How to remove ArchiveTask from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is ArchiveTask?
After downloading and installing ArchiveTask, our team found that its primary purpose is to display annoying advertisements, which prompted us to categorize it as adware. It is worth noting that users often unknowingly download and install adware, without realizing what this software does.
ArchiveTask adware in detail
ArchiveTask bombards users with advertisements that have the potential to open malicious web pages. The pages opened via ads shown by ArchiveTask may urge visitors to call fake technical support numbers, encourage them to download dubious applications, prompt them to provide sensitive information such as credit card details or ID card information, etc.
Additionally, advertising-supported software may use scripts that can initiate unwanted downloads and installations, making it essential to avoid trusting ArchiveTask and its advertisements.
Removing ArchiveTask from the operating system is highly recommended, as apps of this type may be capable of reading passwords, credit card details, and other personal information. Malicious developers can exploit this information for nefarious purposes, such as stealing online accounts, identities, or money.
| Name | Ads by ArchiveTask |
| 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), torrent file downloads, etc. |
| 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
Adware can also promote untrustworthy search engines by hijacking web browsers. This type of adware often alters the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page without the user's knowledge or consent. Using these search engines can lead to potentially dangerous websites, making it essential to use only reputable search engines when browsing the Internet.
Examples of apps similar to ArchiveTask are PromotePower, HelperFormat, and LeadingExplorerSearch.
How did ArchiveTask install on my computer?
Adware can be installed on a device without the knowledge of users when they download and install free software or applications from untrustworthy websites. These programs may come bundled with adware, which can be installed alongside the software without users' awareness.
Deceptive links or ads that masquerade as legitimate software downloads or system notifications can also lead to inadvertent installation of adware. Furthermore, adware can be installed through fake software updates or by clicking on links from untrustworthy sources, including pop-up ads.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
It is recommended to download software from reliable websites such as official websites or reputable download platforms. Before installing any software, it is important to thoroughly read the terms and conditions to avoid unintentionally agreeing to install adware or additional programs.
It is also advisable to avoid clicking on pop-ups or ads from untrustworthy websites, as they may cause adware to be downloaded and installed. If your computer is already infected with ArchiveTask, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
A message that appears after the installation of ArchiveTask adware:
ArchiveTask'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 ArchiveTask?
- STEP 1. Remove ArchiveTask related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ArchiveTask ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ArchiveTask adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ArchiveTask ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ArchiveTask adware using Combo Cleaner:
ArchiveTask adware removal:
Remove ArchiveTask-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?
The presence of adware on a computer can result in a poor web browsing experience and may also lead to a decrease in system performance.
What does adware do?
The purpose of adware is to show advertisements. Additionally, adware can track users and force them to use fake or shady search engines.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
In most cases, they participate in affiliate programs to earn moeny. They use adware to promotie various products, websites, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ArchiveTask adware?
Combo Cleaner will perform a system scan and remove any installed adware. It is recommended to remove adware using specialized software since manual removal is not always sufficient (files belonging to adware remain in the system even after the removal).
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