How to remove RootCompact from your computer
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is RootCompact?
While analyzing the RootCompact application, we noticed its tendency to display intrusive advertisements. These types of applications are typically classified as adware, as they are supported by advertising. Users often unknowingly install apps like RootCompact without fully understanding their implications and potential for displaying bothersome ads.
RootCompact adware in detail
Apps like RootCompact primarily aim to generate revenue for their developers by promoting products, services, or websites to users through intrusive means such as pop-ups, banners, interstitials, and in-text advertisements. It is crucial to exercise caution when encountering ads coming from ad-supported apps, as they may lead to dubious and potentially unsafe websites.
Ads from RootCompact may lead users to websites that impersonate legitimate services, such as fake tech support sites or counterfeit online stores, with the intention of scamming users or stealing personal information. Also, these ads might redirect users to sites that offer the download of shady apps.
Moreover, ads displayed by RootCompact may lead users to sites that contain malware or initiate drive-by downloads, resulting in the unintentional installation of harmful software on the user's computer. Some of these ads may be designed to start unwanted downloads and installations by running certain scripts.
| Name | Ads by RootCompact |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-CC [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27777), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.F), 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
Additionally, some adware can be involved in browser hijacking, an activity where the adware takes control of users' web browsers. Through browser hijacking, the adware alters browser settings without the users' consent or knowledge to promote fake search engines or other websites. Apart from browser hijacking, adware has the potential to collect user data or even sensitive details.
Examples of apps similar to RootCompact are CreativeApply, CorporateGlobe, and OuterSource.
How did RootCompact install on my computer?
Pretty often, adware is included alongside free software, and users unknowingly agree to its installation by hastily proceeding through the setup without carefully reviewing the available installation options, such as "Custom" or "Advanced".
Adware can also be installed when users engage with deceptive advertisements or download software from untrustworthy sources (e.g., unofficial download sites, third-party app stores, and Peer-to-Peer networks).
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
Download software and files from reputable sources, such as official pages and trusted stores. Read about apps before installing them. Do not download files or apps from unofficial websites, third-party downloaders, P2P networks, etc. Exercise caution when faced with ads on suspicious websites.
Always inspect installers for available options and uncheck any unwanted apps before installing any programs. Do not allow suspicious web pages to deliver notifications. If your computer is already infected with RootCompact, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
The message that appears after the installation of RootCompact adware:
RootCompact'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 RootCompact?
- STEP 1. Remove RootCompact related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove RootCompact ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove RootCompact adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove RootCompact ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove RootCompact adware using Combo Cleaner:
RootCompact adware removal:
Remove RootCompact-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 lead to a disruptive and annoying browsing experience, with intrusive ads interfering with normal internet activities. Additionally, adware may compromise user privacy by collecting sensitive data without consent and exposing users to potentially malicious or deceptive websites.
What does adware do?
Adware is software that displays advertisements on a user's device, typically within web browsers or as pop-up windows, to generate revenue for its creators.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers often participate in affiliate marketing programs, earning commissions for driving traffic or sales to affiliated websites.
Will Combo Cleaner remove RootCompact adware?
Since manual removal is not always completely effective, it is recommended to remove adware using specialized software. Combo Cleaner is an app that will scan your computer and remove all installed adware-type applications.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion