Q: how to uninstall MacKeeper

Instructions for removal and more information can be found in the user tip below.

https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3036

That is covered here:

https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-6221

Do not install MacKeeper

Follow these instructions to uninstall MacKeeper. They have been tested with the most recent version of MacKeeper. Earlier versions than the one released in 2012 require more extensive work to uninstall all its components.

If you actually used MacKeeper to alter your system, e.g. "remove excess binaries" or such, you will need to reinstall OS X as well as all your additional software. Uninstalling MacKeeper is insufficient to reverse the corruption it is capable of - once again, that is if you used it.

If you merely installed MacKeeper but did not use it to perform any particular action, the following instructions will suffice.

• If you used MacKeeper to encrypt any files or folders, use MacKeeper to un-encrypt them first.
• Quit the MacKeeper app if it is running.
• Open your Applications folder: Using the Finder's Go menu, select Applications.
• Drag the MacKeeper icon from your Applications folder (not the Dock) to the Trash.

You will be asked to authenticate (twice):

You do not need to provide a reason for uninstalling it:

• Just click the Uninstall MacKeeper button. You will be asked to authenticate again.

After it uninstalls you may empty the Trash and restart your Mac. All that will remain is an inert log file that does nothing but occupy space on your hard disk.

I installed MacKeeper thinking it was sanctioned by Apple -

May I suggest that you review the following setting in System Preferences?

Although you may easily override that setting, it will serve to protect you from inadvertently installing garbage.

The overwhelming majority of Macs I come across have the MacKeeper installer file already present in their Downloads folder, often multiple copies of it. The downloaded file itself can do nothing until it is opened and installed, and the above setting (known as Gatekeeper - not to be confused with MacKeeper) will prevent that from occurring.

• Don’t supply your password in response to a popup window requesting it, unless you know what it is and the reason your credentials are required.
• Never install something without first knowing what it is, what it does, how it works, and how to get rid of it when you don’t want it any more.

help, I just got here, looking for answer about "why is mackeeper taking so long to install?" (about 30 minutes so far. Is there any way that I can stop the installation? There is no cancel. I clicked back but nothing happened.

I took everything from applications to the trash. I tried to quit the Installer but it said the window could not be closed. I am going to get offline and shut down. what else/

Restart. If necessary, use the power button to shutdown.

Thank you, Eric. I am on my ancient Macbookl Prol (whilch ilnserts an l every so olften). I did use the power button to shut down because Mackeeper would nolt respolnd to folrce quit. I have been concerned about restarting. Here is my question. Since I shut down before installation was finished (and had already trashed their stuff that was in applilcations), do you think it is safe now? Or could some of it installed? They were so sneakly, I tholulght they may hide stuff. I cannot believe I was so dumb. IL was angry at ILntegol for telilng me my subscriptiloln had expilred after the fact. They ulsed to be really goold aboult noltilfying you. Went tol a websilte that soulnded legilt and gave MK rave reviews.

IL notilced on theilr certificate that Apple has olklayed them. WTH.

Thank ylou in advance for answering. I will not restart until IL klnolw molre and will go tol the Aplplle store tomorrolw in case you or solmeolne else knowledgeable is golne folr the nilght

The easiest way to get rid of it is to install the program and use John's instructions for removal. Also see stedman1 post.

Look at the last part of this article. It shows what MacKeeper installs and where it is.

To access your user library, go to Finder and select your user/home folder. With that Finder window as the front window, either select Finder/View/Show View options or go command - J.  When the View options opens, check ’Show Library Folder’. That should make your user library folder visible in your user/home folder.

Thanks to leonie for some information contained in this.

Hi John,

I did install Mackeeper and uninstall the program. So far so good.

I have now the issue with Safari. If I klick around every time a new tap opens with the Mackeeper website that I should download the app. Do you know how I can get rid off? I have tried almost everything but no success so far.

Regards

Oliver

I have followed the instructions and I don't see it in my applications folder and I have emptied the trash.  I've gone into the security privacy settings and set up as you suggested, however if I click on the lock to try and lock it in it disappears.  Should the lock remain open?

MacKeeper is an absolute scam!!! They screw with Safari, put in files that produce ads, make Safari search in Yahoo instead of Google and then flash on your desktop that you have a big security issue. It is a warning window that appears that it comes from Apple!! It says Apple will help if you call the 800 number. Of course they will sell you their software to "fix" your Mac (which they screwed up!). Their software will indeed fix it but it still is in your computer and you paid them 200-300.00, I have heard, for their software to fix something they created!!!!

As to the fix:  There's hope. There are three fixes. First two are the best:

     1. Take it to your local Mac Dealer and some dealers will fix it for free!! Others may charge a fee. Ours here in Peachtree City, Ga will do it for free.

     2. Call Apple technical support. If your Apple Care has expired, pay them 29.00 and they will walk you through the files that have to be removed. That is what I did last night and the tech was great, knew all about it and had me up and running in about :30 mins. Best 29.00 bucks I ever spent.

     3. There are places on line, maybe Apple, that can tell you what files to delete. This will take time. If you're not mac savvy, a lot of time.

Note: I had not installed the actual Mac Keeper App on my computer. They had just installed files in my mac that were creating the problems. I would assume that Apple can uninstall the Mac Keeper App as well.   Good Luck. It was the first Malware, Virus or what ever, I have had on a mac ever!! 25 years….

Use adwaremedic:

http://www.adwaremedic.com/index.php

I agree that MacKeeper is a scam, and should be avoided. If you have it installed, it should be removed.

However, what you describe is not caused by MacKeeper, but by adware. One adware program known to show MacKeeper ads very intrusively is Downlite (aka VSearch, aka Dynamic Pricer). However, MacKeeper is aggressively-marketed and other adware is also likely to display ads for MacKeeper.

If you have constant MacKeeper pop-ups but have not installed MacKeeper, the proper solution is to remove the adware causing the problem. One source of information that can help with that is my Adware Removal Guide.

(Fair disclosure: I may receive compensation from links to my sites, TheSafeMac.com and AdwareMedic.com, in the form of buttons allowing for donations. Donations are not required to use my site or software.)

Yes Thomas

It worked for me ...actually i published a testimony on this before reading your post.

See Below

I Finally Managed to get rid of "Mackeeper" and "Dynamic Pricer" POP Ups

I had to back-up my iMac and then factory reset it for it to get rid of ads and pop ups. I haven't put any of my old files back on my computer yet, only the ones I need.

(all your music and movies will be deleted but you can easily get these back by going on the purchased part of iTunes and re-downloading them)

here's a video on how to factory reset a computer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXP2wjaucZ0

you might have to re-install OS X Yosemite

Hope this helps