How To remove Conduit Search malware from your computer?

 To remove Conduit Search malware from your computer using Sysinternals Process Explorer and other methods, here’s a step-by-step guide. Conduit Search is notorious for hijacking browsers and changing homepage or new tab settings, even after apparent removal through traditional means. Following these steps can help locate and delete its hidden processes, registry entries, and injected DLLs.

Step 1: Uninstall Conduit from Control Panel

1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Go to Programs > Uninstall a program.
3. Find any application related to "Conduit" or "Search Protect" and uninstall it.
4. Restart your computer after uninstalling.

Step 2: Stop Conduit Services Using Process Explorer

1. Download Process Explorer from the Microsoft website if you haven’t already.
2. Open Process Explorer with administrative privileges.
3. Look for processes named "Search Protect" or similar Conduit services.
   • To confirm, use the Target Icon next to the binoculars tool in Process Explorer to click on the "Search Protect" icon in your system tray, identifying the process that manages it.
4. Right-click on the process and select Kill Process.

Step 3: Check for Conduit DLLs and Injected Files

1. In Process Explorer, select the Conduit process (or Search Protect), then use CTRL + D to open the DLL view.
2. Look for any DLL files related to Conduit, often named SPVC32.dll or SPVC64.dll. These files might be injected into browsers.
3. If you find such DLLs injected, note their paths. Delete the files after killing the processes that might be using them.

Step 4: Delete Conduit Registry Entries

1. Open Registry Editor by typing regedit in the Windows search bar.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Conduit
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Conduit
3. Delete any Conduit-related keys you find in these directories.

Step 5: Check and Restore Browser Settings

1. Chrome: Go to chrome://settings/resetProfileSettings to reset Chrome settings.
2. Firefox: Open Help > Troubleshooting Information, then click on Refresh Firefox.
3. Edge: Open Settings > Reset settings, then select Restore settings to their default values.
4. Internet Explorer: Go to Internet Options > Advanced tab, then click on Reset.

Step 6: Run an Antivirus or Anti-Malware Scan

1. Use an antivirus tool like Malwarebytes or HitmanPro to scan your computer and remove remaining traces of Conduit.
2. Follow up with a full system scan to ensure no files or registry entries remain.

By thoroughly killing processes, removing DLL injections, deleting registry keys, and resetting your browsers, you can effectively rid your system of Conduit and prevent future hijacks.