How to remove the GuideLibrary adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is GuideLibrary?
While inspecting new file submissions to the VirusTotal website, our researchers discovered the GuideLibrary application. After examining this piece of software, we determined that it is adware. GuideLibrary is part of the AdLoad malware family. It delivers intrusive ad campaigns and may have additional harmful capabilities.
GuideLibrary adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It can display advertisements on various interfaces, such as visited websites, desktops, or others. Note that adware might not run intrusive advert campaigns if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Yet even if GuideLibrary does not deliver ads – its presence on a system threatens device integrity and user safety.
Advertisements displayed by this software primarily promote online scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Keep in mind that while legitimate content may be encountered through these ads – it is unlikely to be endorsed in this fashion by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
While we have found instances of AdLoad applications exhibiting browser-hijacking functionalities, we did not observe these qualities while testing GuideLibrary.
Furthermore, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking abilities, and this might apply to the GuideLibrary app. Targeted data may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, and finance-related information. This valuable information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, software like GuideLibrary can cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by GuideLibrary |
| 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. |
Adware examples
Identification.app, Waste.app, Plebeianness.app, and Reinquire are but a few adware-type applications we have analyzed recently.
Advertising-supported software rarely appears suspicious; it tends to look ordinary and innocuous. Users may be enticed into downloading/installing the software by promises of various functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be stressed that even if an app or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did GuideLibrary install on my computer?
The bundling marketing technique, which involves packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions – is commonly used in adware distribution.
Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, skipped steps and sections, used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the danger of inadvertently permitting access for bundled content into the device.
Some intrusive advertisements are capable of stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked. These ads are also utilized in adware proliferation.
Additionally, advertising-supported software is promoted on legitimate-looking download webpages and deceptive/scam sites. Most visitors access these pages via redirects generated by misspelled URLs, websites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be made from official and verified channels. When installing, we recommend reading terms, studying available options, and using the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt out of all additional apps, extensions, features, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fake and dangerous online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements may look innocuous – however, they redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., adult dating, scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, etc.).
If you keep encountering ads/redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with GuideLibrary, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once GuideLibrary adware's installation is over:
GuideLibrary 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 GuideLibrary?
- STEP 1. Remove GuideLibrary related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove GuideLibrary ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove GuideLibrary adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove GuideLibrary ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove GuideLibrary adware using Combo Cleaner:
GuideLibrary adware removal:
Remove GuideLibrary-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-delivered adverts may promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). The presence of this software on a device may decrease browsing quality and system performance. Advertising-supported software is classed as a privacy threat since it usually collects private information.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advert campaigns. Primary functions can include displaying ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering sensitive data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue predominantly via affiliate programs by promoting content. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, webpage visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove GuideLibrary adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, various file remnants stay hidden within the system after the software has been manually removed. Furthermore, the remaining components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, thorough adware removal is paramount.
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