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How to remove GeneralBox app from your computer

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

What kind of application is GeneralBox?

Upon examination of GeneralBox, we found that it is an ad-supported program that displays intrusive ads. Also, GeneralBox may have the ability to access sensitive information. Adware applications are frequently promoted and distributed deceitfully, leading users to download and install them inadvertently.

GeneralBox adware

More about GeneralBox

GeneralBox displays intrusive advertisements (e.g., pop-up ads, banner ads, in-text ads, and interstitial ads). These ads can lead users to websites aimed at tricking them into providing sensitive information such as login details or credit card information and other sensitive data.

These ads may also initiate unwanted downloads and installations by running certain scripts. Moreover, it is possible that GeneralBox has the ability to collect sensitive data such as browsing history, passwords, and credit card details which can be misused for identity theft, fraudulent purchases, and other malicious activities.

For example, if GeneralBox collects a user's login credentials, those credentials can be used to access the user's accounts on various websites, including banking or financial websites.

Overall, the potential for data theft and other malicious activities is a significant concern when it comes to adware like GeneralBox. Thus, removing adware from your device is important to protect your sensitive information and maintain a safe and secure online experience.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by GeneralBox
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), 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.

More about adware

Certain applications that rely on advertising revenue may promote unreliable or fake search engines by altering the browser settings. These applications hijack web browsers by replacing the default search engine, homepage, and (or) new tab page with a dubious search engine, which may promote harmful websites and monitor users' activities.

Examples of applications similar to GeneralBox are TypicalAnalog, FrequencyRemote, and ExtendedAsset.

How did GeneralBox install on my computer?

Users often acquire and install adware via dubious websites, deceptive installers, suspicious advertisements, bundled software packages, and other similar sources. In cases where adware is included in bundled software, the installer may provide options such as "Advanced" or "Custom" settings.

When adware comes bundled with free software, users install it alongside the intended software when they complete installations without altering available settings allowing them to deselect unwanted apps.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Download applications only from official websites and app stores, and read reviews before installing any new apps. Avoid downloading from P2P networks, third-party downloaders, shady websites, and other similar sources. Additionally, avoid clicking on ads found on questionable websites, and never allow such websites to show notifications.

When installing software, be sure to deselect any optional installations or unwanted applications before completing the installation process. If your computer is already infected with GeneralBox, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

The message that appears after the installation of GeneralBox:

GeneralBox adware pop-up displayed once installation is done

GeneralBox's installation folder:

GeneralBox adware 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:

Video showing how to remove GeneralBox adware using Combo Cleaner:

GeneralBox adware removal:

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

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

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 consume system resources, causing devices to run more slowly and display many pop-ups, banners, and other ads that disrupt the user's browsing experience. Also, adware may redirect users to unfamiliar or potentially malicious websites.

What does adware do?

Adware displays unwanted advertisements on a user's device, usually in the form of pop-ups, banners, or other types of ads. The primary purpose of adware is to generate revenue for the developers by displaying ads to users.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Most adware developers earn revenue by promoting various products, websites, or services through affiliate programs. It means that they receive a commission for each sale or lead generated through their adware.

Will Combo Cleaner remove GeneralBox adware?

Combo Cleaner can scan your computer and remove all adware-type applications that are installed. It is important to note, however, that manual removal may not always be effective, as some leftover files may still be present in the system even after the software itself has been deleted. In some cases, components of the adware may still be running on the computer.

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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.

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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.

QR Code
Ads by GeneralBox QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by GeneralBox on your mobile device.
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Platform: macOS

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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.