How to uninstall QuestSearch adware

What is QuestSearch?

QuestSearch is an adware-type application which is distributed through a fake Adobe Flash Player installer. When installed, it serves a variety of advertisements. Additionally, it functions as a browser hijacker - QuestSearch promotes a fake search engine by changing browser settings.

Note that adware can also record data. Few people download or install apps such as QuestSearch intentionally and, therefore, they are categorized as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).

QuestSearch adware overview

The main purpose of adware is to feed users with advertisements (e.g., coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups and others). When clicked, these ads might open untrusted web pages, and some can even cause download/installation of unwanted software. Therefore, it is not safe to click ads that appear as a result of QuestSearch.

This app promotes a fake search engine, functioning as a browser hijacker. Fake search engines are promoted by modifying browser settings such as the address of the default search engine, homepage, and new tab.

Commonly, users cannot remove the address of the fake search engine from these settings as long as the browser hijacker (in this case, QuestSearch) is installed on the browser. Typically, search engines that are promoted by apps of this type do not generate unique results, they display results generated by other search engines such as Yahoo, Google, and Bing.

In some cases, fake search engines generate misleading results. Furthermore, adware-type apps and browser hijackers can be designed to track information. Therefore, QuestSearch could be designed to gather browsing data such as IP addresses, entered search queries, addresses of visited pages, geolocations and other private, sensitive information.

Criminals responsible for apps such as QuestSearch sell the data to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse it to generate revenue in other ways.

As mentioned, QuestSearch is distributed through a fake Adobe Flash Player installer. I.e., QuestSearch is distributed by disguising its installer as the official Adobe Flash Player installer. Note that these installers are also used to spread malware including ransomware, Trojans and other malicious software.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by QuestSearch
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus.
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.
Additional Information	This application belongs to the Adload malware family.
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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac 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.

Adware examples

Some examples of other adware infections include MainPanelSearch, TechAdviseSearch and ExpertProjectSearch. Typically, these apps serve ads and collect data. They are advertised as useful and legitimate, however, most adware simply generates revenue for developers and delivers no real value for regular users.

On the contrary, this software can cause problems relating to online privacy, browsing safety, and some people might even become victims of identity theft. Therefore, do not download or install QuestSearch, or other similar apps.

How did QuestSearch install on my computer?

Many people install QuestSearch on browsers and operating systems when they use a fake Adobe Flash Player installer. This, however, is not the only way that adware and other PUAs infiltrate. Developers often distribute PUAs using a deceptive marketing method called "bundling".

PUAs are included into the download/installation set-ups as 'additional offers', which can be found in "Advanced", "Custom", and other similar settings of the set-ups. Many users fail to check and change these settings when they download and install programs, thereby allowing PUAs to infiltrate.

In some cases, unwanted downloads and installations are caused by clicking deceptive advertisements that execute certain scripts.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

You are advised to download software from official, trustworthy web pages and via direct links. Other channels such as third party downloaders and installers, Peer-to-Peer networks (e.g., torrent clients, eMule), unofficial websites, etc., should not be used to download or install software - they can be used to distribute unwanted, malicious applications.

Check all "Advanced", "Custom" and other settings of the download/installation setups. Decline offers to download or install unwanted software before completing the process. Do not click intrusive ads that are displayed on dubious web pages, since they can open other dubious websites.

Some intrusive ads cause unwanted downloads and installations and should not be trusted. Remove any unwanted applications (extensions, add-ons, plug-ins) installed on the browser immediately.

Also remove software of this kind that is installed on the operating system. If your computer is already infected with QuestSearch, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Files related to QuestSearch adware that need to be removed:

• ~/Library/Application Support/com.QuestSearch/QuestSearch
• ~/Library/Application Support/com.QuestSearchDaemon/QuestSearch
• ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.QuestSearch.plist
• ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.QuestSearchDaemon.plist

IMPORTANT NOTE! Rogue setups/apps that promote QuestSearch adware are designed to create a new device profile. Therefore, before taking any further removal steps, perform these actions:

1) Click the "Preferences" icon in the menu bar and select "Profiles".

2) Select the "QuestSearch" profile and delete it.

3) Perform a full system scan with Combo Cleaner anti-virus suite.

After performing these actions, you can proceed with further removal steps for this adware.

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 QuestSearch?
• STEP 1. Remove QuestSearch related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove QuestSearch ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove QuestSearch adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove QuestSearch ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

QuestSearch adware removal:

Remove QuestSearch-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 display ads that endorse content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Its presence on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware generates revenue through advertising. This is typically achieved by displaying third-party graphical content (ads) on various interfaces. Some types are also capable of force-opening websites and gathering sensitive information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily via affiliate programs by promoting content (e.g., websites, apps, extensions, products, services, etc.).

Will Combo Cleaner remove QuestSearch adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and remove detected adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – file remnants stay hidden within the system. The remaining components can continue to run and cause problems. Hence, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.

▼ Show Discussion