How to remove GenerateExplorer adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of software is GenerateExplorer?
GenerateExplorer is the name of an adware-type application designed to generate intrusive advertisements. Typically, apps of this type are promoted and distributed on shady websites, via deceptive ads, and in similar ways. Our team has discovered GenerateExplorer on a shady website offering to download software updates.
GenerateExplorer adware in detail
Apps that operate as adware generate pop-ups, banners, coupons, and (or) other ads. Clicking those ads usually opens questionable/potentially malicious pages (e.g., various scams, download sites for shady apps). In some cases, they can open malicious sites or cause unexpected downloads or even installations.
It is worth mentioning that apps like GenerateExplorer can be designed to hijack web browsers. They can replace the default search engine, homepage, and (or) new tab in the web browser's settings with a fake search engine. Usually, fake search engines promoted by apps of this kind show misleading results and redirect to shady websites.
| Name | Ads by GenerateExplorer |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-AW [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.26327), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchproxy.a), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| 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
We have examined plenty of apps similar to GenerateExplorer and found that some of them can read passwords, credit card details, and other sensitive information (including browsing history). Their developers can misuse such information for malicious purposes. Thus, it is highly advisable not to have any adware installed.
More examples of advertising-supported apps like GenerateExplorer are DataCharacter, DynamicInterface, and ExecutiveBrowser.
How did GenerateExplorer install on my computer?
Typically, adware-type apps get installed through installers for other programs or fake installers distributed via deceptive pages. Installers containing adware have "Custom", "Advanced", or similar settings (or ticked checkboxes). Adware gets installed when finishing software installations without changing those settings.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Download applications (and files) from official websites and platforms. Do not trust other sources like P2P networks, shady websites, third-party downloaders, etc. Deselect unwanted applications before downloading and installing software (it can be achieved using the settings provided in downloaders/installers).
Also, do not click on advertisements and fake buttons displayed by untrustworthy websites or allow such sites to show notifications. If your computer is already infected with GenerateExplorer, 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 GenerateExplorer adware:
GenerateExplorer'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 GenerateExplorer?
- STEP 1. Remove GenerateExplorer related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove GenerateExplorer ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove GenerateExplorer adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove GenerateExplorer ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove GenerateExplorer adware using Combo Cleaner:
GenerateExplorer adware removal:
Remove GenerateExplorer-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?
Software of this type can affect computer performance (it can slow down a computer), invade privacy, and diminish the web browsing experience.
What does adware do?
It generates various advertisements. Also, it can be used to promote fake search engines and gather information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of them use adware to promote various products, websites, and (or) services. They monetize adware using affiliate programs and similar methods.
Will Combo Cleaner remove GenerateExplorer adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all adware from it. No files or other components belonging to the removed adware will remain in the system (which can occur when trying to remove adware manually).
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