How to remove the PrimaryProcesser adware?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
(updated)
How to remove PrimaryProcesser from Mac?
What is PrimaryProcesser?
PrimaryProcesser not only generates ads but also promotes a fake search engine by changing browser settings. It is likely that it collects browsing data and/or other information as well. Therefore, this app is classified not only as adware but also as a browser hijacker. In most cases users download and install apps of this type unknowingly, therefore, they are called potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).
Some examples of types of ads that apps like PrimaryProcesser generate are various banners, surveys, coupons, pop-up ads. Very often their ads are designed to promote (open) questionable websites, or even distribute (download and/or install) PUAs by executing certain scripts. Also, this app changes browser settings to promote a fake search engine. Usually browser hijackers modify settings such as the address of a default search engine, homage and/or new tab - they change them to an address of some fake search engine. It is worthwhile to mention that users can undo the changes that were made by a browser hijacker only when that app is no longer installed on a browser and/or the operating system.
Additionally, it is common for adware-type apps, browser hijackers to be designed to collect browsing data, for example, IP addresses, geolocations, entered search queries, addresses of visited websites and/or other information related to user's browsing habits. Although, there PUAs that collect sensitive, personal data as well. Moreover, gathered information could be monetized by their developers, it could be sold to third parties (potentially cyber criminals) or misused to generate revenue in other ways. It means that users of adware like PrimaryProcesser could encounter issues related to online privacy, web browsing safety, or even become victims of identity theft.
| Name | Ads by PrimaryProcesser |
| 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. |
PrimaryProcesser is quite similar to many other adware-type apps, for example, TypicalInput, LeadingLibrary, MegaSource. Usually their purposes are to generate ads, promote some fake search engine and/or collect certain data. In other words, to generate revenue for their developers. Therefore, such apps are useless to their users and can be the culprit of certain issues.
How did PrimaryProcesser install on my computer?
In some cases users download and/or install PUAs by clicking deceptive advertisements that are designed to execute certain scripts. Although, it is more common that users unknowingly download and/or install PUAs together with other programs when those apps are included in various download and/or installation setups as additional offers and users do not decline them. This distribution method is called "bundling". Typically, unwanted offers can be declined by unticking available checkboxes or by changing "Custom", "Advanced", or other settings before completing downloads and/or installations.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Peer-to-Peer networks (eMule, torrent clients and so on), unofficial pages, various third party downloaders, installers, etc., should not be used.Programs and files should be downloaded from official pages and via direct links. Download and installations should not be completed without checking download and/or installation setups for unwanted offers. Advertisements on unreliable, dubious pages should not be clicked as well. It is common for those ads to promote trustworthy, or even distribute (download and/or install) unwanted apps. Unwanted, suspicious and/or unknown extensions, add-ons or plug-ins that are installed on a browser should be removed. Programs of this kind that are installed on the operating system should be uninstalled too. If your computer is already infected with PrimaryProcesser, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up that appears after installation of the PrimaryProcesser app:
PrimaryProcesser's Contents 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 PrimaryProcesser?
- STEP 1. Remove PrimaryProcesser related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove PrimaryProcesser ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove PrimaryProcesser adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove PrimaryProcesser ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
PrimaryProcesser adware removal:
Remove PrimaryProcesser-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 primaryprocesser 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 PrimaryProcesser removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove ads by primaryprocesser 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 primaryprocesser 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 primaryprocesser 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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