How to remove ProductiveDock from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is ProductiveDock?
Our research team discovered the ProductiveDock rogue app while browsing new submissions to the VirusTotal site. Upon examination, we learned that this application is adware. ProductiveDock is part of the AdLoad malware family. Advertising-supported software (adware) is designed to generate revenue for the developers/publishers.
ProductiveDock adware overview
Adware usually operates by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, overlays, etc.) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces. These advertisements can promote scams, unreliable/harmful software, and malware. Some can even carry out sneaky downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It is noteworthy that any genuine content encountered via these ads is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not operate as designed if the browser/system is incompatible, particular sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Regardless of whether ProductiveDock displays adverts – it remains a threat to device integrity and user privacy.
AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking functionalities – however, the ProductiveDock app did not exhibit them during our analysis.
Furthermore, adware typically has data-tracking abilities, and this might apply to ProductiveDock. Targeted data may include browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit/debit card numbers, etc. This vulnerable information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, advertising-supported software like ProductiveDock is linked to the following threats – system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ProductiveDock |
| 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 the 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 written about countless adware-type applications; IndexerTemplate, ExtendedApp, and SkilledArchive are merely a few of our newest articles.
Usually, this software appears ordinary and harmless. Users may be lured into downloading/installing adware by promises of "handy" and "advantageous" functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as advertised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational.
It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software has functional features – that is not a guarantee of its legitimacy or safety.
How did ProductiveDock install on my computer?
Adware is distributed using the bundling technique, which involves packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions. These setups can be downloaded from freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other suspect sources.
The risk of allowing bundled content is furthered by inattentiveness when installing (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps or sections, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Furthermore, adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is spread through scam websites. Most visitors enter them via redirects caused by intrusive ads, sites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, and installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Additionally, advertising-supported software is proliferated by intrusive advertisements. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to always research software before downloading or purchasing it. All downloads must be made from official and verified channels. When installing, we recommend studying terms and options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, etc.).
We also advise vigilance while browsing since the Internet is full of well-disguised fraudulent and malicious content. For example, despite their innocuous appearance – intrusive ads redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, 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 ProductiveDock, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ProductiveDock adware's installation is over:
ProductiveDock 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 ProductiveDock?
- STEP 1. Remove ProductiveDock related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ProductiveDock ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ProductiveDock adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ProductiveDock ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
ProductiveDock adware removal:
Remove ProductiveDock-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 endorsing content that may cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). The software's presence on a device can result in a decreased browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, adware usually collects sensitive user information – thus, it is considered a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue mainly through affiliate programs by promoting content (e.g., sites, software, products, etc.).
Will Combo Cleaner remove ProductiveDock adware?
Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and remove installed adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – various components (files) stay hidden within the system. What is more, these remnants might continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion