How to uninstall the OptimalRecord adware?

What is OptimalRecord?

OptimalRecord is an adware-type application with browser hijacker traits. It operates by delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns and making modifications to browser settings - in order to promote fake search engines. Additionally, most adware-types and browser hijackers spy on users' browsing activity.

Since users typically download/install OptimalRecord inadvertently, it is also categorized as a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application).

Adware delivers pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys and other intrusive advertisements. They overlay page content and limit the browsing speed. Once clicked on, intrusive ads redirect to various unreliable/malicious websites and some can even stealthily download/install software (e.g. PUAs).

Browser hijackers reassign browsers' homepage, default search engine and new tab/window URLs - to the addresses of fake web searchers. Illegitimate search engines are typically unable to generate search results. Hence, they tend to redirect to Google, Bing, Yahoo and other legitimate search engines.

Furthermore, browser hijackers can restrict/deny access to the browsers' settings and/or undo any permitted changes made. Therefore, recovering an affected browser is impossible without removing the software hijacking it. What is more, most PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) have data tracking abilities.

They can record browsing activity (URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, etc.) and collect sensitive information extracted from it (IP addresses, geolocations and other details). The gathered data usually contains personally identifiable information.

PUA developers monetize such information by being shared with and/or sold to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals). In summary, presence of unwanted apps on devices can result in system infections, financial losses, serious privacy issues and even identity theft.

To ensure device integrity and user safety, all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be eliminated without delay.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by OptimalRecord
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
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. ▼ 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.

ExpandedQuest, ProgressElemnt and AnalyzerSearch are a few examples of other adware-type applications. They appear legitimate and offer a wide variety of "useful" functions. However, the advertised functionalities are seldom operational. In fact, this is true of nearly all PUAs.

The only goal of unwanted software is to generate revenue for the developers. Therefore, instead of delivering on any promises, PUAs can run intrusive advert campaigns, cause redirects, hijack browsers and gather private data.

How did OptimalRecord install on my computer?

PUAs are distributed via download/installation setups of other programs. This false marketing technique of packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions - is termed "bundling".

By rushing through download/installation processes (e.g. by ignoring terms, skipping steps, using pre-set options, etc.) - users risk unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system. Select PUAs have "official" download webpages. Upon being clicked, intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to download/install these applications without user permission.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

It is recommended to research software before download/installation and/or purchase. Only official and verified download channels must be used. Since untrustworthy sources, e.g. unofficial and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks and other third party downloaders - commonly offer deceptive and/or bundled content.

When downloading/installing, it is advised to read terms, explore all available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out from additional apps, tools, functions, and so on. Intrusive adverts appear ordinary, however they redirect to highly dubious websites (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

In case of encounters with ads and/or redirects of this kind, the system must be inspected and all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins - immediately removed from it. If your computer is already infected with OptimalRecord, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once OptimalRecord adware's installation is over:

OptimalRecord adware's installation folder:

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

Video showing how to remove OptimalRecord adware using Combo Cleaner:

OptimalRecord adware removal:

Remove OptimalRecord-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.

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