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How to remove Desktop Search (ads, banners, deals)



Threat's profile Threat indicator: HIGH

Name of the threat:Desktop Search

Command or file name:startsvs.exe

Threat type:Adware

Affected OS:Win32/Win64 (Windows XP, Vista/7, 8/8.1, Windows 10)

Affected browsers:Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari

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Desktop Search intrusion method

Desktop Search installs on your PC along with free software. This method is called "bundled installation". Freeware offers you to install additional module (Desktop Search). Then if you fail to decline the offer it starts hidden installation. Desktop Search copies its file(s) to your hard disk. Its typical file name is startsvs.exe . Then it creates new startup key with name Desktop Search and value startsvs.exe . You can also find it in your processes list with name startsvs.exe or Desktop Search. Also, it can create folder with name Desktop Search under C:\Program Files\ or C:\ProgramData. If you have further questions about Desktop Search, please ask below. You can use programs to remove Desktop Search from your browsers below.


Download Removal Tool

Download this advanced removal tool and solve problems with Desktop Search and startsvs.exe (download of fix will start immediately):

Download WiperSoft Antispyware to remove Desktop Search

* WiperSoft Antispyware was developed to remove threats like Desktop Search in automatic mode. Remover has active module to protect PC from hijackers, trojans, ransomware and other viruses. Trial version of Wipersoft provides detection of computer viruses for FREE. To remove malware, you have to purchase the full version of Wipersoft.


Features of WiperSoft Antispyware Malware Remediation Tool

  • Removes all files created by viruses.
  • Removes all registry entries created by viruses.
  • You can activate System and Network Guards and forget about malware.
  • Can fix browser problems and protect browser settings.
  • Removal is guaranteed - if Removal Tool fails ask for FREE support.
  • 24/7 Spyware Helpdesk Support included into the package.

Download Spyhunter Remediation Tool by Enigma Software

Download antimalware designed specifically to remove threats like Desktop Search and startsvs.exe (download of fix will start immediately):

Download AntiMalware to remove Desktop Search

Features of Spyhunter Remediation Tool

  • Removes all files created by Desktop Search.
  • Removes all registry entries created by Desktop Search.
  • Fixes browser redirection and hijack if needed.
  • "Toolbar Remover" tool will help you get rid of unwanted browser extensions.
  • Removal is guaranteed - if Spyhunter Remediation Tool fails ask for FREE support.
  • 24/7 Helpdesk Support and 5 hours of Remote Support via GoToAssist included into the package.


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Software Industry Professionals Member Threat's description and solution are developed by Security Stronghold security team.

Here you can also learn:


How to remove Desktop Search manually

This problem can be solved manually by deleting all registry keys and files connected with Desktop Search, removing it from startup list and unregistering all corresponding DLLs. Additionally missing DLL's should be restored from distribution in case they are corrupted by Desktop Search.

To get rid of Desktop Search, you should:

1. Kill the following processes and delete the appropriate files:

  • delprot.sys
  • idinst.exe
  • anal exploits.url
  • big dick school for 2.95.url
  • virus hunter.url
  • delprot.ini
  • delprot.log
  • desktop.exe
  • edmond.exe
  • ffisearch.exe
  • isearch.xpi
  • mfiltis.dll
  • msdbhk.dll
  • sysupd.dll

Warning: you should delete only those files which checksums are listed as malicious. There may be valid files with the same names in your system. We recommend you to use WiperSoft Antispyware Malware Remediation Tool for safe problem solution.

**Trial version of Wipersoft provides detection of computer viruses for FREE. To remove malware, you have to purchase the full version of Wipersoft.

2. Delete the following malicious folders:

no information

3. Delete the following malicious registry entries and\or values:

  • Key: mfiltis
    Value: @
  • Key:
    software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\policies\ext\clsid\{5b4ab8e2-6dc5-477a-b637-bf3c1a2e5993}

    Value: @
  • Key: software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\run\desktop search
    Value: @
  • Key: software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\run\ffis
    Value: @

Warning: if value is listed for some registry entries, you should only clear these values and leave keys with such values untouched. We recommend you to use WiperSoft Antispyware Malware Remediation Tool for safe problem solution.


Uninstall Desktop Search related programs from Control Panel

We recommend you to check list of installed programs and search for Desktop Search entry or other unknown and suspicious programs. Below are instructions for different version if Windows. In some cases adware programs are protected by malicious service or process and it will not allow you to uninstall it. If Desktop Search won't uninstall or gives you error message that you do not have sufficient rights to do this perform below instructions in Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking or use WiperSoft Antispyware Malware Remediation Tool.


Windows 10

  • Click on the Start menu and choose Settings
  • Then click on System and choose Apps & Features in the left column
  • Find Desktop Search under in the list and click Uninstall button near it.
  • Confirm by clicking Uninstall button in opened window if necessary.

Windows 8/8.1

  • Right click on the bottom left corner of the screen (while on your desktop)
  • In the menu choose Control Panel
  • Click Uninstall a program under Programs and Features.
  • Locate programs that can be connected with Desktop Search or other related suspicious program.
  • Click Uninstall button.
  • Wait until uninstall process is complete.

Windows 7/Vista

  • Click Start and choose Control Panel.
  • Choose Programs and Features and Uninstall a program.
  • In the list of installed programs find entries related to Desktop Search
  • Click Uninstall button.

Windows XP

  • Click Start
  • In the menu choose Control Panel
  • Choose Add / Remove Programs.
  • Find Desktop Search related entries.
  • Click Remove button.

Remove Desktop Search related extensions from your browsers

Desktop Search in some cases can be accompanied with browsers extension. We recommend you to use free option Toolbar Remover under Tools in Spyhunter Remediation Tool to remove unwanted browser extensions related to Desktop Search. We recommend you to perform scan your PC with Removal Tool or Spyhunter Remediation Tool. To remove extenions from your browsers manually do the following:

Internet Explorer

  • While in Internet Explorer click cogwheel icon in the top right corner
  • In the menu choose the Manage Add-ons
  • Select Toolbar and Extension tab.
  • Choose add-on possibly related to Desktop Search or other related adware BHO.
  • Click Disable button.

Warning: This option will only disable unwanted plugin. For effective Desktop Search removal use WiperSoft Antispyware Malware Remediation Tool.

Google Chrome

  • Start Google Chrome.
  • In the address bar type chrome://extensions/
  • In the list of add-ons find related to Desktop Search and click recycle bin icon.
  • Confirm Desktop Search removal.

Mozilla Firefox

  • Open Firefox
  • In the address bar type about:addons
  • Click Extensions tab.
  • In the list of extension locate ones related to Desktop Search.
  • Click Remove button near it.

Protect computer and browsers from infection

Adware threats like Desktop Search are very widespread and, unfortunately, many anti-virus programs fail to detect it. To protect your computer from future infection we recommend you to use WiperSoft Antispyware Malware Remediation Tool, it has active protection module and browser settings guard. It does not conflict with any anti-virus programs and creates additional shield against threats like Desktop Search.


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