How to remove the ExplorerTransaction adware?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is ExplorerTransaction?
The purpose of the ExplorerTransaction application is to generate advertisements and promote a fake search engine. It promotes a fake search engine by hijacking a web browser. It is very common for apps like ExplorerTransaction to be promoted and distributed in deceptive ways.
ExplorerTransaction in detail
Advertisements displayed by ExplorerTransaction can be used to promote untrustworthy websites. For example, various scams, phishing pages, deceptive download pages for potentially unwanted applications (PUAs). Moreover, those ads can be designed to run certain scripts and download or even install unwanted software.
Also, ExplorerTransaction hijacks a web browser by changing its settings. It changes the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page to a fake search engine (its address). A fake search engine promoted by ExplorerTransaction can promote shady websites and (or) show results generated by other dubious search engines.
| Name | Ads by ExplorerTransaction |
| 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. |
ExplorerTransaction in general
ExplorerTransaction is an untrustworthy app designed to deliver ads, promote a fake search engine and possibly to collect various data. There are many examples of similar apps. Some of them are AdvancedRecord, DeployUpdater, and ExpandedCollection.
How did ExplorerTransaction install on my computer?
Adware is often bundled with other software. In such cases, it can be found and deselected in "Custom", "Advanced", "Manual" or other settings that downloaders or installers have. Adware gets downloaded or installed when those settings are left unchanged.
Also, adware can be distributed using fake installers, and advertisements (by designing them to run certain scripts). Either way, most users download and install adware unknowingly.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Download software, files from legitimate/official pages. Avoid using other sources like unofficial pages, third-party downloaders, P2P networks. Do not click on advertisements appearing on shady pages. Also, do not download (or install) programs until optional downloads or installations are deselected.
If your computer is already infected with ExplorerTransaction, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up that appears after the installation of ExplorerTransaction adware:
ExplorerTransaction'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
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Quick menu:
- What is ExplorerTransaction?
- STEP 1. Remove ExplorerTransaction related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ExplorerTransaction ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ExplorerTransaction adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ExplorerTransaction ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ExplorerTransaction adware using Combo Cleaner:
ExplorerTransaction adware removal:
Remove ExplorerTransaction-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?
While present, adware can slow down a computer, diminish the web browsing experience and cause other problems.
What does adware do?
Usually, it generates advertisements. In addition to that, adware can be designed to promote a fake search engine and collect various information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
They use adware to promote products, websites, services. Usually, they monetize adware through various affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ExplorerTransaction adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan the operating system and get rid of adware. It is advisable to remove adware automatically. Manual removal does not always work - files belonging to adware remain in the system even after the removal.
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