removal of adware virus

I am using Mac OS X El Capitan, and managed to accidentally download MacAdware Cleaner when downloading a software update. How do I remove it?

MacBook, iOS 10.0.2, Mac Adware virus - can't remove it

Posted on Oct 17, 2016 3:12 PM

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1 reply

Oct 17, 2016 3:24 PM in response to maryfromlosaltos

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


[Please ignore remarks such as "Don't use any kind of "anti-virus" or "anti-malware" product on a Mac." Such remonstrations are an exaggeration. They may be needed in some situations, but need not be installed or used for all circumstances. Furthermore, adware removal programs make the job of removal much easier. They require no permanent installation to remove adware or other types of malware. They do no damage, and they don't make you more vulnerable to attack.]

Why remove it if it helps remove adware? But if you wish to do so:

Basics for Uninstalling Software


Most OS X applications are completely self-contained "packages" that can be uninstalled by simply dragging the application to the Trash. Applications may create preference files that are stored in the /Home/Library/Preferences/ folder. Although they do nothing once you delete the associated application, they do take up some disk space. If you want you can look for them in the above location and delete them, too.


Some applications may install an uninstaller program that can be used to remove the application. If you cannot find the uninstaller then you could download the freeware, Easy Find, to locate files that need to be removed. The places you need to search include:


  1. /Home/Library/Applications Support/ folder. Check if the application has created a folder then delete the folder that's in the Applications Support folder.
  2. Applications may install a startupitem or a Log In item. Startupitems are usually installed in the /Library/StartupItems/ folder or the /Home/Library/StartupItems/ folder. Log In Items are set in the Users & Groups preferences. Open it inSystem Preferences, then click on the LogIn Items tab. Select the item from the list and click on the Delete [-] button to remove it.
  3. Some software use startup daemons or agents. Look for them in /Library/LaunchAgents/ and /Library/LaunchDaemons/ or in /Home/Library/LaunchAgents/.


Some applications install a receipt in the /Library/Receipts/ folder. Usually with the same name as the program or the developer. The item generally has a ".pkg" extension. Be sure you also delete this item as some programs use it to determine if it's already installed.


There are many utilities that can uninstall applications. Here is a selection:


  1. AppZapper
  2. AppDelete
  3. Hazel
  4. AppCleaner
  5. CleanApp
  6. iTrash
  7. AppBolish
  8. AppUninstaller
  9. Uninstaller


For more information visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQ on removing software.

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removal of adware virus

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