How to remove ExpandedList adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is ExpandedList?
ExpandedList is a rogue app that our research team discovered while checking out new submissions to VirusTotal. After inspecting this piece of software, we determined that it operates as adware and belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
ExpandedList adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays ads on various interfaces. The advertisements endorse online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts are capable of performing downloads/installations without user consent – upon being clicked.
It must be mentioned that any genuine content encountered via these ads is unlikely to be promoted by its actual developers. Instead, this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the affiliate programs of legitimate products/services in order to obtain fraudulent commissions.
Adware might need specific conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns, e.g., compatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc. However, regardless of whether ExpandedList displays adverts – its presence endangers device and user safety.
Additionally, this application may have browser-hijacking abilities since they are common for AdLoad adware, although we did not observe such traits during testing.
Furthermore, ExpandedList likely has data-tracking functionalities. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The gathered information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of advertising-supported software like ExpandedList on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ExpandedList |
| 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. |
Adware examples
We have analyzed thousands of adware-type applications; AdvancedProduct, GlossGlamor, and LifeProxy are merely a few examples of our latest finds.
This software typically appears legitimate and offers various functions. However, these features are usually nonfunctional. Even if the adware's "useful" functionalities operate as promised – that is not proof of its legitimacy or safety.
How did ExpandedList install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device.
Fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are also used in proliferation. Additionally, adware is spread through intrusive advertisements. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
Advertising-supported software can have "official" download webpages as well, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most users access such pages via redirects caused by websites that use rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified channels. Furthermore, installation processes must be approached with care, e.g., reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all supplements.
We also advise being cautious while browsing since fake and malicious content typically appears legitimate. For example, intrusive adverts may look harmless yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., adult-dating, gambling, pornography, etc.).
If your computer is already infected with ExpandedList, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ExpandedList adware's installation is over:
ExpandedList adware's installation 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 ExpandedList?
- STEP 1. Remove ExpandedList related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ExpandedList ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ExpandedList adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ExpandedList ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ExpandedList adware using Combo Cleaner:
ExpandedList adware removal:
Remove ExpandedList-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?
The presence of adware on a device can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It typically collects private data – hence, this software is classified as a privacy threat. Additionally, adware displays advertisements promoting deceptive/malicious content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns, in other words, display ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Some types can also cause redirects and collect sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs. Adware developers can earn commission from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ExpandedList adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate installed adware-type applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. Since even after the adware has been manually removed – various leftover files can stay hidden within the system. What is more, these remnants can continue to run and cause issues. Hence, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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