How to remove AdvancedSprint adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is AdvancedSprint?
AdvancedSprint is a piece of rogue software classified as adware. This application has browser hijacker qualities. Hence, it runs intrusive advertisement campaigns and promotes fake search engines by modifying browser settings.
Additionally, most adware-types and browser hijackers collect browsing-related information. Due to the dubious techniques used to distribute AdvancedSprint, it is categorized as a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application). AdvancedSprint has been observed being spread via fake Adobe Flash Player updates.
It is worth mentioning that illegitimate software updaters/installers distribute not only PUAs but are also used to proliferate trojans, ransomware, and other malware.
AdvancedSprint adware overview
Adware delivers banners, pop-ups, surveys, coupons, and other intrusive ads. They seriously diminish the browser quality by overlaying page content and slowing down the browsing speed.
Furthermore, when clicked on, intrusive adverts redirect to untrustworthy/malicious websites and some can execute scripts to stealthily download/install software (e.g., PUAs). Browser hijackers assign fake web search addresses as browsers' homepage, default search engine, and new tab/window URLs.
Therefore, with such of piece installed: every new browser tab/window opened and search query typed into the URL bar - redirect to the promoted address. Fake search engines are usually unable to provide search results.
They tend to redirect to (or cause redirection chains ending with) Google, Yahoo, Bing, and other legitimate ones. Browser hijackers can undo any changes users try to make to their browsers and/or restrict/deny access to the browser settings outright.
What is more, most PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) have data tracking abilities. They monitor browsing activity (URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, etc.) and gather sensitive information extracted from it (IP addresses, geolocations, and even personally identifiable details).
The gathered data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals). In summary, unwanted software can cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and lead to identity theft. To protect device and user safety, all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be eliminated without delay.
Name | Ads by AdvancedSprint |
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. |
Adware examples
ValidMemory, WizardUpdate, RecordMapper, OperativeDock - are some examples of adware-type apps. They appear ordinary and offer "useful" features. However, the advertised functionalities are seldom operational.
In fact, this applies to practically all PUAs. The sole purpose of unwanted software is to generate revenue at user expense. Therefore, instead of delivering on any promises, PUAs can run intrusive advert campaigns, hijack browsers, cause redirects, and collect vulnerable information.
How did AdvancedSprint install on my computer?
PUAs are distributed through downloaders/installers of other software. This deceptive marketing method of packing regular products with unwanted or malicious additions - is named "bundling". Rushed downloads/installations (e.g., ignored terms, skipped steps, used pre-set options, etc.) increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive advertisements also spread PUAs. Upon being clicked, the adverts can execute scripts designed to download/install these applications without user consent. Some PUAs have "official" promotional/download sites.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is recommended to research products to verify their legitimacy before download/installation and/or purchase. Furthermore, only official and trustworthy download sources must be used. Dubious download channels (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders) commonly offer bundled content.
When downloading/installing, it is advised to read terms, study all possible options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings and opt-out from supplementary apps, tools, functions, etc. It is just as important to exercise caution when browsing. Intrusive ads appear legitimate and harmless; however, they redirect to unreliable and questionable webpages (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and many others).
In case of encounters with adverts and/or redirects of this kind, the system must be checked and all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed from it. If your computer is already infected with AdvancedSprint, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Text presented in the pop-up window displayed when AdvancedSprint adware is present:
"AdvancedSprintd" will damage your computer.
This file was downloaded on an unknown date.
Delusive installer (fake Flash Player updater) promoting AdvancedSprint adware;
First installation step:
Second installation step:
Files related to the AdvancedSprint adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.AdvancedSprint.service.app
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.AdvancedSprint.service.plist
- /Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.AdvancedSprint.system
- /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.AdvancedSprint.system.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! In some cases malicious applications like AdvancedSprint alter system proxy settings, thereby causing unwanted redirects to a variety of questionable websites.
The redirects are likely to remain even after removing the application itself. Thus, you'll have to restore them manually.
Step 1: Click on the gear icon in the Dock to navigate to the system settings. If the icon is not present in the Dock, you can find it in the Launchpad.
Step 2: Navigate to the Network settings.
Step 3: Select the connected network and click "Advanced...".
Step 4: Click on the "Proxies" tab and untick all the protocols. You should also set the settings of each protocol to default - "*.local, 169.254/16".
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 AdvancedSprint?
- STEP 1. Remove AdvancedSprint related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove AdvancedSprint ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove AdvancedSprint adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove AdvancedSprint ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove AdvancedSprint adware using Combo Cleaner
AdvancedSprint adware removal:
Remove AdvancedSprint-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 diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It displays ads that may promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities – therefore, it is considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. It operates by enabling the placement of third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces. Additionally, some adware-types can also generate redirects and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue by endorsing various sites, programs, products, services, and other content. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove AdvancedSprint adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be ideal. In some cases, after the software has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. These components might continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
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