How to remove GeneralProgress adware from the operating system

What kind of application is GeneralProgress?

Our researchers discovered the GeneralProgress rogue app while reviewing new submissions to the VirusTotal website. Upon examination, we learned that this application is adware from the AdLoad malware family. GeneralProgress is designed to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising.

GeneralProgress adware overview

Advertising-supported software (adware) usually operates by enabling the placement of third-party graphical content (ads) on various interfaces. However, certain conditions may be necessary for this software to work as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific websites, etc.). Regardless of whether GeneralProgress displays advertisements – the app remains a threat to device and user safety.

Adverts delivered by adware can promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and malware. Some of the advertisements can be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform sneaky downloads/installations.

It must be mentioned that any genuine content encountered via these ads is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.

AdLoad applications often possess browser-hijacking functionalities – however, we did not observe these traits while analyzing GeneralProgress.

Adware typically has data-tracking abilities, and this might be true of the GeneralProgress app. Information of interest may include browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit/debit card numbers, etc. This vulnerable data can be monetized via sale to third-parties.

To summarize, advertising-supported software like GeneralProgress is linked with the following risks – system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Adware examples

ExpandedSection, OverallTermsReserve, and FunctionBalance are just a couple of our newest articles on adware. Usually, advertising-supported software looks legitimate and useful. Users can be lured into downloading/installing adware by promises of various "advantageous" functions. However, these functionalities rarely work as promised, and in most cases – they are completely nonoperational.

Remember that even if a piece of software works exactly as described by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.

How did GeneralProgress install on my computer?

Adware is distributed using the bundling marketing technique, which involves packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions. These pre-packed setups can be downloaded from freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other dubious sources.

The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is increased by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps or sections, using the "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Users primarily access these pages via redirects caused by intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, and adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).

Additionally, advertising-supported software is proliferated by intrusive advertisements. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

How to avoid installation of adware?

Caution is essential to device and user safety. Therefore, always research software before downloading or purchasing it. Download only from official and trustworthy channels. Approach installations with care by reading terms, exploring possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.

Additionally, be vigilant when browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears genuine and harmless. For example, despite their innocuous appearance – intrusive ads redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

Should you keep encountering advertisements/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 GeneralProgress, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once GeneralProgress adware's installation is over:

GeneralProgress adware's installation folder:

Instant automatic 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 malware. Download it by clicking the button below:

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. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

Quick menu:

• What is GeneralProgress?
• STEP 1. Remove GeneralProgress related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove GeneralProgress ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove GeneralProgress adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove GeneralProgress ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

GeneralProgress adware removal:

Remove GeneralProgress-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?

The presence of adware can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It displays advertisements that promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. Adware tends to have data-tracking functionalities – therefore, it is also considered a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying ads on various interfaces (e.g., visited sites, desktops, etc.). Some types of adware can also generate redirects and gather private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing content (e.g., websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, etc.).

Will Combo Cleaner remove GeneralProgress adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and remove all adware-type applications that are present. Note that manual removal (performed without the aid of security software) might be ineffective. In some instances, after the adware has been manually removed – various file remnants stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.