How to remove PureAdvantage adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is PureAdvantage?
PureAdvantage is designed to bombard users with unwanted advertisements and force them to browse the Internet using a fake search engine. It has the qualities of adware and a browser hijacker. It is common for apps like PureAdvantage to be promoted and distributed using questionable methods.
PureAdvantage adware in detail
Ads displayed by PureAdvantage cannot be trusted/should not be clicked: they can open shady websites (phishing pages, scams, pages promoting questionable/potentially malicious apps, and so on). Also, those ads can download or install unwanted apps by running specific scripts.
The fake search engine promoted by PureAdvantage can show misleading results, redirect users to shady websites, show results generated by other untrustworthy search engines. PureAdvantage promotes a fake search engine (hijacks a web browser) by changing the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page.
| Name | Ads by PureAdvantage |
| 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. |
More about adware
Adware can be capable of reading sensitive information like credit card details, passwords, and other details. Data gathered by adware can be misused for malicious purposes. Either way, having apps like PureAdvantage installed is not safe. More examples of apps like PureAdvantage are CharacterVirtualSearch, EasyMacSoft, MainOperation.
How did PureAdvantage install on my computer?
Most adware-type apps are distributed through fake installers, installers for other programs, shady advertisements. Fake installers usually are disguised as legitimate installers. They get downloaded from deceptive or untrustworthy in other ways pages. Installers for other programs used to deliver adware have certain settings.
Users agree to download or install adware alongside other software when they do not change "Advanced", "Custom", or other settings before installing that software. Ads can download or install adware when designed to run certain scripts, and users click on them.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Do not use questionable sources (like unofficial pages, third-party downloaders, Peer-to-Peer networks) for downloading files and apps. Download them from legitimate (official) pages. Do not click on ads appearing on shady sites. Deselect unwanted downloads and installations before downloading or installing programs bundled with adware or other apps.
If your computer is already infected with PureAdvantage, 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 PureAdvantage adware:
PureAdvantage'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 PureAdvantage?
- STEP 1. Remove PureAdvantage related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove PureAdvantage ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove PureAdvantage adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove PureAdvantage ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove PureAdvantage adware using Combo Cleaner:
PureAdvantage adware removal:
Remove PureAdvantage-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 be the reason behind diminished web browsing experience, decreased computer performance, invaded privacy, and other issues.
What does adware do?
The purpose of adware is to generate advertisements (pop-ups, banners, coupons, and other types of ads). Also, adware can be designed to hijack web browsers, collect various data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Usually, adware is used to promote various products, websites, services. It is monetized mainly through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove PureAdvantage adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan the operating system and eliminate adware. It is advisable to remove adware automatically/using specialized software. Manual removal may not be the best way to remove adware because components belonging to adware might be present and running even when adware itself is already deleted.
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