Removal instructions for the ClearPartition adware and the ads it displays

What kind of application is ClearPartition?

ClearPartition is the name of a rogue application that we discovered while reviewing file submissions to the VirusTotal website. Upon inspection, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware) from the AdLoad malware family. ClearPartition is designed to feed users with undesirable and potentially harmful advertisements.

ClearPartition adware overview

Adware operates by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, coupons, surveys, etc.) on visited websites and/or different interfaces. It is noteworthy that this software might require specific conditions to work as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visit to particular sites, etc.). Yet even if ClearPartition does not deliver ads – its presence on a system remains a threat.

Adware-displayed advertisements primarily endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and potential malware. Some of the adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.

Keep in mind that any genuine products/services encountered through these ads are most likely promoted by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Browser hijacker capabilities are common for AdLoad apps – however, ClearPartition did not exhibit these traits during our analysis.

Advertising-supported software typically has data-tracking functionalities, and this might be the case with ClearPartition. Information of interest may include: URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This vulnerable data can be monetized through sale to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of software like ClearPartition on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ClearPartition
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), Full List (VirusTotal)
Additional Information	This application belongs to Adload malware family.
Symptoms	Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites.
Distribution methods	Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), torrent file downloads.
Damage	Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information.
Malware Removal (Mac)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Adware examples

We have investigated numerous adware-type apps; AccessBrowser, UpgradeStoreApp, and SharedProjector are just a couple of our newest finds.

Software within this classification can appear legitimate and harmless. It often promises a broad range of functionalities, which are rarely operational. These features serve the purpose of bait that tricks users into downloading/installing the adware.

It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.

How did ClearPartition install on my computer?

"Bundling" – a marketing tactic wherein regular program installers are packed with unwanted/malicious supplements – is used in adware distribution.

The threat of allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping sections, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).

Adware is also promoted on legitimate-looking and deceptive webpages. Most visitors access these sites via redirects generated by misspelled URLs, pages employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is important to always research software before downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and trustworthy channels. When installing, we advise reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.

Another recommendation is to exercise caution while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, despite the ordinary/innocuous appearance – intrusive ads redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ClearPartition, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once ClearPartition adware's installation is over:

ClearPartition adware's installation folder:

Instant automatic Mac malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

• What is ClearPartition?
• STEP 1. Remove ClearPartition related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove ClearPartition ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove ClearPartition adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove ClearPartition ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove ClearPartition adware using Combo Cleaner:

ClearPartition adware removal:

Remove ClearPartition-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select "Applications". In the applications folder, look for "MPlayerX","NicePlayer", or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash.

After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.

Remove adware-related files and folders

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

In the "LaunchDaemons" folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example "com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist", "com.myppes.net-preferences.plist", "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist", "com.avickUpd.plist", etc., and move them to the Trash.

Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:

If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure your system is not infected, run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file, double click combocleaner.dmg installer. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.

Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide; otherwise, it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Remove malicious Safari extensions:

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for regular browser operation.

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

This software displays adverts that promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Its presence on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, adware tends to have data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. Primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing sides, apps, extensions, products, services, and other content.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ClearPartition adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate all adware-type applications present. It is worth mentioning that manual removal (performed without security software) might be ineffective. In some cases, file leftovers remain hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. Furthermore, the remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, thorough removal is essential.

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