How to remove ExplorerServer adware and the advertisements it delivers

What kind of application is ExplorerServer?

Our researchers found ExplorerServer while looking through new submissions to the VirusTotal platform. After examining this application, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware). ExplorerServer is part of the AdLoad malware family.

ExplorerServer adware overview

Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with unwanted and potentially harmful advertisements. This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, surveys, coupons, overlays, etc.) may be displayed on visited websites and/or other interfaces.

It is pertinent to mention that advertising-supported software might not deliver intrusive ad campaigns if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, particular sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, even if ExplorerServer does not display adverts – it remains a threat to device/user safety.

Adware-delivered ads predominantly promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

Note that while legitimate content may be encountered through these adverts – it is unlikely to be endorsed in this fashion by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

ExplorerServer did not exhibit browser-hijacking traits during our analysis, although these functionalities are quite common for AdLoad applications.

Advertising-supported software usually gathers sensitive information, and data tracking might be among ExplorerServer's capabilities. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can be monetized through sale to third-parties.

In summary, the presence of software like ExplorerServer on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ExplorerServer
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Rload.4), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), 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. ▼ 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.

Adware examples

AssistiveFormat, TaskAnalyzer, ExploreFast, and InitialEngine are just a few examples of adware that we have analyzed recently.

Software within this category rarely appears illegitimate or otherwise suspicious – it tends to look ordinary and harmless. Adware can also offer a broad range of "handy" and "advantageous" features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

Keep in mind that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that does not guarantee its legitimacy or safety.

How did ExplorerServer install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with regular programs. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and treating installations with negligence (e.g., skipping steps and sections, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.

Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Users mainly access these pages via redirects generated by misspelled URLs, websites that utilize rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Intrusive adverts proliferate advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software before downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. When installing, we advise reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, etc.

Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive adverts may look harmless yet redirect users to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

If you keep encountering ads 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 ExplorerServer, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once ExplorerServer adware's installation is over:

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

Video showing how to remove ExplorerServer adware using Combo Cleaner:

ExplorerServer adware removal:

Remove ExplorerServer-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 decrease browsing quality and system performance. It displays advertisements that may promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Advertising-supported software is also deemed to be a privacy threat, as it usually has data-tracking functionalities.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. This software can display ads on various interfaces, and some types are also capable of generating redirects and collecting private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, software, products, services, and so on.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ExplorerServer adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate installed adware-type apps. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, file leftovers remain hidden within the system following the software's manual removal. Furthermore, the remaining components may continue running and causing problems. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.

▼ Show Discussion