How to remove PlatformFormat from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is PlatformFormat?
While inspecting deceptive websites offering to download "useful" applications, fake installers, etc., we discovered an application called PlatformFormat. While testing this app, we found that it functions as adware - it displays annoying/unwanted and untrustworthy advertisements. Thus, PlatformFormat should be uninstalled from computers as soon as possible.
PlatformFormat adware in detail
Advertisements displayed by PlatformFormat can open potentially malicious pages. Those ads can open phishing websites, pages offering to download questionable (or even malicious) apps, technical support scam sites, etc. It is also possible that those ads would be designed to download or even install unwanted apps.
Also, PlatformFormat may be capable of reading personal information (e.g., credit card details, passwords, browsing data). Gathered data may be sold to third parties and used for malicious purposes (e.g., steal accounts, identities), etc.
| Name | Ads by PlatformFormat |
| 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
The purpose of adware is to show unwanted advertisements. Adware can have additional capabilities. For example, it can hijack a web browser (change its settings) and collect information. Most adware-type applications are promoted as legitimate and useful. Nevertheless, all of them display ads.
More adware examples are AssistSample, ExpandedSystem, and CentralGeo.
How did PlatformFormat install on my computer?
Apps like PlatformFormat often are distributed via deceptive pages offering to download fake Adobe Flash Player installers (or update supposedly outdated software). In other cases, adware gets installed alongside other software or ads designed to run certain scripts.
When software is bundled with adware, users cause unwanted installations after completing installations without changing "Custom", "Advanced", or other settings (or unticking checkboxes).
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Always use official web pages (or legitimate stores) to download applications/files. Do not trust unofficial pages, P2P networks, third-party downloaders, and similar sources. Also, check downloaders and installers for "Custom", "Advanced", or other settings and deselect unwanted apps before completing downloads/installations.
Do not click on advertisements appearing on questionable web pages or allow such pages to show notifications. If your computer is already infected with PlatformFormat, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
A message that appears after the installation of PlatformFormat adware:
PlatformFormat'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 PlatformFormat?
- STEP 1. Remove PlatformFormat related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove PlatformFormat ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove PlatformFormat adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove PlatformFormat ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove PlatformFormat adware using Combo Cleaner:
PlatformFormat adware removal:
Remove PlatformFormat-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?
Computers that have adware installed on them tend to be operating slower. Also, ads displayed by adware usually cover the contents of visited pages. Sometimes, adware can invade privacy.
What does adware do?
All advertising-supported applications show intrusive advertisements. Additionally, they can modify the settings of web browsers and gather information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most adware developers participate in affiliate programs. They use adware to promote various products, websites, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove PlatformFormat adware?
Combo Cleaner will scan the operating system and remove all installed adware-type apps. It is recommended to uninstall adware automatically because it can be difficult to achieve it manually - files belonging to adware may remain in the operating system even when adware itself is no longer present.
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