Why do searches redirect to “SuddenLink.net”, instead of my default browser search engine? Can I prevent this?

mHurley

I’m using Chrome, and I’ve set my search engine to Bing. This works the way I expect 99 times out of 100, but occasionally my searches go to search.SuddenLink.net instead. Apparently, it’s legit URL. There's even a “Why am I here?” and “Disable this Service” links on that page; see picture below. But this continues to happen, even after using these settings to "Disable this Service."

  1. Where does this change happen (browser, ISP, somewhere else?)
  2. How can I prevent this behavior? I’d really like to block all attempts to redirect me to that search URL.
  3. Would it possible to create problems by blocking my ISP’s URLs?

A screenshot of SuddenLink’s page.

dark_st3alth

Based on your Domain Name System (DNS) request, the ISP may capture it and transfer you to a "helpful" page.

It's becoming quite common for ISPs to start offering search pages for increased revenue.

What happens is that your browser goes to your Operating System for DNS information in a cache. From there, if the domain name is not in the cache, it will retrieve it from the router/modem. If the information is not cached there, a search on a DNS server will have to be preformed. Most ISPs host DNS servers to allow their clients to look up information.

Most routers/modems pass DNS server information via DHCP, a way of dynamically allocating local network IP addresses.

To change this behaviour:

  • Click on the "Why am I here" or "disable this" links and follow the steps.
  • Wait 24 hours. Some ISPs only update their settings at midnight/after peak hours.
  • Try flushing DNS cache information from your browser, OS, and router/modem.
  • Contact your ISP if the page still displays, automatic removal might have failed.
  • Use another Name Server, such as Google's pair: 8.8.8.8/8.8.4.4

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Please contact [email protected] to delete if infringement.

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