Q: Deleting Installer Files on Mac
So for the past few weeks, my Mac has suddenly started slowing down to a point where it's unusable, and I have to force shut down. After that, it's fine, until it happens again.
So, I opened up my Activity Monitor to check to see if anything was using any high CPU or Memory. Under both, I found 3 files named "Installer" that were using 90% of my memory and CPU! They were only present when my computer was running extremely slow, though. So, I quit them, and the instant I quit them, you can see the memory/cpu usage drop from about 90% to about 5% usage. Obviously I know this shouldn't be happening, and quitting them seems to be working, temporarily.. The files keep coming back about twice a day, and I have to repeat the process.
It's not a huge deal now that I found what's causing the lag spike, it's just annoying to have to have Activity Monitor open all the time, and to be ready to close the Installer files when the lag spike occurs. It's happened to me a few times while trying to take notes in class, which can cause a lot of headache trying to get my computer back up and running in a short amount of time.
Does anyone know what this could be caused from? Each time, I'm closing out of the Installer files, so I figured they would be gone, but they seem to keep coming back. It's very strange.
iMac (21.5-inch Mid 2011), iOS 10
Posted on Sep 15, 2016 9:23 AM
Thanks.
First, ensure you have a reliable backup of your Mac, in case something should go wrong with continued troubleshooting. To learn how to do that please read Use Time Machine to back up or restore your Mac - Apple Support. A backup is a fundamental prerequisite, regardless of your preferred method to uninstall adware, and would apply even if your Mac were running perfectly well.
This step is optional but will preclude any related inability to use your Mac: Restart in "Safe Mode", and log in: Try safe mode if your Mac doesn't finish starting up - Apple Support. Starting in Safe Mode takes longer than usual so let it finish.
In the first screenshot (/Library/LaunchDaemons) select the files containing the names "InstallMac", "Manroling", and "Smokyashan". Leave the others alone. Drag that selection of files to the Trash. You will be asked to authenticate. Confirm they are no longer present in that folder.
Next: open Safari and select the Safari menu > Preferences... > Extensions. If you see any Extensions that you do not recognize or understand, simply click the Uninstall button and they will be gone. No Safari Extensions are required for normal operation. Then, select the General pane and review your Homepage selection. Repeat those equivalent actions for any other browser you may use.
You can then restart your Mac and use it normally.
Next: if you want to eradicate all remaining adware remnants post a screenshot of the following folder, in the same manner as you did earlier:
~/Library/Application Support
It is normal for that folder to contain many items, but anything associated with the above adware will bear identical names ("manroling" etc). They can be removed if you wish, but don't remove anything if you are uncertain.
There may also be adware-associated programs in your Mac's Applications folder. Anything unwanted should be obvious to you, but again don't remove anything if you are uncertain.
Posted on Sep 17, 2016 5:35 PM






