How to uninstall InitialProgram adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is InitialProgram?
InitialProgram is untrusted software classified as adware, which also has browser hijacker traits. Following successful infiltration, this application delivers intrusive advertisement campaigns (resulting in various unwanted ads) and makes changes to browser settings to promote bogus search engines.
Due to the dubious tactics employed in InitialProgram's distribution, it is also categorized as an unwanted application. Furthermore, most apps of this kind have data tracking capabilities, which are used to monitor users' browsing habits.
InitialProgram has been observed being proliferated via fake Adobe Flash Player updates. These bogus software updaters spread shady apps and also Trojans, ransomware and other malware.
More about adware
Adware enables the placement of third party graphical content, typically on any visited website. The delivered content such as pop-ups, banners, surveys, coupons and other intrusive advertisements significantly diminishes the browsing experience. The ads limit browsing speed and website visibility (by overlaying web page content). In addition, once clicked, intrusive ads redirect to dubious/malicious websites and some can even stealthily download/install software.
Browser hijackers reassign the homepage, default search engine and new tab/window URLs to the addresses of bogus search engines. This affects browsing as follows: each new browser tab/window opened and search query typed into the URL bar redirects to the promoted address. Fake search engines are seldom able to provide search results, and so they redirect to (or cause redirection chains ending with) Google, Yahoo, Bing and other legitimate sites.
Browser hijackers ensure persistence by undoing any changes users attempt to make to their browsers and restrict/deny access to the browser settings outright. Therefore, recovering a hijacked browser is impossible without eliminating the software affecting it.
Most unwanted apps (adware-type apps and browser hijackers included) have data tracking capabilities. They can record browsing activity (visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, etc.) and collect personal information extracted from it (IP addresses, geolocations and other details). The gathered data is then monetized by sharing with and/or selling to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of unwanted apps on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial loss and even identity theft. To protect device integrity and user privacy, all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be immediately removed.
| Name | Ads by InitialProgram |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Agent-MT [Trj]), BitDefender (Adware.MAC.Generic.19924), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.AE), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Cimpli.m), 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. |
Examples of similar apps
ElementaryType, ActivityElement, OperativeDock, and LogarithmicBalance are some examples of other adware-type apps. They may seem normal and offer a broad range of "useful" functionality, however, the features rarely operate as promised and, in most cases, are nonoperational.
This is true of most unwanted apps - the only purpose of this unwanted software is to generate profit for the developers. Rather than delivering any real value, these apps run intrusive advertisement campaigns, cause redirects, hijack browsers, and gather private information.
How did InitialProgram install on my computer?
Such applications are often downloaded/installed together with other products. This deceptive marketing technique of pre-packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions is called "bundling".
By rushing through download/installation of software (e.g. ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, using "Quick/Express" settings, etc.) many users risk unintentionally allowing bundled content into their devices. Intrusive advertisements proliferate unwanted apps as well. When clicked, the ads can execute scripts to download/install these applications without users' permission.
Some apps of this kind have "official" download web pages from which they can be downloaded.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications
You are advised to research all software before download/installation. Use only official and verified download channels. Unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks (BitTorrent, Gnutella, eMule), and other third party downloaders commonly offer harmful and bundled content, and are therefore untrusted and should be avoided.
When downloading/installing, read the terms, study all possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out of additional apps, tools, features, and so on.
Intrusive advertisements typically seem legitimate, however, they can redirect to dubious and malicious sites (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and many others). If you encounter ads or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately.
Installed programs must be activated and updated with tools or implemented functions that are provided by the official developers. No other third party, unofficial tools should be used.
Note that it is illegal to activate licensed software with ‘cracking’ tools. Files and programs should be downloaded from official websites and via direct download links. Avoid third party installers and the tools/sources mentioned above.
Do not open website links or files in irrelevant emails that are received from unknown, suspicious addresses. These bogus emails are often disguised as official and important. Regularly, scan your computer with reputable, up-to-date antivirus or anti-spyware software.
If your computer is already infected with InitialProgram, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed when InitialProgram adware is installed:
Text presented in this pop-up:
"InitialProgramd" will damage your computer.
This file was downloaded on an unknown date.
OK
Show in Finder
Deceptive application installer (fake Flash Player updater) promoting InitialProgram adware.
Step 1:
Step 2:
Files related to InitialProgram adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.InitialProgram.service.app
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.InitialProgram.service.plist
- /Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.InitialProgram.system
- /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.InitialProgram.system.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! In some cases, malicious applications like OriginalModule alter system proxy settings, thereby causing unwanted redirects to a variety of bogus websites.
The redirects are likely to remain even after removing the application itself. Thus, you must restore them manually.
Step 1: Click on the gear icon in the Dock to navigate to the system settings. If the icon is not present in the Dock, you can find it in the Launchpad.
Step 2: Navigate to the Network settings.
Step 3: Select the connected network and click "Advanced...".
Step 4: Click on the "Proxies" tab and untick all the protocols. You should also assign the settings of each protocol to the default: "*.local, 169.254/16".
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 InitialProgram?
- STEP 1. Remove InitialProgram related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove InitialProgram ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove InitialProgram adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove InitialProgram ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove InitialProgram adware using Combo Cleaner:
InitialProgram adware removal:
Remove InitialProgram-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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware can cause annoyance, slow down a computer, raise privacy concerns, and diminish the browsing experience.
What does adware do?
Adware displays unwanted advertisements to users, can collect user data without consent, and can hijack browsers.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers typically earn revenue by promoting different products, websites, or services, primarily through affiliate programs, which constitute the bulk of their earnings.
Will Combo Cleaner remove InitialProgram adware?
Combo Cleaner will thoroughly scan your computer, effectively removing all adware-type applications. Manual removal is not always comprehensive, as remnants of files may persist within the system. Certain components might linger and continue to operate even after deleting the software.
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