Totally Remove Strong Vault

Strong Vault Online Backup is considered as adware. This program can be downloaded as an addition to some programs that you may download from the Internet. During our test, we found out that the program functions accurately – online backup. However, Strong Vault collects information from the computer where it is installed. According to the makers, collected data are privately stored on their servers and will not be used maliciously.

Another thing why Strong Vault was tagged risky is because of its unverified connection with Searchqu. It is known that this search engine tracks user’s web browsing data and used them to provide unwanted ads. Instances that it redirects search result to another web page are extensive. There are observations that that Strong Vault keeps Searchqu as the default home page for affected browser. It will never let user alter this settings.

With the said disturbance, many are opting to remove Strong Vault from their computer. This is where they realized the real effect of having the tool. Uninstalling Strong Vault seems difficult. Problem arises when performing the removal procedure. Even though there ‘Uninstall’ function exists, chances are, you may never fully remove Strong Vault by relying on its own. Thus, we highly suggest that you utilized other programs to totally delete the unwanted program.

Type Adware
Sub-Type Tool
OS Affected Windows

What are the Symptoms of Strong Vault’s presence?

Strong Vault

Strong Vault installation will place icons and links on the desktop. The program will not run unless you execute it. Some users also report signs of browser redirect and Searchqu search box on home page. However, there is proof that Searchqu and Strong Vault are linked with each other. It could be the main program causes installation of Searchqu.

Follow these Procedures to Remove Strong Vault

Procedure 1: Uninstall Strong Vault from Windows Control Panel

1. Begin the removal process by uninstalling the adware program from Windows. Click on Start button that can be found on bottom left corner of the screen. From the list, choose Control Panel to access settings of Windows and make the needed changes.

2. Under Programs, click on Uninstall a program. It will open a program and features window where-in you can uninstall, change, or repair installed software.

3. Look for the name Strong Vault or any related term. Please note that the adware may change the title anytime. Once found, please select the item you wanted to remove.

NOTE: To represent Strong Vault, we used the term 'Unknown'. Be aware that Strong Vault may use other names or terms such as the following:
Strongvault, VLC, Stronghold

Uninstall Item

4. Click on Uninstall button to remove the program automatically.
5. If it prompts for confirmation, please click OK to proceed.

Procedure 1: Start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking

Restart your computer in Safe Mode with Networking

- After turning On the power of the computer, just before Windows start, press F8.
- From the selections, choose Safe Mode with Networking. Please use keyboard's arrow up/down to navigate between selections and press Enter to proceed.

SafeMode Networking

Procedure 2: Scan and remove Strong Vault files with MalwareBytes Anti-Malware

To remove Strong Vault, download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware by clicking on the button below. This tool is effective in getting rid of Trojans, viruses and malware.

Download Strong Vault Removel Tool

1. After downloading, please install the program using the default settings.
2. At the end of the installation, please make sure that it will download necessary updates.
3. Once update has completed. The tool will launch.
4. Thoroughly scan the computer and remove all threats detected by this anti-malware program.

Procedure 3.A : INTERNET EXPLORER - Strong Vault removal procedure

If the hijacker was not removed properly during the scan, you can use this guide to uninstall it from the computer. We prepared procedures to remove this unknown search program from various Internet browsers including Internet Explorer 8/9, Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome.

Guide to remove Strong Vault Add-ons and Extensions from Internet Explorer

1. Launch the program Internet Explorer.
2. On top menu, please navigate to Tools > Manage add-ons. It will open a window where in you can view and manage Internet Explorer add-ons.
3. Select Toolbars and Extensions on left panel. Go to right panel and look for Strong Vault related item.

Remove Add-ons on IE

NOTE: To represent Strong Vault, we used the term 'Unknown'. Be aware that Strong Vault may use other names or terms such as the following:
Strongvault, VLC, Stronghold

4. Select the unwanted toolbar and extensions and click on Disable.
5. Close the existing window and restart Internet Explorer.

Procedure 3.B : MOZILLA FIREFOX - Strong Vault removal guide

1. Launch the program Mozilla Firefox.
2. At Firefox main screen, type about:config in the address bar. If it shows a warning, "This might void your warranty!" please click "I'll be carefull, I promise!"
3. Firefox will display a list of entire preferences including those that were modified by Strong Vault.

Firefox About:Config

4. In the Search field, type the name of malware. Then, right-click and Reset values for found Preferences.

NOTE: To represent Strong Vault, we used the term 'Unknown'. Be aware that Strong Vault may use other names or terms such as the following:
Strongvault, VLC, Stronghold

Firefox Search Preference

Note: Proceed only with this fix if Strong Vault has modified your home page or if the browser keeps on redirecting to unknown web sites.

5. Navigate to top menu and click on Tools, the click Options.
6. On General Tab, under Home Page, type the desired address or simply click Restore to Default. Click OK to save the settings. This will reverse the changes made by Strong Vault on your home page.

Firefox Home Page

Procedures to delete Strong Vault Extensions from Firefox

1. Open Mozilla Firefox Internet browser.
2. On top menu, click on Tools and select Add-ons from the list. You can also press CtrlShift+A on your keyboard to access this option.
3. Once the Add-ons manager is open, select Extensions from the sidebar.

Remove Add-on in Firefox

NOTE: To represent Strong Vault, we used the term 'Unknown'. Be aware that Strong Vault may use other names or terms such as the following:
Strongvault, VLC, Stronghold

4. Find the unknown add-on and click on Remove button. Click OK to save the settings.
5. Please restart Firefox to complete the process.

Procedure 3.C : GOOGLE CHROME - Strong Vault removal procedure

Delete Strong Vault extension from Google Chrome:

1. Launch the program Google Chrome.
2. Click on the Wrench or 3-Bars icon on top right corner of the browser.
3. Choose Settings from the drop down list. It will open a window containing Google Chrome settings.
4. Click on Extensions of the left side bar to display all installed extensions.

Remove Extension in Chrome

NOTE: To represent Strong Vault, we used the term 'Unknown'. Be aware that Strong Vault may use other names or terms such as the following:
Strongvault, VLC, Stronghold

5. On the right panel of the window, Disable/Delete (Trash) Strong Vault extensions.
6. Close the current window and restart Google Chrome.

Protect your PC from Strong Vault or Similar Attack

Turn On Safe Browsing Features

Internet Explorer - Activate SmartScreen Filter

Internet Explorer versions 8 and 9 has this feature called SmartScreen Filter. It helps detect phishing web sites and protect you from downloading malicious files online. To turn on SmartScreen Filter, follow these steps:

1. Please open Internet Explorer.
2. On top menu, select Tools (IE 9). For IE 8, please look for Safety menu.
3. Select SmartScreen Filter from the drop-down list and click on Turn on SmartScreen Filter.

IE SmartScreen Filter

4. Please restart Internet Explorer.

Google Chrome's Enable Phishing and Malware Protection

With Google Chrome's Phishing and Malware Detection feature, you will have lesser risks browsing the web. It will display a warning when the site you are trying to visit is suspicious. To enable Phishing and Malware Protection, please do these steps:

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Click on the Customize and control Google Chrome (3-Bars Icon) located on top right corner of the browser.
3. Select Settings from the drop-down list.
4. Once on the settings page, click on Show advanced settings... at the bottom of the page to see the rest of the Chrome setup.
5. Locate Privacy section and mark 'Enable phishing and malware protection'.

Chrome Security Settings

6. Please restart Google Chrome. New settings keep your browser safe while surfing the web.

Mozilla Firefox - Block Attack Sites and Web Forgeries

Phishing and Malware Protection is a built-in feature on Firefox version 3 or later. It warns you when a page you are trying to visit contains phishing content or an attack site designed to drop threats on the computer. To help you keep safe while browsing the Internet using Firefox, please follow this guide:

1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser.
2. On top menu, click on Tools. Then select Options from the list.
3. Select Security and put a check mark on the following items:

  • Warn me when sites try to install add-ons
  • Block reported attack sites
  • Block reported web forgeries

Firefox Security Settings

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