How to remove the ClearArchive adware-type application from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is ClearArchive?
Our research team discovered the ClearArchive rogue app during a routine inspection of new submissions to VirusTotal. It operates as advertising-supported software (adware). Additionally, ClearArchive is part of the AdLoad malware family.
ClearArchive adware overview
Adware is designed to run intrusive ad campaigns. It displays adverts on visited webpages and/or other interfaces. It is noteworthy that adware may require specific conditions to deliver advertisement campaigns, e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, or similar. However, even if ClearArchive does not display adverts – its presence on a system remains a threat to device/user safety.
Advertising-supported software delivers advertisements that endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and potential malware. Once clicked on, some of the ads can be triggered (by being clicked) to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is pertinent to mention that while genuine products and services may be encountered through these adverts – they are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Furthermore, ClearArchive might have browser-hijacking functionalities since they are common for AdLoad apps. However, we did not observe any such abilities during testing.
What is more, ClearArchive likely gathers private information. Data of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, and so forth. The collected data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of software like ClearArchive on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ClearArchive |
| 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), 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 apps; ElementBrowser, AssistiveTask, WebpageHardware, and AssistivePlatform are merely some examples.
Advertising-supported software typically appears ordinary and harmless. Users are lured into download/installation with various useful and advantageous features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates as promised – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did ClearArchive install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Additionally, intrusive ads proliferate adware. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Advertising-supported software can also have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam websites. Most visitors access them via redirects caused by websites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive advertisements, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. Furthermore, installation processes must be approached with caution. Therefore, we advise reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous yet redirect to unreliable/questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).
Should you keep encountering such adverts/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ClearArchive, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ClearArchive adware's installation is over:
ClearArchive 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 ClearArchive?
- STEP 1. Remove ClearArchive related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ClearArchive ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ClearArchive adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ClearArchive ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ClearArchive adware using Combo Cleaner:
ClearArchive adware removal:
Remove ClearArchive-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 enables the placement of ads on various interfaces, and this third-party graphical content promotes content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can also diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Furthermore, it is considered to be a privacy threat – since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, adware may be capable of force-opening sites and collecting sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit primarily via affiliate programs by promoting various sites, apps, extensions, products, services, and so on.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ClearArchive adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be ideal. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed – various file leftovers remain hidden within the system. What is more, the remnants may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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