How to remove PDF Mac Master from a computer
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of software is PDF Mac Master?
Belonging to the InstallCore adware family, PDF Mac Master is a deceptive application that supposedly allows users to view and manage PDF files.
Judging on appearance alone, PDF Mac Master may seem legitimate and useful. However, this app is categorized as adware. Software of this type is often associated with stealth installation without users' consent, display of intrusive ads, and information tracking.
More about PDF Mac Master
PDF Mac Master delivers coupon, banner, pop-up, and other similar advertisements. To achieve this, developers employ tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any visited websites. Therefore, intrusive ads often conceal underlying content, thereby significantly diminishing the browsing experience.
Furthermore, they might redirect to infectious websites and execute scripts that download and install malware. Therefore, clicking them is risky and can lead to computer infections. Adware-type applications such as PDF Mac Master are also notorious for information tracking.
These applications often gather information such as IP addresses, website URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, and so on. Collected data typically includes personal details that developers share with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals). These details are often misused to generate revenue.
Therefore, data tracking can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. You are strongly advised to uninstall PDF Mac Master adware immediately.
| Name | Ads by PDF Mac Master |
| Threat Type | Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:InstallCore-MR [PUP]), BitDefender (Adware.MAC.Generic.14371), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.InstallCore.JT), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:Downloader.OSX.InstallCore.ag), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | Your Mac became slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you get redirected to shady websites. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers, torrent file downloads. |
| Damage | Internet browsing tracking (potential privacy issues), displaying of unwanted ads, redirects to shady 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. |
Adware in general
There are many adware-type applications identical to PDF Mac Master (including, for example, Snap Media Player, RadioSpot, Unzippy, etc.). In fact, all adware-type applications are very similar.
By offering a wide range of "useful features", these unwanted apps attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, however, remember that apps such as PDF Mac Master are designed only to generate revenue for the developers. Most deliver no real value for regular users.
Potentially unwanted applications deliver intrusive advertisements and gather information relating to web browsing activity.
How did PDF Mac Master install on my computer?
PDF Mac Master has an official download website, however, it often infiltrates systems without permission, since developers proliferate it using intrusive advertisements and a deceptive marketing method called "bundling". Developers hide "bundled" apps within "Custom/Advanced" settings (or other sections) of the download/installation processes.
Furthermore, many users often click advertisements, rush download/installation processes, and skip steps. This behavior can lead to infiltration of unwanted apps. In this way, users expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
To prevent adware infiltration, be very cautious when browsing the Internet and downloading/installing software. Intrusive ads typically seem legitimate, since developers invest many resources into their design. In fact, they redirect to dubious websites (gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
If you experience these redirects, eliminate suspicious applications and browser plug-ins. Select "Custom/Advanced" settings and closely analyze each download/installation step. Opt-out of additionally-included apps and decline offers to download/install them. Software should be downloaded from official sources only, using direct download links.
The main reasons for computer infections are poor knowledge and careless behavior and the key to safety is caution. If your computer is already infected with PDF Mac Master, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Deceptive application installer promoting PDF Mac Master adware:
Screenshot of PDF Mac Master application:
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT 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 Mac
By 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 seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is PDF Mac Master?
- STEP 1. Remove PDF Mac Master related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove PDF Mac Master ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove PDF Mac Master adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove PDF Mac Master ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove PDF Mac Master adware using Combo Cleaner:
PDF Mac Master adware removal:
Remove PDF Mac Master-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.
Remove adware-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 exact 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 exact 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 correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure 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 the 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 its virus definition database and click the "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.
Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers
Remove malicious Safari extensions:
Open the 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 regular browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware can slow down a computer, cause unwanted redirects, invade privacy, diminish the web browsing experience, and (or) cause other issues.
What does adware do?
Most advertising-supported applications generate unwanted advertisements. Additionally, they can hijack web browsers and collect information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
It is popular among adware developers to participate in affiliate programs to monetize their advertising-supported software. They use adware to promote various products, services, web pages, and so on.
Will Combo Cleaner remove PDF Mac Master Adware adware?
Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and remove all adware from it. Removing adware with Combo Cleaner is recommended to avoid having files and other components of adware present/running even after its removal, which is a common problem with removing adware manually.
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