How to remove the ArchieveSeeker adware from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is ArchieveSeeker?
ArchieveSeeker is an adware-type application that our research team discovered while investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal site. This piece of advertising-supported software is part of the AdLoad malware family.
ArchieveSeeker adware overview
Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with undesirable and deceptive ads. This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, overlays, surveys, banners, etc.) is displayed on various interfaces.
Adware-displayed advertisements predominantly endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and potential malware. Some of these adverts can even execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It is pertinent to mention that any genuine products or services encountered through these advertisements are most likely promoted by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software may need certain conditions, such as a compatible browser/system, visits to specific sites, or others – to run intrusive ad campaigns. Note that even if ArchieveSeeker does not display adverts – its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
AdLoad apps often have browser-hijacking abilities; however, ArchieveSeeker did not exhibit these functionalities during our analysis.
Furthermore, this rogue application likely collects private information. Adware typically targets the following data: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so forth.
To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like ArchieveSeeker on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ArchieveSeeker |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-CC [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27765), 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. |
Adware examples
We have examined thousands of adware samples; DigitalSphere, LaneAnnual, and CycleGraph are merely a few of our newest finds. While this software usually appears legitimate and useful, it rarely operates as promised. It must be stressed that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did ArchieveSeeker install on my computer?
Adware can also be bundled with (packed alongside) ordinary programs. The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Advertising-supported software can also have "official" promotional pages, and it is commonly endorsed on scam websites. Users typically enter these webpages via redirects caused by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Additionally, advertising-supported software is proliferated by intrusive ads. Some of these advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. Installation must be treated with caution. Therefore, we recommend reading terms, studying available options, and using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings to opt out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, features, tools, etc.).
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look innocuous – they redirect to unreliable/questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such ads and/or redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ArchieveSeeker, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ArchieveSeeker adware's installation is over:
ArchieveSeeker 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 ArchieveSeeker?
- STEP 1. Remove ArchieveSeeker related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ArchieveSeeker ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ArchieveSeeker adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ArchieveSeeker ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ArchieveSeeker adware using Combo Cleaner:
ArchieveSeeker adware removal:
Remove ArchieveSeeker-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 displays adverts that can endorse content capable of causing system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It is also considered to be a threat to user privacy since adware typically collects private data.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to enable the placement of ads on various interfaces. Additionally, this software may be capable of causing redirects and collecting sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit mainly via affiliate programs by promoting various websites, apps, browser extensions, products, services, and so on.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ArchieveSeeker adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be an ideal solution. Since even after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) can stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components may continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is essential to remove advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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