How to uninstall ExpandedSample from computers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is ExpandedSample?
Upon scrutinizing the ExpandedSample application, we have concluded that its core purpose revolves around delivering various advertisements to users, classifying it as adware. Such applications are infamous for showcasing misleading ads and potentially collecting a range of user data. Thus, it is recommended to avoid installing apps of this nature.
ExpandedSample adware in detail
Users should approach ads from ExpandedSample and with skepticism, as clicking them can lead users to potentially harmful websites or prompt them to download suspicious content. These ads may disguise themselves as legitimate offers or promotions, but they could actually redirect users to phishing sites, malware-infected pages, or other fraudulent pages.
Users may land on deceptive websites mimicking legitimate platforms, such as banking or social media sites, with the intention of tricking users into disclosing sensitive information such as login credentials, credit card numbers, or personal details.
Also, by clicking on an ad that redirects to a malware-infected website, users could expose their devices to the risk of being infected with viruses, ransomware, spyware, or other forms of malware. Additionally, interacting with ads from ExpandedSample may lead to deceptive forms, fake surveys, or misleading pop-ups created to extract sensitive data from unsuspecting users.
Furthermore, ExpandedSample may collect a range of data, including browsing history, device information such as model and location, and even personal information (e.g., names, surnames, credit card details, etc.). The collection of personal or sensitive information raises privacy concerns.
Name | Ads by ExpandedSample |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.16), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), 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), 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. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ExpandedSample app poses risks to user privacy and security due to its adware nature and potential data collection practices. Users should exercise caution and carefully consider the implications before installing or interacting with this application. More examples of apps that should be avoided are TechLookupTool, AssistiveTool, and SkilledAccess.
How did ExpandedSample install on my computer?
Adware is often packaged alongside other software and presented as an optional offer during the installation process. Users might overlook or hastily accept these additional offers, unknowingly installing the included adware and the intended software.
Moreover, advertisements utilizing deceptive tactics, such as counterfeit system alerts or misleading download buttons, can be crafted to deceive users into inadvertently installing adware. Furthermore, users might encounter adware-type applications when downloading files or programs from unofficial app stores, third-party downloaders, peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, and similar sources.
How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?
When downloading software, it is advisable to rely on trustworthy sources like official app stores or the developer's website. Steer clear of downloading from third-party app stores or sources with questionable reputations. During the installation process, be vigilant. Review installers for additional offers, which you may find in settings like "Advanced" or "Custom", or alongside ticked checkboxes, and deselect them.
Do not trust pop-ups and ads, particularly those alleging malware infections or promoting free software downloads. Regularly inspect the list of installed applications and remove any unwanted or suspicious programs. Utilize reliable security software and ensure it stays updated, along with the operating system and other installed software.
If your computer is already infected with ExpandedSample, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
A message that appears after the installation of ExpandedSample:
ExpandedSample'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
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Quick menu:
- What is ExpandedSample?
- STEP 1. Remove ExpandedSample related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ExpandedSample ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ExpandedSample adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ExpandedSample ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ExpandedSample adware using Combo Cleaner:
ExpandedSample adware removal:
Remove ExpandedSample-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 poses various challenges for users and their devices, including intrusive advertisements, redirections to dubious websites, diminished device performance, and unauthorized data collection.
What does adware do?
Adware primarily functions to display advertisements. Additionally, it may track user behaviors and act as a browser hijacker.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Pretty often, adware developers use affiliate programs to monetize their software. They earn money when someone purchases products or pays for services through their ads.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ExpandedSample adware?
Combo Cleaner conducts thorough scans of computers, efficiently removing any installed adware-type applications. Manual removal methods may be ineffective, as residual files could linger within the system. Therefore, it is advisable to utilize apps such as Combo Cleaner for adware removal.
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