How to get rid of genieo search on safari?

Hi, installed on the 29.05.2014 from http://leica-las-af-lite.software.informer.com/. I was trying to install LAS-Lite software (free "light" version of Leica LAS-AF software that deals with microscopy images). I did not get LAS-lite, but Genieo and Tuneupmymac became simultaneously installed (I had no idea what Genieo was, though it's some sort of installer, it was late and I needed to finish a piece of work). InstallMac folder has exactly the same downloading time as all the Genieo bits and TUMM.

Safari extensions folder has one file Extensions.plist, and in it what I can see is

Thanks again for you help!

>>containing a Reset Search application

perhaps the same as this one, that genieo are now offering 'on request'. Apparently they feel that it's not their responsibility to put things back as they were, after uninstalling the insidious adware that they peddle.

http://storage.googleapis.com/installmac-site/uninstall/Uninstaller.dmg

Okay, I found a copy there, and ran it on a test system. There's really nothing new about it except for that InstallMac folder in the Applications folder. Interestingly, the Reset Search application found in that folder does seem to contain some of the items installed by other variants of Genieo, but they don't seem to actually get installed, even when you run the Reset Search application. I can't think of any reason why they're in there, other than just typical Genieo sloppiness.

Running Reset Search does not actually seem to do anything. It doesn't remove anything, as far as I can tell, other than itself. Your browser's home page remains set to Genieo's search page. I don't recommend running it yourself, as it serves no useful purpose, which is suspicious.

In any case, I don't see any reason for Safari to be crashing for you. Have you restarted your computer since removing Genieo? If not, throw that InstallMac folder in the trash and restart. If that doesn't help, it's also possible this could be due to TuneUpMyMac, so make sure to remove that as well.

Computer had been re-started, as in instructions. Now, TUMM is uninstalled (with all its bits) and IstallMac is trashed, trash emptied and all re-started. Safari no better, but at least everything else seems (?) ok. I'll just get Safari from the backup then. Thanks again.

Hi there,

I have found all files listed above and deleted them, but the app itself still remains in my computer. I cannot quit the app and put it in trash bin. If I use Control + left-click, contextual menu does not list Quit as an option. If I go to Force Quit there is no Genieo app listed.

I tried to restart my computer, and it is still open. I do not see it as an open window and I quit Safari, but in every attempt to put this app into Trash I get a message that the app is still open.

Please help!

Quit it from the icon in the menu bar:

Nothing happened. The system says that it is still open((((

Open Activity Monitor (it's in /Applications/Utilities) & try to locate the app/process there.

If you see it, select it & use the Quit Process button, choosing force-quit if necessary.

Finally!!! Thanks a lot!

Should I clean my Mac again from these all genieo files?

It can't hurt to check; or there's an automated tool available at http://www.thesafemac.com/art

Thank you for your advice! Just to check, when I search the system - applications and the library - no search results come up for Genieo any more and the search control thing has gone. Does this mean the thing has completely left my system? Out of curiosity, how does it get installed in the first place? I'm sure no-one would intentionally install that!

Thanks again!!

Note that Linc's instructions in the message you replied to are outdated. They won't remove all items installed by the most recent variants of Genieo. See the links to The Safe Mac posted elsewhere throughout this topic for fully up-to-date instructions.

Also, as to how Genieo gets installed, there are many ways. For a sampling of some, see the articles I've written on that topic:

http://www.thesafemac.com/tag/genieo/

(Fair disclosure: The Safe Mac is my site, and contains a Donate button, so I may receive compensation for providing links to The Safe Mac. Donations are not required.)

weency2012 wrote:

Out of curiosity, how does it get installed in the first place? I'm sure no-one would intentionally install that!

It often comes packaged with other third party software downloaded from the likes of Softpedia and C|Net's download.com. When you installed software found there there was a notice that you missed which told you Genieo was also being installed and there's usually a check box that you can uncheck to avoid it.

Going forward, download all third party software from the AppStore or the developer's web site. MacUpdate doesn't seem to have adopted this tactic yet, so I do use them at time. Obviously, always pay attention to all the dialog boxes that open during the application process and keep your GateKeeper activated at all times.

Linc -- How very kind of you to take the time help us out of this slimy, infested pit. My MacBook Pro -- the first Mac laptop I've ever owned -- was all of two weeks old. Thanks a million. -peter

Thank you thank you thank you!

I downloaded admedic and it got rid of hidden genieo files i had! I got rid of bing finally!!!

Thank you!