How to remove HelperFormat from your computer
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of software is HelperFormat?
Upon analyzing the HelperFormat application, our team has concluded that it generates advertisements, leading us to categorize it as a typical form of adware. Another detail regarding HelperFormat is that we found it while examining deceitful websites.
HelperFormat adware in detail
Interacting with ads shown by HelperFormat can be risky as they may lead to malicious websites or scams, which may be designed to extract sensitive information or money, promote shady applications, or cause unexpected downloads or installations. Therefore, it is essential to exercise caution and avoid clicking on such ads.
Thus, it is advisable to remove HelperFormat from the system to avoid harmful content. Another detail about apps like HelperFormat is that they can collect various types of data from affected devices, including browsing history, search queries, IP addresses, geolocation, etc. Sometimes, they can access sensitive data like credit card details and login credentials.
This data can be used for targeted advertising or sold to third-party companies for profit. Also, it may be used to steal identities, money, personal accounts, and more.
| Name | Ads by HelperFormat |
| 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
Browser hijacking is a common tactic used by adware, where the settings of web browsers such as default search engine, homepage, and new tab page are modified to promote questionable (or fake) search engines. These search engines can provide misleading results to lure users into visiting untrustworthy pages and downloading shady apps.
There are many adware-type applications similar to HelperFormat. Some examples are LeadingExplorerSearch, TokenCollective, and MainAdviseSearch.
How did HelperFormat install on my computer?
Adware can be installed on a user's device through a variety of methods. One common way is through software bundling, where adware is included as an additional component in the installation package of a legitimate application. Users may unknowingly install the adware while installing the main application.
Another way is through deceptive or misleading advertisements, where users may be tricked into clicking on a fake download button or link that leads to the adware installation. Adware can also be distributed through malicious websites and social engineering tactics, such as fake system alerts or tech support scams.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Be cautious when downloading and installing software. Only download software from reputable sources, such as the official website of the software developer or a trusted app store. Avoid downloading software from unknown sources or suspicious websites. During installations, carefully review all settings and decline any offers to install additional software.
Be cautious of offers on shady websites to download software updates. Do not click ads appearing on suspicious sites or agree to receive notifications from pages of this kind. If your computer is already infected with HelperFormat, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
A message that appears after the installation of HelperFormat adware:
HelperFormat'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
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Quick menu:
- What is HelperFormat?
- STEP 1. Remove HelperFormat related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove HelperFormat ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove HelperFormat adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove HelperFormat ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove HelperFormat adware using Combo Cleaner:
HelperFormat adware removal:
Remove HelperFormat-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 negatively impact the performance, privacy, and security of the affected device and user.
What does adware do?
Adware is a type of software that is supported by advertising. Its main function is to display intrusive advertisements to users.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers usually profit by promoting different products, websites, or services and earn a commission through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove HelperFormat adware?
Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning your computer for adware and removing it. However, it is worth noting that manual removal is not always effective, as remnants of files can remain hidden in the system. Even if the adware software is deleted, some of its components may still be present and active.
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