How to remove OperativeResults adware from the operating system?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is OperativeResults?
OperativeResults is a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application) with adware and browser hijacker qualities. This app has been observed being distributed via fake Adobe Flash Player updates.
OperativeResults adware overview
Adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content on visited websites and/or different interfaces. This software can display various pop-ups, banners, coupons, and other intrusive adverts. They seriously diminish the browsing experience and endanger device/user safety.
The delivered ads endorse sale-oriented, untrustworthy, compromised, deceptive/scam, and even malicious sites. Furthermore, some intrusive advertisements can infiltrate software (e.g., PUAs) into systems - when clicked on.
Browser hijackers assign fake search engine addresses as browsers' default, and their new tab/window and homepage URLs. Therefore, 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 redirect to Google, Bing, Yahoo, and other genuine ones. Browser hijackers also use persistence-ensuring tactics to stop users from recovering their browsers.
What is more, applications like OperativeResults usually have data-tracking abilities. Targeted information includes - browsing activity, IP addresses, personally identifiable details, and so on. This data is monetized by being shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of unwanted software on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by OperativeResults |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AD [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.24783), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Cimpli.l), 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. |
Adware in general
SelectorComponent, ProductArchive, OperationBeta, and Ultratech are some examples of apps akin to OperativeResults. PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) look legitimate and offer "useful" functionalities, which are seldom operational.
The sole goal of unwanted applications is to generate revenue for the developers. Hence, PUAs can run intrusive ad campaigns, cause redirects, hijack browsers, and gather private information - instead of delivering on any advertising promises.
How did OperativeResults install on my computer?
OperativeResults has been proliferated via fake Flash Player updaters. PUAs are commonly spread using the "bundling" marketing method - packing regular software with various additions. Rushed downloads/installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Intrusive ads are used to distribute these apps as well. Upon being clicked, the adverts can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations. PUAs may also have "official" download webpages.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is advised to research software and download only from official/verified sources. Untrustworthy download channels, e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peet-to-Peer sharing networks, etc. - often offer bundled content.
When downloading/installing, it is recommended to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out from all supplements. Intrusive ads appear innocuous, yet they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., adult-dating, gambling, pornography, etc.).
In case of encounters with advertisements and/or redirects of this type, the system must be checked and all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed from it. If your computer is already infected with OperativeResults, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Files related to the OperativeResults adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.OperativeResults/OperativeResults
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.OperativeResultsDaemon/OperativeResults
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.OperativeResults.plist
- ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.OperativeResultsDaemon.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! Rogue setups/apps that promote the OperativeResults 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 OperativeResults?
- STEP 1. Remove OperativeResults related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove OperativeResults ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove OperativeResults adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove OperativeResults ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove OperativeResults adware using Combo Cleaner:
OperativeResults adware removal:
Remove OperativeResults-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 diminish the browsing experience and decrease system performance. This software typically has data tracking abilities, thereby making it a threat to user privacy. What is more, adware-delivered advertisements can be deceptive/malicious and cause other serious problems.
What does adware do?
Advertising-supported software (adware) operates by delivering intrusive ad campaigns. In other words, this software can display various adverts on visited sites and/or other interfaces.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware primarily generates revenue through affiliate programs by promoting websites, apps, services, and so forth. The developers of this software might earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove OperativeResults adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate all adware-type applications present. It is noteworthy that manual removal might not be thorough enough - and various files may remain within the system. In other words, despite the software itself being deleted, some of its components might still be present and running.
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