How to remove ContentRanger adware-type app from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is ContentRanger?
Our research team discovered the ContentRanger application during a routine investigation of new submissions to the VirusTotal site. After analyzing this app, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware) belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
ContentRanger adware overview
Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with undesirable and potentially malicious ads. This software enables the placement of advertisements on various interfaces, e.g., visited webpages, desktops, or others.
Adware-delivered adverts primarily endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Note that while genuine products and services may be encountered via these advertisements – they are unlikely to be promoted by their developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software may need certain conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to specific websites, etc.). Regardless of whether ContentRanger displays adverts – its presence remains a threat.
It is pertinent to mention that AdLoad applications commonly have browser hijacker abilities, although ContentRanger did not exhibit these functionalities during testing.
Furthermore, adware usually gathers private data, and this might apply to ContentRanger. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The collected information can then be monetized through sale to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of advertising-supported software like ContentRanger on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ContentRanger |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-CA [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.31), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), 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 apps; ExplorationSprint, ManagerUnit, AssuranceForcast, EnhancementLaptop, and IndexerHardDisk are merely some examples.
Advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and harmless. Users are enticed into downloading/installing this software by promises of various "handy" functionalities. However, these functions are rarely operational. Keep in mind that functional features are not a guarantee of an application's legitimacy or safety.
How did ContentRanger install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with ordinary software. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Additionally, adware can have "official" download webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most users access these pages via redirects generated by websites that utilize rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive advertisements also spread advertising-supported software. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and trustworthy sources. When installing, it is crucial to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, etc.).
Another recommendation is to be cautious while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive adverts may look innocuous – yet they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, pornography, scam-promoting, etc.).
Should you continuously encounter ads and/or redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ContentRanger, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ContentRanger adware's installation is over:
ContentRanger 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 ContentRanger?
- STEP 1. Remove ContentRanger related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ContentRanger ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ContentRanger adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ContentRanger ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ContentRanger adware using Combo Cleaner:
ContentRanger adware removal:
Remove ContentRanger-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 delivers ads that promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, this software is classed as a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays adverts on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some types can force-open sites and collect sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit mainly via affiliate programs by promoting various websites, apps, extensions, products, services, and so on.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ContentRanger adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – various remnants (files) stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, these components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to remove advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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