Removal instructions for VirtualDocument adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is VirtualDocument?
VirtualDocument is a rogue application. Upon inspection, we determined that this piece of software operates as adware. VirtualDocument is part of the AdLoad malware family. This app is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with undesirable and potentially harmful advertisements.
VirtualDocument adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, overlays, banners, etc.) on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
Note that specific conditions may be necessary for adware to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if VirtualDocument does not display adverts – it remains a threat to device/user safety.
Adware-delivered advertisements primarily promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered through these adverts is most likely endorsed by scammers abusing its affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
We have found many AdLoad applications with browser-hijacking capabilities – however, VirtualDocument did not exhibit these functionalities during testing.
Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually gathers private information, and this might apply to VirtualDocument. Data 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 collected information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like VirtualDocument on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
Name | Ads by VirtualDocument |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
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 examined thousands of adware-type apps; DanceTank, FilterAdmin, ConnectedMethod – are merely a couple of examples. Advertising-supported software typically appears genuine and innocuous.
Users can be lured into downloading/installing this software by promises of various "advantageous" functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational. It must be mentioned that functional features do not prove a software's legitimacy or safety.
How did VirtualDocument install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. The threat of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Intrusive advertisements also proliferate adware. Some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent upon being clicked.
Additionally, advertising-supported software can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most visitors to these pages enter them via redirects generated by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy sources. Installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, features, extensions, tools, etc.
We advise being careful while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears genuine and innocuous. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive ads redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with VirtualDocument, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once VirtualDocument adware's installation is over:
VirtualDocument 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 VirtualDocument?
- STEP 1. Remove VirtualDocument related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove VirtualDocument ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove VirtualDocument adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove VirtualDocument ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove VirtualDocument adware using Combo Cleaner:
VirtualDocument adware removal:
Remove VirtualDocument-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 diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It displays advertisements that endorse content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, advertising-supported software is considered to be a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. It displays advertisements on various interfaces, and some types can also force-open sites and collect sensitive data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily via affiliate programs by promoting websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and so on.
Will Combo Cleaner remove VirtualDocument adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate installed adware-type apps. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be ideal, as various file leftovers can stay hidden within the system after it. What is more, these remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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