How to remove RotatorBox adware and the ads it delivers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is RotatorBox?
RotatorBox is a rogue application classified as adware and possessing browser hijacker traits. Following successful infiltration, this app runs intrusive advertisement campaigns and promotes bogus search engines by modifying browser settings. Additionally, most adware-type apps and browser hijackers collect browsing-related data.
Due to the dubious methods employed in RotatorBox's distribution, it is also categorized as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA). It has been observed being proliferated through fake Adobe Flash Player updates.
Note that rogue software updaters/installers spread malware (trojans, ransomware, etc.) as well as PUAs. Therefore, only update programs with tools/functions provided by genuine developers.
Adware delivers pop-ups, banners, surveys, coupons, and other intrusive ads. These diminish the browsing experience by overlaying web page content and reducing browsing speed. Furthermore, when clicked, intrusive advertisements redirect to dubious/dangerous sites and some can stealthily download/install software (e.g., PUAs).
Browser hijackers reassign the homepage, new browser tab/window, and default search engine URLs to fake search engine addresses. With this software installed, each new browser tab/window opened and search query typed into the URL bar redirects to the promoted search engine address.
Bogus web searchers are usually unable to provide search results, so they redirect (or cause redirection chains leading) to Google, Bing, Yahoo, and other genuine search engines. Browser hijackers can reset any changes users try to make to their browsers and restrict/deny access to the browser settings outright. Therefore, recovering a hijacked browser is impossible without removing the software affecting it.
Furthermore, most PUAs (regardless of type) have data tracking capabilities. Targeted information includes visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, IP (Internet Protocol) addresses, geolocations, and even personally identifiable details. PUA developers monetize the collected data by sharing it with and/or selling it to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of unwanted apps on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial loss, and identity theft. To ensure device and user safety, all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be eliminated without delay.
| Name | Ads by RotatorBox |
| 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. |
StandartProduct, UniversalToolSearch, TechResultsSearch, and LauncherSetup are some examples of other adware-type applications. They may seem legitimate and offer various "useful" functionalities, however, the promised features are seldom operational. In fact, this applies to most PUAs. The sole purpose of this unwanted software is to generate profit for the developers.
PUAs operate by delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns, force-opening untrusted and malicious websites, hijacking browsers, and gathering vulnerable information.
How did RotatorBox install on my computer?
PUAs are distributed via download/installation set-ups of other products. This deceptive marketing tactic of packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions is called "bundling".
Rushing download/installation processes (e.g. ignoring terms, skipping steps and settings, etc.) increases the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.
Some PUAs have "official" download sites. Intrusive advertisements proliferate these applications as well. Once clicked, they can execute scripts to download/install PUAs without users' consent.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
You are advised to research all software before download/installation. Use only official and verified download channels. Unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks (BitTorrent, Gnutella, eMule), and other third party downloaders commonly offer harmful and bundled content, and are therefore untrusted and should be avoided.
When downloading/installing, read the terms, study all possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out of additional apps, tools, features, and so on.
Intrusive advertisements typically seem legitimate, however, they can redirect to dubious and malicious sites (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and many others). If you encounter ads or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately.
Installed programs must be activated and updated with tools or implemented functions that are provided by the official developers. No other third party, unofficial tools should be used.
Note that it is illegal to activate licensed software with ‘cracking’ tools. Files and programs should be downloaded from official websites and via direct download links. Avoid third party installers and the tools/sources mentioned above.
Do not open website links or files in irrelevant emails that are received from unknown, suspicious addresses. These bogus emails are often disguised as official and important. Regularly, scan your computer with reputable, up-to-date antivirus or anti-spyware software.
If your computer is already infected with RotatorBox, 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 RotatorBox adware is present:
"RotatorBoxd" will damage your computer.
This file was downloaded on an unknown date.
OK
Show in Finder
Deceptive installer (fake Flash Player updater) promoting RotatorBox adware.
First installation step:
Second installation step:
Files related to RotatorBox adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.RotatorBox.service.app
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.RotatorBox.service.plist
- /Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.RotatorBox.system
- /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.RotatorBox.system.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! In some cases, malicious applications like RotatorBox alter system proxy settings, thereby causing unwanted redirects to a variety of dubious websites.
The redirects are likely to remain even after removing the application itself. Thus, you must 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 protocols. You should also assign the settings of each protocol to the 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 RotatorBox?
- STEP 1. Remove RotatorBox related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove RotatorBox ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove RotatorBox adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove RotatorBox ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove RotatorBox adware using Combo Cleaner:
RotatorBox adware removal:
Remove RotatorBox-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.
Outstanding!
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