google redirect virus

a friend have just posted on her Facebook the question

does anybody know how to get rid of the google redirect virus on a mac. don't know how I got it but it's driving me crazy.

Ok, I know it is not a virus, more like a Trojen, we get the same thing on the P.c.

Not owning a MAc, I can't really help her, do anyone know anything about this on the MAc and how to get rid of it? thanks

A quick search brings up the following suggestions:

1. Depending on which browser the user uses, it may be possible to clear it in Safari by resetting Safari, or in Firefox by deleting all saved user data - cookies, passwords, caches. They could try creating a new user account and see if this has the same problem.

2. Apparently there's a piece of malware called DNSChanger out there that could be responsible. If this is the problem, try Googling for "Mac DNSChanger" and look for a repair utility. I think the utility is supposed to work for this problem, but tries to persuade you to spend money for a more complete product. Resist the temptation.

DISCLAIMER: I have no experience of this problem myself, all of the above is hear-say from the Internet, and I take zero responsibility for its accuracy. The person with the problem should do her own research.

Edited by deleted (Fri 18-Jun-10 02:43:28)

Thanks for the reply.
i done a bit of searching myself, but ends up going around in circles.

You say the person should do her own research, but tell me how she is going to do that when she keeps getting directed to other sites?


Thanks for the info anyway, will see if it helps.

In reply to a post by zyborg47:

a friend have just posted on her Facebook the question

does anybody know how to get rid of the google redirect virus on a mac. don't know how I got it but it's driving me crazy.

Ok, I know it is not a virus, more like a Trojen, we get the same thing on the P.c.

Not owning a MAc, I can't really help her, do anyone know anything about this on the MAc and how to get rid of it? thanks

Hi there,
I did a quick google search and found this versiontracker download link for the DNSChanger removal tool.

Hope this helps.

And also tell her not to download hookey software in future...

This is a Trojan, not a virus. I have manually uninstalled this on two macs - it isn't terribly difficult but you need to use the Terminal, if only to check that you have removed it completely. There is an overview here which sets out the basics; it is worth ploughing through all the article comments because there are several variants, most of which eventually get mentioned.