How to remove the DataFile adware?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of software is DataFile?
DataFile displays ads and promotes a fake search engine. It functions as adware and a browser hijacker. DataFile hijacks a web browser by changing some of its settings. Adware, browser-hijacking apps rarely get downloaded/installed on purpose. Lots of them are promoted and distributed using questionable (often deceptive) methods.
DataFile adware in detail
DataFile can display advertisements used to promote/designed to open untrustworthy websites. Its ads can open websites promoting potentially malicious software, scams asking to provide personal information, and so on. Moreover, some of those ads can be designed to download or install PUAs (by running certain scripts).
DataFile hijacks a browser by replacing the homepage, default search engine, and new tab page with a fake search engine. It also keeps these settings unchangeable while it is present. Fake search engines can redirect users to dubious pages and (or) generate results containing links to shady websites and advertisements.
| Name | Ads by DataFile |
| 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
DataFile and similar applications generate advertisements and force users to browse the Internet using fake search engines. Additionally, they can be designed to gather information about their users. More examples of similar apps are AnalogSet, SelectorComponent, and ProductArchive.
How did DataFile install on my computer?
Adware is distributed through downloaders and installers for other programs, deceptive advertisements, fake installers. Unwanted apps often can be found and deselected in "Custom", "Advanced", or similar settings available in downloaders and installers. If not, adware or other unwanted apps get installed (or downloaded) alongside other programs.
Advertisements can be used to distribute adware by designing them to run certain scripts. Users download or install unwanted software by clicking on those ads. Fake installers are promoted on untrustworthy, deceptive websites.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Avoid using third-party downloaders, installers, Peer-to-Peer networks, unofficial websites, or other sources to download or install any programs or files. Use official pages and direct links as sources for downloading software (and files). Avoid clicking on advertisements that shady websites display/have on them.
Always check downloaders and installers for unwanted apps before downloading or installing programs that might be bundled with those apps. If your computer is already infected with DataFile, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up that appears after the installation of DataFile adware:
DataFile'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 DataFile?
- STEP 1. Remove DataFile related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove DataFile ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove DataFile adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove DataFile ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove DataFile adware using Combo Cleaner:
DataFile adware removal:
Remove DataFile-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 does adware do?
Adware (advertising-supported software) generates advertisements. It can be designed to gather information about users and hijack browsers as well.
What harm can adware cause?
Ads appearing because of adware (presence of adware) can diminish the web browsing experience, slow down a computer.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
One of the most popular ways to monetize adware is to use affiliate programs. Adware developers use their software to promote various products, websites, services.
Will Combo Cleaner remove DataFile adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate DataFile and other detected adware. In order to remove adware without leaving any of its components present and running, it is recommended to do it using specialized software (to remove adware automatically). In some cases, it is difficult to do that manually.
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