How to uninstall MainSignSearch from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of software is MainSignSearch?
MainSignSearch is an untrustworthy application distributed via a deceptive page. Our team discovered MainSignSearch after using a fake installer. While examining this app, we found that it displays unwanted advertisements. Therefore, we classified MainSignSearch as adware.
MainSignSearch adware in detail
MainSignSearch shows annoying advertisements that can open potentially malicious web pages. Clicking those ads can lead to phishing websites (pages asking to provide sensitive information), technical support scam sites (pages urging to call fake technical support numbers), websites offering to download untrustworthy software, etc.
Also, ads displayed by MainSignSearch may be designed to run certain scripts to download and (or) install unwanted apps. Thus, it is strongly recommended not to trust MainSignSearch or ads coming from it. Another reason to avoid installing MainSignSearch is that it can be designed to gather sensitive information.
After examining many apps similar to MainSignSearch, our team learned that some of them can read credit card details, passwords, and other personal data. Also, they can be designed to hijack web browsers (change browser's settings to promote fake search engines or shady websites).
| Name | Ads by MainSignSearch |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AD [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.14), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.AD), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Cimpli.k), 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 software bombards users with intrusive advertisements. In addition to displaying ads, adware can hijack a web browser and collect information. It is common for adware to be distributed using deceptive methods (e.g., scare tactics). Thus, users download and install software of this type inadvertently.
More adware examples are EssentialModule, ModuleUpgrade, and GeneralOperation.
How did MainSignSearch install on my computer?
MainSignSearch is distributed via a fake installer mimicking the installer for Adobe Flash Player. In most cases, users download such installers from websites claiming that certain installed software is outdated or instructing them to install "required" software. It is important to know that fake/deceptive installers can be malicious.
Adware is also distributed via software bundles or untrustworthy advertisements. When adware is included in installers, users install adware when they finish installations without changing "Advanced", "Custom", or other provided settings.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Download software from reliable sources such as official websites and the Apple App Store. Avoid downloading software from third-party stores, unofficial pages, third-party downloaders, P2P networks, and similar sources. Always check downloaders and installers for unwanted apps and deselect them.
Do not trust advertisements on questionable websites or agree to receive notifications from such web pages. If your computer is already infected with MainSignSearch, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
IMPORTANT NOTE! Rogue setups/apps that promote the MainSignSearch adware are designed to create a new device profile. Therefore, before taking any further removal steps, perform these actions:
1) Click the "Preferences" icon in the menu bar (Dock) and select "Profiles".
2) Locate all suspicious profiles and delete them.
3) Perform a full system scan with Combo Cleaner anti-virus suite.
After performing these actions, you can proceed with further removal steps for this adware/browser hijacker.
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 MainSignSearch?
- STEP 1. Remove MainSignSearch related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove MainSignSearch ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove MainSignSearch adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove MainSignSearch ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove MainSignSearch adware using Combo Cleaner:
MainSignSearch adware removal:
Remove MainSignSearch-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?
Usually, the main problems with having adware installed are diminished web browsing experience and slower computer performance.
What does adware do?
Advertising-supported applications show intrusive advertisements. They can also be designed to promote fake search engines (by hijacking web browsers) and collect various data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
It is common for adware to be monetized via affiliate programs. Adware developers promote various pages, products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove MainSignSearch adware?
Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and remove adware and other unwanted software. It is recommended to remove adware with specialized software to avoid leaving any file leftovers in the system (which can happen after a manual removal).
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