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How to uninstall CompleteReady adware

Also Known As: Ads by CompleteReady
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What is CompleteReady?

CompleteReady is one of many applications that supposedly improve the browsing experience, include features, and are useful in various ways. In fact, CompleteReady is a potentially unwanted application (PUA), an adware-type application that serves advertisements.

Additionally, it promotes Safe Finder through akamaihd.net and might also record information. Commonly, users do not download or install adware intentionally - this is the main reason why these apps are categorized as PUAs.

CompleteReady adware

Adware serves coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups and other advertisements. When clicked, these can open dubious, potentially malicious websites or execute scripts to download/install unwanted software. Apps such as CompleteReady often collect various user-system information.

They target data such as IP addresses, entered search queries, addresses of opened/visited sites, geolocations, and other browsing data, however, they might also collect private, sensitive information. Furthermore, the developers sell the information to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse it to generate revenue in other ways.

In summary, people with CompleteReady or similar adware installed on their browsers or computers risk becoming victims of identity theft, experiencing issues relating to online privacy, browsing safety, and other problems. CompleteReady and other PUAs of this type can never be trusted. If PUAs are already installed on your system, remove them immediately.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by CompleteReady
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus.
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-G [Adw]), BitDefender (Adware.MAC.Generic.16266), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Fortinet (Adware/Synataeb!OSX), Full List (VirusTotal)
Additional Information This application belongs to the 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), 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.

DisplaySuccess, CoordinatorMedia, and DataHandler are the names of apps that are also classified as adware (there are many others). They are supposedly useful, however, most are designed only to generate revenue for the developers. They can cause unwanted downloads/installations and many other problems.

How did CompleteReady install on my computer?

One of the most common ways that PUAs are distributed is via a marketing method called "bundling". I.e., by including these apps into the download/installation set-ups of other software as 'additional offers'. These are listed in "Advanced", "Custom" or other settings.

When users download and install their programs without checking and changing the default settings, they often allow for extra PUAs to infiltrate. These apps are also downloaded/installed through deceptive ads that run certain scripts, however, only when people click the ads.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

Software should be downloaded from official websites and via direct links. Avoid torrent clients, eMule and other Peer-to-Peer networks, third party downloaders and installers. These channels are often used to distribute unwanted, malicious programs. Check all download/installation set-ups and decline offers to download or install PUAs.

Do not click intrusive advertisements that are shown on dubious websites, since these can open untrusted websites or cause download/installation of unwanted apps. Remove any unwanted/unknown, suspicious extensions, add-ons and plug-ins installed on the browser, and programs of this kind installed on the operating system.

If your computer is already infected with CompleteReady, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once CompleteReady installation is complete:

pop-up displayed once CompleteReady installation is done

CompleteReady redirecting users to Safe Finder website via akamaihd.net:

CompleteReady redirecting users to Safe Finder website via akamaihd.net

CompleteReady installation folder:

completeready adware contents 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:

Video showing how to remove CompleteReady adware using Combo Cleaner:

CompleteReady adware removal:

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

mac browser hijacker 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.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Removal Instructions in other languages
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

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

QR Code
Ads by CompleteReady QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by CompleteReady on your mobile device.
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