How to remove ExploreOpenWin adware and the adverts it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is ExploreOpenWin?
Our research team discovered the ExploreOpenWin application during a routine review of new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. After examining this piece of software, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. ExploreOpenWin operates by delivering intrusive ad campaigns, and it may have other harmful capabilities.
ExploreOpenWin adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, banners, overlays, and other ads) on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
The advertisements primarily endorse scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and potential malware. When clicked on, some intrusive adverts can even execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
While legitimate content may be encountered through these ads – it is highly unlikely to be promoted by any official parties. This endorsement is likely motivated by scammers seeking to obtain illegitimate commissions through the abuse of the products' affiliate programs.
Advertising-supported software may require specific conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if ExploreOpenWin does not deliver advertisements – it endangers device integrity and user privacy.
Browser-hijacking functionalities are common for AdLoad adware, yet the ExploreOpenWin app did not exhibit these qualities during testing.
Furthermore, this rogue application likely gathers private information. Adware usually collects browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. This sensitive information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of software like ExploreOpenWin on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ExploreOpenWin |
| 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
LogarithmicProcess, ProductLauncher, Ryder, and ActiveEnviroment are merely a few examples of adware-type applications that we have analyzed recently.
Advertising-supported software rarely appears dubious; it tends to look legitimate and innocuous. Users can be enticed into downloading/installing it by promises of various "advantageous" features. However, these functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did ExploreOpenWin install on my computer?
Adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download webpages and deceptive/scam sites. Users primarily enter these pages via redirects generated by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, misspelled URLs, or installed adware (with webpage force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. The threat of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Some intrusive advertisements are capable of performing stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked. These adverts are used in adware distribution as well.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.
We also advise being careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ExploreOpenWin, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ExploreOpenWin adware's installation is over:
ExploreOpenWin 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 ExploreOpenWin?
- STEP 1. Remove ExploreOpenWin related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ExploreOpenWin ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ExploreOpenWin adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ExploreOpenWin ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ExploreOpenWin adware using Combo Cleaner:
ExploreOpenWin adware removal:
Remove ExploreOpenWin-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 mainly endorse harmful content, which may be capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It is also considered to be a privacy threat since adware usually possesses data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays adverts on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some types can also force-open webpages and gather sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue by promoting content, e.g., websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, etc. Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ExploreOpenWin adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate all adware-type applications present. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. The remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to remove advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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