How to remove MainOperation adware?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is MainOperation?
MainOperation has the qualities of adware and a browser hijacker. The purpose of this application is to generate advertisements and promote a fake search engine. It is pretty common for apps like MainOperation to be distributed (or promoted) using deceptive methods.
MainOperation adware in detail
MainOperation can display advertisements used to promote untrustworthy websites. If clicked, those ads can open phishing websites, deceptive pages promoting potentially malicious software, various scams, and so on. Also, they might download or even install unwanted applications.
MainOperation hijacks a web browser by replacing the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page with a fake search engine. It forces users to browse the Internet using a fake search engine that can show misleading results, redirect users to shady websites, and (or) show results generated by dubious search engines.
| Name | Ads by MainOperation |
| 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. |
More about adware
Additionally, MainOperation may be capable of accessing and collecting various information. Plenty of adware-type apps can read sensitive information (like passwords, credit card details). More adware examples ToolIndexer, SmartCheck, and IndexerService.
How did MainOperation install on my computer?
Apps like MainOperation are distributed using installers for other programs, fake installers, untrustworthy advertisements. Programs bundled with adware have "Custom", "Advanced", or similar settings in their installers (or downloaders). Adware gets installed when users leave those settings unchanged.
Advertisements can download or install unwanted apps when designed to execute specific scripts, and users click on them. Fake installers used to distribute adware usually are promoted using deceptive websites. It is also popular to promote adware on deceptive websites claiming that some installed software is out of date.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Download applications (and files) from trustworthy sources like official pages, legitimate platforms. Check downloaders and installers for optional downloads and installations deselect unwanted apps before downloading or installing software. Do not click on advertisements that shady, dubious websites have on them.
If your computer is already infected with MainOperation, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
A pop-up that appears after the installation of MainOperation adware:
MainOperation'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 MainOperation?
- STEP 1. Remove MainOperation related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove MainOperation ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove MainOperation adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove MainOperation ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove MainOperation adware using Combo Cleaner:
MainOperation adware removal:
Remove MainOperation-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 cause various problems. The most common ones are diminished web browsing experience, decreased system performance, invaded privacy.
What does adware do?
Adware displays annoying advertisements. Apps like MainOperation have additional functionality - they hijack web browsers. In some cases, they can access and collect sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware is monetized by promoting various products, websites, services. The main source of income generated using adware is affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove MainOperation adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan a computer and eliminate all detected adware-type applications. It is not advisable to remove manually because components belonging to it may remain in the system even after the removal.
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