How to remove ProductArchive adware from the operating system?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is ProductArchive?
ProductArchive is advertising-supported software that displays advertisements and hijacks a web browser (changes its settings to promote a fake search engine). Apps like ProductArchive usually are promoted/distributed using questionable methods. In such cases, users are likely to download or install them unintentionally.
ProductArchive adware in detail
ProductArchive can show annoying advertisements designed to open questionable, potentially malicious pages. Those ads could open various scams, phishing websites, download pages for potentially unwanted applications (PUAs). Also, they could download or even install unwanted apps (if designed to run certain scripts).
Another reason not to have ProductArchive installed is that this app promotes a fake search engine. After installation, it changes the address of a default search engine, homepage, and new tab to a fake search engine that could promote untrustworthy pages.
| Name | Ads by ProductArchive |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-AW [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.24764), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Symantec (OSX.Trojan.Gen), 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. |
ProductArchive in general
The purpose of ProductArchive is to feed user with advertisements and force them to browse the Internet using a fake search engine. There are plenty of apps like ProductArchive, for example, OperationBeta, LinkSet, and Ultratech.
How did ProductArchive install on my computer?
The three most popular ways to distribute adware are to include it in downloaders and installers for other programs or through fake installers, deceptive advertisements. The first distribution method is called bundling.
The bundling method works when users download or install software bundled with adware without changing "Advanced", "Custom", or other settings provided in its downloader or installer. To trick users into using fake installers, their developers use deceptive websites. Ads can be used to distribute adware by designing them to run specific scripts.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Download applications (and files) from legitimate sources such as official websites and platforms. Avoid downloading them from other sources. Also, do not download or install programs until deselecting unwanted apps that might be included in their downloaders or installers. Avoid clicking on advertisements that shady websites have on them.
If your computer is already infected with ProductArchive, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up that appears after the installation of ProductArchive adware:
ProductArchive'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 ProductArchive?
- STEP 1. Remove ProductArchive related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ProductArchive ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ProductArchive adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ProductArchive ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ProductArchive adware using Combo Cleaner:
ProductArchive adware removal:
Remove ProductArchive-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?
The presence of adware-type applications can cause a decrease in performance of the affected computer, diminish web browsing experience, and similar issues.
What does adware do?
The purpose of adware is to display various advertisements (for example, pop-ups, coupons, banners). Additionally, software of this type can be designed to collect information and hijack web browsers.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
A big part of the money generated through adware comes from affiliate programs. Typically, adware is used to promote various products, services, websites.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ProductArchive adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate ProductArchive. It is recommended to use specialized software for adware removal. It is pretty common that when users remove adware manually, some of its components remain in the system even after the removal.
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