How to eliminate FlexibleFormat adware from your operating system?

What is FlexibleFormat?

FlexibleFormat is an app classified as adware, and it has browser hijacker traits. Due to the dubious methods used to distribute FlexibleFormat and similar software, they are also categorized as PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications).

FlexibleFormat adware overview

Adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. This software can diminish the browsing experience and pose a threat to device/user safety.

The displayed advertisements promote various untrustworthy and malicious sites. What is more, some intrusive ads can download/install software (e.g., PUAs) - when clicked on.

Browser hijackers assign fake search engine addresses as browsers' homepage, default search engine, and new tab/window URLs. Hence, web searches performed via the URL bar and new tabs/windows opened - redirect to the promoted address.

Most fraudulent search engines cannot generate search results, so they redirect to legitimate ones (e.g., Bing, Google, Yahoo, etc.). Browser hijackers also employ persistence-ensuring techniques - to prevent browser recovery.

Most PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) can track data. The gathered information (e.g., browsing activity, personally identifiable details, etc.) is shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of unwanted software on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by FlexibleFormat
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
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.

Adware in general

DefaultEntry, LeadingSystem, LatestStructured, and PrinterCyberSpace are some examples of adware. This software appears innocuous and offers "useful" features that are seldom operational. In fact, this is true of nearly all PUAs. The sole purpose of these apps is to generate revenue at user expense; hence, functionality and user safety are irrelevant.

How did FlexibleFormat install on my computer?

PUAs can be downloaded/installed together with other programs. This false marketing tactic of packing regular software with various additions - is named "bundling". Intrusive ads spread PUAs as well. Once clicked on, the advertisements can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission. PUAs can also have "official" download sites.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

It is strongly recommended to research software and download from official and verified channels. Dubious sources, e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks (e.g., Torrent clients, Gnutella, etc.), and other third-party downloaders - commonly offer bundled/harmful content.

Download/Installation processes increase the risk of allowing unwanted/malicious programs into the system. Therefore, it is crucial to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additions.

It is just as important to exercise caution when browsing. Intrusive adverts appear legitimate yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

In case of encounters with such ads/redirects, the system must be checked and all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - removed without delay. If your computer is already infected with FlexibleFormat, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once FlexibleFormat adware's installation is over:

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

Video showing how to remove FlexibleFormat adware using Combo Cleaner:

FlexibleFormat adware removal:

Remove FlexibleFormat-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 decrease user experience by diminishing browsing quality and system performance. This software also usually has data tracking abilities, which makes it a threat to user privacy. Adware-delivered adverts are often dubious/malicious and can cause severe problems.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supporting software. It is designed to deliver intrusive ad campaigns, i.e., display adverts on any visited site and/or different interfaces.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue by promoting various websites, applications, products, services, and similar. Most of the profit is from affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove FlexibleFormat adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate all installed adware-type applications. On the other hand, manual removal might be ineffective. Even if the software itself is (manually) removed - various file leftovers might remain in the system. Furthermore, such remnants can continue running and causing issues.

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