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Helpful answers
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Apr 28, 2016 2:25 PM in response to rmspmsby Old Toad,A simple, quick and safe way to remove adware and malware is to download and use Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Macs. It's was developed by one of the most respected and top contributors in these forums and recommended by nearly all of the top contributors here.
If you would prefer to do it manually follow these instructions from theSafeMac.com site (author of Malwarebytes): Adware Removal Guide
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Apr 28, 2016 3:15 PM in response to rmspmsby pinkstones,If you currently have adware or malware on your computer, you have two options for getting rid of it:
- Download Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware for Mac. It was developed by a trusted and respected contributor here. It's a simple, non- intrusive program that deletes known malware/adware from your hard drive. That's all it does. It doesn't add anything and it doesn't take away anything else.
- Follow the directions in this Apple support article to remove it manually --> http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203987
In the future, don't download anything from the following kind of sites:
- torrent sites
- aggregate download sites (CNET, Download (dot) com, MacUpdate, Softpedia, Softonic, etc.)
- mp3 download sites (Mp3 Skull, mp3monkey, etc.)
- any site that says you can do or download something for free that you know would ordinarily cost you money
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Apr 28, 2016 4:00 PM in response to rmspmsby Linc Davis,You may have installed ad-injection malware ("adware").
Don't use any kind of "anti-virus" or "anti-malware" product on a Mac. There is never a need for it, and relying on it for protection makes you more vulnerable to attack, not less.
Back up all data first.
Some of the most common types of adware can be removed by following Apple's instructions. But before you follow those instructions, you can attempt an automatic removal.
If you're not already running the latest version of OS X ("El Capitan"), updating or upgrading in the App Store may cause the adware to be removed automatically. If you're already running the latest version of El Capitan, you can nevertheless download the current updater from the Apple Support Downloads page and run it. Again, some kinds of malware will be removed—not all. There is no such thing as automatic removal of all possible malware, either by OS X or by third-party software. That's why you can't rely on software to protect you.
If the malware is removed in your case, you'll still need to make changes to the way you use the computer to protect yourself from further attacks. Ask if you need guidance.
If the malware is not removed automatically, and you can't remove it yourself by following Apple's instructions, see below.
This easy procedure will detect any kind of adware that I know of. Deactivating it is a separate, and even easier, procedure.
Some legitimate software is ad-supported and may display ads in its own windows or in a web browser while it's running. That's not malware and it may not show up. Also, some websites carry intrusive popup ads that may be mistaken for adware.
If none of your web browsers is working well enough to carry out these instructions, restart the computer in safe mode. That will disable the malware temporarily.
Step 1
Please triple-click the line below on this page to select it, then copy the text to the Clipboard by pressing the key combination command-C:
~/Library/LaunchAgents
In the Finder, select
Go ▹ Go to Folder...
from the menu bar and paste into the box that opens by pressing command-V. Press return. Either a folder named "LaunchAgents" will open, or you'll get a notice that the folder can't be found. If the folder isn't found, go to the next step.
If the folder does open, press the key combination command-2 to select list view, if it's not already selected. Please don't skip this step.
There should be a column in the Finder window headed Date Modified. Click that heading twice to sort the contents by date with the newest at the top. If necessary, enlarge the window so that all of the contents are showing.
Follow the instructions in this support article under the heading "Take a screenshot of a window." An image file with a name beginning in "Screen Shot" should be saved to the Desktop. Open the screenshot and make sure it's readable. If not, capture a smaller part of the screen showing only what needs to be shown.
Start a reply to this message. Drag the image file into the editing window to upload it. You can also include text in the reply.
Leave the folder open for now.
Step 2
Do as in Step 1 with this line:
/Library/LaunchAgents
The folder that may open will have the same name, but is not the same, as the one in Step 1. As in that step, the folder may not exist.
Step 3
Repeat with this line:
/Library/LaunchDaemons
This time the folder will be named "LaunchDaemons."
Step 4
Open the Safari preferences window and select the Extensions tab. If any extensions are listed, post a screenshot. If there are no extensions, or if you can't launch Safari, skip this step.
Step 5
If you use the Firefox or Chrome browser, open its extension list and do as in Step 4.
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Apr 28, 2016 4:08 PM in response to yb3ikby pinkstones,yb3ik wrote:
Mind is imac 21.5 inches, mid 2011, processor 2.7GB, Inte core 5, Memory 12GB, 1 TB, using OS E Capitan 10.11.4: I have keyboard problem, delete button malfunction, L key sometimes freeze and keyboard viewer is different with my keyboard. Please help to resolve my problem, thanks
Please start your own thread and don't hijack this person's. That way you can get the specialized help you may need.
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Apr 29, 2016 5:48 AM in response to rmspmsby Barney-15E,What do you mean by "stop adware?"
If you want to avoid it, here are some good tips: How to install adware
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Apr 29, 2016 6:03 AM in response to rmspmsby WZZZ,There is no reason to be afraid of using Malwarebytes for Mac. It is safe, effective, recommended by many Apple Tech support staff, as well as the overwhelming majority of higher level, advanced contributors to this site. It will NOT leave your computer more vulnerable to attack.