Removal instructions for the DragResolution adware-type app
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is DragResolution?
DragResolution is a rogue application that we found while reviewing new file submissions to VirusTotal. This piece of software is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. Due to this behavior, this app is classed as adware. DragResolution belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
DragResolution adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays ads on various interfaces. Note that specific conditions may be necessary for this software to deliver intrusive advert campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). Even if DragResolution does not deliver advertisements – it remains a threat to device/user safety.
Adware-delivered adverts primarily promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive advertisements are capable of performing downloads/installations without user consent.
It is pertinent to mention that while legitimate content can be encountered through these ads – it is unlikely to be endorsed in this manner 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.
While AdLoad applications often have browser hijacker functionalities, the DragResolution adware did not exhibit these traits during testing.
Furthermore, this rogue app likely collects sensitive information. Targeted data may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so forth. The collected data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like DragResolution on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by DragResolution |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-CC [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.32), ESET-NOD32 (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.32), 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 countless adware-type apps; MultiTaskDesignation, LogOffNode, ActivityConsole, and WinPersonalWebsite are merely some examples.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and harmless. It entices users into downloading/installing this software by promising various "handy" functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did DragResolution install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) ordinary programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Advertising-supported software is also proliferated by intrusive adverts. When clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most users access such webpages via redirects caused by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears genuine and harmless. Intrusive advertisements may look innocuous yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with such adverts/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with DragResolution, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once DragResolution adware's installation is over:
DragResolution 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 DragResolution?
- STEP 1. Remove DragResolution related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove DragResolution ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove DragResolution adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove DragResolution ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove DragResolution adware using Combo Cleaner:
DragResolution adware removal:
Remove DragResolution-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-displayed ads promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software may diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Furthermore, adware usually has data-tracking abilities – therefore, it is considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of ads on visited webpages and/or other interfaces. Some adware types can also force-open websites and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue mainly through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove DragResolution adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various file leftovers remain hidden within the system. What is more, the remnants may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to remove advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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