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Mac File Opener Unwanted Application (Mac)

Also Known As: Mac File Opener potentially unwanted program
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What is Mac File Opener?

Mac File Opener is another deceptive application that claims to allow users to open various file types that cannot be opened using Mac applications installed by default.

By offering this feature, Mac File Opener attempts to give the impression of legitimacy, however, this app is likely to infiltrate systems without users’ permission. Therefore, it is categorized as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA).

Mac File Opener unwanted application

As mentioned above, Mac File Opener typically infiltrates systems without permission. There is a high probability that this app came together with a number of other rogue applications, such as adware or browser hijackers. Adware-type apps deliver various intrusive advertisements.

To achieve this, developers use tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, the ads often conceal underlying content, thereby diminishing the browsing experience. Furthermore, they might redirect to malicious websites and execute scripts that stealthily download and install malware.

In addition, intrusive advertisements continually record user-system information (IP addresses, website URLs visited, pages viewed, etc.) relating to web browsing habits. The data typically includes personal details that developers share with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who generate revenue by misusing private data.

Therefore, information tracking can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. As with adware, browser hijackers gather sensitive information, however, these programs are also designed to cause unwanted redirects.

Browser hijackers essentially infiltrate browsers and modify settings (typically the homepage, default search engine, and new tab URL) so that users continually encounter redirects to various dubious websites (most of which are fake web search engines).

These redirects also significantly diminish the browsing experience. In summary, if Mac File Opener has infiltrated your computer without your consent, uninstall this PUA, check the list of other installed applications/browser plug-ins, and eliminate any suspicious entries.

Threat Summary:
Name Mac File Opener potentially unwanted program
Threat Type Mac malware, Mac virus
Symptoms Your Mac became slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you get redirected to shady websites.
Distribution methods Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers, torrent file downloads.
Damage Internet browsing tracking (potential privacy issues), displaying of unwanted ads, redirects to shady 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.

There are dozens of potentially unwanted applications that share many similarities, including UnzipPro, CompariShop, and Zoztov.

Most offer 'useful features', however, potentially unwanted programs are designed only to generate revenue for the developers. Claims to enable 'useful features' are merely attempts to give the impression of legitimacy. Rather than enabling the functionality promised, PUPs cause unwanted redirects, deliver intrusive advertisements and gather sensitive information.

How did Mac File Opener install on my computer?

Developers distribute Mac File Opener via the "bundling" method (stealth installation of third party applications together with regular software) and intrusive advertisements. Therefore, although Mac File Opener has an official download website, it typically infiltrates systems without users’ permission.

Developers know that users often rush download/installation processes and skip steps. Therefore, all "bundled" apps are hidden within "Custom/Advanced" settings (or other sections) of these procedures. Skipping download/installation steps often leads to inadvertent installation of apps such as Mac File Opener.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

Lack of knowledge and careless behavior are the main reasons for computer infections. The key to computer safety is caution. Therefore, pay close attention when browsing the Internet and downloading/installing software.

Bear in mind that most intrusive ads seem legitimate, but once clicked, redirect to dubious websites (gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.) If you encounter these ads, immediately remove all dubious applications and browser plug-ins. Furthermore, carefully analyze each window of the download/installation dialogs and opt-out of all additionally-included programs.

We strongly advise you to download your programs from official sources only, using direct download links. Third party downloaders/installers are monetized using the "bundling" method, and thus should never be used. If your computer is already infected with adware, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate these infections.

Screenshot of Mac File Opener PUA:

Potentially unwanted application Mac File Opener

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:

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

Mac File Opener removal:

Remove Mac File Opener-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

mac adware removal from 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

Mac Go To Folder step

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

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

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

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

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

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

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

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

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

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

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

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

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

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

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

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

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

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

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

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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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.