How to remove ArchivesTransation adware from your operating system?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is ArchivesTransation?
ArchivesTransation is a rogue app classified as adware. It also has browser hijacker traits. Since most users inadvertently download/install software products within these classifications, they are also deemed to be PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications).
ArchivesTransation adware in detail
Adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, surveys, etc.) on any visited website and/or different interfaces.
The displayed advertisements diminish the browsing experience and endanger device and user safety. Intrusive ads endorse various untrustworthy, deceptive/scam, and even malicious sites. Furthermore, some of these adverts can stealthily download/install software (e.g., PUAs) - when they are clicked on.
Browser hijackers assign fake web searcher addresses as browsers' homepage, default search engine, and new tab/window URLs. Hence, every web search done via the URL bar and new tab/window opened - redirect to the promoted address.
Fake search engines typically cannot generate search results, so they redirect to Yahoo, Bing, Google, and other legitimate ones. Browser hijackers also use persistence-ensuring techniques to prevent users from recovering their browsers.
What is more, most PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) monitor browsing activity (browsing and search engine histories) and collect vulnerable information extracted from it (IP addresses, personally identifiable details, finance data, etc.). This information is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of unwanted apps on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | Ads by ArchivesTransation |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), 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 in general
OptimalSource, UpgradeActivity, and AccessibilityMethod are a few examples of adware. This software appears legitimate and offers "handy" features, which are seldom operational. In fact, this applies to nearly all PUAs. These applications are designed to run intrusive ad campaigns, hijack browsers, cause redirects, and collect private information.
How did ArchivesTransation install on my computer?
PUAs are distributed using the "bundling" technique - packing regular programs with various additions. Rushed downloads/installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system. Intrusive adverts proliferate PUAs as well. Once clicked on, the ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent. Some PUAs also have "official" promotional/download pages.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is advised to research software and download only from official/verified sources. Untrustworthy download channels, e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - often offer bundled/harmful content.
When downloading/installing, it is recommended to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out from all additions. Intrusive advertisements appear legitimate, yet they redirect to questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such ads and/or redirects, the device must be checked and all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed from it. If your computer is already infected with ArchivesTransation, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ArchivesTransation adware's installation is over:
ArchivesTransation adware's installation folder:
ArchivesTransation adware installed onto a Safari browser:
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 ArchivesTransation?
- STEP 1. Remove ArchivesTransation related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ArchivesTransation ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ArchivesTransation adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ArchivesTransation ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ArchivesTransation adware using Combo Cleaner:
ArchivesTransation adware removal:
Remove ArchivesTransation-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. ArchivesTransation also has data tracking abilities, which makes it a threat to user privacy. Furthermore, the content promoted through adware-delivered adverts can be malicious and cause other severe issues.
What does adware do?
Advertising-supported software (adware) is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, it displays various ads.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue through affiliate programs by promoting content. The developers of this software can get commission from clicks on the delivered advertisements, visits to the promoted websites, purchases of the endorsed products, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ArchivesTransation adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate adware. It is noteworthy that manual removal might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the software itself is manually removed, various file leftovers may remain hiding within the system. Furthermore, the remnants can continue running and causing issues.
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