How to remove FileClick adware?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of software is FileClick?
FileClick has two purposes: to generate advertisements and hijack a web browser (promote a fake search engine). Typically, apps like FileClick are promoted and distributed using shady websites, installers, and other deceptive methods. Thus, users download and install them unintentionally.
FileClick adware in detail
FileClick displays pop-ups, banners, coupons, and (or) other ads covering contents of visited pages. Those ads can be used to promote various scams, phishing websites, questionable applications, and so on. Moreover, ads generated by FileClick can be designed to download or even install unwanted software.
Another problem with having FileClick installed is that it promotes a fake search engine. It changes the web browser's settings, such as the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page. That fake search engine can promote shady websites (show misleading results), show results generated by untrustworthy search engines, redirect to dubious pages.
Name | Ads by FileClick |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
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. |
FileClick in general
FileClick has the qualities of adware and a browser-hijacking software. It is possible that FileClick can access and collect various information about its users as well. Most users download and install adware/browser hijackers unknowingly. A couple examples of apps similar to FileClick are ManagerDisplay, AdvancedRecord, DeployUpdater.
How did FileClick install on my computer?
It is common for adware to be distributed through installers for other programs. It gets installed when users do not change "Custom", "Advanced", or other settings available in installers. This distribution method is known as bundling. In other cases, adware gets installed through shady ads, fake installers.
Advertisements are used to distribute unwanted software by designing them to run certain scripts. Fake installers usually get downloaded from deceptive, potentially malicious pages.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Deselect unwanted apps before downloading or installing programs. Usually, downloaders and installers for those programs have settings like "Custom", "Advanced". Do not trust advertisements that shady pages have on them. Use only official websites as sources for downloading files and applications.
If your computer is already infected with FileClick, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up that appears after the installation of FileClick adware:
FileClick'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 FileClick?
- STEP 1. Remove FileClick related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove FileClick ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove FileClick adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove FileClick ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove FileClick adware using Combo Cleaner:
FileClick adware removal:
Remove FileClick-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 affect computer performance, browsing experience (conceal contents of visited websites). It can also be the culprit of problems related to web browsing safety and online privacy.
What does adware do?
Adware bombards users with unwanted and annoying advertisements. In some cases, it hijacks web browsers and (or) collects various data as well.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Usually, adware is used to promote various products, websites, services. Its developer generates revenue mainly through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove FileClick adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate adware. It is worth mentioning that manual removal does not always work - files belonging to adware remain in the system even when adware itself is no longer present.
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