How to remove MainProcess adware from Mac

What kind of application is MainProcess?

MainProcess is a rogue application discovered by our research team during a routine inspection of new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. After examining this app, we learned that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family. Advertising-supported software aims to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising.

MainProcess adware overview

Adware's most common modus operandi is running intrusive ad campaigns by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, banners, surveys, etc.) on various interfaces.

These advertisements can promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. Some can be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform sneaky downloads/installations.

Keep in mind that any genuine content encountered via these adverts 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 or user geolocation is incompatible, specific websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Yet even if MainProcess does not deliver intrusive advert campaigns – the app remains a threat to device/user safety.

It is pertinent to mention that AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking functionalities – however, the MainProcess adware did not exhibit these traits during our analysis.

Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking abilities, and this might apply to MainProcess. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.

To summarize, advertising-supported software like MainProcess is associated with the following risks – system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Adware examples

QueueAlgorithm, IndexerType, and BufferView are merely a couple of our latest articles on Mac-specific adware. Software within this classification usually appears legitimate and offers various functionalities. However, these features rarely work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational.

Remember that even if a piece of software functions exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that does not guarantee its legitimacy or safety.

How did MainProcess install on my computer?

Adware is promoted on genuine-looking download webpages and scam sites. They are primarily accessed via redirects produced by intrusive adverts, websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, and adware (with the ability to force-open pages).

Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software directly as well. Once clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

Adware can also be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. The threat of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by being inattentive when installing (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We recommend researching software before downloading or purchasing. All downloads must be made from official and verified sources. When installing, it is essential to study terms and options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additions (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.).

Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since the Internet is full of well-disguised fraudulent and dangerous content. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, etc.).

Should you keep encountering advertisements 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 MainProcess, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

MainProcess adware's installation folder:

Instant automatic 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 malware. Download it by clicking the button below:

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. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

Quick menu:

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

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

MainProcess adware removal:

Remove MainProcess-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 presence of adware on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It also poses a privacy threat, as this software usually has data-tracking abilities. Adware-displayed advertisements promote content that may cause system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functions can include placing third-party graphical content (ads) on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue through confirmation (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.). Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove MainProcess adware?

Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be ideal. After the adware has been manually removed – various components (files) can remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, these remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.