How to uninstall the GeneralObject adware from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is GeneralObject?
GeneralObject is an adware-type application with browser hijacker traits. It operates by delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns and promoting fake search engines through modifications to browser settings.
Adware and browser hijackers typically spy on users' browsing activity and gather vulnerable data extracted from it. Hence, GeneralObject likely has such data tracking abilities as well.
This app has been observed being distributed via fake Adobe Flash Player updates. It is noteworthy that software products spread using dubious methods are classified as PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications).
GeneralObject adware overview
Adware delivers pop-ups, surveys, banners, and other intrusive ads. This graphical content can be displayed on any visited website and/or different interfaces.
The advertisements severely cripple the browsing experience by overlaying webpages and slowing down the browsing speed. Furthermore, intrusive adverts pose a threat to device/user safety.
When clicked on, these ads redirect to various untrustworthy/malicious sites, and some can download/install harmful software (e.g., PUAs) without user consent. Browser hijackers assign fake web searcher addresses as browsers' default search engine, homepage, and new tab/window URLs.
With such a piece of software installed: new browser tabs/windows opened and search queries typed into the URL bar - redirect to the promoted address. Illegitimate search engines usually cannot generate search results, so they redirect to (or cause redirection chains ending with) Yahoo, Bing, Google, and other genuine ones.
What is more, browser hijackers can restrict/deny access to the browser settings and/or undo any permitted changes made. Therefore, restoring a hijacked browser is impossible without eliminating to software affecting it.
Most PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) can track data. Targeted data includes: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, IP addresses/ geolocations, personally identifiable details, and so on.
The gathered data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals). In summary, the presence of unwanted apps on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
It is strongly advised to remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately upon detection.
| Name | Ads by GeneralObject |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names (.service) | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AM [Trj]), Cyren (MacOS/Adload.A.gen!Camelot), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.AE), Ikarus (Trojan-Downloader.OSX.Adload), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (.system) | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AM [Trj]), Cyren (MacOS/Adload.A.gen!Camelot), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.AE), Ikarus (Trojan-Downloader.OSX.Adload), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| 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
ExploreAnalog, LeadingUpdater, and SearchWebMesh are a few examples of adware. This software appears legitimate and useful.
It offers a wide variety of "handy" features. However, these functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases - they do not work at all. This applies to practically all PUAs.
The only aim of unwanted applications is to generate profit at user expense. Therefore, instead of delivering on any promises, PUAs can run intrusive advert campaigns, hijack browsers, cause redirects, and collect private information.
How did GeneralObject install on my computer?
PUAs are distributed through downloaders/installers of other products. "Bundling" is the term used to describe this deceptive marketing technique - packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions.
Rushed download/installation processes (e.g., ignored terms, skipped steps, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device. Once clicked on, intrusive ads can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations. Some PUAs also have "official" promotional/download websites.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is recommended to always research software before download/installation and/or purchase. Additionally, only official and verified download channels must be used. Untrustworthy sources, e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - commonly offer dangerous and/or bundled content.
When downloading/installing, it is advised to read terms, explore all available options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt-out from additional apps, tools, features, etc. Intrusive advertisements appear ordinary and harmless; however, they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., pornography, adult-dating, gambling, and so on).
In case of encounters with adverts and/or redirects of this kind, the device must be checked and all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - removed from it without delay. If your computer is already infected with GeneralObject, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed when GeneralObject adware is present on the system:
Text presented in this pop-up:
"GeneralObjectd" will damage your computer.
This file was downloaded on an unknown date.
OK
Show in Finder
Delusive installer (fake Flash updater) promoting GeneralObject adware;
First installation step:
Second installation step:
Files related to the GeneralObject adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.GeneralObject.service.app
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.GeneralObject.service.plist
- /Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.GeneralObject.system
- /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.GeneralObject.system.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! In some cases malicious applications like GeneralObject 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 GeneralObject?
- STEP 1. Remove GeneralObject related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove GeneralObject ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove GeneralObject adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove GeneralObject ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove GeneralObject adware using Combo Cleaner:
GeneralObject adware removal:
Remove GeneralObject-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 advertisements that endorse content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking abilities – therefore, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to display ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Some types can also force-open webpages and gather vulnerable information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs by endorsing content. Adware developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove GeneralObject adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. The remaining components may continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.
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