How to remove the ExpandedNet adware?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of software is ExpandedNet?
ExpandedNet is advertising-supported software. It generates advertisements. In addition to that, ExpandedNet changes web browser's settings to promote a fake search engine (it functions as a browser hijacker). This app is distributed using a fake Adobe Flash Player installer.
ExpandedNet adware in detail
ExpandedNet displays advertisements that could open various scams, shady pages asking to provide personal information, used to promote potentially unwanted applications (PUAs), and so on. Also, clicking on such ads could cause unwanted downloads or installations.
ExpandedNet hijacks a web browser by changing the default search engine, homepage, and new tab page to a fake search engine. Usually, fake search engines do not generate unique results. Moreover, they can promote shady websites and (or) show results generated by untrustworthy search engines.
| Name | Ads by ExpandedNet |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names (ExpandedNet.service) | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AM [Trj]), AVG (MacOS:Adload-AM [Trj]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adload.AE), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Cimpli.m), 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. |
ExpandedNet adware in general
Apps like ExpandedNet display unwanted advertisements. Also, they can be designed to hijack web browsers and (or) collect information about users. Most users install (and download) adware unknowingly. Thus, apps of this kind are called PUAs. More adware examples are ExpandedCollection, FlexibleFormat, and ControlProcess.
How did ExpandedNet install on my computer?
ExpandedNet is distributed via a fake installer designed to look like the installer for Adobe Flash Player. As a rule, fake installers are promoted on deceptive websites suggesting that some installed software is outdated, a computer is infected, or similar pages.
It is also common for adware to be bundled with other software. Users download or install adware when they do not change "Custom", "Advanced", "Manual", or similar settings in downloaders and installers. Sometimes, adware gets installed (or downloaded) after clicking on ads designed to run certain scripts.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Download applications and files from official websites (do not use other sources for downloading them). Check downloaders and installers for "Custom", "Advanced" and other settings and deselect unwanted apps before downloading and installing software. Do not click on advertisements showing up on questionable pages.
If your computer is already infected with ExpandedNet, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed when ExpandedNet adware is present on the system:
Text in this pop-up:
"ExpandedNetd" will damage your computer.
This file was downloaded on an unknown date.
OK
Show in Finder
A fake installer used to distribute ExpandedNet (first installation step):
A fake installer used to distribute ExpandedNet (second installation step):
Files related to the ExpandedNet adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.ExpandedNet.service.app
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.ExpandedNet.service.plist
- /Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.ExpandedNet.system
- /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.ExpandedNet.system.plist
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 ExpandedNet?
- STEP 1. Remove ExpandedNet related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ExpandedNet ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ExpandedNet adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ExpandedNet ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ExpandedNet adware using Combo Cleaner:
ExpandedNet adware removal:
Remove ExpandedNet-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 affect computer performance (make a computer slower), diminish web browsing experience, cause problems related to browsing safety, privacy.
What does adware do?
Adware displays advertisements. Additionally, it can be designed to collect information about users and (or) hijack web browsers to promote fake search engines.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware is used as a tool to promote various products, websites or services. Usually, it is monetized through various affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ExpandedNet adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate ExpandedNet. It is recommended to remove adware automatically (using specialized software) because manual removal may not entirely work - some of the files may remain in the system even when adware itself is deleted.
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