Removing ExtendedGuide adware and the adverts it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is ExtendedGuide?
Our researchers discovered ExtendedGuide while investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal site. Upon inspection, we learned that this application is adware. ExtendedGuide is part of the AdLoad malware family. Advertising-supported software is designed to feed users with unwanted and malicious ads.
ExtendedGuide adware overview
Typically, adware displays third-party graphical content (adverts) on visited websites or other interfaces. The advertisements can endorse online scams, untrustworthy/dangerous software, and even malware. Some of the ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It is worth mentioning that while legitimate products/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 motivated to acquire illegitimate commissions by abusing the content's affiliate programs.
Advertising-supported software might not deliver advertisements if the browser/system is incompatible, particular sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Regardless of whether ExtendedGuide displays ads – the application's presence on a system threatens device and user safety.
AdLoad apps commonly have browser-hijacking abilities – however, ExtendedGuide did not exhibit such qualities during testing.
Additionally, adware usually gathers sensitive information, and ExtendedGuide might possess data-tracking functionalities as well. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The collected information can be monetized through sale to third-parties.
To summarize, software like ExtendedGuide may cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ExtendedGuide |
| 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.G), 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
We have analyzed thousands of adware samples; AssistRadio, ConnectionTiming, and CommonParameter are merely a couple of our newest finds. This software tends to appear legitimate and offer useful features. These functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be stressed 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 ExtendedGuide install on my computer?
Adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking promotional pages and scam websites. Most visitors access these webpages via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
"Bundling" – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is also used to distribute adware. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installations (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Intrusive adverts proliferate advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of the advertisements execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. When installing, we advise reading terms, exploring available options, using "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, features, etc.).
Another recommendation is to be 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 sites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with adverts/redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ExtendedGuide, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ExtendedGuide adware's installation is over:
ExtendedGuide 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
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Quick menu:
- What is ExtendedGuide?
- STEP 1. Remove ExtendedGuide related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ExtendedGuide ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ExtendedGuide adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ExtendedGuide ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ExtendedGuide adware using Combo Cleaner:
ExtendedGuide adware removal:
Remove ExtendedGuide-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 adverts that may endorse content capable of causing system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, etc. Furthermore, advertising-supported software typically has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive ad campaigns. It operates by displaying third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces. Additionally, adware may be capable of force-opening webpages and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, software, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ExtendedGuide adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate installed adware-type apps. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might be ineffective. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – various components (files) can stay hidden within the system. The remnants can continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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