How to remove the ExpandedCollection adware?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is ExpandedCollection?
ExpandedCollection generates advertisements and hijacks web browsers (by changing their settings). It has the qualities of adware and a browser-hijacking app. Apps of this type often are distributed using deceptive/questionable methods. Thus, users download/install them inadvertently.
BrowserState adware in detail
BrowserState displays banners, pop-ups, surveys, coupons, or other advertisements. Those ads can open shady websites (for example, various scams, download pages for questionable apps). Also, those ads can be designed to download or even install unwanted software (by running specific scripts).
BrowserState also changes the settings of a web browser. It hijacks a browser by changing the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page to a fake search engine. That fake search engine could be generating misleading results and (or) showing results generated by dubious search engines.
| Name | Ads by ExpandedCollection |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.8), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), 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. |
More about adware
Apps like ExpandedCollection can collect data that could be misused for marketing purposes, sold to third parties, and other purposes. There are plenty of apps of this type on the Internet. Some examples are FlexibleFormat, ControlProcess, FrequencyProject.
How did ExpandedCollection install on my computer?
Adware is often are distributed together by bundling it with other software. Users download or install adware when they do not change "Custom", "Advanced", "Manual", or other options available in downloaders and installers before downloading or installing software.
Also, adware is distributed through fake installers and dubious advertisements designed to execute specific scripts. Advertisements can download or install adware (or other unwanted software) only if users click on them.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Do not use third-party downloaders, installers, Peer-to-Peer networks, unofficial websites as sources for downloading (or installing ) programs, files. Use only official pages and direct links for that. Check downloaders and installers for optional downloads and installations and deselect them before downloading or installing software.
Do not click on advertisements appearing on shady websites. If your computer is already infected with ExpandedCollection, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
A pop-up that appears after the installation of ExpandedCollection adware :
ExpandedCollection's Contents 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 ExpandedCollection?
- STEP 1. Remove ExpandedCollection related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ExpandedCollection ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ExpandedCollection adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ExpandedCollection ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ExpandedCollection adware using Combo Cleaner:
ExpandedCollection adware removal:
Remove ExpandedCollection-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 harm a device by slowing it down, hijacking a web browser, diminishing the browsing experience, and in other ways.
What does adware do?
As a rule, adware is designed to generate advertisements. Additionally, it can hijack a web browser to promote a fake search engine and (or) collect various data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
In most cases, adware is used to promote various products, websites, or services. Individuals behind adware usually use affiliate programs to monetize it.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ExpandedCollection adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and get rid of ExpandedCollection. It may be difficult to remove ExpandedCollection (or other adware) manually because some of its files may remain in the operating system even after the removal. Thus, it is advisable to remove adware with specialized software.
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