Do you know what Search.tp-cmf.com is?
Search.tp-cmf.com is a search engine that comes with a toolbar and a few links, which could be useful to some users. As a result, you may not consider the application as a potentially dangerous one even if it modifies some of your browser preferences. However, before deciding if it is worth to search the Internet with this specific tool users should know it is nothing more than another browser hijacker and a clone of many similar threats that were released before, for example, Search.hemailloginnow.com, Search.easyrecipesnow.com, Search.searchlivesportson.com, and so on. It might be not a malicious application, but still keeping it could put the system at risk, and if you do not want it to happen we recommend eliminating Search.searchlivesportson.com. Users who decide to do so can follow the removal guide located below the text as it can show how to erase the browser hijacker.
Our researchers learned the search engine could be traveling with bundled software installers located on questionable or malicious file-sharing web pages. In other words, you can receive Search.tp-cmf.com if you are not careful enough while downloading software from torrent, other P2P file-sharing networks, or unreliable freeware distribution web pages. Each time you launch a setup file, you should make sure you choose custom or advances installation settings since it might allow you to see conditions and suggestions that otherwise could be left unmentioned. If suggested software looks untrustworthy or the user does not want it, there might be a possibility to deselect it.
Unfortunately, sometimes the setup file does not offer such a choice, for example, in some cases all it says is there could be other programs installed automatically without even mentioning what kind of applications it would be. This is why it is advisable to be more attentive during installation, and if needed to cancel the process. If this does not look enough to keep your system protected from potential threats or browser hijackers like Search.tp-cmf.com we additionally recommend installing a reputable antimalware tool that could guard the system against them.
Search.tp-cmf.com screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
Provided, Search.tp-cmf.com manages to enter the system it might hijack user’s default browser and to our knowledge at the moment of writing it can affect Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome. The mentioned browsers have particular files that hold user’s browser preferences, such as homepage, default search engine, or new tab page. Since the browser hijacker’s goal might be to modify one of these mentioned choices it might locate described files and make changes to them. For example, if you were using Mozilla Firefox, the threat could modify a file called prefs.js; to see what could be modified you should have a look at the removal guide as it will show changed parts.
It is quite possible that the reason Search.tp-cmf.com may hijack user’s browser is to make him search the internet with it and during such times the threat could show him additional third-party advertising content, for which sadly the software creators do not take any responsibility. Therefore, there are no guarantees the presented advertisements would be safe to interact with, for example, they could lead to websites distributing other hijackers, adware, or even malicious applications. Thus, while the user might be risking his computer’s safety, the search engine’s creators could be generating advertising revenue. Under such circumstances, we recommend not to keep such a questionable tool installed and eliminate it as fast as possible.
Users who prefer erasing the browser hijacker manually should use the removal guide placed below this text. It will show how to restore data that might have been modified by Search.tp-cmf.com and replace it with safer alternatives like google.com or any website you prefer. Some users may find it easier to install a reputable antimalware, initiate a full system scan, and click the deletion button. If you think it would be the best option for you too, do not hesitate to do so.
Eliminate Search.tp-cmf.com
Internet Explorer
- Press Windows Key+R.
- Insert Regedit and select OK.
- Get to this exact directory: HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
- Find a value name titled Start Page.
- Right-Click it and choose Modify.
- Instead of http://Search.tp-cmf.com place a web page you prefer and click OK.
- Exit Registry Editor.
Mozilla Firefox
- Press Windows Key+E.
- Go to the provided directory: C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\{Unique Mozilla ID}
- Look for Prefs.js and open this file as a Notepad document.
- Find the provided line: user_pref("browser.startup.homepage", "http://Search.tp-cmf.com").
- Instead of http://Search.tp-cmf.com place a link you prefer and press Ctrl+S to save changes.
- Close the document.
Google Chrome
- Tap Windows key+E.
- Find the given path: C:\Users\{Username}\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default
- Locate files called Preferences, Secure Preferences, and Web Data.
- Right-click these files and press Delete.
- Exit Explorer.
In non-techie terms:
Search.tp-cmf.com is an unreliable search engine that falls under the classification of browser hijackers. It would not surprise us if you received it without even realizing it since it is quite possible the threat is being distributed through bundled software installers. It is not a malicious type of application, but it may cause you trouble if you are too careless with the ads it might provide you with. In any case users, we do not see any reason to use this questionable tool when there are more reputable options. After all, the few links it provides might be bookmarked at any time, so it does not have to be installed for you to reach the websites it suggests. If you do not think it would be wise to take any chances with a browser hijacker either, we encourage you to erase it either manually with the removal guide placed above or a legitimate antimalware tool.