How to uninstall the CapitalSearchCharacter adware?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is CapitalSearchCharacter?
CapitalSearchCharacter is an adware-type application with browser hijacker qualities. Following successful installation, this app delivers intrusive advertisement campaigns and modifies browser settings to promote fake search engines. Additionally, adware and browser hijackers typically have data tracking abilities.
Due to the dubious methods used to distribute CapitalSearchCharacter, it is classified as a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application). It has been observed being spread via fake Adobe Flash Player updates. It is noteworthy that fraudulent updaters/installers proliferate not only PUAs but also malware (e.g., trojans, ransomware, cryptominers, etc.).
CapitalSearchCharacter adware in detail
Adware delivers various pop-ups, banners, surveys, coupons, and other intrusive ads. These advertisements seriously diminish the browsing experience by overlaying webpage content and slowing down the browsing speed. Furthermore, this third-party graphical content can also endanger device and user safety.
Intrusive adverts endorse sale-oriented, untrustworthy, rogue, deceptive/scam, compromised, and even malicious websites. Some of these ads can even be triggered (by being clicked) to stealthily download/install software (e.g., PUAs).
Browser hijackers reassign browsers' homepage, default search engine, and new tab/window URLs - to fake web searcher addresses. Hence, with such a piece of software installed: new browser tabs/windows opened and search queries typed into the URL bar - redirect to the promoted address.
Fraudulent search engines typically cannot provide search results, so they tend to redirect (or cause redirection chains leading) to Google, Yahoo, Bing, and other genuine ones. Browser hijackers can reset any changes users try to make to their browsers and/or deny access to the browser settings. Therefore, restoring a hijacked browser is impossible without removing the software affecting it.
What is more, CapitalSearchCharacter likely has data tracking abilities. Most PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) record browsing activity (URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, etc.) and collect sensitive information extracted from it (IP addresses/ geolocations, personally identifiable details, etc.).
The gathered data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties. To summarize, the presence of unwanted apps on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft. It is crucial to remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately upon detection.
| Name | Ads by CapitalSearchCharacter |
| 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. |
Adware in general
BrowserBuffer, Sorimbrsec, SearchConsole, and FileDisplay are some examples of adware-type apps. They appear legitimate and harmless. Users are lured into download/installation with promises of various features, which are seldom operational.
In fact, nearly all PUAs offer fake functionalities. Functionality and user safety are irrelevant since the only goal of unwanted software is to generate profit for the developers. PUAs operate by delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns, hijacking browsers, causing redirects, and collecting private information.
How did CapitalSearchCharacter install on my computer?
PUAs are distributed via downloaders/installers of other products. This false marketing tactic of packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions - is termed "bundling". Rushed downloads/installations (e.g., skipped steps and sections, used pre-set options, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive advertisements are used to proliferate PUAs as well. Upon being clicked, the ads can execute scripts to download/install these applications without user consent. Some PUAs also have "official" promotional webpages from which they can be downloaded and/or purchased.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is recommended to research products before download/installation. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and trustworthy sources. Dubious download channels, e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - commonly offer bundled and harmful content.
When downloading/installing, it is advised to read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt-out from additional apps, tools, features, etc. Intrusive advertisements appear legitimate; however, they redirect to unreliable sites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, and so on).
In case of encounters with ads and/or redirects of this kind, the system must be checked and all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - removed from it without delay. If your computer is already infected with CapitalSearchCharacter, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Files related to the CapitalSearchCharacter adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.CapitalSearchCharacter/CapitalSearchCharacter
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.CapitalSearchCharacterDaemon/CapitalSearchCharacter
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.CapitalSearchCharacter.plist
- ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.CapitalSearchCharacterDaemon.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! Rogue setups/apps that promote the CapitalSearchCharacter website are designed to create a new device profile. Therefore, before taking any further removal steps, perform these actions:
1) Click the "Preferences" icon in the menu bar (Dock) and select "Profiles".
2) Locate all suspicious profiles and delete them.
3) Perform a full system scan with Combo Cleaner anti-virus suite.
After performing these actions, you can proceed with further removal steps for this browser hijacker.
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 CapitalSearchCharacter?
- STEP 1. Remove CapitalSearchCharacter related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove CapitalSearchCharacter ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove CapitalSearchCharacter adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove CapitalSearchCharacter ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove CapitalCharacterSearch adware using Combo Cleaner:
CapitalSearchCharacter adware removal:
Remove CapitalSearchCharacter-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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