How to remove TaskSample adware from the system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of software is TaskSample?
We have discovered the TaskSample application after using a fake installer downloaded from a deceptive website. During our analysis, we have found that TaskSample has the qualities of adware - it displays unwanted advertisements. Software of this type is not trustworthy.
TaskSample adware in detail
Our team has tested numerous adware-type apps that are very similar to TaskSample. Most of them displayed pop-ups, banners, coupons, and other types of advertisements. In most cases, those ads promoted various scams, shady (potentially malicious) applications, and other untrustworthy pages.
We also found that apps like TaskSample tend to be used to promote fake search engines: they hijack web browsers by changing their settings. Moreover, they prevented us from changing the affected settings as long as they were present. For these reasons, TaskSample and similar apps should never be trusted.
| Name | Ads by TaskSample |
| 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 designed to collect browsing data, sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, and other data. In such cases, gathered data can be misused for malicious purposes (to steal online accounts, identities, make fraudulent purchases, etc.). More adware examples are UpdaterWebPageEducate, PowerLane, OptionFlow.
How did TaskSample install on my computer?
Typically, adware gets downloaded from untrustworthy (often deceptive) websites. Installers used to distribute adware are often disguised as Adobe Flash Player and other software installers. Sometimes, adware is distributed via deceptive advertisements by designing them to run certain scripts.
It is also common for adware to be bundled with other software. Permission to install adware is granted by installing software without declining unwanted offers. Usually, it can be achieved by changing settings (such as "Custom", "Advanced") available in installers.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Avoid clicking on advertisements and fake "Download" or similar buttons displayed on shady websites. Download applications (and files) from legitimate sources such as official pages and direct download links. Do not use unofficial pages, third-party downloaders, P2P networks to download software.
Also, deselect unwanted applications included in downloaders/installers before downloading/installing software (use the settings provided in downloaders/installers for software bundled with unwanted apps). If your computer is already infected with TaskSample, 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 TaskSample adware:
TaskSample'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 TaskSample?
- STEP 1. Remove TaskSample related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove TaskSample ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove TaskSample adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove TaskSample ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove TaskSample adware using Combo Cleaner:
TaskSample adware removal:
Remove TaskSample-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?
After analyzing plenty of adware-type apps, we have concluded that most of them diminish the web browsing experience and slow down a computer. Sometimes, software of this type can invade privacy.
What does adware do?
Adware displays annoying advertisements. It can also be used to promote fake search engines and collect various data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most adware developers generate revenue by promoting various websites, services, products. Typically, they use affiliate programs as the primary source of income.
Will Combo Cleaner remove TaskSample adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan the operating system and remove all adware from it. It will not leave any files or other components belonging to adware in the system, which often happens after manual adware removal.
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