Removal instructions for OverallHelpDesk adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is OverallHelpDesk?
Our research team discovered the OverallHelpDesk application while reviewing new submissions to the VirusTotal website. This app is advertising-supported software (adware) that is part of the AdLoad malware family. OverallHelpDesk delivers intrusive advertisement campaigns and may have other harmful abilities.
OverallHelpDesk adware overview
Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with undesirable and potentially malicious ads. This third-party graphical content is displayed on visited webpages and/or other interfaces.
The advertisements primarily endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and potential malware. When clicked on, some of these adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.
It is pertinent to mention that while legitimate content may be encountered via these ads – it is unlikely to be promoted in this fashion by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not run intrusive ad campaigns if the browser/system is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, regardless of whether OverallHelpDesk delivers adverts – the app's presence on a system remains a threat.
Furthermore, while AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking traits – we did not observe them while investigating OverallHelpDesk.
What is more, adware usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to OverallHelpDesk. Information of interest may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like OverallHelpDesk on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by OverallHelpDesk |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-CC [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.32), 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 investigated thousands of adware-type applications; PositiveConnectivity, ProgressivePhase, PortalServer – are merely a couple of examples.
While advertising-supported software typically appears legitimate and offers "handy" functionalities, it seldom 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 OverallHelpDesk install on my computer?
The bundling marketing tactic – packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions – is commonly used in adware distribution.
Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and treating installations with negligence (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Adware can also have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Users primarily enter these webpages via redirects generated by sites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software is proliferated by intrusive ads as well. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to always research software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be cautious while browsing since fake and dangerous online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, while intrusive adverts may look harmless – they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
If you keep encountering such advertisements and/or redirects, check the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with OverallHelpDesk, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once OverallHelpDesk adware's installation is over:
OverallHelpDesk 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 OverallHelpDesk?
- STEP 1. Remove OverallHelpDesk related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove OverallHelpDesk ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove OverallHelpDesk adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove OverallHelpDesk ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove OverallHelpDesk adware using Combo Cleaner:
OverallHelpDesk adware removal:
Remove OverallHelpDesk-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-delivered ads primarily endorse content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). The presence of this software on a device can result in diminished browsing experience and system performance. Furthermore, advertising-supported software typically has data-tracking abilities – therefore, it is classified as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to enable the placement of adverts on visited webpages and/or different interfaces. Some types can also force-open websites and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs by endorsing content. Adware developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove OverallHelpDesk adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed adware-type apps. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security software) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, file leftovers remain hidden within the system following the adware's (manual) removal. Furthermore, the remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
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