MacKeeper transferred from external hard drive?

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Level 1

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MacKeeper transferred from external hard drive?

Hi everyone,

I'm afraid this may not be the right platform to ask this question, but I'm a bit anxious about a MacKeeper issue, and if you can't help me here, I'd appreciate any information that could point me in the right direction.

I have been using a MacBook Pro for a long time. A while ago I had installed MacKeeper, which I (thought I) removed but I only recently realised the amount of issues it has been causing me. My WiFi card seems to have stopped working properly and up to this point I don't know if it is actually a hardware issue or if it could be caused by MacKeeper. I have been following much advice, used adware removal apps (like Malware Bytes, for instance), blocked cookies etc and basically did whatever I could to remove this thing. From what I can tell it has worked? Though my WiFi issue persists.

I have recently purchased an iMac for me and my work and I figured, I'll just clean up my external hard drives, clean up my MacBook and completely wipe it once more. Unfortunately though, I connected my external hard drive to my iMac, because I didn't think any MacKeeper files would be on this. Since I have done this, I notice similar issues on my iMac as I have on my MacBook with additional MacKeeper cookies that keep regenerating in my browser (Chrome), previously on my MacBook they had only appeared in Safari.

Running adware removal apps does nothing on my iMac, which I guess is because I have never installed MacKeeper on it, but the MacKeeper cookies keep coming back and I'm pretty nervous that this thing might be eating into my system on this computer as well now.

Has anybody experienced something like this or can anybody give any advice for this particular case? I feel like MacKeeper acts like a virus rather than just simple adware.

Posted on Sep 17, 2015 4:23 AM

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Answer 1

JimmyCMPIT

Level 7

29,306 points

Sep 17, 2015 6:22 AM in response to chuls

to reset Safari

Open Safari

go to

Safari>Clear history and website data

to reset chrome

In the top-right corner of the browser window, click the Chrome menu
Select Settings.
At the bottom, click Show advanced settings.
Under the section "Reset settings,” click Reset settings.
In the dialog that appears, click Reset.

to completely remove all traces of mackeeper

http://www.macworld.com/article/2861435/how-to-uninstall-mackeeper-from-your-mac .html

keep in mind some sites you visit may continue to bombard you with mackeeper adds, this is not mackeeper

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Answer 2

JimmyCMPIT

Level 7

29,306 points

Sep 17, 2015 6:22 AM in response to chuls

Mackeeper is not adware or malware so the removal tools will not address it's presence on your system, you could call it "scam ware" or "nuisance ware" but it's an application that has a distinct category outside of adware/malware.

if problems persist after reset and removal you can post an Etrecheck report here to determine if there are other applications that could be causing issues.

http://www.etresoft.com/etrecheck

As for the wi-fi there are reports of some users turning off bluetooth with varying degrees of success. While this may not be productive it's an easy thing to test.

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Answer 3

Klaus1

Level 9

52,879 points

Sep 17, 2015 5:49 AM in response to chuls

Do not install MacKeeper (and how to uninstall it if you have):

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

It contains a major security flaw, recently noted:

http://www.macnn.com/articles/15/05/08/contentious.utility.ignored.apple.guideli nes.created.zero.day.exploit.128538/

There is currently a class-action against MacKeeper:

http://www.macworld.com/article/2927032/ads-for-mackeeper-refunds-will-run-on-fa cebook.html#tk.nl_mwbest

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Answer 4

chuls Author

Level 1

0 points

Sep 17, 2015 6:25 AM in response to chuls

Thanks for the replies.

Resetting Chrome seems to have solved the issue on my iMac so far. I'm just really concerned that this happened without me really knowing the cause. I'm quite careful not to install anything stupid on this, as I use it for work first and foremost.

I have yet to completely clean my MacBook and hard drives completely. I just hope I can remove all traces.

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Answer 5

JimmyCMPIT

Level 7

29,306 points

Sep 17, 2015 6:37 AM in response to chuls

I've seen the ads for this pop up on specific sites and I've never even contemplated downloading this thing so it very much depends on what your browsing habits are. For a time you-tube was spamming me with mac keeper ads. I use Chrome but I do not trust it, aside from that it's a memory hog and it knows more about me than I do!

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Answer 6

chuls Author

Level 1

0 points

Sep 17, 2015 6:45 AM in response to JimmyCMPIT

Well what happened was that all kinds of sites suddenly redirected to ads (including MacKeeper) as well as pages that were blocked by Chrome with a warning that it would lead to a Phishing website that is located on MacKeeper server. I started noticing it today when I went on ae.tutsplus.com, but I doubt Envato would be the issue.

Do you think it's possible that something would have been transferred from the external hard drive or is it just a weird coincidence?

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Answer 7

Eric Root

Level 10

685,293 points

Sep 17, 2015 11:34 AM in response to chuls

Safari/Browsers - Eliminating browser redirects and advertisements

Safari/Browsers - Eliminating browser redirects and advertisements (2)

MacKeeper Removal

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Answer 8

JimmyCMPIT

Level 7

29,306 points

Sep 17, 2015 11:57 AM in response to chuls

chrome might be watching your habits going to mac sites and triggering pop-ups for that product - the internet is a dodgy place. Google the phrase "Contact Apple Support" and the first hit is a self proclaimed "Microsoft Partner" that has been cited in numerous class action suits.

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