How can I uninstall Mackeeper if the folder isn't in my apps?

Question

Level 4

1,235 points

How can I uninstall Mackeeper if the folder isn't in my apps?

There are a lot of threads about Mackeeper on the messageboards but all the removal instructions tell users to delete the Mackeeper folder from Applications. There is no Mackeeper folder anywhere on my hard drive nor on my backup drive. I didn't install it in the first place. The window just popped up from nowhere; it wouldn't let me shut down or allow me to drag it to the trash.

When I tried to install the security software Apple issued for Snow Leopard, I got a message that it doesn't work with my operating system, which is SL.

Then just as quickly as it appeared, the Mackeeper window vanished. But I'm still nervous about it. It must surely be somewhere on my hard drive and I don't want it messing up my computer.

I'm also curious to know how I got it when I didn't download it. Does it come through Safari?

Thanx for all suggestions.

Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Aug 30, 2012 8:25 AM

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Answer 1

CMCSK

Level 6

11,452 points

Aug 30, 2012 8:31 AM in response to Jane Garcia

It must surely be somewhere on my hard drive and I don't want it messing up my computer.

If it is still on your hardrive, Find File will find it and Spotlight.

I'm also curious to know how I got it when I didn't download it.

Who else has access to your computer? Downloads do not happen all by themselves unless your computer is possessed or has a mind of its own. 😝

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Answer 2

seventy one

Level 7

27,430 points

Aug 30, 2012 8:33 AM in response to Jane Garcia

How you contacted it could be difficult to trace. How to get rid of it is detailed in the link that follows.

How to uninstall MacKeeper – updated « Phil Stokes

Most people acknowledge this as the definitive article on the subject.

Do read and hopefully make use of.

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Answer 3

Klaus1

Level 9

52,749 points

Aug 30, 2012 10:21 AM in response to Jane Garcia

MacKeeper say that the uninstaller from here:

http://applehelpwriter.wordpress.com/2011/09/21/how-to-uninstall-mackeeper-malwa re/

now works.

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Answer 4

Jane Garcia Author

Level 4

1,235 points

Aug 30, 2012 7:42 PM in response to Klaus1

The removal instructions say this:

If you have used MacKeeper to encrypt any data, unencrypt it now. If you remove MacKeeper without unencrypting your data first, you will not be able to access it later. This only applies to data encrypted with MacKeeper, and not data encrypted using Mac OS built-in encryption services or using any other program.

My problem is that I never installed Mackeeper so I'm not sure if I can use the uninstaller to get rid of it.

It must have come along with something else I downloaded--maybe Vuze because I have an annoying Vuze toolbar I'd like to get rid of too.

But I've searched for Mackeeper using Spotlight; I've checked my applications; there is no file called Mackeeper on my computer or my backup drive.

All I know is that a screen popped up this morning about Mackeeper and I couldn't get rid of the screen; I tried quitting Safari and it wouldn't let me. It wouldn't let me restart. Then it just disappeared.

So should I install the uninstaller?

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Answer 5

seventy one

Level 7

27,430 points

Aug 30, 2012 11:38 PM in response to Jane Garcia

If you have installed Chrome or some of the extentions, I know from experience that that is a possible source for MacKeeper. The screen is usually accompanied by a positive suggestion that you have already installed MacKeeper.

Incidentally, there is a very useful little app (free in the App Store) called Easy Find. It was very helpful when I was removing traces of MacKeeper.

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Answer 6

Jane Garcia Author

Level 4

1,235 points

Aug 31, 2012 7:06 AM in response to seventy one

Wow. What a great app that is! Thanx for recommending it.

Easy Find found 5 Mackeeper files, four of them in Chrome. I deleted them. It also found one in Safari in a folder called Metadata. However, I couldn't find Mackeeper in there.

Are there any browsers that are safe from this thing? And how do I stop it coming back?

The shock to me was the number of files in the folders where the Mackeeper was. How many of those do I need? If I clear the cache will that get rid of them?

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Answer 7

seventy one

Level 7

27,430 points

Aug 31, 2012 7:13 AM in response to Jane Garcia

Interesting you found them in Chrome ... that's what I found too. Clearing the cache may help but Easy Find helps you to do it manually ... and thereby more thoroughly.

How to stop it coming back? Be careful where you click 😁

Glad I was able to be of help.

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Answer 8

Jane Garcia Author

Level 4

1,235 points

Aug 31, 2012 9:37 PM in response to seventy one

There is still that one file that Easy Find lists as being in the Metadata file in Safari but I don't see it.

Thank you for all your help with this. Would it be harmful to clean out some of those files where I found Mackeeper? It looks like every page i've ever clicked on is in there!

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Answer 9

seventy one

Level 7

27,430 points

Aug 31, 2012 11:13 PM in response to Jane Garcia

This is a useful piece of reading. Pay particular attention to the warnings sbout Zeobit.

Thomas' Tech Corner » Beware MacKeeper

As far as Safari is concerned I would reset Safari. And make sure "block all pop up windows" is checked.

Can't see any problem with clearing out files that you know are not needed.

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Answer 10

WZZZ

Level 6

13,226 points

Sep 1, 2012 6:03 AM in response to Jane Garcia

Jane Garcia wrote:

There is still that one file that Easy Find lists as being in the Metadata file in Safari but I don't see it.

Thank you for all your help with this. Would it be harmful to clean out some of those files where I found Mackeeper? It looks like every page i've ever clicked on is in there!

Select the file from EF, then choose "Reveal in Finder from the EF Menu. This should bring you to the exact file, among hundreds or more which appear in:

~/Library/Caches/Metadata/Safari/Bookmarks or History

~/Library is your home folder Library.

Then delete it.

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