Microsoft Defender doesn't, Spy hunter shows a Hijacker

Is SpyHunter Legitimate?

This is a nuanced question. SpyHunter, developed by EnigmaSoft, is a legitimate anti-malware application in the sense that it is a real program that scans for and removes malware. However, it has a long and controversial history in the cybersecurity community.

• What it is: SpyHunter is primarily known as a "PUP" (Potentially Unwanted Program) scanner. It is extremely aggressive at finding tracking cookies, adware, browser hijackers, and other lower-level threats that traditional antivirus programs like Defender and McAfee might ignore because they aren't technically "viruses."
• The Controversy (The "Catch"): SpyHunter's business model has historically been criticized for being very aggressive.
  • "Scareware" Tactics: The free scan often flags a large number of "problems" (like tracking cookies, which are mostly harmless) with alarming red warnings to scare the user into purchasing the full version to remove them.
  • Difficulty of Removal: In the past, older versions of SpyHunter were notoriously difficult to uninstall completely, which led many to label it as a PUP itself.
  • False Positives: It can sometimes flag legitimate software or system files as malicious, which could cause problems if you remove them without knowing what they are.

Conclusion: SpyHunter is a real tool, but it's not one that is typically recommended by cybersecurity professionals. Microsoft Defender and McAfee are your more reliable sources of truth. If they are not finding a critical threat, it is highly unlikely that you have a severe virus. The "Elex Hijacker" that SpyHunter is flagging is likely a piece of adware or a browser extension that it considers a PUP.

2. The Browser Redirect Problem (ext.ladispatcher.com)

This is the real issue and confirms what SpyHunter was likely detecting. ext.ladispatcher.com and search-load.com are classic examples of a Browser Hijacker.

• What it is: This is not a virus that infects your whole computer. It's a malicious browser extension or a change to your browser's settings. Its goal is to redirect your search queries through its own servers to generate ad revenue and track your browsing habits.
• Why it's only in Chrome: This is very common. The hijacker specifically targeted your Chrome browser, either through a malicious extension you may have accidentally installed or by changing Chrome's search engine settings. It didn't affect Microsoft Edge, which is why Edge works fine.
• Why Defender/McAfee might miss it: Many antivirus programs don't automatically flag browser hijackers as "malware" because they don't harm your computer's core files. They are considered PUPs, which falls into a gray area.

How to Fix the Browser Hijacker (The Correct Way):

You do not need SpyHunter to fix this. You can do it yourself for free.

1. Reset Chrome Settings: This is the most effective step.
   • Open Chrome, go to Settings.
   • On the left, click Reset settings.
   • Click Restore settings to their original defaults and then Reset settings. This will disable all your extensions, clear temporary data, and reset your startup page and search engine without deleting your bookmarks, history, or passwords.
2. Manually Check and Remove Extensions:
   • After resetting, go to Settings > Extensions.
   • Look for any extensions that you do not recognize or did not intentionally install. Remove them. Hijackers often disguise themselves with generic names like "Search Manager," "Quick Search," or "Ad Blocker." If you don't know what it is, remove it.
3. Check Your Search Engine:
   • Go to Settings > Search engine.
   • Make sure your "Search engine used in the address bar" is set to Google (or your preferred choice).
   • Click Manage search engines and site search. Look for any suspicious entries in the list and remove them.

This process will almost certainly fix the redirect problem.

3. The Monitor Screen Collapsing

You asked if your monitor momentarily collapsing and reverting could be connected to malware.

It is highly unlikely that this is related to malware.

Malware, especially browser hijackers and adware, operates at the software level. It doesn't have the capability to interfere with the hardware signals going to your monitor in that way. A screen "collapsing" or flickering is almost always a hardware or driver issue.

Common Causes for This Issue:

1. A Loose Cable: This is the most common cause. Make sure the video cable (HDMI, DisplayPort, etc.) is securely plugged into both your computer and your monitor.
2. Graphics Driver Issues: Your computer's graphics driver might be outdated or corrupted.
   • Solution: Go to the website for your graphics card manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and download and install the latest driver for your specific model.
3. Monitor Hardware Failure: The monitor itself could be starting to fail.
4. Power Issues: An unstable power supply to the monitor or the computer can cause flickering.

Conclusion: You should treat the monitor issue as a completely separate hardware problem. Start by checking the cable and updating your graphics drivers.

Summary and Action Plan

1. Trust Defender and McAfee over SpyHunter. Do not pay for SpyHunter. If you have it installed, you can uninstall it.
2. Fix the Chrome Hijacker Manually. Follow the steps above to reset your Chrome settings and remove any suspicious extensions. This is the correct and safe way to solve the redirect problem.
3. Troubleshoot the Monitor Separately. Your screen issue is almost certainly a hardware or driver problem, not malware. Check your video cable and update your graphics drivers.

You are asking all the right questions, and by separating the software issue (the hijacker) from the hardware issue (the monitor), you can solve both problems effectively.