How to remove the DataExplorer adware from your operating system?

What is DataExplorer?

DataExplorer is a piece of rogue software categorized as adware. It also has browser hijacker traits. Furthermore, due to the questionable methods used to proliferate apps of this type, they are also considered to be PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications).

DataExplorer adware in detail

Adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, banners, etc.) on any visited website and/or different interfaces. The displayed ads are more than just a nuisance, they endanger device/user safety as well.

Intrusive advertisements promote various unreliable, deceptive/scam, and even malicious sites. What is more, some of these adverts can stealthily download/install software (e.g., PUAs) - when they are clicked on.

Browser hijackers assign fake web searcher addresses as browsers' homepage, default search engine, and new tab/window URLs. Therefore, new browser tabs/windows opened and web searches performed via the URL bar - redirect to the promoted address.

Fake search engines usually cannot provide search results, so they redirect to Google, Bing, Yahoo, and other legitimate ones. Browser hijackers also use persistence-ensuring techniques (e.g., resetting changes, restricting access to browser settings, etc.).

Most PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) have data tracking abilities. Information of interest includes: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, IP addresses, personally identifiable details, etc. The gathered data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties.

In summary, the presence of unwanted apps on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by DataExplorer
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.F), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), 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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac 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.

Adware in general

OptimalOrigin, ConnectedPlatform, and SmartDivision are a few examples of adware. It appears legitimate and offers "handy" functionalities, which are seldom operational. In fact, this applies to nearly all PUAs. Unwanted apps are designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns, hijack browsers, cause redirects, and collect private data.

How did DataExplorer install on my computer?

PUAs are distributed using the "bundling" marketing tactic - pre-packing regular software with various additions. Rushed downloads/installations (e.g., skipped steps and sections, etc.) increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.

Intrusive advertisements are used to proliferate PUAs as well. Upon being clicked, the ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission. Some PUAs may also have "official" download pages.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

It is recommended to research software and download from official/verified sources. Untrustworthy download channels, e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - offer bundled and harmful content.

When downloading/installing, it is advised to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out from all supplements. Intrusive advertisements appear legitimate; however, they redirect to dubious sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

In case of encounters with adverts and/or redirects of this kind, the device must be checked and all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed from it. If your computer is already infected with DataExplorer, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once DataExplorer adware's installation is over:

DataExplorer adware's installation folder:

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 DataExplorer?
• STEP 1. Remove DataExplorer related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove DataExplorer ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove DataExplorer adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove DataExplorer ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove DataExplorer adware using Combo Cleaner:

DataExplorer adware removal:

Remove DataExplorer-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 infiltrated into a system can diminish its performance and affect the browsing experience (e.g., overlay webpages, slow down the browsing speed, etc.). This software usually has data tracking abilities; hence, it poses a threat to user privacy. Furthermore, adware-delivered ads often endorse questionable and even malicious websites and applications.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. In other words, this software displays various ads.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates profit through affiliate programs. The developers of this software can get commission from ad clicks, website visits, product purchases, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove DataExplorer adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate all installed adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that when adware is manually removed - file leftovers may remain. In such cases, the remaining files hidden within the system can continue running.

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