How to remove ValidGeneration from Mac?
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What is ValidGeneration?
ValidGeneration is classified as adware and a browser hijacker: this app serves advertisements and promotes z6airr.com, and adjustablesample.com addresses (fake search engines) by changing browser settings. Moreover, it can read sensitive information from browsers. As a rule, users download adware-type apps, browser hijackers unknowingly, unintentionally. Therefore, ValidGeneration and other apps of this type are categorized as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).
In most cases apps like ValidGeneration serve banners, coupons, pop-up ads, surveys, and/or other advertisements. The problem is that those ads often are designed to promote untrustworthy websites, in some cases they can cause unwanted downloads and/or installations as well. Furthermore, ValidGeneration changes browser settings to z6airr.com.com on Safari and to adjustablesample.com on Chrome. It makes one or another address (depending on a hijacked browser) as the address of a default search engine, homepage and new tab. It is worthwhile to mention that both z6airr.com and adjustablesample.com provide results generated by Yahoo (they redirects users to search.yahoo.com). Typically, users cannot remove address of a search engine that is promoted by installed browser hijacker (in this case ValidGeneration) as long as that PUA is installed on a browser and/or computer. One more problem with the ValidGeneration app is that it can read sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, telephone numbers (and some other data like browsing history). This information could be misused for various malicious purposes. For example, to steal personal accounts (e.g., email, social media), identities, make fraudulent purchases, transactions. Therefore, ValidGeneration's users may become victims of identity theft, lose access to various personal accounts, suffer monetary loss, have problems related to browsing safety, online privacy, and/or experience other issues.
Total AV (ultimate anti-virus) Best Mac clean software 2019 is the total AV anti-virus. This could be the work of adware (and its friends), a sneaky variant of malware that is hard to find, and harder to remove. Malwarebytes AdwCleaner employs innovative technology engineered solely to detect and remove these unwanted hitchhikers. It's the cleaner of choice for home users and technicians.
Threat Summary:| Name | Ads by ValidGeneration |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), AVG (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), ESET-NOD32 (Multiple Detections), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Additional Information | This application belongs to Adload malware family. |
| Symptoms | Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads. |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information. |
| Malware Removal (Mac) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
ValidGeneration very similar (or even identical) to a number other apps of this type, for example, AdjustableProduct, OperativeState, BoostCoordinator. In most cases apps of this type are useless: they do not include any features, improve browsing experience, etc., and are designed only to help their developers to generate revenue by serving various advertisements, gathering various information and/or promoting some fake search engine. Therefore, PUAs like ValidGeneration should never be downloaded and installed.
How did ValidGeneration install on my computer?
It is common that PUAs are distributed through setups of other programs by including them as additional offers. When users download and install programs without checking setups for offers to download and/or install additionally included apps, they download and/or install those apps too. Typically, offers to download and/or install included apps can be declined in 'Advanced', 'Custom', 'Manual' or other settings of setups. This distribution method is known as 'bundling'. In some cases users unintentionally download and/or install unwanted apps by clicking deceptive ads that are designed to to execute certain scripts.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Files and programs should be downloaded from official pages and through direct links. Unofficial pages, third party downloaders and/or installers, Peer-to-Peer networks (e.g., torrent clients, eMule), etc., can be (and often are) used as tools to distribute potentially unwanted, in some cases even malicious applications. Also, download and/or installation setups that have settings like 'Advanced', 'Custom', 'Manual' should be checked for offers to download and/or install potentially unwanted apps. One more way to avoid unwanted downloads and/or installations is not to click ads that appear on questionable web pages. Ads of this kind can be designed to open untrustworthy websites or cause downloads, installations. If there are any unwanted, suspicious extensions, add-ons or plug-ins installed on a browser, then they should be uninstalled. The same applies to software of this kind that is installed on the operating system. If your computer is already infected with ValidGeneration, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ValidGeneration installation is over:
Z6airr.com provides results generated by Yahoo (GIF):
Adjustablesample.com provides results generated by Yahoo (GIF):
ValidGeneration installed on Safari:
ValidGeneration's installation folder:
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for MacBy downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available.
Quick menu:
- STEP 1. Remove ValidGeneration related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ValidGeneration ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ValidGeneration adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ValidGeneration ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ValidGeneration adware using Combo Cleaner:
ValidGeneration adware removal:
Remove ValidGeneration-related potentially unwanted applications from your 'Applications' folder:
Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select 'Applications'. In the applications folder, look for 'MPlayerX', 'NicePlayer', or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.
Combo Cleaner checks if your computer is infected with malware. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available.
Remove ads by validgeneration related files and folders:
Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder..
Check for adware-generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents folder:
In the Go to Folder.. bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents
In the 'LaunchAgents' folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - 'installmac.AppRemoval.plist', 'myppes.download.plist', 'mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist', 'kuklorest.update.plist', etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the same string.
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/Application Support folder:
U232 p9 64 bit download. In the Go to Folder.. bar, type: /Library/Application Support
In the 'Application Support' folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, 'MplayerX' or 'NicePlayer', and move these folders to the Trash.
Check for adware-generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents folder:
R33 gtst manual for sale.
In the Go to Folder bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents
In the 'LaunchAgents' folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - 'installmac.AppRemoval.plist', 'myppes.download.plist', 'mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist', 'kuklorest.update.plist', etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the same string.
Check for adware-generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons folder:
In the Go to Folder.. bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons
In the 'LaunchDaemons' folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example 'com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist', 'com.myppes.net-preferences.plist', 'com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist', 'com.avickUpd.plist', etc., and move them to the Trash.
Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:
If you have followed all the steps in the correct order you Mac should be clean of infections. To be sure your system is not infected run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file double click combocleaner.dmg installer, in the opened window drag and drop Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates it's virus definition database and click 'Start Combo Scan' button.
Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays 'no threats found' - this means that you can continue with the removal guide, otherwise it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.
After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.
Ads by ValidGeneration removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove ads by validgeneration related Safari extensions:
Open Safari browser, from the menu bar, select 'Safari' and click 'Preferences..'.
In the preferences window, select 'Extensions' and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the 'Uninstall' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Remove ads by validgeneration related Mozilla Firefox add-ons:
Open your Mozilla Firefox browser. At the top right corner of the screen, click the 'Open Menu' (three horizontal lines) button. From the opened menu, choose 'Add-ons'.
Choose the 'Extensions' tab and look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the 'Remove' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Mozilla Firefox browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Remove ads by validgeneration related Google Chrome add-ons:
Open Google Chrome and click the 'Chrome menu' (three horizontal lines) button located in the top-right corner of the browser window. From the drop-down menu, choose 'More Tools' and select 'Extensions'.
In the 'Extensions' window, look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the 'Trash' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Google Chrome browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
How to remove PromoteOptimization from Mac?
What is PromoteOptimization?
PromoteOptimization is designed to serve advertisements, collect sensitive information, promote z6airr.com and adjustablesample.com addresses (fake search engines) by changing certain browser settings. It functions as adware and a browser hijacker. In most cases users download and install apps like PromoteOptimization unintentionally, for this reason they are called potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).
In most cases adware serves banners, coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups and/or other types of advertisements. Those ads often are designed to open questionable websites, or even execute scripts designed to cause download and/or installation of some PUA. Therefore, it is not safe to click ads served by adware. As mentioned in the introduction, PromoteOptimization promotes z6airr.com (if installed on Safari) and adjustablesample.com (if installed on Chrome). As a rule, apps of this kind promote fake search engines by changing browser settings such as address of a default search engine, homepage and new tab. Such search engines are called fake because they do not generate unique results. Instead of doing that they display results generate by some other search engine (e.g., Yahoo, Google, Bing). Z6airr.com and adjustablesample.com redirect users to search.yahoo.com. Although, some of them can be designed to include links to untrustworthy websites in their results. It is worthwhile to mention that browser hijackers often are designed not to allow users do remove address of a fake search engine from browser settings unless users uninstall them from a browser and/or operating system. Furthermore, PromoteOptimization can read sensitive information from web browsers, including telephone numbers, credit card details and passwords. Such information can be misused steal various personal accounts, identities, make fraudulent transactions, purchases, and for other purposes. Moreover, it could be sold to some third parties (potentially cyber criminals). Therefore, PromoteOptimization's users may become victims of identity theft, suffer monetary loss, experience problems related to privacy, browsing safety and other issues.
Threat Summary:| Name | Ads by PromoteOptimization |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), AVG (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.i), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Additional Information | This application belongs to Adload malware family. |
| Symptoms | Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads. |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information. |
| Malware Removal (Mac) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Examples of other apps similar to PromoteOptimization are ProgramInitiator, ExtendedWindow and PracticalProcesser. They are designed to display advertisements, gather various data and/or promote some fake search engine, and are useless for their users. Having such apps installed on a browser and/or computer may be the reason behind a variety of problems (including serious ones). Therefore, PromoteOptimization or other similar apps should never be downloaded and installed.
How did PromoteOptimization install on my computer?
It is common that adware, browser hijackers and other PUAs are distributed through download and installation setups of other programs. This distribution method is known as 'bundling'. Developers who use it include PUAs in setups as additional offers, in most cases such offers can be found in 'Custom', 'Advanced', and other similar settings of setups. When download and/or install programs without checking and changing those setting, they agree with offers to download and/or install additionally included software (PUAs) as well. In some cases such downloads and/or installations of can be caused by clicking deceptive advertisements that are designed to execute certain scripts.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is recommended not to complete any download or installation process without checking 'Custom', 'Advanced or other similar settings of setups/declining offers to download or install additionally included apps. Also, it is advised to download files and programs only from official websites and using direct download links. Third party downloaders, installers, Peer-to-Peer networks (e.g., torrent clients, eMule, etc.) can be used as tools to distribute unwanted, even malicious apps. Furthermore, intrusive ads that appear on pages related to pornography, adult dating, gambling and other questionable should not be clicked as well. It is common that they are designed to open unreliable pages or even execute scripts designed to download, install unwanted apps. If some unwanted, suspicious extensions, add-ons, or plug-ins are installed on web browser and/or programs of this kind installed on the operating system, then they should be removed. If your computer is already infected with PromoteOptimization, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
In most cases apps like ValidGeneration serve banners, coupons, pop-up ads, surveys, and/or other advertisements. The problem is that those ads often are designed to promote untrustworthy websites, in some cases they can cause unwanted downloads and/or installations as well. Furthermore, ValidGeneration changes browser settings to z6airr.com.com on Safari and to adjustablesample.com on Chrome. It makes one or another address (depending on a hijacked browser) as the address of a default search engine, homepage and new tab. It is worthwhile to mention that both z6airr.com and adjustablesample.com provide results generated by Yahoo (they redirects users to search.yahoo.com). Typically, users cannot remove address of a search engine that is promoted by installed browser hijacker (in this case ValidGeneration) as long as that PUA is installed on a browser and/or computer. One more problem with the ValidGeneration app is that it can read sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, telephone numbers (and some other data like browsing history). This information could be misused for various malicious purposes. For example, to steal personal accounts (e.g., email, social media), identities, make fraudulent purchases, transactions. Therefore, ValidGeneration's users may become victims of identity theft, lose access to various personal accounts, suffer monetary loss, have problems related to browsing safety, online privacy, and/or experience other issues.
Total AV (ultimate anti-virus) Best Mac clean software 2019 is the total AV anti-virus. This could be the work of adware (and its friends), a sneaky variant of malware that is hard to find, and harder to remove. Malwarebytes AdwCleaner employs innovative technology engineered solely to detect and remove these unwanted hitchhikers. It's the cleaner of choice for home users and technicians.
Threat Summary:| Name | Ads by ValidGeneration |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), AVG (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), ESET-NOD32 (Multiple Detections), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Additional Information | This application belongs to Adload malware family. |
| Symptoms | Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads. |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information. |
| Malware Removal (Mac) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
ValidGeneration very similar (or even identical) to a number other apps of this type, for example, AdjustableProduct, OperativeState, BoostCoordinator. In most cases apps of this type are useless: they do not include any features, improve browsing experience, etc., and are designed only to help their developers to generate revenue by serving various advertisements, gathering various information and/or promoting some fake search engine. Therefore, PUAs like ValidGeneration should never be downloaded and installed.
How did ValidGeneration install on my computer?
It is common that PUAs are distributed through setups of other programs by including them as additional offers. When users download and install programs without checking setups for offers to download and/or install additionally included apps, they download and/or install those apps too. Typically, offers to download and/or install included apps can be declined in 'Advanced', 'Custom', 'Manual' or other settings of setups. This distribution method is known as 'bundling'. In some cases users unintentionally download and/or install unwanted apps by clicking deceptive ads that are designed to to execute certain scripts.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Files and programs should be downloaded from official pages and through direct links. Unofficial pages, third party downloaders and/or installers, Peer-to-Peer networks (e.g., torrent clients, eMule), etc., can be (and often are) used as tools to distribute potentially unwanted, in some cases even malicious applications. Also, download and/or installation setups that have settings like 'Advanced', 'Custom', 'Manual' should be checked for offers to download and/or install potentially unwanted apps. One more way to avoid unwanted downloads and/or installations is not to click ads that appear on questionable web pages. Ads of this kind can be designed to open untrustworthy websites or cause downloads, installations. If there are any unwanted, suspicious extensions, add-ons or plug-ins installed on a browser, then they should be uninstalled. The same applies to software of this kind that is installed on the operating system. If your computer is already infected with ValidGeneration, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ValidGeneration installation is over:
Z6airr.com provides results generated by Yahoo (GIF):
Adjustablesample.com provides results generated by Yahoo (GIF):
ValidGeneration installed on Safari:
ValidGeneration's installation folder:
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for MacBy downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available.
Quick menu:
- STEP 1. Remove ValidGeneration related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ValidGeneration ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ValidGeneration adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ValidGeneration ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ValidGeneration adware using Combo Cleaner:
ValidGeneration adware removal:
Remove ValidGeneration-related potentially unwanted applications from your 'Applications' folder:
Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select 'Applications'. In the applications folder, look for 'MPlayerX', 'NicePlayer', or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.
Combo Cleaner checks if your computer is infected with malware. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available.
Remove ads by validgeneration related files and folders:
Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder..
Check for adware-generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents folder:
In the Go to Folder.. bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents
In the 'LaunchAgents' folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - 'installmac.AppRemoval.plist', 'myppes.download.plist', 'mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist', 'kuklorest.update.plist', etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the same string.
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/Application Support folder:
U232 p9 64 bit download. In the Go to Folder.. bar, type: /Library/Application Support
In the 'Application Support' folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, 'MplayerX' or 'NicePlayer', and move these folders to the Trash.
Check for adware-generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents folder:
R33 gtst manual for sale.
In the Go to Folder bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents
In the 'LaunchAgents' folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - 'installmac.AppRemoval.plist', 'myppes.download.plist', 'mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist', 'kuklorest.update.plist', etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the same string.
Check for adware-generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons folder:
In the Go to Folder.. bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons
In the 'LaunchDaemons' folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example 'com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist', 'com.myppes.net-preferences.plist', 'com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist', 'com.avickUpd.plist', etc., and move them to the Trash.
Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:
If you have followed all the steps in the correct order you Mac should be clean of infections. To be sure your system is not infected run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file double click combocleaner.dmg installer, in the opened window drag and drop Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates it's virus definition database and click 'Start Combo Scan' button.
Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays 'no threats found' - this means that you can continue with the removal guide, otherwise it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.
After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.
Ads by ValidGeneration removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove ads by validgeneration related Safari extensions:
Open Safari browser, from the menu bar, select 'Safari' and click 'Preferences..'.
In the preferences window, select 'Extensions' and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the 'Uninstall' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Remove ads by validgeneration related Mozilla Firefox add-ons:
Open your Mozilla Firefox browser. At the top right corner of the screen, click the 'Open Menu' (three horizontal lines) button. From the opened menu, choose 'Add-ons'.
Choose the 'Extensions' tab and look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the 'Remove' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Mozilla Firefox browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Remove ads by validgeneration related Google Chrome add-ons:
Open Google Chrome and click the 'Chrome menu' (three horizontal lines) button located in the top-right corner of the browser window. From the drop-down menu, choose 'More Tools' and select 'Extensions'.
In the 'Extensions' window, look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the 'Trash' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Google Chrome browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
How to remove PromoteOptimization from Mac?
What is PromoteOptimization?
PromoteOptimization is designed to serve advertisements, collect sensitive information, promote z6airr.com and adjustablesample.com addresses (fake search engines) by changing certain browser settings. It functions as adware and a browser hijacker. In most cases users download and install apps like PromoteOptimization unintentionally, for this reason they are called potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).
In most cases adware serves banners, coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups and/or other types of advertisements. Those ads often are designed to open questionable websites, or even execute scripts designed to cause download and/or installation of some PUA. Therefore, it is not safe to click ads served by adware. As mentioned in the introduction, PromoteOptimization promotes z6airr.com (if installed on Safari) and adjustablesample.com (if installed on Chrome). As a rule, apps of this kind promote fake search engines by changing browser settings such as address of a default search engine, homepage and new tab. Such search engines are called fake because they do not generate unique results. Instead of doing that they display results generate by some other search engine (e.g., Yahoo, Google, Bing). Z6airr.com and adjustablesample.com redirect users to search.yahoo.com. Although, some of them can be designed to include links to untrustworthy websites in their results. It is worthwhile to mention that browser hijackers often are designed not to allow users do remove address of a fake search engine from browser settings unless users uninstall them from a browser and/or operating system. Furthermore, PromoteOptimization can read sensitive information from web browsers, including telephone numbers, credit card details and passwords. Such information can be misused steal various personal accounts, identities, make fraudulent transactions, purchases, and for other purposes. Moreover, it could be sold to some third parties (potentially cyber criminals). Therefore, PromoteOptimization's users may become victims of identity theft, suffer monetary loss, experience problems related to privacy, browsing safety and other issues.
Threat Summary:| Name | Ads by PromoteOptimization |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), AVG (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.i), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Additional Information | This application belongs to Adload malware family. |
| Symptoms | Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads. |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information. |
| Malware Removal (Mac) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Examples of other apps similar to PromoteOptimization are ProgramInitiator, ExtendedWindow and PracticalProcesser. They are designed to display advertisements, gather various data and/or promote some fake search engine, and are useless for their users. Having such apps installed on a browser and/or computer may be the reason behind a variety of problems (including serious ones). Therefore, PromoteOptimization or other similar apps should never be downloaded and installed.
How did PromoteOptimization install on my computer?
It is common that adware, browser hijackers and other PUAs are distributed through download and installation setups of other programs. This distribution method is known as 'bundling'. Developers who use it include PUAs in setups as additional offers, in most cases such offers can be found in 'Custom', 'Advanced', and other similar settings of setups. When download and/or install programs without checking and changing those setting, they agree with offers to download and/or install additionally included software (PUAs) as well. In some cases such downloads and/or installations of can be caused by clicking deceptive advertisements that are designed to execute certain scripts.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is recommended not to complete any download or installation process without checking 'Custom', 'Advanced or other similar settings of setups/declining offers to download or install additionally included apps. Also, it is advised to download files and programs only from official websites and using direct download links. Third party downloaders, installers, Peer-to-Peer networks (e.g., torrent clients, eMule, etc.) can be used as tools to distribute unwanted, even malicious apps. Furthermore, intrusive ads that appear on pages related to pornography, adult dating, gambling and other questionable should not be clicked as well. It is common that they are designed to open unreliable pages or even execute scripts designed to download, install unwanted apps. If some unwanted, suspicious extensions, add-ons, or plug-ins are installed on web browser and/or programs of this kind installed on the operating system, then they should be removed. If your computer is already infected with PromoteOptimization, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Malware Cleaners For Mac
Pop-up window displayed once PromoteOptimization installation is over
PromoteOptimization adware installed on Safari:
PromoteOptimization's installation folder:
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for MacBy downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available.
Quick menu:
- STEP 1. Remove PromoteOptimization related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove PromoteOptimization ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove PromoteOptimization adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove PromoteOptimization ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove PromoteOptimization adware using Combo Cleaner:
PromoteOptimization adware removal:
Remove PromoteOptimization-related potentially unwanted applications from your 'Applications' folder:
Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select 'Applications'. In the applications folder, look for 'MPlayerX', 'NicePlayer', or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.
Combo Cleaner checks if your computer is infected with malware. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available.
Remove ads by promoteoptimization related files and folders:
Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder..
Check for adware-generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents folder:
In the Go to Folder.. bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents
In the 'LaunchAgents' folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - 'installmac.AppRemoval.plist', 'myppes.download.plist', 'mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist', 'kuklorest.update.plist', etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the same string.
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/Application Support folder:
In the Go to Folder.. bar, type: /Library/Application Support
In the 'Application Support' folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, 'MplayerX' or 'NicePlayer', and move these folders to the Trash.
Check for adware-generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents folder:
In the Go to Folder bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents
In the 'LaunchAgents' folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - 'installmac.AppRemoval.plist', 'myppes.download.plist', 'mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist', 'kuklorest.update.plist', etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the same string.
Check for adware-generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons folder:
In the Go to Folder.. bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons
In the 'LaunchDaemons' folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example 'com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist', 'com.myppes.net-preferences.plist', 'com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist', 'com.avickUpd.plist', etc., and move them to the Trash.
Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:
If you have followed all the steps in the correct order you Mac should be clean of infections. To be sure your system is not infected run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file double click combocleaner.dmg installer, in the opened window drag and drop Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates it's virus definition database and click 'Start Combo Scan' button.
Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays 'no threats found' - this means that you can continue with the removal guide, otherwise it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.
After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.
Ads by PromoteOptimization removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove ads by promoteoptimization related Safari extensions:
Open Safari browser, from the menu bar, select 'Safari' and click 'Preferences..'.
In the preferences window, select 'Extensions' and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the 'Uninstall' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Remove ads by promoteoptimization related Mozilla Firefox add-ons:
Open your Mozilla Firefox browser. At the top right corner of the screen, click the 'Open Menu' (three horizontal lines) button. From the opened menu, choose 'Add-ons'.
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Choose the 'Extensions' tab and look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the 'Remove' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Mozilla Firefox browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
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- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Macware Adware Cleaner For Mac
Remove ads by promoteoptimization related Google Chrome add-ons:
Open Google Chrome and click the 'Chrome menu' (three horizontal lines) button located in the top-right corner of the browser window. From the drop-down menu, choose 'More Tools' and select 'Extensions'.
In the 'Extensions' window, look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the 'Trash' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Google Chrome browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
