Removal instructions for MajorLetterSearch adware and the adverts it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is MajorLetterSearch?
After installing a fake Adobe Flash Player setup on our test system, we discovered the MajorLetterSearch application. It operates as advertising-supported software (adware), i.e., delivers intrusive ad campaigns. Additionally, we determined that MajorLetterSearch is part of the AdLoad malware family.
MajorLetterSearch adware overview
Adware is designed to display advertisements on various interfaces. The pop-ups, surveys, coupons, and other ads promote untrustworthy/dangerous content, e.g., scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can even perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It is noteworthy that while legitimate products and services can be encountered through these advertisements – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by their actual developers. Instead, scammers often abuse the affiliate programs of genuine content in order to obtain illegitimate commissions for the promotion.
Advertising-supported software might not display ads if certain conditions are unsuitable, e.g., incompatible browser/system specs, particular websites are not visited, etc. However, even if MajorLetterSearch does not run intrusive advert campaigns – its presence on a system endangers device and user safety.
Furthermore, AdLoad apps commonly have browser-hijacking functionalities, although MajorLetterSearch did not exhibit any during analysis.
What is more, this rogue application likely collects private information. Data of interest can include: browsing and search engine histories, personally identifiable details, account log-in credentials, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like MajorLetterSearch on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by MajorLetterSearch |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AD [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.24), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Cimpli.l), 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 examples
UniversalSource, EazyBit, DefaultFormat, and EssentialWindow are just some examples of adware we have analyzed recently.
Advertising-supported software tends to appear legitimate and innocuous. It also offers a broad range of handy features, which are rarely operational. It must be mentioned that functional features are not proof of an app's legitimacy or safety.
How did MajorLetterSearch install on my computer?
MajorLetterSearch has been observed being proliferated via fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers. However, adware can be bundled with various programs. Download from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device.
Additionally, adware can have "official" download pages, and it is promoted on scam websites. Users typically enter these webpages via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software is also spread by intrusive advertisements. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. Installation must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading tabs, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.
We also advise being vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements may look legitimate yet redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all the suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with MajorLetterSearch, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Files related to the MajorLetterSearch adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.MajorLetterSearch/MajorLetterSearch
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.MajorLetterSearchDaemon/MajorLetterSearch
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.MajorLetterSearch.plist
- ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.MajorLetterSearchDaemon.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! Rogue setups/apps can 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.
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 MajorLetterSearch?
- STEP 1. Remove MajorLetterSearch related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove MajorLetterSearch ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove MajorLetterSearch adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove MajorLetterSearch ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove MajorLetterSearch adware using Combo Cleaner:
MajorLetterSearch adware removal:
Remove MajorLetterSearch-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 displays advertisements that promote deceptive and malicious content, which can cause serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software is also classified as a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware enables the placement of ads on visited webpages and/or other interfaces. Some types can also force-open sites and collect private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove MajorLetterSearch adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (performed without the aid of security software) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various file leftovers remain within the system. Furthermore, these components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
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