How to remove ExpandedOrigin from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is ExpandedOrigin?
Upon our investigation of the ExpandedOrigin application, we found that it exhibits intrusive advertising behavior, leading us to classify ExpandedOrigin as adware. Adware is frequently distributed through questionable and deceptive means, making it easy for unsuspecting users to download and install it inadvertently.
ExpandedOrigin adware in detail
ExpandedOrigin displays intrusive advertisements that can lead to potentially malicious websites. These websites may trick users into calling fake technical support numbers, downloading suspicious applications, or giving away sensitive information such as credit card details or ID card information.
Furthermore, ads presented by the ad-supported software may initiate unauthorized downloads and installations by running specific scripts. As a result, it is highly recommended to uninstall ExpandedOrigin and not trust any of its ads.
Another compelling reason to remove ExpandedOrigin from the operating system is that adware applications may have the ability to read private information such as passwords and credit card details. Untrustworthy developers can use this information for malicious purposes, such as stealing personal accounts, identities, money, etc.
Name | Ads by ExpandedOrigin |
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 displays unwanted advertisements and can hijack web browsers by promoting dubious search engines. These browser-hijacking apps usually alter the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page. Using untrustworthy search engines can expose users to potentially malicious websites.
Therefore, it is strongly recommended to use legitimate search engines when browsing the internet. Other examples of applications similar to ExtendedTech are GuideUnit, PhasePure, and ArchiveTask.
How did ExpandedOrigin install on my computer?
Users commonly install adware through fake installers downloaded from untrustworthy websites, deceptive advertisements, and bundled software. In the case of bundled software, users unknowingly install unwanted apps when they fail to deselect them.
Typically, installers containing unwanted apps provide options such as "Advanced" or "Custom" settings, which allow users to deselect optional installations.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
It is recommended to download applications only from official websites and app stores. Avoid using P2P networks, unverified websites, and third-party downloaders to download software. Always check the downloaders and installers for any additional unwanted apps and uncheck them. Do not trust ads on suspicious websites or agree to receive notifications from such websites.
If your computer is already infected with ExpandedOrigin, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
A message that appears after the installation of ExpandedOrigin adware:
ExpandedOrigin'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 ExpandedOrigin?
- STEP 1. Remove ExpandedOrigin related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ExpandedOrigin ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ExpandedOrigin adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ExpandedOrigin ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ExpandedOrigin adware using Combo Cleaner:
ExpandedOrigin adware removal:
Remove ExpandedOrigin-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 installed on your computer can negatively impact your web browsing experience and potentially decrease your system's performance.
What does adware do?
Adware refers to a type of software that is designed to display intrusive advertisements to generate revenue for its developers.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers typically earn money by promoting different products, websites, or services, with the majority of revenue generated through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ExpandedOrigin adware?
Combo Cleaner has the ability to scan your computer and remove all adware-type applications that are installed. However, manual removal may not always be effective since some file remnants may still be hidden within the system. Even after the adware is deleted, certain components may still be present and active.
▼ Show Discussion