How to remove AddSystem adware?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is AddSystem?
AddSystem displays advertisements and changes web browser's settings to promote a fake search engine. This app functions as adware and a browser hijacker. A big part of apps of this kind gets installed unintentionally. Thus, AddSystem and similar apps are categorized as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).
AddSystem in detail
AddSystem generates annoying advertisements designed to promote shady websites (for example, pages asking to provide sensitive information, encouraging to install other PUAs). Moreover, some of those ads could be designed to execute certain scripts and cause unwanted downloads or even installations.
AddSystem changes the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page to an address of a fake search engine. It also does not allow to undo these changes until it is removed. That fake search engines could promote untrustworthy web pages and (or) show results generated by other questionable search engines.
| Name | Ads by AddSystem |
| 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.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), 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. |
AddSystem in general
AddSystem is a PUA that hijacks a web browser and displays unwanted ads. It is very likely that this app is promoted/distributed using deceptive methods. More examples of applications like AddSystem are FlexInterval, AddCloud, FlexProduct.
How did AddSystem install on my computer?
Usually, adware gets installed through ads designed to execute certain scripts (when users click on those ads), via fake installers, or together with other programs. Users agree to download or install PAUs alongside other programs by leaving "Advanced", "Custom", or other settings available in downloaders or installed unchanged.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Download software and files from trustworthy (official) pages and avoid using other sources. Also, Avoid clicking advertisements that appear on shady websites and do not download or install programs without checking their downloaders and installers for unwanted applications.
If your computer is already infected with AddSystem, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up that appears after the installation of AddSystem adware:
AddSystem'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
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Quick menu:
- What is AddSystem?
- STEP 1. Remove AddSystem related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove AddSystem ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove AddSystem adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove AddSystem ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove AddSystem adware using Combo Cleaner:
AddSystem adware removal:
Remove AddSystem-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 addsystem 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 AddSystem removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove ads by addsystem 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 addsystem 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 addsystem 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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware can affect computer performance (slow down a computer), diminish the Internet browsing experience. It also can cause problems related to online privacy, web browsing safety.
What does adware do?
Usually, the main purpose of adware is to generate advertisements. Although, it can be designed to hijack a web browser (to promote a fake search engine) and collect various data too.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
It is common for adware to be monetized through affiliate programs. It is used to promote various products, services, web pages, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove AddSystem adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and get rid of AddSystem or other installed adware. It is recommended to remove adware with a specialized program because manual adware removal might not work (some of the adware components/file leftovers may remain present and running even after the removal).
Outstanding!
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