How to remove CompellingEntry adware and the advertisements it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is CompellingEntry?
Our research team found the CompellingEntry application during a routine inspection of new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing this piece of software, we determined that CompellingEntry is adware that belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
CompellingEntry adware overview
Adware may require certain conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. For example, this software might not display ads if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific websites are not visited, or similar. However, regardless of whether CompellingEntry delivers adverts or not - its presence on a system endangers device and user safety.
Adware-displayed advertisements endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous websites and software, and even malware. Additionally, some intrusive ads can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Note that any legitimate products encountered via these adverts are unlikely to be endorsed by their actual developers. Instead, this promotion is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Furthermore, CompellingEntry might have browser hijacker functionalities as they are common for AdLoad adware - however, we did not observe any during testing.
What is more, CompellingEntry is likely capable of collecting private data. Advertising-supported software usually gathers browsing-related information, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, financial/banking data, etc. The collected information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like CompellingEntry on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads CompellingEntry |
| 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
We have analyzed thousands of adware-type apps; ElementForce, BasicTransaction, and DynamicLush are merely a couple of examples. Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and offers "handy" functions. However, these features rarely work as promised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonfunctional.
How did CompellingEntry install on my computer?
Adware is spread using "bundling" - packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements. 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 device.
Additionally, fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution. Intrusive advertisements are used to proliferate advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.
Adware is also endorsed through "official" download webpages and scam sites. Users typically enter websites of this kind via redirects caused by spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, sites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with webpage force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official and verified channels. Additionally, installation processes must be approached with caution. Hence, it is essential to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additional apps, tools, etc.
We advise being vigilant when browsing since illegitimate and malicious content usually appears innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements look harmless yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., adult-dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).
If you experience such ads/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with CompellingEntry, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once CompellingEntry adware's installation is over:
CompellingEntry 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
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Quick menu:
- What is CompellingEntry?
- STEP 1. Remove CompellingEntry related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove CompellingEntry ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove CompellingEntry adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove CompellingEntry ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove CompellingEntry adware using Combo Cleaner:
CompellingEntry adware removal:
Remove CompellingEntry-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. This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, it usually has data tracking functionalities, which make it a threat to user privacy. Adware-delivered advertisements can be deceptive/malicious and cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display adverts on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some types can also force-open sites and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by promoting content, e.g., sites, apps, products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove CompellingEntry adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be an ideal solution. Since in some cases, even after the adware itself has been (manually) removed - various remnants (files) are left behind in the system. What is more, these components may continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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