How to remove GeneralSource adware from your operating system

What kind of application is GeneralSource?

While inspecting file submissions to the VirusTotal website, our researchers discovered the GeneralSource application. Upon examination, we learned that it is advertising-supported software (adware) from the AdLoad malware family.

GeneralSource adware overview

Adware aims to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising. Typically, this software achieves this by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, overlays, and other ads) on various interfaces.

However, specific conditions may be required for adware to operate as intended, such as a compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, and so forth. However, regardless of whether GeneralSource delivers advertisements – the app's presence on a system remains a threat to device/user safety.

Adware-displayed adverts endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and malware. Stealthy downloads/installations are another concern, as some of the advertisements can carry them out upon being clicked.

It is noteworthy that while genuine products or services may be encountered through these ads – they are unlikely to be promoted by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is performed by scammers who abuse the endorsed content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

AdLoad applications commonly exhibit browser-hijacking abilities – however, we did not observe the traits during our analysis of the GeneralSource adware.

Usually, advertising-supported software collects sensitive user data, and GeneralSource might behave thusly as well. Targeted information can include browsing and search engine histories, browser cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The gathered information can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.

To summarize, software like GeneralSource is associated with the following threats – system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Adware examples

DigitalApplication, IndexerParameter, and DisplayExplorer are merely a couple of our latest articles on adware. Software within this classification rarely appears illegitimate or otherwise suspicious; it tends to look ordinary and harmless.

Users may be lured into downloading/installing adware by promises of "handy" and "advantageous" functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be emphasized that even if a piece of software operates exactly as described by its promotional material – that alone does not prove its legitimacy or safety.

How did GeneralSource install on my computer?

Adware is distributed using the bundling marketing technique, which involves packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions. The threat of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from suspicious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by being inattentive when installing (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

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

Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional pages and is endorsed on scam websites. They are primarily accessed via redirects produced by sites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy sources. When installing, it is essential to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplements (e.g., apps, tools, extensions, features, etc.).

We advise vigilance when browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements may look harmless – yet redirect users to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with GeneralSource, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

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

GeneralSource adware removal:

Remove GeneralSource-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-delivered advertisements promote content that can cause system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. The presence of this software on a device can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, adware is classed as a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking abilities.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting vulnerable information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue through content promotion. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove GeneralSource adware?

Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate installed adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some instances, after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various components (files) stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, these remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.