into downloading other suspicious programs to your computer, so you should never visit them.
Summary
NAME | Blekko |
TYPE | Browser hijacker, potentially unwanted program |
DISTRIBUTION | Software bundles, fake updates, insecure sites |
ASSOCIATED URLS | blekko.com |
DANGERS | Installation of other potentially unwanted programs, financial losses, privacy risks |
REMOVAL | To delete potentially unwanted programs, you can follow the guide we provide below. Alternatively, you can employ security software for an automatic elimination option |
ADDITIONAL STEPS | Computer infections can cause significant damage to system files or disrupt normal settings. To revert these changes and remediate the OS, perform a full system scan with iolo System Mechanic repair software |
Users have reported that they found the application installed to just go missing after installation. This is unexpected but it is no secret that there are freeware websites spread various potentially unwanted programs as an optional component within software bundles.
Users have reported that they found the application installed to just go missing after installation. This is unexpected but it is no secret that there are freeware websites spread various potentially unwanted programs as an optional component within software bundles.
Blekko is a consumer-facing search engine focused on delivering high quality, relevant, spam-free search results. This way, developers of the app monetize on ads. The app is capable of tracking people’s browsing habits and most of the data collected are:
- Search terms
- Bookmarks
- Ads clicked
- Mostly visited websites
- IP address and geolocation
It does not matter whether it is just called personally non-identifiable, we don’t recommend sharing it with unknown parties, as it can be passed on further and not adequately protected. If you want to protect yourself, you have to remove Blekko hijacker from your computer.
Remove any trace of the Blekko virus and associated malware from your computer and browser. To do so, you can automatically use iolo System Mechanic.
Prevent From Installing Viruses Like Blekko
The Blekko will not infect vital Windows system files. But, as you may have already known, it may cause a lot of issues on your device later on. Because of this, we highly recommend preventing having this search engine and continue to just use Google, Yahoo or Bing. If you opt for privacy, use DuckDuckGo.
If you want to protect yourself from this and other browser hijackers that may try to redirect your browser to unknown websites, you should start monitoring installation of the freeware. Choose only Custom or Advanced installation of the freeware because there are hundreds of download managers. Keep in mind that PDF creators, video streaming software and similar programs that have been involved to Blekko distribution. Afterwards, you must deselect pre-checked check boxes that may inform you that you want to set blekko.com as your start page or default search engine.
Automatic Removal of Blekko Virus From your Device for Good
There are sudden browser changes that might be unexpected and surprising to many and most users who got infected are not aware of the issue and that the programs are harmful. Regardless of this fact, sudden alterations to the homepage, new tab, and the search engine should be investigated immediately. Upon closer inspection, it would be clear that Blekko removal is needed to regain all the normal web browser functions.
In order to remove the Blekko manually, read through the article for the detailed instructions of the removal process. Since the application might insert various components into web browsers, then we also explain the proper clearing to prevent unexpected plugin’s reinstallation. In case you do not want to bother with this process as it might seem too complicated for you, or you want a quick solution, we recommend you try using anti-malware instead. You may use iolo System Mechanic.
For manual removal, here are some quick steps for your OS and browsers:
- Remove it from Google Chrome
- Remove it from Mozilla Firefox
- Remove it from Internet Explorer
- Remove it from Microsoft Edge
- Remove it from Chromium Edge
- Remove it from Safari
Delete Blekko From All Windows systems
- Go to Control Panel
- Choose the Programs under the options in menu
- Access the list of installed software
- Wait for the uninstallation process to be completed
- Uninstall software and click ok to save the changes
Delete the Blekko from Mac OS X system
No wonder that even Macintosh OS is affected. To remove it from the application folder:
- Go to Menu then Applications
- In the App folder, Find the related Entries to Blekko
- Click and drag the application to Trash
Remove Blekko entirely on the system by accessing the Application Support, LaunchAgents, and LaunchDaemons folders and delete relevant files.
Launch the Folders in Mac:
- In the Finder, Go to Folder
- Enter /Library/Application Support and click Go or press Enter
- Under the Application Support folder, look for entries related to Blekko
- Delete entries
Uninstallation of Blekko from Internet Explorer
- Go to the Menu icon in Internet Explorer
- Select Manage Add-ons
- Here, determine the malicious plugins
- Select the entries associated with Blekko
- Choose disable
To change your homepage in case of changes made before:
- Go again to the menu icon for Internet Explorer
- Select Internet Options
- Select the General tab among the options
- See the homepage section to replace it with your preferred URL
- Click Apply and then select OK
To Remove Temporary Files:
- Press the Gear icon again on the Internet Explorer
- Select Internet Options
- In the browsing history, choose delete
- Select the items that you want to remove
- Press delete
To reset Internet Explorer
- Click the Gear icon
- Go to Internet Options
- Select Advanced tab
- Click Reset
- Check Delete personal settings then select Reset
To Remove Blekko from Microsoft Edge
- Go to the Menu or the three dots in the right corner of the browser
- Select Extensions
- Pick the entries of ads that are related to Blekko
- Click on Uninstall
To Clear Browsing History and Data:
- Click the Menu
- Pick the Privacy and Security
- When you are in the clear browsing data section
- Select what entries to clear
- Click Clear
Reset Microsoft Edge
- Go to the Task Manager
- Select the More Details option
- Locate each entry for the Microsoft Edge
- Click End Task
- This will reset your Microsoft Edge
In case of a solution failure, apply the advanced reset settings. Before proceeding with this method, keep in mind to back up data.
- Locate the folder in your computer that contains: C:\\Users\\%username%\\AppData\\Local\\Packages\\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe
- Select all folders
- When all folders are selected, right click the mouse
- Click Delete
- After doing the steps above, right click on the Start Button
- Open Windows PowerShell as administrator
- In a new window, enter the script below beside C:/WINDOWS/system32>Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\\AppXManifest.xml” -Verbose
Remove the Blekko Extensions from MS Edge Chromium
- Open Edge and click select Settings then go to Extensions
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove
Clear cache and site data
- Click on Menu
- Go to Settings
- Select Privacy and services
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear
- Under Time range, pick All time
- Select Clear now
To Reset Chromium-based Microsoft Edge
- Go to Menu
- Then Select Settings
- On the left side, Go to Reset Settings
- Then Go to Restore settings to their default values
- Confirm by clicking again the Reset
Remove the Blekko Malware from Mozilla Firefox
Delete extensions
- Go to the Firefox Menu
- Select Add-ons
- Find plugins related to the virus
- Click Remove
To bring back your homepage
- Click on the Menu placed at the top right corner
- Go to Options then select General
- Delete malicious URL and type in the preferred website or click Restore to Default
- Click OK to save the changes you have recently applied
Reset Mozilla Firefox
- Go to Firefox browser Menu
- Select Help
- Choose Troubleshooting Information
- Click Refresh Firefox
- Select the confirmation to Refresh the Firefox
Remove Blekko from Google Chrome
Hijackers use this platform to find their prey. Now, remove them by following these steps:
- Go to the Menu on Google Chrome
- Click More Tools
- Select Extensions
- In a new window, pick malicious extensions on the list
- Move now to the uninstallation by clicking Remove
Set your Chrome to a Preferred Homepage
- Go to Settings
- Select Search Engines
- Go to open a new page
- Select add a new page
- Type the preferred URL
Reset Google Chrome
When the above steps did not work, opt for a Chrome reset
- Go to Chrome Settings
- Scroll down and choose Reset Browser settings
- Click Reset and confirm the action to complete removal of Blekko
Remove Blekko from Safari
- On the Safari Browser, go to Safari on the upper tab
- Select Preferences
- In a new Window, select Extensions
- Select unwanted extensions related to the virus
To set your homepage back to default or your preferred URL
- Open Safari then go to the Menu section
- Select Preferences
- Go to the General tab
- On the Homepage, change URL
To Reset Safari:
- Go to the Safari Browser then on the menu section, click Safari
- Choose Reset Safari
- Then a set of dialog window filled with options, you have to check all of them before clicking Reset again to confirm reset process
Key Takeaways
In order to make life easier for yourself — make sure to have an ati-virus software installed at all times. For that, we can honestly recommend iolo System Mechanic. Not only it will protect you from various malware, but it will also optimize and speed up your PC to factory levels.
Offer
iolo System Mechanic® — is a patented PC & MAC repair tool & the only program of its kind. Not only it’s a registry fix, PC optimizer, or an anti-virus/malware remover – The iolo System Mechanic® technology reverses the damage done to Windows or Mac, eliminating the need for time-consuming reinstallations & costly technician bills.
It is available for FREE. Although, for some more advanced features & 100% effective fixes you may need to purchase a full license.
If your ‘Blekko’ virus is still not removed — don’t hesitate and contact us via email, or a Facebook messenger (the blue ‘bubble’ on the bottom-right of your screen).