How to remove ExpandedSystem adware and the advertisements it delivers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is ExpandedSystem?
During a routine investigation of new submissions to VirusTotal, we discovered the ExpandedSystem rogue application. After analyzing this app, we learned that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware) and belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
ExpandedSystem adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software; it displays advertisements on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Note that this software might not deliver adverts if specific conditions are unmet (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, regardless of whether ExpandedSystem runs intrusive ad campaigns - its presence endangers device and user safety.
Adware-displayed advertisements endorse scams, unreliable/dangerous websites and software, and even malware. Some intrusive ads can make downloads/installations without user consent - upon being clicked.
Note that any genuine products encountered via these adverts are most likely promoted by scammers abusing their affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Additionally, ExpandedSystem may have browser-hijacking abilities since they are common for AdLoad advertising-supported software. However, we did not observe any during testing.
Furthermore, ExpandedSystem likely gathers private information. The targeted data may include browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card details, and so forth. The collected information can be monetized through sale to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like ExpandedSystem on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ExpandedSystem |
| 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 countless adware samples; CentralGeo, HorizonElite, and AdjustableRotator are merely a couple of our newest finds.
Advertising-supported software seldom appears suspicious; it tends to look legitimate and innocuous. Users are lured into download/installation with promises of "handy" functions. However, these features rarely work as promised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational.
How did ExpandedSystem install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. Download from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.
Advertising-supported software can also have "official" download webpages, and it is promoted on scam sites. Users typically access these pages through redirects caused by websites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Additionally, fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution. Adware is proliferated via intrusive advertisements as well. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software products prior to download/installation and/or purchase. Furthermore, all downloads must be done from official and verified sources. When installing, it is essential to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additional apps, tools, functions, etc.
We also advise being vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious material usually looks legitimate. For example, intrusive ads appear harmless yet redirect to unreliable/harmful websites (e.g., pornography, adult-dating, gambling, etc.).
If you experience advertisements/redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ExpandedSystem, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ExpandedSystem adware's installation is over:
ExpandedSystem 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 ExpandedSystem?
- STEP 1. Remove ExpandedSystem related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ExpandedSystem ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ExpandedSystem adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ExpandedSystem ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ExpandedSystem adware using Combo Cleaner:
ExpandedSystem adware removal:
Remove ExpandedSystem-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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. It usually has data tracking abilities, which make it a privacy threat. Additionally, adware-delivered ads promote deceptive/malicious content that can cause serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, this software displays ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, it may be capable of causing redirects and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ExpandedSystem adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security software) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the adware has been (manually) removed - various components (files) stay hidden within the system. These remnants may continue running and causing issues. Hence, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.
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