How to remove HardDriveQueryWave from the system

What is HardDriveQueryWave?

After conducting an evaluation of HardDriveQueryWave, it has been determined that its main objective is to flood users with bothersome advertisements (that HardDriveQueryWave functions as adware). It is important to highlight that applications like HardDriveQueryWave are frequently unintentionally installed by users due to the advertising and distribution techniques employed.

HardDriveQueryWave adware in detail

HardDriveQueryWave is a particularly troublesome form of adware that inundates users with a barrage of intrusive advertisements across various online platforms. This adware is known to display a wide range of advertisement types, including pop-up ads, banner ads, in-text ads, and even full-page overlay ads.

These advertisements can be extremely disruptive to the user's browsing experience, often covering up the content they are trying to view and making it difficult to navigate websites. Moreover, HardDriveQueryWave may employ deceptive tactics to entice users into clicking on its ads (it may display fake system alerts or error messages).

The advertisements displayed by HardDriveQueryWave can lead users to a variety of different web pages, many of which pose potential risks to their online security and privacy. Advertisements shown by this adware can lead users to various online scams (e.g., technical support or lottery scams), websites that host malware downloads, phishing schemes, etc.

It is essential for users to be cautious when encountering ads delivered by HardDriveQueryWave or similar adware. Clicking on these ads can lead to a range of negative consequences, including security breaches, data theft, and a frustrating online experience.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by HardDriveQueryWave
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-DH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.23), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchproxy.f), 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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac 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.

More about adware

Adware can be crafted with the intent of gathering data related to users' online activities, including their browsing patterns, search queries, and even sensitive information such as credit card details and login credentials. This collected data may be transmitted to third parties, which may cause issues like monetary loss, identity theft, privacy breaches, etc.

Furthermore, adware can employ browser hijacking techniques, manipulating browser configurations to compel users into visiting undesirable websites, including deceptive search engines. Other instances of software displaying comparable behavior to HardDriveQueryWave are GoldenLooker, InterfaceBrowser, and GeneralExplorer.

How did HardDriveQueryWave install on my computer?

Adware is often bundled with other software packages, and users who hastily complete installations without carefully reviewing available options may inadvertently introduce it into their systems. Furthermore, pirated software websites and similar sites frequently feature counterfeit download buttons or other elements that can lead to adware installations.

Additionally, deceptive advertisements on various websites can similarly result in the unintended installation of adware. In their efforts to disseminate adware, distributors may employ social engineering tactics, deceiving users into downloading seemingly innocuous files that subsequently reveal themselves as adware once installed.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

During the software installation process, it is of utmost importance for users to inspect the available installation options and deselect any checkboxes that could introduce additional or unrelated software, thus preventing inadvertent installations.

Moreover, when obtaining software or applications, individuals should exercise prudence and limit their downloads to reputable sources such as official app stores (for instance, the Google Play Store or Apple App Store) or the verified webpages of software developers. Also, carefulness is recommended when interacting with advertisements, links, pop-ups, and analogous elements on dubious sites.

If your computer is already infected with HardDriveQueryWave, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

A message that appears on the screen after the installation of HardDriveQueryWave adware:

HardDriveQueryWave'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 HardDriveQueryWave?
• STEP 1. Remove HardDriveQueryWave related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove HardDriveQueryWave ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove HardDriveQueryWave adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove HardDriveQueryWave ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove HardDriveQueryWave adware using Combo Cleaner:

HardDriveQueryWave adware removal:

Remove HardDriveQueryWave-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 significant privacy concerns, security breaches, diminished browsing experience, reduced system performance, and other problems.

What does adware do?

Adware displays annoying advertisements that can open shady websites. Additionally, this software can be capable of hijacking web browsers and gathering various data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Developers of adware generally earn income by endorsing diverse products, pages, or services, with a major portion of their earnings stemming from participation in affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove HardDriveQueryWave adware?

Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and effectively remove all adware-type applications that have been installed. It is important to mention that manual removal is not always foolproof, as certain file remnants may be concealed within the system. Some of its components could continue to operate even after the software is deleted.

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