How to remove the SharedAllocate adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of app is SharedAllocate?
We have discovered the SharedAllocate application while analyzing deceptive websites used to distribute untrustworthy installers and other shady sites. Our team has tested the SharedAllocate app and found that it generates advertisements - it functions as adware.
SharedAllocate adware in detail
Most adware-type apps that our team has tested displayed pop-ups, banners, coupons, or other types of ads. If clicked, those ads opened questionable or even malicious pages. For example, various scams asking to provide sensitive information download pages for potentially malicious applications.
In some cases, clicking on those ads led to unwanted downloads or installations. Since SharedAllocate is advertising-supported software distributed using shady websites, it (its ads) cannot be trusted.
| Name | Ads by SharedAllocate |
| 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
Sometimes, adware displays unwanted advertisements, collects various information, and (or) hijacks a web browser by changing its settings. More examples of apps similar to SharedAllocate are CheckControl, VirtualGuest, ResponseIntellect. Typically, users download and install apps of this type inadvertently.
How did SharedAllocate install on my computer?
It is very common for adware-type apps to be distributed using fake installers (for example, installers that are supposed to update the Adobe Flash Player). Those installers are distributed using deceptive websites that users open by clicking shady ads, fake Download (or similar) buttons, or through other dubious sites.
Also, adware is often bundled with other software. It is included in downloaders and installers as an additional offer. Adware gets installed alongside other software when users do not deselect optional installations (using "Custom", "Advanced", or similar settings) before that installing software.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Download applications and files from legitimate sources such as official websites and platforms. Do not trust other sources such as shady pages, third-party downloaders, P2P networks, etc. Also, do not click on ads and fake buttons displayed on/by shady websites. Deselect unwanted apps before downloading or installing programs.
If your computer is already infected with SharedAllocate, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
A pop-up that appears after the instalaltion of SharedAllocate adware:
SharedAllocate'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 SharedAllocate?
- STEP 1. Remove SharedAllocate related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SharedAllocate ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SharedAllocate adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SharedAllocate ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove SharedAllocate adware using Combo Cleaner:
SharedAllocate adware removal:
Remove SharedAllocate-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?
In most cases, adware diminishes the web browsing experience (by covering contents of visited pages), and affects computer performance. Sometimes, adware can invade privacy.
What does adware do?
As a rule, adware displays advertisements. Also, it can have features of a browser hijacker or collect information about its users.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
They use adware to promote products, websites, services, etc. Most adware developers use affiliate programs to monetize their software.
Will Combo Cleaner remove SharedAllocate adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all adware. It will not leave any file leftovers (components belonging to adware), which can be a problem after removing adware manually.
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