How to get rid of SampleCheck adware?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is SampleCheck adware?
SampleCheck generates revenue for its developer by displaying ads and promoting a specific website (fake search engine). Most users download and install advertising-supported software and browser hijackers like SampleCheck unknowingly. Thus, SampleCheck and similar apps are categorized as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).
SampleCheck in detail
Advertisements (for example, coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups) displayed by SampleCheck could open download pages for other PUAs or even malicious apps, various scams, shady sites asking to provide personal information. Those ads also could download or even install unwanted software by running executing scripts.
SampleCheck also changes the settings of a web browser to promote a fake search engine. It changes the homepage, default search engine, and new tab URL. Users of hijacked browsers are forced to visit a particular address as long as an app like SampleCheck is present. Fake search engines cannot be trusted - they can promote unreliable pages.
| Name | Ads by SampleCheck |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| 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
Adware is a type of software that generates annoying advertisements. It is common for adware to be distributed using questionable, deceptive methods. Software of this type can be designed to collect various information about the user. More adware examples are ArchivesTransation, MegaUnit, and OptimalSource.
How did SampleCheck install on my computer?
Pretty often, users download or install unwanted apps through downloaders or installers for other programs with "Custom", "Manual", "Advanced", or other settings. PUAs get downloaded or installed when users download or install programs without changing those settings.
Also, users cause unexpected downloads or installations by clicking on advertisements designed to run certain scripts or through fake installers.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Download applications (and files) from official websites and via direct links. Avoid clicking advertisements that questionable websites have on them. Check downloaders and installers that have any settings for potentially unwanted applications and deselect them before downloading or installing programs.
If your computer is already infected with SampleCheck, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up that appears after installation of SampleCheck adware:
SampleCheck's Contents 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 SampleCheck?
- STEP 1. Remove SampleCheck related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SampleCheck ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SampleCheck adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SampleCheck ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove SampleCheck adware using Combo Cleaner:
SampleCheck adware removal:
Remove SampleCheck-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 be the culprit of diminished Internet browsing experience and a potential decrease in computer's performance.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Software oft his type generates revenue for its developer by displaying advertisements. It also can gather information and (or) promote a fake search engine.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
in most cases, they make money by promoting various products, web pages, services. Most of the profit is generated via affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove SampleCheck adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is recommended to remove unwanted software using specialized software. Manual removal might not be enough because various file leftovers may remain hiding in the system even if the software itself is deleted.
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