How to remove DefaultArchive adware from your Mac

What kind of application is DefaultArchive?

DefaultArchive is a rogue app discovered by our researchers during a routine inspection of new file submissions to the VirusTotal website. Our examination revealed that this application is advertising-supported software (adware). DefaultArchive is part of the AdLoad malware family.

DefaultArchive adware overview

Adware aims to generate revenue for its developers through advertising. Usually, this goal is achieved through intrusive ad campaigns that entail placing third-party graphical content (e.g., banners, coupons, pop-ups, overlays, etc.) on visited websites, desktops, or different interfaces.

Specific conditions may be required for advertising-supported software to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). Even if DefaultArchive does not display advertisements – it endangers device and user safety.

Adware-delivered adverts can promote online scams (phishing, tech support, etc.), unreliable/dangerous software (adware, PUAs, browser hijackers, etc.), and malware (trojans, ransomware, etc.). Some of these ads can be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform sneaky downloads/installations.

It is noteworthy that while genuine products/services may be encountered via these advertisements – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this fashion by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the promoted content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking capabilities – however, the DefaultArchive app did not exhibit these qualities during testing.

Additionally, advertising-supported software tends to have data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to DefaultArchive. Targeted information may include browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This sensitive data can then be shared with or sold to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of software like DefaultArchive on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Adware examples

We have investigated numerous adware samples; ScalableMethod, PrimaryAnalyzer, and MasterSpin are just a couple of our latest articles on applications from this category. Usually, advertising-supported software appears legitimate and innocuous. It can also offer a broad range of useful functionalities. However, these functions rarely work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

Keep in mind that even if a piece of software operates exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of legitimacy or safety.

How did DefaultArchive install on my computer?

Adware can be packed alongside ordinary programs (bundling). Downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and being inattentive when installing (e.g., using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.

Adware is also promoted on legitimate-looking download webpages and scam sites. Most users access these pages via redirects caused by intrusive ads, websites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

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

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software prior to downloading or purchasing. All downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. When installing, it is important to study terms and options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of supplementary apps, extensions, tools, etc.

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

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

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

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

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

DefaultArchive adware removal:

Remove DefaultArchive-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. This software typically has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is considered a privacy threat. Adware-displayed advertisements promote content capable of causing system infections and other severe issues.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary functions can include displaying adverts on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue through content promotion (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.). Most of the profit is made via affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove DefaultArchive adware?

Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Remember that manual removal (performed without security tools) might be ineffective. After the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers can remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, these remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.