What is GrandBurst?
GrandBurst is a browser extension that according to its description should enhance user’s browsing experience by replacing default search engine and homepage. What is left unmentioned is that the application might also display third-party advertising. We doubt such content could enhance anyone’s browsing experience, on the contrary, the ads could disturb it. Because of them, the extension was categorized as adware and what you should know about such software is that in most cases its primary purpose is to show users ads and generate advertising revenue for its creators. In other words, you will have no use for the application, unless you wish to see annoying advertisements. Moreover, such content could be potentially dangerous as well as we cannot know from where it might originate. Thus, we would advise you not to take any chances with the adware and get rid of GrandBurst with the instructions available below.
Where does GrandBurst come from?
Currently, GrandBurst is compatible only with Google Chrome, but it is not available on Chrome Web Store yet, or the extension might have been already removed from this site. Nonetheless, its creators could spread it through other channels, for example, bundled software installers. If you download freeware setup files from unreliable web pages, you might receive an installer with suggestions of such unreliable software as this extension. Therefore, it could be safer to avoid file-sharing web pages in the future, or at least review terms on the setup wizard more carefully, so you would not overlook any unwanted suggestions.
How does GrandBurst work?
During the installation process, GrandBurst should create a couple of folders titled as mllhnlpgjighmgnmcjabealfmihkmjhi in the %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions and %USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default directories. In case there are several Google Chrome profiles on the computer the adware should create even more folders and data. To replace user’s default browser setting the extension could modify specific files called Preferences and Secure Preferences.
After it settles in, the Google Chrome browser might start loading home.grandburst.com when it is launched. The website provides a search box and some icons with links to other pages, e.g. yahoo.com, amazon.com, facebook.com, and so on. Also, you can set a custom background picture, place a clock or make it show the date. Thus, the first impression of the site might make it look like a fun and useful tool to search the Internet. Unfortunately, the idea might be ruined once you start using the provided search engine. As our researchers at Anti-spyware-101.com indicate, the results could include unreliable third-party ads. For example, they could redirect you to web pages distributing similar threats, sites trying to steal your private data, spread malicious applications, and so on.
How to eliminate GrandBurst?
In our opinion, it is not worth to keep such a suspicious application just because it has a beautiful background picture. After all, there are lots of safer search engine alternatives you could use. If you think the same, we advise you to eliminate GrandBurst before something goes wrong while using it. Removing it manually could be rather difficult, but if you are up for this task, you should follow the instructions placed below. There is also another way to get rid of the adware if you do not mind installing antimalware software. A reliable tool may help you do a full system scan and detect the application or other possible threats. Afterward, users could quickly erase the detections with only one mouse click.
Erase GrandBurst from Google Chrome
- Launch the Explorer (Windows Key+E) and locate the given directory: %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions
- Find a folder named as mllhnlpgjighmgnmcjabealfmihkmjhi, select it and press Shift+Delete.
- Locate the following directory %USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default
- Find another folder titled as mllhnlpgjighmgnmcjabealfmihkmjhi, select it and press Shift+Delete.
- Look for this location %USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default
- Find files called Preferences and Secure Preferences, then erase them.
Remove GrandBurst from other Google Chrome profiles
- Open the Explorer (Windows Key+E) and locate the listed paths separately:
%USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\User Data\{Profile.*}\Extensions
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\{Profile.*}\Extensions - Look for folders called mllhnlpgjighmgnmcjabealfmihkmjhi, select them separately and press Shift+Delete.
- Go to these directories separately:
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Local Storage
%USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Local Storage - Find and erase these files:
chrome-extension_mllhnlpgjighmgnmcjabealfmihkmjhi_0.localstorage-journal
chrome-extension_mllhnlpgjighmgnmcjabealfmihkmjhi_0.localstorage
tested removal of GrandBurst*
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