May 22, 2019

Chrome extensions that I did not install keep reinstalling themselves every time I open up Chrome?

"Smart Search Assistant" and "Mac Search Manager" continuously install themselves into my chrome browser every time I open up Chrome. I did not install these extensions and every time, I go in and delete them just for them to show up once again when I reopen Chrome after quitting out of the application.

Furthermore, I'll install an extension I would actually like to have, and as soon as I quite out of Chrome and reopen it, any extension that I have installed is completely gone and those two extensions are back.

I also have ad a huge uptick in unwanted tab pop-ups opening up with advertisements while I'm in chrome.

Please help, this is driving me nuts. I tried using Avast and Malwarebytes to remove infections but this hasn't helped at all.

If it's relevant, I'm running macOS High Sierra.

Details

Managing Extensions,Mac,Stable (Default)

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All Replies (5)

sadeRe

Silver Product Expert

May 23, 2019

@Brenda Carey:

Welcome to the Google Chrome Help forum! :)

You may need to:

Log out all of your devices if you're still using your Google account.
Back up your personal data like saved passwords, run CCleaner for Mac to erase local temp files.
Head to chrome://extensions/ and disable installed add-ons one by one - This helps find out the troublemaker. Report >> remove that item afterwards.
Exit Google Chrome browser. Go to User > Library > Application support > Google > Delete the Chrome subfolder. Plz refer to the above img.
Then reset your chrome sync - remember to backup your personal data like bookmarks first. Moreover, plz check out (smart) devices you used as the logged-in Google user and any other linked/connected Google service (ie, Google Drive).
Check out your Applications folder and the Login Items.
Update then re-run Malwarebytes Antimalware for Mac (MBAM). Please read this HowtoGeek post for more info. Further, head to this malarwarebyte sub-forum for more help, in the meantime.
perform a thorough adware & malware check (Update MBAM first + Avast for Mac).
Report the url of that unknown website to Google SafeBrowsing Team here.

Here's the complete to-do list that would help fix your ruined chrome.

More, please learn how to protect your computer from adware, riskware even malware. (Here's how & case studies.)

Best,

S :)

Last edited May 23, 2019

Lee Ainscough

Oct 16, 2019

Any 'cleaner' products such as those above are almost certainly malware and will compound the issue. It is appalling that google has not removed the above reply. I've reported it as abuse.

Bev Higham

Dec 21, 2019

I DON'T WANT OR NEED THIS CRAP ON MY COMPUTER SO TAKE IT OFF!!!!!! ITS JUST ANOTHER PAIN IN MY ASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

margot cabrera

Feb 23, 2020

Me too. Keeps getting installed by irself.

margot cabrera

Feb 23, 2020

I have windows but i do not want Chrome installed in my computer it is a malware. I dont understand how it installs if we did not install it. IT HAS TO BE GOOGLE.

Of you find a solution please let me know. Thanks.