How to remove GuideUnit from a computer
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is GuideUnit?
Our examination of GuideUnit showed that it exhibits intrusive advertisements, which is why we classified it as adware. Additionally, GuideUnit may have the ability to access sensitive information. It is important to note that users rarely download and install adware on purpose.
GuideUnit adware in detail
Adware-generated ads are typically intrusive and bothersome, and sometimes even hazardous. GuideUnit, for instance, presents ads that may direct users to dubious websites, where they may be prompted to enter sensitive information, download possibly harmful apps, or call fraudulent technical support numbers.
As a general rule, it is advisable to refrain from engaging with ads produced by adware and to uninstall any adware from your device as soon as possible. Adware and its ads can compromise a user's privacy and security.
Moreover, GuideUnit has the potential to access confidential data, including passwords, credit card information, phone numbers, and browsing history. Its creators could exploit this information for nefarious purposes, such as identity theft, stealing funds, or gaining unauthorized access to online accounts.
Name | Ads by GuideUnit |
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. |
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 operate as a browser hijacker. Along with presenting unwanted ads, certain adware may alter browser settings, such as the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page, to steer users toward dubious search engines or specific websites. This can impair the browsing experience and potentially put users at risk of visiting malicious websites.
Applications that are supported by advertising and resemble GuideUnit include PhasePure, PromotePower, and HelperFormat.
How did GuideUnit install on my computer?
Adware can infect a computer while downloading and installing free software or applications from unreliable pages. Frequently, these programs are packaged with adware that can be installed without the user's knowledge alongside the desired software.
Deceptive links or ads masquerading as genuine software downloads or notifications can also result in the inadvertent installation of adware. Furthermore, adware can be installed through fake software updates or by clicking on links from untrustworthy sources, such as pop-up ads.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
In order to avoid inadvertently installing adware or additional programs, it is recommended to download software exclusively from trusted sources such as official websites or reputable download platforms and read the terms and conditions before software installation.
Clicking on pop-ups or ads from untrustworthy websites should also be avoided to prevent adware downloading and installation. If your computer is already infected with GuideUnit, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
A message that appears after the installation of GuideUnit:
GuideUnit'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 GuideUnit?
- STEP 1. Remove GuideUnit related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove GuideUnit ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove GuideUnit adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove GuideUnit ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove GuideUnit adware using Combo Cleaner:
GuideUnit adware removal:
Remove GuideUnit-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 your computer can result in a suboptimal web browsing experience and may cause a reduction in system performance.
What does adware do?
Adware, short for advertising-supported software, is designed to display intrusive advertisements to users.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers earn revenue by promoting various products, websites, or services through their software. They often participate in affiliate programs, which allow them to earn commissions for promoting specific products or services.
Will Combo Cleaner remove GuideUnit adware?
Combo Cleaner can remove all adware-type applications installed on your computer through a comprehensive scan. However, manual adware removal may not always be effective, as there may be leftover files in the system even after the software has been deleted. Some components of the adware may remain hidden and running, which is why using reliable software like Combo Cleaner is recommended.
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