Q: how can I check for malware

Fixes for Adware and Pop-ups:

1. Malwarebytes
2. DetectX 2.11
3. Remove adware that displays pop-up ads and graphics on your Mac
4. Stop pop-up ads and adware in Safari - Apple Support

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.

Just curious... how did you purchase it from Apple? Just wondering if you inadvertently used something which appeared to be Apple but was not.

Apple doesn't sell Microsoft products for downloading. You've evidently downloaded and run some malware.

In my opinion you need to perform a full reinstall at this point, something along these lines:

     http://www.thesafemac.com/how-to-reinstall-mac-os-x-from-scratch/

although the precise instructions will depend on the age of your Mac.

It may be possible to selectively remove some malware by deleting launch daemons and extensions, but you will never be sure that you haven't missed something that is more sinister.

C.

Please do not be afraid to run 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.

You don't have any adware, unless it takes the form of browser extensions. You also haven't stated what your problem is. So I can only reiterate that you should never use "anti-virus" or "anti-malware" software on a Mac for any reason.

My Macbook is running sluggish (little circle spins all the time), freezes frequently, and has now begun to restart itself.

Your problems have nothing to do with malware. Please start your own discussion in the forum for your OS version, and give it a descriptive title.

Okay, thanks.