Remove ads caused by GeneralNetSearch adware

What is GeneralNetSearch?

The GeneralNetSearch application is identical to GlobalTechSearch, Resourcetools, and SimpleProExtension. These apps supposedly provide features to enhance the browsing experience, however, they are simply adware-type apps that deliver unwanted ads and force users to visit dubious websites.

When a search query is entered, GeneralNetSearch redirects users to a third party web page and then opens a list of search results generated by Google. Typically, people download and install these apps unintentionally.

GeneralNetSearch allows users to access search results from Google only after loading a dubious web page, since this generates/increases traffic and gathers entered search queries. Other adware type apps similar to GeneralNetSearch might promote the Yahoo or Bing search engines.

These are legitimate search engines and not associated with this or other similar/identical adware. After installation, these apps show advertisements such as coupons, banners, surveys, pop-up ads, and so on. When clicked, they usually open sites that should not be trusted. In other cases, they might run scripts that start downloading and installing unwanted apps.

Furthermore, adware-type applications are often designed to collect information relating to users' browsing activities such as IP addresses, addresses of opened web pages, entered search queries, geolocations, and so on. Unfortunately, some adware is also used to gather personal, sensitive details.

Adware developers share the details with third parties who might be cyber criminals. These people often misuse private data to generate revenue. Therefore, having adware installed on your browser or computer can cause privacy/browsing safety issues, unwanted downloads, installations, and other issues. Do not use these apps or keep them installed on your system.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by GeneralNetSearch
Threat Type	Mac malware, Mac virus
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), fake flash player installers, 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.

There are many apps that are categorized as adware. Most people do not download or install them intentionally. When installed, however, they help developers/distributors to generate revenue by feeding users with unwanted ads and collecting information relating to browsing habits.

How did GeneralNetSearch install on my computer?

As we mentioned above, people often download and install adware through deceptive ads, however, apps of this type can also be downloaded/installed through setups of other software - when they are promoted by developers who use a deceptive marketing method called "bundling".

To trick people into unintentional downloads and installations, developers hide unwanted apps in settings such as "Advanced", "Custom" and other similar parts of the set-ups. Information about these additionally-included applications is not properly disclosed, however, unwanted downloads/installations can only occur when people fail to make changes to the set-ups.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

Use only trustworthy (official) websites to download or install software, and NOT third party downloaders (or installers), Peer-to-Peer networks such as torrent clients, eMule, dubious web pages, or other similar channels. Check all the available "Advanced", "Custom", "Manual" and other settings/options of any download or installation setup.

Dismiss offers to download or install unwanted apps, change browser settings, and so on, and only then complete the download or installation process. Bear in mind that intrusive ads should not be trusted or clicked. They can open dubious web pages relating to gambling, pornography, adult dating, and other similar sites.

Remove any unknown/unwanted applications (extensions, plug-ins, add-ons) installed on the browser or unknown/unwanted programs installed the operating system. If your computer is already infected with GeneralNetSearch, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once GeneralNetSearch installation is over:

Screenshot of files in the GeneralNetSearch installation folder:

GeneralNetSearch installed as an extension in Safari web browser:

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

Video showing how to remove GeneralNetSearch adware using Combo Cleaner:

GeneralNetSearch adware removal:

Remove GeneralNetSearch-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.

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