How to eliminate ArchiveRemote adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is ArchiveRemote?
During a routine review of new file submissions to VirusTotal, our research team discovered the ArchiveRemote application.
After inspecting it, we determined that this piece of software is adware. ArchiveRemote is part of the AdLoad malware family. This app generates revenue for its developers by feeding users with undesirable and potentially malicious advertisements.
ArchiveRemote adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of ads (e.g., pop-ups, banners, overlays, surveys, etc.) on visited websites and/or different interfaces. These adverts mainly endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some intrusive advertisements can perform downloads/installations without user permission.
It is pertinent to mention that while genuine products/services can be encountered through these ads – they are highly unlikely to be promoted by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not run intrusive advert campaigns if the browser/system is incompatible, specific websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, even if ArchiveRemote does not display advertisements – this app remains a threat.
In many cases, AdLoad adware possesses browser-hijacking abilities, but we did not observe them while testing ArchiveRemote.
Furthermore, this rogue application likely has data-tracking functionalities. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The gathered information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, advertising-supported software like ArchiveRemote can cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ArchiveRemote |
| 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
AdditionalResults, AdminRotator, and ReferProgrammer are a couple examples of adware-type apps we have investigated recently.
Advertising-supported software appears legitimate and offers a wide variety of functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational. It must be stressed that functional features are not definitive proof of a software's legitimacy or safety.
How did ArchiveRemote install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) ordinary programs. The risk of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Additionally, adware can have "official" download webpages, and it is promoted on scam sites. Users predominantly enter these pages via redirects caused by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software is also spread by intrusive advertisements. Some of the adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be approached with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
We advise exercising caution by browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look innocuous – they redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such ads/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ArchiveRemote, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ArchiveRemote adware's installation is over:
ArchiveRemote 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 ArchiveRemote?
- STEP 1. Remove ArchiveRemote related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ArchiveRemote ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ArchiveRemote adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ArchiveRemote ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ArchiveRemote adware using Combo Cleaner:
ArchiveRemote adware removal:
Remove ArchiveRemote-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 delivers adverts that endorse content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can also diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It usually has data-tracking abilities – therefore, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads on various interfaces, and some types can also generate redirects and collect sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs. Adware developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ArchiveRemote adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all of the adware-type apps present. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some cases, file leftovers stay hidden within the system following the adware's (manual) removal. Furthermore, the remnants can continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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