Cannot move Genieo to trash

Genieo - how to remove:

http://www.thesafemac.com/arg-genieo/

(from Thomas A reed)

Run Malwarebytes for Mac.

https://www.malwarebytes.org/antimalware/mac/

If that doesn't remove it, then see Re: AdwareMedic "Adware signature file appears to be corrupt"? where the developer has given an explanation for this, as well as a small patch file to download--which, note, by this time is most likely not needed, as it may already have been incorporated directly into Malwarebytes.

See my post above.

No need for any concern. Malwarebytes for Mac is completely safe--recommended by Apple Tech Support reps and many high level contributors to this site (including the developer of the program, who has been a contributor here for many years, and known to many of us). I have used it myself and have no doubts about it.

i am slightly concerned about downloading unfamiliar programs

So you should be. That's how you become infected with malware. No "anti-virus" or "anti-malware" software should ever be used on a Mac for any reason, no matter who tells you to. That's how you cause problems, not how you solve them.

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 an older variant of the "Genieo" or "InstallMac" ad-injection malware. Please follow the instructions on this Apple Support page to remove it.

Back up all data before making any changes.

In addition to the files listed in the support article, you may also have some of the following:

~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.Installer.completer.download.plist

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

~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.Installer.completer.update.plist

~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.spigot.SearchProtection.plist

~/Library/Application Support/IM.Installer

Removing these files, if they exist, is optional if you've already followed Apple's instructions.

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," "CNET Download," or "SourceForge." Never visit any 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.

Boot into Safe Mode, Mac OS X: Starting up in Safe Mode, and try to move it to the Trash from there.

A simple, quick and safe way to remove adware and malware is to download and use Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Macs. It's was developed by one of the most respected and top contributors in the ASC forums and recommended by nearly all of the top contributors here.

Please do not be intimidated or scared into not using this perfectly safe program. If you allow that to happen, you will be left with no choice but to delve into files deep in the Mac with which you may not be familiar--possibly making mistakes that will leave you with a problem worse than not being able to remove Genieo.

Using MalwareBytes for Mac is has also been recommended by the Apple hosts here in the ASC:

Any web browser.

You're now one of the few users of this site with any knowledge of how to deal with a malware infection. I hope you'll share what you know with others.