How to remove RunningOptimizer adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
(updated)
How to remove RunningOptimizer from Mac computers
What is RunningOptimizer?
RunningOptimizer is classified as adware and a browser hijacker, since it feeds users with various advertisements and promotes the 0yrvtrh.com address by changing certain browser settings. Research shows that this app can also access sensitive information from browsers. Generally, users do not download or install apps such as RunningOptimizer (adware, browser hijackers) intentionally. Therefore, they are categorized as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).
Typically, adware-type apps serve banners, coupons, surveys, and pop-up ads that, if clicked, can open dubious websites. In some cases, they may be designed to execute scripts to download or even install PUAs. Most browser hijackers change browser settings such as the address of the default search engine, homepage, and new tab to an address of a fake search engine. Therefore, when a browser hijacker is installed on the browser and/or operating system, users are forced to visit a certain address when they open a browser, new tab or enter search queries into the URL bar. As mentioned, RunningOptimizer promotes 0yrvtrh.com in this manner. When this app is installed on Safari, 0yrvtrh.com redirects to search.yahoo.com, however, when installed on Chrome, it redirects to search.yahoo.com through adjustablesample.com. To stop browsers from opening 0yrvtrh.com or adjustablesample.com, RunningOptimizer must be uninstalled (and other apps that promote rogue addresses) from browsers and operating systems. RunningOptimizer can read sensitive information from browsers such as credit card details, passwords, and telephone numbers. Gathered information can be misused to make fraudulent purchases and transactions, steal personal accounts, identities, and for other malicious purposes. Therefore, you are strongly advised not to trust (download or install) apps such as RunningOptimizer.
| Name | Ads by RunningOptimizer |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus. |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), AVG (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.i), 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. |
There are many apps similar to RunningOptimizer including, for example, OperativeFraction, AdjustableSkill and NetProgress. Adware and browser hijackers are often promoted as useful programs that supposedly include various features, improve the browsing experience, etc, however, few operate as advertised. Generally, they are designed only to feed users with intrusive ads, gather information and change browser settings.
How did RunningOptimizer install on my computer?
In some cases, this happens when users accidentally (or intentionally) click various deceptive ads that run certain scripts, however, it more frequently happens when developers distribute PUAs using a marketing method called "bundling", which is used to trick users into downloading and installing PUAs with other software. This is achieved by including PUAs into the set-ups of other (usually free) programs as 'additional offers'. Usually, these offers can be found (and declined) in "Advanced", "Custom" and other similar settings of the set-ups. Unwanted downloads and installations are caused when users leave all of the aforementioned settings unchecked and unchanged. By leaving default settings unchanged, many users allow PUAs to infiltrate with software that they wish to download and install intentionally.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
Programs and files should be downloaded only from official, trustworthy websites and via direct links. It is not safe to download or install via third party downloaders, installers, Peer to-Peer networks (torrent clients, eMule), from dubious, unofficial websites or other similar sources, tools. Check all settings such as "Advanced" and "Custom" and decline offers to download or install unwanted, additionally-included applications. Do not click advertisements on untrusted websites, since they can promote (open) dubious pages or even download and install unwanted software. Remove any unwanted/suspicious extensions, plug-ins or add-ons already installed on the browser. The same applies to software of this kind that is installed on the operating system. If your computer is already infected with RunningOptimizer, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once RunningOptimizer installation is complete:
RunningOptimizer redirects to search.yahoo.com via 0yrvtrh.com (GIF):
RunningOptimizer installed on Safari:
RunningOptimizer installation folder:
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer 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 three days free trial available.
Quick menu:
- What is RunningOptimizer?
- STEP 1. Remove RunningOptimizer related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove RunningOptimizer ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove RunningOptimizer adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove RunningOptimizer ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove RunningOptimizer adware using Combo Cleaner:
RunningOptimizer adware removal:
Remove RunningOptimizer-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 ads by runningoptimizer 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 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 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 in the correct order you Mac should be clean of infections. To be sure 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 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 it's virus definition database and click "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.
Ads by RunningOptimizer removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove ads by runningoptimizer related Safari extensions:
Open 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 normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Remove ads by runningoptimizer related Mozilla Firefox add-ons:
Open your Mozilla Firefox browser. At the top right corner of the screen, click the "Open Menu" (three horizontal lines) button. From the opened menu, choose "Add-ons".
Choose the "Extensions" tab and look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the "Remove" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Mozilla Firefox browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Remove ads by runningoptimizer related Google Chrome add-ons:
Open Google Chrome and click the "Chrome menu" (three horizontal lines) button located in the top-right corner of the browser window. From the drop-down menu, choose "More Tools" and select "Extensions".
In the "Extensions" window, look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the "Trash" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Google Chrome browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Outstanding!
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