How to remove ActiveProcess adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of software is ActiveProcess?
ActiveProcess is the name of an adware-type application that our team has discovered while inspecting deceptive websites. The purpose of this application is to generate advertisements. Typically, software of this type is disguised as legitimate software. Also, it is promoted and distributed mainly via shady websites.
ActiveProcess adware in detail
Apps like ActiveProcess bombard users with pop-ups, banners, coupons, and (or) other ads designed to open questionable pages (e.g., various scams, download sites for shady apps). In some cases, clicking those ads can cause unexpected downloads or even installations. Thus, it is advisable not to trust ads displayed by adware.
Another common issue with having adware installed is that it promotes fake search engines. It hijacks web browsers by changing their settings such as the default search engine, homepage, and (or) new tab page. Fake search engines cannot be trusted - they can generate misleading results and show results generated by shady search engines.
Name | Ads by ActiveProcess |
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. |
Adware in general
Advertising-supported applications generate annoying advertisements. Additionally, they can be used to gather information about users and force them to browse the Internet using fake search engines. Either way, it is recommended not to have any adware present. Examples of apps similar to ActiveProcess are ZipSome, ProcessorProgression, and ProjectExpress.
How did ActiveProcess install on my computer?
Advertising-supported apps often are distributed using deceptive pages. For example, on pages claiming that some installed software is outdated and offering to download a fake installer/updater. Also, adware is distributed by bundling it with other software and via deceptive ads.
When software is bundled with adware, it has "Advanced", "Custom", or similar settings in its installer (or its downloader). Users install (or download) adware when they finish software installations (or downloads) without changing the aforementioned settings.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Do not click on ads appearing on shady websites (for example, illegal movie streaming and torrent sites) or allow such pages to show notifications. Download applications (and files) from trustworthy/official websites and use direct download links.
Also, check downloaders and installers for unwanted apps (and deselect those apps) before downloading or installing software. If your computer is already infected with ActiveProcess, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
A pop-up that appears once the ActiveProcess adware is installed:
ActiveProcess'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 ActiveProcess?
- STEP 1. Remove ActiveProcess related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ActiveProcess ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ActiveProcess adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ActiveProcess ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ActiveProcess adware using Combo Cleaner:
ActiveProcess adware removal:
Remove ActiveProcess-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?
It can slow down a computer, diminish the web browsing experience (by displaying ads that cover website contents), invade privacy, and cause other problems.
What does adware do?
It displays intrusive advertisements. Additionally, it can function as a browser hijacker and data collector.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Typically, they generate revenue by promoting various products, websites, and (or) services. The most commonly used method for adware monetization is participation in various affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ActiveProcess adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan the operating system and remove adware from it. Manual removal does not always work because files belonging to adware remain in the system even after the removal. Thus, it is advisable to remove adware automatically (with specialized software like Combo Cleaner).
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