How to eliminate the FormatDash adware-type application from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is FormatDash?
Our researchers found the FormatDash application during a routine inspection of new submissions to the VirusTotal website. After analyzing this piece of software, we learned that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. FormatDash is designed to generate revenue for its developers by delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns.
FormatDash adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, banners, surveys, overlays, etc.) on various interfaces.
The adverts endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and potential malware. When clicked on, some intrusive ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Keep in mind that while legitimate products and services might be encountered via adware-displayed adverts – they are unlikely to be promoted by their developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is performed by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software may need certain conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific websites, etc.). Regardless of whether FormatDash displays advertisements – this app's presence on a device remains a threat.
AdLoad adware often has browser hijacker qualities; however, FormatDash did not exhibit these traits during testing.
Additionally, this rogue application likely has data-tracking functionalities. Information of interest may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, usernames/passwords, Internet cookies, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can then be monetized through sale to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of software like FormatDash on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by FormatDash |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-CC [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27799), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.F), 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 examined numerous adware-type applications; MountainVibe, MachineChance, and HubProject are merely a couple of our latest finds.
Advertising-supported software rarely appears suspicious. It tends to look legitimate and useful. However, the promised features are usually nonfunctional. It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did FormatDash install on my computer?
The bundling marketing tactic – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to proliferate adware.
Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Users primarily access these pages via redirects generated by websites using rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software is spread by intrusive advertisements as well. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be approached with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
We advise being vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears ordinary and innocuous. For example, while intrusive advertisements may look harmless – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such ads/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with FormatDash, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once FormatDash adware's installation is over:
FormatDash 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 FormatDash?
- STEP 1. Remove FormatDash related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove FormatDash ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove FormatDash adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove FormatDash ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove FormatDash adware using Combo Cleaner:
FormatDash adware removal:
Remove FormatDash-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 delivers ads that promote content capable of causing serious issues, such as system infections, financial losses, etc. Advertising-supported software can also diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, it is considered to be a privacy threat – since this software usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive advert campaigns. It displays advertisements on various interfaces. Furthermore, this software may also be capable of generating redirects and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue mainly via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, extensions, products, services, etc.
Will Combo Cleaner remove FormatDash adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be an ideal solution. Since even after advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various file leftovers can stay hidden within the system. The remnants may continue running and causing problems. Hence, it is paramount to eliminate adware thoroughly.
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