How to remove EngineInfo and other adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is EngineInfo?
EngineInfo is an advertising-supported application. It bombards users with annoying/intrusive advertisements. It is common for adware to be downloaded and installed inadvertently. Our team discovered this app on a deceptive website (after downloading a fake installer from that page).
EngineInfo adware in detail
EngineInfo can show advertisements (banners, coupons, surveys, pop-ups, etc.) designed to open untrustworthy websites. For example, deceptive pages asking to provide personal information, pay money for fake or unnecessary services/products or offering to download potentially malicious software.
Also, clicking on advertisements shown by EngineInfo can cause unwanted downloads/installations and open pages designed to trick visitors into agreeing to receive untrustworthy notifications. Additionally, EngineInfo may be gathering personal information (e.g., credit card details, passwords).
| Name | Ads by EngineInfo |
| 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 in general
Adware is often promoted as useful and legitimate software that is supposed to include various features. However, it is rarely mentioned that the installed adware-type app will generate unwanted advertisements. Having adware installed on a computer can lead to problems related to online privacy, browsing safety, and other issues.
More adware examples are AssistSample, PlatformFormat, and ExpandedSystem.
How did EngineInfo install on my computer?
It is common for adware-type apps to be bundled with other programs (to be included in installers). They get installed after finishing installations without deselecting them (without changing "Advanced", "Custom", or other settings provided in installers).
Also, adware is distributed via deceptive websites, notifications from shady websites, untrustworthy advertisements, fake installers, etc. In all cases, most users get tricked into downloading and installing adware. Advertisements can only cause unexpected downloads/installations if designed to run certain scripts.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Download software and files from legitimate (official) websites and stores. Do not trust shady pages, third-party downloaders, P2P networks, etc., as sources for downloading files/apps. Examine downloaders and installers before downloading and installing software. Deselect unwanted apps before completing installations (and downloads).
Also, do not click on advertisements appearing on suspicious web pages or agree to receive notifications from such pages. If your computer is already infected with EngineInfo, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
A pop-up that shows up after completing the installation of EngineInfo adware:
EngineInfo'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 EngineInfo?
- STEP 1. Remove EngineInfo related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove EngineInfo ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove EngineInfo adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove EngineInfo ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove EngineInfo adware using Combo Cleaner:
EngineInfo adware removal:
Remove EngineInfo-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 be the reason behind diminished web browsing experience, poor computer performance, invaded privacy, manipulated web browser settings, and other issues.
What does adware do?
It can have or not have any features. Either way, adware shows annoying advertisements. In addition to generating ads, adware can hijack a web browser and collect data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
A big part of adware is monetized via affiliate programs. Adware developers participate in affiliate programs to promote various products, services, web pages, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove EngineInfo adware?
Combo Cleaner will run a system scan and eliminate all adware from it. It is recommended to uninstall adware automatically instead of doing so manually to avoid leaving any files or other components belonging to adware in the system.
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