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Removing OriginalScheduler adware from the operating system

Also Known As: Ads by OriginalScheduler
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What is OriginalScheduler?

Our researchers discovered OriginalScheduler during a routine inspection of new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing this application, we learned that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware) and belongs to the AdLoad malware family.

OriginalScheduler adware

OriginalScheduler adware overview

Adware enables the placement of advertisements on visited websites and/or different interfaces. These ads endorse various scams, untrustworthy/harmful sites and software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts are capable of stealthy downloads/installations once clicked on.

Note that any legitimate products pushed through adware are unlikely to be promoted by their developers. Instead, this endorsement is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

It has to be mentioned that advertising-supported software may require specific conditions (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.) to deliver intrusive ad campaigns. However, regardless of whether OriginalScheduler (or other adware) displays adverts - its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.

OriginalScheduler may have browser hijacker traits since they are typical for AdLoad adware - however, it did not exhibit such during our testing.

This application likely has data tracking abilities, as they are standard for advertising-supported software in general. Information of interest can include: browsing-related data, personally identifiable details, usernames/passwords, credit card numbers, etc. The collected information can be monetized through sale to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of software like OriginalScheduler on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by OriginalScheduler
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.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 examples

We have analyzed countless adware samples; TrackFrequencyPlusTarget, and HotComplete are just a few of our newest finds. Advertising-supported software appears legitimate and harmless. Users are lured into download/installation with promises of "handy" functionalities. However, these functions are usually nonoperational.

How did OriginalScheduler install on my computer?

Adware is promoted via "official" download webpages and scam sites. Users typically enter these pages through redirects caused by mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, websites using rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with webpage force-opening capabilities).

Intrusive advertisements are also used to spread advertising-supported software. When clicked on, some of these ads can make downloads/installations without user consent.

The "bundling" marketing method - packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements - is used to proliferate adware as well. Download from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations - increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it from official/verified sources. Another recommendation is to approach installation with caution, e.g., read terms, explore available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all additions.

We also advise being vigilant when browsing - as illegitimate and malicious content usually appears innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements look ordinary and harmless - yet they redirect to questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).

If you experience adverts and/or redirects of this type, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with OriginalScheduler, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

Pop-up displayed once OriginalScheduler installation is complete

OriginalScheduler adware's installation folder:

OriginalScheduler adware install 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:

Video showing how to remove OriginalScheduler adware using Combo Cleaner:

OriginalScheduler adware removal:

Remove OriginalScheduler-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

mac browser hijacker removal from 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

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • 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 system performance. It is also considered to be a threat to user privacy, as this software typically has data tracking functionalities. Additionally, adware-displayed advertisements can be harmful/malicious and cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of various ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some types can also force-open sites and gather private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

This software generates most of its revenue through affiliate programs by promoting websites, software, products, services, and so forth. Adware developers might earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove OriginalScheduler adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of scanning systems and eliminating installed adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some cases, even after the software itself has been (manually) removed - various remnants (files) are left within the system. Furthermore, such leftover files can continue running and causing issues. Hence, it is paramount to remove adware thoroughly.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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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.