Removal instructions for GuideService adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is GuideService?
Discovered by our research team while inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal, GuideService is a rogue application. Following our analysis, we determined that this piece of software operates as adware and belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
GuideService adware overview
It is noteworthy that adware may require suitable conditions (e.g., compatible browser/device specs or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.) - to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (display ads). Hence, GuideService or other advertising-supported software may not deliver adverts on all systems. Whether adware delivers intrusive ad campaigns or not - does not change the fact that its presence endangers device/user safety.
Adware-displayed ads endorse unreliable/harmful websites and software, online scams, and even malware. Some intrusive advertisements can infiltrate software into systems upon being clicked.
It is pertinent to mention that any legitimate products encountered through these adverts are unlikely to be promoted by their developers. Instead, this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
GuideService may have browser hijacker functionalities since they are standard for AdLoad adware, although we have not observed any during our analysis.
What is more, this application may have data tracking abilities. Advertising-supported software can gather browsing activity data, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, credit card numbers, etc. Usually, the collected data is sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of software like GuideService on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by GuideService |
| 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.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
ProfessionalHelper, DefaultImprovment, and CommonBrowser are just a few examples of the adware we have analyzed. It appears legitimate and offers "handy" and "advantageous" features. However, these functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.
How did GuideService install on my computer?
Adware is proliferated using various deceptive/dubious techniques. It can be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, unofficial and freeware websites, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., skipped steps and sections, etc.) - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Additionally, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to download/install unwanted software (adware included) stealthily. Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution as well.
Advertising-supported software can also have "official" promotional/download webpages. Most users enter these sites through redirects caused by pages using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with webpage force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software products and downloading only from official and verified channels. Installation processes must be approached with care, e.g., reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.
It is just as important to exercise caution when browsing - since illegitimate and malicious content typically appears innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).
If you experience ads/redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with GuideService, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once GuideService adware's installation is over:
GuideService 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 GuideService?
- STEP 1. Remove GuideService related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove GuideService ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove GuideService adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove GuideService ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove GuideService adware using Combo Cleaner:
GuideService adware removal:
Remove GuideService-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 endangers device integrity and user safety. It can decrease browsing quality and system performance. This software usually has data tracking functionalities, which make it a privacy threat. What is more, adware-delivered adverts can be deceptive/malicious and cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to enable the placement of third-party graphical content (ads) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. It may also force-open webpages and collect private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit is generated through affiliate programs in the form of commissions earned from the endorsement of various websites, software, products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove GuideService adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It has to be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, even after the adware itself is (manually) removed - various files remain hidden in the system. Furthermore, these remnants may continue running and causing problems. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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