How to remove ExpandedQuest from a browser and computer?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
(updated)
How to remove ExpandedQuest from Mac?
What is ExpandedQuest?
Like most adware-type applications, ExpandedQuest is designed to serve advertisements. Also, it functions as a browser hijacker - it is designed to change certain browser settings to an address of some fake search engine. Additionally, it may be designed to function as data collector. In most cases users download and install apps like ExpandedQuest (browser hijackers, adware) unknowingly, for this reason they are categorized as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).
Adware is a type of software that feed users with surveys, banners, pop-ups, coupons and/or other types of ads. It is common that their ads are designed to open unreliable pages, in some cases they are designed to execute scripts that cause download and/or installation some unwanted software. As mentioned in the first paragraph, ExpandedQuest functions not only as adware but also as a browser hijacker. It means that it changes browser settings such as address of the homepage, default search engine and/or new tab to an address of some fake search engine so that users would visit it when they open a browser, new tab and /or enter search queries into URL bar. In most cases browser hijackers do not allow users to modify, undo the changes that were made by them as long as they are installed. Additionally, ExpandedQuest may be designed to collect information like IP addresses, addresses of visited web pages, entered search queries, geolocations and/or other browsing data, or even some sensitive, personal information. Its developers may misuse collected information to generate revenue by selling it to third parties (who may be cyber criminals) or in some other ways. In such case its users may become victims of identity theft, experience issues related to web browsing safety, online privacy, and/or other problems.
| Name | Ads by ExpandedQuest |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| 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), 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. |
A couple of examples of other apps like ExpandedQuest are AssistiveValue, ProgressElemnt and AnalyzerSearch. Usually apps of this type are useless to their users, they do not include any features, improve browsing experience, etc. On the contrary, most of them are designed only to generate revenue for their developers and can cause users various issues. Therefore, it is advised not to trust (download and install) adware of other types of PUAs.
How did ExpandedQuest install on my computer?
It is common that PUAs are distributed by using a deceptive marketing method called "bundling". It means that apps of this type are distributed by including them in download and/or installation setups of various programs as additional offers. In most cases offers to download and/or install integrated apps can be found and declined in "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings of setups (or by unticking certain checkboxes). However, not all users check and change those settings. When they leave them unchanged, they give included apps a permission to be downloaded and/or installed together with the programs that have those apps included in their setups. In some cases users download and/or install various unwanted apps by clicking deceptive ads that are designed to execute certain scripts. It is worthwhile to mention that most of these ads appear on various untrustworthy pages.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Download and installation setups should be always checked for "Custom", "Advanced" settings and available checkboxes. It is common that they can be used to decline offers to download and/or install additionally included, unwanted software. Advertisements that are displayed on shady websites should not be clicked - they can be designed to promote (open) other questionable websites or even to cause a download and/or installation of unwanted, potentially malicious software. Files, programs should be downloaded from official websites and via direct links. Sources, tools like Peer-to-Peer networks (e.g., torrent clients, eMule), unofficial websites, third party downloaders (and installers), free file hosting pages, etc., should not be used neither to download or install any files, or programs. Unwanted, suspicious apps (extensions, add-ons or plug-ins) that are installed on a browser should be removed from it. Software of this kind that is installed on the operating system should be uninstalled too. If your computer is already infected with ExpandedQuest, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ExpandedQuest installation is over:
ExpandedQuest's 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 ExpandedQuest?
- STEP 1. Remove ExpandedQuest related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ExpandedQuest ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ExpandedQuest adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ExpandedQuest ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ExpandedQuest adware using Combo Cleaner:
ExpandedQuest adware removal:
Remove ExpandedQuest-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 expandedquest 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 ExpandedQuest removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove ads by expandedquest 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 expandedquest 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 expandedquest 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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