How to remove DefaultFormat from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of page is DefaultFormat?
While testing the DefaultFormat application, we noticed that various unwanted advertisements were coming from it. Apps that show ads are called advertising-supported applications. Typically, users download and install apps such as DefaultFormat inadvertently. We discovered DefaultFormat while inspecting deceptive websites.
DefaultFormat adware in detail
Advertisements displayed by apps like DefaultFormat usually are intrusive - they cover the contents of visited pages. Moreover, clicking those ads can lead to untrustworthy websites. For instance, technical support scams, phishing websites, pages offering to download shady apps, or even malicious pages.
Sometimes, adware can show ads designed to run certain scripts to download and (or) install unwanted software. Thus, it is highly advisable not to trust (download and install) DefaultFormat and similar applications. Another reason not to trust them is that they can be designed to gather various data.
Our team has tested many apps similar to DefaultFormat and found that a big part of them can read sensitive information (e.g., credit card details and passwords). Such data can be misused for malicious purposes (e.g., to steal online accounts, money, identities, and more).
| Name | Ads by DefaultFormat |
| 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. |
More about adware
Advertising-supported applications can promote fake or shady search engines. They can do so by hijacking web browsers (by changing their settings). Typically, browser-hijacking apps change the default search engine, homepage, and (or) new tab page.
Search engines promoted via apps of this type can generate misleading results, show results generated by untrustworthy search engines and (or) display shady ads. Thus, it is recommended to use legitimate search engines (like Google, Yahoo, and Bing) only.
Examples of apps similar to DefaultFormat are EssentialWindow, OperativeInfluence, and WorldWideProjector.
How did DefaultFormat install on my computer?
Apps like DefaultFormat are often bundled with other programs. They are included in installers as optional installations. Users agree to install adware when they finish installations without changing "Advanced", "Custom", or similar settings (or unticking checkboxes).
Clicking shady advertisements and downloading installers (or other files) from questionable pages can also lead to unwanted downloads and installations. It is important to mention that installers downloaded from unreliable sources can infect computers with malware (e.g., ransomware).
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Avoid using P2P networks, free file hosting sites, dubious pages, and similar sources to download apps. Download them from official web pages and legitimate stores only. Always check downloaders and installers for undesired apps and deselect them. Do not trust ads on shady pages or allow such pages to show notifications.
If your computer is already infected with DefaultFormat, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
A window that pops up after the installation of DefaultFormat adware:
DefaultFormat'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 DefaultFormat?
- STEP 1. Remove DefaultFormat related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove DefaultFormat ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove DefaultFormat adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove DefaultFormat ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove DefaultFormat adware using Combo Cleaner:
DefaultFormat adware removal:
Remove DefaultFormat-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?
Software of this type can diminish the Internet browsing experience by showing unwanted ads and hijacking a web browser. Also, it can slow down a computer and cause issues related to online privacy.
What does adware do?
Most advertising-supported applications display intrusive advertisements. Also, they can promote fake search engines and collect browsing-related (and even sensitive) data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue by promoting various products, websites, services, etc. Typically, they participate in affiliate programs to monetize adware.
Will Combo Cleaner remove DefaultFormat adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan a computer and eliminate adware from it. In some cases, manual removal is not the best way to eliminate adware because files or other components remain in the system after the removal. Thus, it is recommended to remove using specialized software.
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