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Safari won't start after showing an error message: Safari can't use the extension "Omnibar" because the extension is no longer valid.

Since yesterday evening (19-01-2015) safari won't start. After clicking the safari application it shows an error message: Safari can't use the extension "Omnibar" because the extension is no longer valid.

User uploaded file

This message almost directly disappears whereupon the Problem Report opens. I've tried to find a solution on the web but without succes.


I'm running OS X Yosemite version 10.10.1 and Safari version 8.0.2 on a:

MacBook Pro (Retina 13-inch, Mid 2014)

Processor 3 GHz Intel Core i7

Memory 16 GB 1600 MHz DDR3

Graphics Intel Iris 1536 MB


Since I updated to Yosemite I've been having multiple problems. I already read a clean install will solve most of them. But till then I would love safari to work again.


Thanks!

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Yosemite (10.10.1)

Posted on Jan 20, 2015 11:25 AM

Reply
2 replies

Jan 20, 2015 11:36 AM in response to Mark Sander

This can happen if adware Genieo is installed without your knowledge. Removing it will help,


1. Download and use free AdwareMedic to remove the adware


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


Install , open, and run it by clicking “Scan for Adware” button to remove adware.

Once done, quit AdwareMedic.


or


Remove the adware manually by following the “HowTo” from Apple.

http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203987



2. Safari > Preferences > Extensions

Turn those off and relaunch Safari to test .

Turn those on one by one and test.




Note:

If you don’t have another browser installed,

startup into SafeMode, log into your account, launch Safari

and download AdwareMedic or the removal instructions from Apple.


How to start up into Safe Mode?

Shut down the computer.

Press the power button. Immediately after you hear the startup sound, press and hold the Shift key.

The Shift key should be pressed as soon as possible after startup,but not before the startup sound.

Release the Shift key when you see the Apple logo on the screen. Startup will take longer than usual.

Launch Safari. Follow the steps posted above to remove the adware.

Once done, quit Safari and restart the computer from  in the menu bar.


* Source: http://support.apple.com/kb/PH18760

Jan 20, 2015 3:22 PM in response to Mark Sander

There is no need to download anything to solve this problem.

If Safari crashes on launch and you don't have another web browser, you should be able to launch Safari by starting up in safe mode.

You may have installed the "Genieo" or "InstallMac" ad-injection malware. Follow the instructions on this Apple Support page to remove it.

Back up all data before making any changes.

Besides the files listed in the linked support article, you may also need to remove this file in the same way:

~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.genieo.completer.ltvbit.plist

If there are other items with a name that includes "Genieo" or "genieo" alongside any of those you find, remove them as well.

One of the steps in the article is to remove malicious Safari extensions. Do the equivalent in the Chrome and Firefox browsers, if you use either of those.

After removing the malware, remember to reset your home page in all the web browsers affected, if it was changed.

If you don't find any of the files or extensions listed, or if removing them doesn't stop the ad injection, then you may have one of the other kinds of adware covered by the support article. Follow the rest of the instructions in the article.

Make sure you don't repeat the mistake that led you to install the malware. Chances are you got it from an Internet cesspit such as "Softonic" or "CNET Download." Never visit either of those sites again. You might also have downloaded it from an ad in a page on some other site. The ad would probably have included a large green button labeled "Download" or "Download Now" in white letters. The button is designed to confuse people who intend to download something else on the same page. If you ever download a file that isn't obviously what you expected, delete it immediately.

In the Security & Privacy pane of System Preferences, select the General tab. The radio button marked Anywhere should not be selected. If it is, click the lock icon to unlock the settings, then select one of the other buttons. After that, don't ignore a warning that you are about to run or install an application from an unknown developer.

Still in System Preferences, open the App Store or Software Update pane and check the box marked

Install system data files and security updates (OS X 10.10 or later)

or

Download updates automatically (OS X 10.9 or earlier)

if it's not already checked.

Safari won't start after showing an error message: Safari can't use the extension "Omnibar" because the extension is no longer valid.

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