How to remove ChangingSystem adware?

What type of application is ChangingSystem?

ChangingSystem generates advertisements and hijacks a web browser to prompt users to use a fake search engine. A big part of apps of this type is distributed using questionable, deceptive methods to trick users into downloading and installing them. For this reason, they are categorized as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).

ChangingSystem adwasre in detail

Ads generated by ChangingSystem could be designed to open websites encouraging to download (and install) potentially malicious apps, provide personal information, and so on. Those ads could also be designed to run specific scripts to download or install unwanted applications.

Additionally, ChangingSystem replaces the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page with a fake search engine (and prevents users from undoing these changes). Fake search engines can include links to untrustworthy websites in search results, redirect to untrustworthy pages.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ChangingSystem
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.j), 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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac 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.

ChangingSystem adware in general

ChangingSystem has the qualities of an adware-type app and a browser hijacker. It could be capable of collecting various data (including sensitive information like passwords, credit card details). There are lots of apps like ChangingSystem, for example, CheckLetter, AboutDynamic, ElementSignal.

How did ChangingSystem install on my computer?

It is common for PUAs to be distributed together with other programs. Users download or install PUAs when they do not change "Advanced", "Custom", or other settings available in downloaders or installers for programs bundled with PUAs.

Also, PUAs are distributed via fake installers (typically, these installers are promoted on deceptive pages) and advertisements designed to run certain scripts. Users download or install PUAs through the aforementioned ads by clicking on them.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

It is recommended to use reliable, official pages and direct links as sources for downloading files and programs. Downloads from other sources can be used to distribute PUAs or even malware. Programs should not be downloaded or installed until any optional downloads or installations are deselected.

Additionally, it is advisable not to click on advertisements that shady, questionable pages have on them. If your computer is already infected with ChangingSystem, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up that appears after the installation of ChangingSystem adware:

ChangingSystem'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 ChangingSystem?
• STEP 1. Remove ChangingSystem related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove ChangingSystem ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove ChangingSystem adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove ChangingSystem ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove ChangingSystem adware using Combo Cleaner:

ChangingSystem adware removal:

Remove ChangingSystem-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 slow down a computer, diminish the Internet browsing experience, cause device crashes.

What does adware do?

The purpose of adware is to display advertisements. Additionally, software of this type can be designed to hijack browsers and collect various data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware is monetized by displaying ads used to promote products, services, websites. It is common that individuals behind adware use affiliate programs to make money.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ChangingSystem adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate ChangingSystem and other adware-type apps. It is worth mentioning that manual adware removal does not always work because some of its components remain in the system even after its removal. Thus, it is recommended to remove adware with specialized software.

▼ Show Discussion