Removal instructions for the VirtualPartition adware-type app
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is VirtualPartition?
VirtualPartition is a rogue application discovered by our researchers during a routine inspection of new file submissions to VirusTotal. Upon examining the software, we determined that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family. Advertising-supported software is designed to feed users with undesirable and potentially dangerous advertisements.
VirtualPartition adware overview
Typically, adware places third-party graphical content (e.g., overlays, banners, coupons, pop-ups, etc.) on visited webpages, desktops, or other interfaces. The displayed advertisements can promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and malware. Some can even be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform sneaky downloads/installations.
Note that any genuine content encountered through these adverts is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Software within this classification may need certain conditions to operate as intended, such as a compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific websites, etc. However, even if VirtualPartition does not deliver ads – the app's presence on a system remains a threat to device integrity and user privacy.
AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking abilities, although we did not observe these qualities while testing the VirtualPartition adware.
What is more, advertising-supported software usually possesses data-tracking functionalities, and this might be true of VirtualPartition.
Collected information may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. This vulnerable information can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of software like VirtualPartition on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by VirtualPartition |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), 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
FractionConsole, LocalInfo, and CacheDivision are just a couple of our newest articles on adware. Advertising-supported software seldom looks suspicious; it tends to appear legitimate and useful.
Adware can also offer a broad range of handy functionalities, which are usually fake and nonoperational. However, even if a piece of software works exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did VirtualPartition install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. The threat of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into devices is increased by downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., skipping sections, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Some intrusive ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked. These advertisements are also used to proliferate advertising-supported software.
Additionally, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam websites. Most users enter these webpages via redirects caused by sites employing rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to always research software prior to downloading or purchasing. Furthermore, all downloads must be made from official and verified sources. Installation processes must be approached with care, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.
We also advise exercising caution while browsing, as fraudulent and dangerous online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements may look harmless – yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with ads and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with VirtualPartition, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once VirtualPartition adware's installation is over:
VirtualPartition 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 VirtualPartition?
- STEP 1. Remove VirtualPartition related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove VirtualPartition ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove VirtualPartition adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove VirtualPartition ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove VirtualPartition adware using Combo Cleaner:
VirtualPartition adware removal:
Remove VirtualPartition-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 delivers advertisements promoting content that may cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Advertising-supported software can also diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Furthermore, adware is categorized as a privacy threat since it typically has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. It displays third-party graphical content (ads) on various interfaces. Additionally, some adware types can force-open sites and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue through content promotion (e.g., websites, apps, extensions, products, services, etc.). Most of the profit is made via affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove VirtualPartition adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate all adware-type apps that are present. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without the aid of security tools) might be ineffective. After the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various components (files) can remain hidden within the system. These remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware and other undesirable software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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