How to remove the SolveCenter adware from your operating system

What is SolveCenter?

While inspecting new submissions on VirusTotal, our researchers discovered the SolveCenter application. After analyzing it, we learned that SolveCenter operates as adware and is part of the AdLoad malware family.

SolveCenter adware overview

Adware can require certain conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (i.e., display ads). For example, this software may need the browser/system or user geolocation to be compatible, visits to particular sites, or similar - to deliver adverts. However, regardless of whether SolveCenter (or other adware) displays advertisements - its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.

The ads delivered by advertising-supported software usually endorse untrustworthy/harmful websites and apps, scams, and even malware. Some intrusive advertisements are capable of stealthily downloading/installing software - once clicked.

It is noteworthy that reputable developers are unlikely to use these adverts to promote their products. Hence, legitimate content encountered through such ads is endorsed by scammers who abuse affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Additionally, SolveCenter may have browser hijacker abilities since they are common for AdLoad adware, although we did not observe any during testing.

This application may also have data tracking functionalities. Adware typically collects sensitive data (e.g., browsing activity, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, credit card numbers, etc.) with the intent of selling it third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

To summarize, the presence of software like SolveCenter on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by SolveCenter
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.h), 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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac 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.

Adware examples

QuantityExact, TaskCentral, and EnumeratorConnectivity are just a couple examples of the adware we have analyzed. The apps and browser extensions/plug-ins of this type appear legitimate and offer "handy" features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.

How did SolveCenter install on my computer?

Adware is distributed using various deceptive techniques. It can have "official" download webpages, which are rarely accessed intentionally. Most visitors enter these pages via redirects caused by websites that use rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities), or mistyped URLs.

"Bundling" - packing the installers of ordinary programs with unwanted/malicious additions - is also used to proliferate advertising-supported software. Download from dubious channels (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.

Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution as well. Additionally, some intrusive advertisements can download/install adware without user permission - upon being clicked.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software and downloading from official/verified sources. Furthermore, installation processes must be approached with caution, e.g., reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.

We also advise being vigilant when browsing - since fraudulent and malicious content tends to look legitimate. For example, intrusive adverts appear harmless yet redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).

If you experience such advertisements and/or redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SolveCenter, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once SolveCenter adware's installation is over:

SolveCenter 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 SolveCenter?
• STEP 1. Remove SolveCenter related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove SolveCenter ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove SolveCenter adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove SolveCenter ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove SolveCenter adware using Combo Cleaner:

SolveCenter adware removal:

Remove SolveCenter-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 diminish the browsing experience and system performance. This software usually has data tracking abilities, thereby making it a threat to user privacy. The adverts displayed by adware can be deceptive/malicious and cause serious problems.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some types can also force-open sites and collect private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

The profit primarily comes from affiliate programs through the endorsement of various websites, software, products, and so forth. Adware developers may earn commission from ad clicks, webpage visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove SolveCenter adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan your device and eliminate all detected adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be ideal. In some cases, despite the software itself being (manually) removed - various file leftovers remain hidden in the system. Furthermore, such components might continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is crucial to remove adware thoroughly.

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