How to remove GeneralOperation adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is GeneralOperation?
GeneralOperation is the name of an application we discovered while inspecting a fake installed downloaded from a deceptive web page. We learned that the purpose of GeneralOperation is to display intrusive advertisements. Thus, we classified GeneralOperation as adware. In most cases, users install adware inadvertently.
GeneralOperation adware in detail
GeneralOperation is an untrustworthy application that can show ads designed to open deceptive and even malicious pages. Clicking advertisements displayed by this app can lead to phishing websites, technical support scam sites, websites encouraging to download shady software, etc. Also, it can trigger unexpected downloads and installations.
Our team examined many apps similar to GeneralOperation and found that they can read sensitive information. They can access credit card details, passwords, telephone numbers, and other sensitive data. Developers of untrustworthy apps can misuse such information for malicious purposes (e.g., to steal online accounts, money, and identities).
One more reason to uninstall installed adware is that it can be designed to change a web browser's settings. Adware can operate as a browser hijacker: it can change the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page to force users to browse the Internet using a shady search engine.
| Name | Ads by GeneralOperation |
| 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
Advertising-supported applications bombard users with annoying advertisements that can open potentially malicious pages and lead to unwanted downloads and installations. Also, adware can track users (collect browsing-related and even sensitive information) and promote untrustworthy or fake search engines.
More adware examples are ConnectedField, PrimaryRotator, and AlphaExplorer.
How did GeneralOperation install on my computer?
It is common for apps like GeneralOperation to be distributed via deceptive websites claiming that the Adobe Flash Player installer or other software is outdated. Users install adware via fake installers downloaded from those pages.
Also, adware can be bundled with other software (mostly freeware). In such cases, unwanted installations are caused when software installations are finished without deselecting adware or other unwanted apps via "Advanced", "Custom", or similar settings.
Shady advertisements and notifications from untrustworthy websites can lead to unwanted downloads and installations too.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Download applications from legitimate sources such as official pages and stores. Do not click suspicious links or use third-party downloaders, P2P networks, third-party stores, unofficial pages, and similar sources to download files or apps.
Also, do not trust advertisements on suspicious websites or allow such pages to show notifications. Deselect unwanted apps using the provided settings before downloading or installing programs. If your computer is already infected with GeneralOperation, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
A window that appears after the installation of GeneralOperation adware:
GeneralOperation'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 GeneralOperation?
- STEP 1. Remove GeneralOperation related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove GeneralOperation ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove GeneralOperation adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove GeneralOperation ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove GeneralOperation adware using Combo Cleaner:
GeneralOperation adware removal:
Remove GeneralOperation-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 cause problems related to online privacy, lead to untrustworthy pages, slow down a computer, diminish the web browsing experience, and cause other issues.
What does adware do?
Advertising-supported software displays advertisements. Additionally, adware can hijack a web browser and gather various data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most advertising-supported apps are monetized by promoting websites, products, services, etc. Their developers participate in affiliate programs or use other methods to generate revenue.
Will Combo Cleaner remove GeneralOperation adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will remove adware from the operating system. It will remove all of its components. Manual removal can be difficult because files belonging to adware may remain in the system even after the removal. Thus, we recommend using specialized apps like Combo Cleaner for adware removal.
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