How to remove the ExploreSync application from the system?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is ExploreSync?
ExploreSync adware is a form of unwanted software that generates advertisements, changes browser's settings, and collects data. It is designed to function as adware and a browser hijacker.
Typically, users do not download and install apps of this type on purpose. To trick users into installing ExploreSync, its developers use a fake Adobe Flash Player installer.
Apps that users download, install unknowingly (without intention) are called potentially unwanted applications (PUAs). It is highly advisable not to have software like ExploreSync installed on a browser or the operating system.
In most cases, advertising-supported applications display pop-up ads, banners, coupons, surveys, and other advertisements. The problem with those ads is that they can open untrustworthy websites, for example, scams used to extract personal information, money, download pages for other potentially unwanted applications, or even malicious pages.
A couple of examples of pages that ads generated by apps like ExploreSync can open are "Chance To Win The Brand New Playstation 5", "Code #007d3Cx0d". It is important to mention that adware can generate ads designed to download or even install unwanted applications by running certain scripts.
Therefore, it is strongly recommended not to click ads that appear because of apps like ExploreSync. Furthermore, this application changes the browser's settings to promote a fake search engine (its address).
It hijacks browsers by modifying the address of a default search engine, homepage, and new tab. It means that users who have this app installed are forced to visit a specific address (or multiple addresses) as long as it is installed.
It is common that apps like ExploreSync (adware/browser hijackers) collect information that can be used for marketing or even malicious purposes. For example, geolocations, addresses of visited pages, IP addresses, entered search queries, passwords, credit card details, telephone numbers, and other browsing-related, sensitive information.
It is important to know that some of the data mentioned above can be used to steal identities, personal accounts, make fraudulent purchases, transactions. For these reasons, it is strongly recommended to uninstall any installed PUAs that can access personal information.
| Name | Ads by ExploreSync |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names (.system) | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AM [Trj]), AVG (MacOS:Adload-AM [Trj]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.AE), Fortinet (OSX/Adload.AE!tr.dldr), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (.service) | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AM [Trj]), AVG (MacOS:Adload-AM [Trj]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.AE), Fortinet (OSX/Adload.AE!tr.dldr), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| 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. |
More examples of apps that are very similar to ExploreSync are LaunchEntry, ExtendedField, and BoostConsole. What most of them have in common is that they are designed to generate unwanted advertisements, collect various information, and persuade users to use a fake search engine.
It is important to mention that fake search engines can be designed to promote potentially malicious websites. Typically, users can undo the changes made by an app like ExploreSync (remove the address of a fake search engine from the browser's settings) only when that app is no longer installed.
How did ExploreSync install on my computer?
The ExploreSync application is distributed through a fake installer disguised as the installer for Adobe Flash Player. Typically, fake installers are promoted through unofficial pages.
It is important to remember that third-party, fake installers can be designed to infect computers with ransomware, trojan, or other malware. Another popular way to distribute apps like ExploreSync is to include them in downloaders, installers for other programs as extra offers (to bundle them with other, mainly free programs).
Typically, unwanted offers can be found and declined via "Custom", "Advanced", "Manual", or other settings, or by unticking ticked checkboxes. When users download or install programs that are bundled with PUAs without changing default settings, they download or install both wanted and unwanted software.
In some cases, users cause unexpected downloads or installations through deceptive advertisements - by clicking ads designed to execute certain scripts.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is recommended not to use third-party downloaders, installers, Peer-to-Peer networks (e.g., torrent clients, eMule), unofficial websites, etc., as sources, tools for downloading or installing any files or programs. It is common that they are used to trick users into downloading or installing unwanted software.
Apps should be downloaded from official pages and via direct download links. Furthermore, downloaders and installers that have "Advanced", "Custom", "Manual" or other settings, or ticked checkboxes are likely to be used to distribute potentially unwanted apps.
Therefore, downloads and installations should not be finished while the aforementioned settings are not changed/unwanted offers are not declined. Additionally, it is advisable not to click advertisements that appear on questionable web pages - those ads often are used to advertise shady pages.
Sometimes they can cause unwanted downloads, installations. Unwanted extensions, add-ons or plug-ins already installed on a web browser should be removed.
The same applies to programs of this kind installed on the operating system. If your computer is already infected with ExploreSync, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Text presented in the pop-up window displayed when ExploreSync adware is present on the system:
"ExploreSyncd" will damage your computer.
This file was downloaded on an unknown date.
OK
Show in Finder
Delusive application installer promoting ExploreSync adware (first installation step):
Delusive application installer promoting ExploreSync adware (second installation step):
File related to ExploreSync detected as malicious on VirusTotal:
Files related to the ExploreSync adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.ExploreSync.service.app
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.ExploreSync.service.plist
- /Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.ExploreSync.system
- /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.ExploreSync.system.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! In some cases malicious applications like ExploreSync alter system proxy settings, thereby causing unwanted redirects to a variety of questionable websites.
The redirects are likely to remain even after removing the application itself. Thus, you'll have to 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 set the settings of each protocol to 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 ExploreSync?
- STEP 1. Remove ExploreSync related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ExploreSync ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ExploreSync adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ExploreSync ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ExploreSync adware using Combo Cleaner:
ExploreSync adware removal:
Remove ExploreSync-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.
Outstanding!
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