How to remove the SampleScheduler adware-type application from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is SampleScheduler?
Our research team discovered the SampleScheduler application while checking out new submissions to VirusTotal. After inspecting this app, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
SampleScheduler adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It runs intrusive advertisement campaigns by displaying ads on various interfaces. These adverts (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, coupons, banners, etc.) promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Some intrusive advertisements can perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It must be mentioned that while legitimate products and services may be encountered through these ads – they are unlikely to be endorsed by their actual developers/creators. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software may need certain conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to specific websites, etc.). Even if SampleScheduler does not deliver adverts – its presence remains a threat to device/user safety.
AdLoad adware often has browser-hijacking qualities, although SampleScheduler did not exhibit these traits during testing.
Furthermore, this rogue application likely collects sensitive information. Data of interest may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so on. The collected data can be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of advertising-supported software like SampleScheduler on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by SampleScheduler |
| 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. |
Adware examples
We have analyzed thousands of adware-type applications; OptimalModule, NetDevelopment, NanoService, and VersionTrust are merely some examples.
This software usually appears ordinary and innocuous. It also offers a wide variety of functionalities, which seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. Keep in mind that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definite proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did SampleScheduler install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping sections, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Intrusive adverts spread adware as well. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Advertising-supported software can also have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most users access these webpages via redirects caused by websites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. Furthermore, installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, and so forth.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and malicious content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive adverts may look innocuous – yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
Should you keep encountering ads/redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SampleScheduler, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once SampleScheduler adware's installation is over:
SampleScheduler adware'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 SampleScheduler?
- STEP 1. Remove SampleScheduler related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SampleScheduler ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SampleScheduler adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SampleScheduler ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove SampleScheduler adware using Combo Cleaner:
SampleScheduler adware removal:
Remove SampleScheduler-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 diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It displays advertisements that endorse content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, this software is deemed to be a privacy threat – since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display adverts on various interfaces. Some types can also generate redirects and gather private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, extensions, products, services, and so forth.
Will Combo Cleaner remove SampleScheduler adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – remnants (files) are left behind. Furthermore, the remaining components may continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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