Need help removing malware/adware

Question

Need help removing malware/adware

Hello!

I have a problem. Over the past few days I accidently downloaded some applications that must have contained some malware/adware. I've tried everything to get rid of it, but still am having annoying pop-ups in new tabs on my Chrome and Safari. My Macbook is OS X Yosemite version 10.10.03.

I've tried....

- removing ALL applications that I'm not familiar with

- clearing browser settings, including changing the set homepage, etc.

- uninstalling Chrome and reinstalling

- searching under Finder -> Go for different virus' locations that I've seen

- Installing trusted virus/malware scanner (they found some files and removed them but after 2 scans, they stopped finding anything and I'm still having the issue)

I've also read that you can use Time Machine to back up to a previous date. Well, lucky (and by lucky I mean stupid) me never did that. So that's not an option either.

The ads that pop up are either...

- MacKeeper

- Mac-related softwares

- Weird NSFW sites

- Other (random, business ones)

I'm at a complete loss at what to do, I've searched and searched. 😟 I'm more familiar with Windows, and I'm semi hesitant about using terminals unless I have a detailed explanation.

Any/all help is appreciated.

Also, I'm sure this is in the wrong category but couldn't find anything else.

Thank you,

Shelby

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Yosemite (10.10.3)

Posted on Sep 30, 2016 10:47 PM

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Answer 1

dominic23

Level 10

83,904 points

Oct 1, 2016 3:27 AM in response to reconsideringart

You will have t do this after starting up in Safe Mode to prevent adware

from interfering with the removal of adware .

1. 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.

Screen flickering is normal in Safe Mode.

Login to your account. Launch Safari.

Enter this address https://www.malwarebytes.org/antimalware/mac/

in the Safari address bar.

Download, Install , open, and run it by clicking “Scan” button to remove adware, if present.

Once done, quit MalwareBytes.

2. Safari > Preferences > Extensions

Turn all extensions off

or uninstall all extensions you haven’t installed knowingly.

3. Safari > Preferences > Search > Search Engine :

Select your preferred search engine.

4. Safari > Preferences > General > Homepage:

Set your Homepage.

5. Restart normally using the "Restart" button.

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