Removal instructions for LauncherRecord adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is LauncherRecord?
LauncherRecord is yet another adware-type application belonging to the AdLoad malware family, which our researchers discovered while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal. This app is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns, and it may have other harmful abilities.
LauncherRecord adware overview
Following successful installation onto our test machine, LauncherRecord began delivering advert campaigns (i.e., displaying ads). However, adware can require certain conditions to operate, e.g., compatible device/browser specs, specific user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc. The presence of advertising-supported software on systems endangers device/user safety - regardless of whether it delivers advertisements or not.
Adware-displayed ads endorse untrustworthy/hazardous websites and software, online scams, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can download/install software without user permission - when clicked.
While we have encountered legitimate products through such advertisements, they are not promoted like this by their actual developers. Scammers who abuse affiliate programs commonly use this marketing technique to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Furthermore, LauncherRecord may have browser hijacker qualities since they are typical for AdLoad adware, although we did not observe any during testing.
This application may have data tracking functionalities as well. Adware typically targets browsing data, personally identifiable details, account credentials, credit card numbers, etc. The developers of this software monetize the gathered information by selling it to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like LauncherRecord on devices - can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by LauncherRecord |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.25562), ESET-NOD32 ( A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), 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. |
Adware examples
OriginInput, ObjectRemote, and AthenaResults are just a couple examples of the adware we have researched. Software within this classification usually appears legitimate. It also offers "useful" and "advantageous" features; however, they rarely work as advertised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.
How did LauncherRecord install on my computer?
Adware is proliferated using various deceptive/dubious techniques. Apps similar to LauncherRecord are often spread via fake Adobe Flash Player updates.
Bundling - packing ordinary programs with unwanted/malicious supplements - is also commonly used to proliferate advertising-supported software. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive advertisements are employed to distribute adware as well. Once clicked on, the ads can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations.
Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional/download sites. Users typically access them via mistyped URLs or redirects caused by webpages that use rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, spam browser notifications, or installed advertising-supported software (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and always using official/verified download channels. Installation processes must be approached with caution, e.g., reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.
We also advise being vigilant while browser since illegitimate and malicious content usually looks harmless. For example, intrusive ads appear innocuous yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., adult-dating, gambling, pornography, etc.).
If you experience such advertisements/redirects, inspect your device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with LauncherRecord, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once LauncherRecord adware's installation is over:
LauncherRecord adware's installation 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 LauncherRecord?
- STEP 1. Remove LauncherRecord related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove LauncherRecord ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove LauncherRecord adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove LauncherRecord ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove LauncherRecord adware using Combo Cleaner:
LauncherRecord adware removal:
Remove LauncherRecord-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 decrease the browsing quality and system performance. It is also considered a privacy threat, as this software typically has data tracking abilities. Furthermore, adware-delivered adverts can be deceptive/malicious and cause various severe issues.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to place ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Other types may also force-open dubious/dangerous sites and collect private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate most of their profit from affiliate programs by promoting websites, products, software, services, and so on.
Will Combo Cleaner remove LauncherRecord adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type applications. On the other hand, manual removal (unaided by security software) might be ineffective. In some instances, despite the adware itself being (manually) removed - various leftover files remain in the system. What is more, such components can continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate adware thoroughly.
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