Removal instructions for TotalToolboxSearch adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is TotalToolboxSearch?
TotalToolboxSearch is a rogue application discovered by our research team during a routine inspection of new submissions to the VirusTotal website. After analyzing this app, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware). TotalToolboxSearch is part of the AdLoad malware family.
TotalToolboxSearch adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, coupons, overlays, surveys, etc.) on visited websites or different interfaces.
Specific conditions may be required for adware to operate as designed (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if TotalToolboxSearch does not display ads – it remains a threat to system/user safety.
The advertisements delivered by adware primarily endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. Some can even be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Keep in mind that while legitimate products or services may be encountered via these adverts – they are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the endorsed content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
AdLoad apps commonly have browser-hijacking abilities – however, TotalToolboxSearch did not exhibit these qualities during our analysis.
Furthermore, advertising-supported software typically has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to TotalToolboxSearch. Information of interest may include: URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, credit card numbers, and so forth. This vulnerable data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like TotalToolboxSearch on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by TotalToolboxSearch |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AD [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.24), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adlo), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Downloader.OSX.Agent.ad), 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; GlobalLetterSearch, InitialClick, Wappo.app – are just some examples. Advertising-supported software rarely appears suspicious – it tends to look ordinary and innocuous.
Users may be lured into downloading/installing adware by promises of various functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational. It must be stressed that functional features do not prove a software's legitimacy or safety.
How did TotalToolboxSearch install on my computer?
The bundling marketing tactic, which involves packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to distribute adware.
Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping sections, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device.
Additionally, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam websites. Most visitors access these webpages via misspelled URLs, sites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
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 recommend researching software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be made from official and trustworthy sources. Another recommendation is to treat installation processes with caution by reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.
We also advise being careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such advertisements/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with TotalToolboxSearch, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Files related to the TotalToolboxSearch adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.TotalToolboxSearch/TotalToolboxSearch
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.TotalToolboxSearchDaemon/TotalToolboxSearch
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.TotalToolboxSearch.plist
- ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.TotalToolboxSearchDaemon.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! Rogue setups/apps can create a new device profile. Therefore, before taking any further removal steps, perform these actions:
1) Click the "Preferences" icon in the menu bar (Dock) and select "Profiles".
2) Locate all suspicious profiles and delete them.
3) Perform a full system scan with Combo Cleaner anti-virus suite.
After performing these actions, you can proceed with further removal steps for this adware.
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 TotalToolboxSearch?
- STEP 1. Remove TotalToolboxSearch related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove TotalToolboxSearch ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove TotalToolboxSearch adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove TotalToolboxSearch ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove TotalToolboxSearch adware using Combo Cleaner:
TotalToolboxSearch adware removal:
Remove TotalToolboxSearch-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?
The content promoted through adware-delivered ads may cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). The presence of advertising-supported software on a device can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Furthermore, this software is considered to be a threat to user privacy, as it typically has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to generate revenue through advertising. The software's primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, causing redirects, and collecting sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit predominantly through affiliate programs by endorsing content (e.g., websites, apps, extensions, products, services, etc.).
Will Combo Cleaner remove TotalToolboxSearch adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – various components (files) remain hidden within the system. These remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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