How to Remove XTab? – Get Rid of SearchProtect by XTab

Hi, I'm having problems removing "search protect". It wont let me remove it through control panel, I've removed it through windows safe mode and it came back. im using ie11 and windows 7 home edition. Thank you for your time.

About XTab

XTab is a potentially unwanted program which finds its way in the “Program Files” or “Program Files (x86)” without your awareness. This program is often used to support a popup called “SearchProtect”, another program that prevents you from changing your homepage or getting your search provider back. So please mind that XTab often appears as an interface called SearchProtect.

XTab comes bundled with other free programs that have got this program in their installers. Therefore, you should pay close attention to the installations of the new software and read license agreements carefully. You are highly recommended to choose Custom or Advanced installation options to deselect the requirements to give access to XTab.

Working as another browser hijacker, XTab will interrupt you from various aspects. You should this nasty program and its related adware from your PC.

XTab Removal Guides

      Method 1: Manually Remove XTab Step by Step

To completely remove XTab, you need to end its process,  remove its files, and uninstall its installer. 

Step 1. End  XTab process in Task Manager.

1). Press Ctrl+Alt+Del keys together to open Windows Task Manager.

2). Under the Processes tab, right-click on the processes related with the virus and click End Process

SupHPNot.exe

ProtectSvc.exe

HPNotify.exe

Step 2. Remove suspicious files from hard disk.

Open Control Panel in Start menu and search for Folder Options. When you’re in Folder Options window, please click on its View tab.

Or just Local Disk C: -->Organize -->Folder and search options -->View -->Show Hidden Files.

And then check Show hidden files and folders and uncheck Hide protected operating system files (Recommended) and then press OK.

Step 3. Delete files and folders about XTab

Other target files: SupHPNot.exe/ ProtectSvc.exe/HPNotify.exe/SearchProtect.exe

For windows 7-- C:\Program Files 

For windows 64--  C:\Program Files (x86) 

Step 4. Uninstall XTab from control panel.

Windows 8 

1. Right click "Start" button or lower left corner of your desktop to open the Menu. 

2. Select "Control Panel" option in the menu. 

3. Click "Uninstall a Program" to open the list of installed programs. 

4. Select malicious program and click "Uninstall" button.

Windows 7 or Vista

1. Click on "Start" button placed at the bottom left corner.

2. Click "Control Panel" option in the Start menu

3. Locate "Uninstall a program"/"Programs and Features" option in the Control Panel menu

If you XTab  has already messed up your browser, please follow the steps below to restore you settings.

Step 5. Remove XTab add-on in your browser.

Internet Explorer

1). Open Internet Explorer, then click on the gear icon (Tools for Windows XP users) at the top (far right), then select Manage add-ons.

2). From the Toolbars and Extensions tab, select XTab and click on Disable.

3). On Search Providers, remove XTab from the list.

4). Click the General tab and move to the Home Page. Overwrite/remove the Home Page URL and click OK.

5) Open Internet Explorer, then click on the gear icon (Tools for Windows XP users) at the top (far right), then select Internet Option > advanced > reset

Mozilla Firefox

1). Click on the button at the top right corner to open Menu > Add-ons > Extensions >

2). Find XTab related add-ons and delete them.

Note: it’s better to remove anything you don’t need or trust especially those installed recently.

3). Simultaneously tap Alt+T keys and select Options. Click the General tab and move to the Home Page. Overwrite/remove the Home Page URL and click OK.

4). Open Firefox, press Alt + H, and select Troubleshooting Information > reset

Google Chrome.

1). Click on the Customize icon(wrench or 3 bar icon) next to the address bar and navigate to Tools > Extensions.

2). Find XTab related add-ons and delete them

3). Move to Search and click Manage search engines…Click X on the URL of the search tool you want to remove. Click Done.

4). Select settings > advanced settings > reset

Step 6. Remove Leftover and optimize your PC.

You can download and install RegCure Pro to have a quick and thorough scan. You are welcomed to follow the guide below.

Step 1. Click the icon to download RegCure Pro.

Step 2. Click "Yes" to run the profile.

Step 3. After installation, you can scan your computer for errors by making a system scan.

Step 4. After scanning, choose the items you want to clean and fix.

      Method 2: Automatically Remove XTab with Powerful Removal Tool

SpyHunter is an adaptive real-time spyware detection and removal tool for your PC. You can remove XTab with this powerful tool. Please read the instruction below.

(Please be at ease for SpyHunter, since it will never bundle with any programs and it can get along with existing security programs without any conflicts.)

Step 1. Click the download button below.

Step 2. After finishing downloading, click Run to install SpyHunter step by step.

Step 3. After finishing installing, SpyHunter will scan and diagnose your entire system automatically.

Step 4. As the scanning is complete, all detected threats will be listed out. Then, you can click on “Fix Threats” to remove all of the threats found in your system.

Warm Reminder:

XTab is potentially unwanted. It should be removed from your PC as soon as possible. You are required to be concentrated when you remove it by yourself. If you need a quick and safe way out of this browser hijacker, please feel free to Download and Install Powerful Security Tool Here >>

If you want a dual protection for your PC, you can download and install RegCure Pro to have a quick and thorough scan.