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Mac Adware Cleaner is advertised as a helpful tool that can get rid of adware, malware, and other unwanted apps. The truth is, this program is potentially malicious itself and there are numerous AV engines that detect it as malicious.
How to remove 'Cleanup My Mac' from Mac?
What is 'Cleanup My Mac'?
As its name suggests, Cleanup My Mac (also distributed as CleanupMY-Mac, Cleanup-My Mac, Cleanup-My-Mac, CleanupMyMac and similar names) is promoted as an application used to clean Mac computers, fix various issues, and improve MacOS system performance. Developers present this app as a system optimization tool, however, research shows that they promote and distribute it using the 'bundling' method, and therefore it is categorized as potentially unwanted app (PUA). Typically, people install PUAs accidentally or unintentionally.
Cleanup My Mac contains various tools that supposedly allow users to uninstall unwanted, rogue applications, clean the cache and browsing history, manage logs, and so on, however, none of these tools can be used without first purchasing/activating this app. The basic version only allows users to perform a free scan. It is likely that once the scan is finished, it will display a list with a number of detected 'issues'. Note that many potentially unwanted apps generate fake results (fake issues) - this is how rogue developers encourage people to purchase various applications (by giving the impression there are many issues present on MacOS systems). It is not known whether Cleanup My Mac displays fake results, however, many PUAs perform this action. The 'bundling' method is often used to promote several apps at once. Therefore, it is possible that Cleanup My Mac is not the only app that was installed during the process. Other browser hijackers and adware-type applications might also infiltrate systems. PUAs commonly serve users with intrusive ads, cause unwanted redirects to dubious websites, and gather user-system information. Therefore, do not use or purchase apps that are promoted via the 'bundling' method.
Name | Cleanup My Mac potentially unwanted application |
Threat Type | Mac malware, Mac virus, Potentially unwanted application. |
Detection Names (maccleaner (6).pkg) | NANO-Antivirus (Trojan.Script.Packed.fotlel), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
Symptoms | Your Mac became slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you get redirected to shady websites. |
Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers, torrent file downloads. |
Damage | Internet browsing tracking (potential privacy issues), displaying of unwanted ads, redirects to shady websites, loss of private information, financial losses. |
Removal | To eliminate Cleanup My Mac potentially unwanted application our malware researchers recommend scanning your computer with Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner Free scanner checks if your computer is infected. To remove malware, you have to purchase the full version of Combo Cleaner. |
Cleanup My Mac is virtually identical to many other apps of this type including Mac Speedup Pro, Mac Cleanup Pro, and MacOptimizer. In these examples, the apps are supposedly tools that improve Mac computer performance and fix various issues, however, most PUAs are promoted as 'useful' in various ways. In most cases, PUAs provide not real value or the functions promised.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Some PUAs have official download websites from which users can download them willingly (including Cleanup My Mac), however, people usually install them inadvertently when software developers use a deceptive marketing method called 'bundling'. Bundling is used to trick people into installing or downloading PUAs together with other regular programs/software. Information regarding the presence of PUAs (bundled within download/install set-ups) is hidden within the 'Custom', 'Advanced' and other similar settings of the download or installation processes. Many users are successfully tricked into installing these unwanted apps, since they skip software installation/download set-up steps by quickly clicking 'Next' or other similar buttons. Therefore, settings are left unchanged and unwanted installations occur.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Careless behaviour often triggers installation of potentially unwanted applications. To avoid this, do not to skip software installation steps (especially for freeware), check all available 'Custom', 'Advanced and other similar options and settings of the download/installation processes. Opt-out of offers to download/install any unwanted software/apps and only then proceed to the next step or finish the entire process. Download software from official sources (using direct links). Do not use third party software downloaders, installers, Peer-to-Peer networks such as torrents and other similar sources. Note that many intrusive ads may seem legitimate but they can redirect to untrustworthy websites (pornography, adult dating, gambling, and so on). If you encounter redirects of this type, check the list of installed extensions, add-ons, and plug-ins on your browser. Uninstall unwanted, unknown or suspicious apps immediately. Also apply this to programs installed on your Mac. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan withCombo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.
Fake virus warning POP-UP (e.tre456_worm_osx scam) promoting installation of Cleanup My Mac unwanted application:
Screenshot of Cleanup My Mac installer:
Screenshot of Cleanup My Mac application:
Appearance of Cleanup My Mac app (GIF):
IMPORTANT NOTE! Cleanup My Mac adds itself to the list of applications that automatically run upon each user log in. Therefore, before commencing, perform these steps:
- Go to System Preferences -> Users & Groups.
- Click your account (also known as Current User).
- Click Login Items.
- Look for the 'Cleanup My Mac' entry. Select it, and click the '-' button to remove it.
Instant automatic removal of Cleanup My Mac potentially unwanted application:Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Cleanup My Mac potentially unwanted application. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for MacBy downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Cdn2121 mac cleaner kit. Free scanner checks if your computer is infected. To remove malware, you have to purchase the full version of Combo Cleaner.
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for MacBy downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Cdn2121 mac cleaner kit. Free scanner checks if your computer is infected. To remove malware, you have to purchase the full version of Combo Cleaner.
Quick menu:
- STEP 1. Remove PUA related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue add-ons from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove Cleanup My Mac unwanted application using Combo Cleaner:
Potentially unwanted applications removal:
Remove 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.
Free scanner checks if your computer is infected. To remove malware, you have to purchase the full version of Combo Cleaner.
Remove cleanup my mac potentially unwanted application 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 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 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 in the correct order you Mac should be clean of infections. To be sure 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 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 it's virus definition database and click '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.
Cleanup My Mac potentially unwanted application removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove cleanup my mac potentially unwanted application related Safari extensions:
Open 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 normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Remove cleanup my mac potentially unwanted application related Mozilla Firefox add-ons:
Open your Mozilla Firefox browser. At the top right corner of the screen, click the 'Open Menu' (three horizontal lines) button. From the opened menu, choose 'Add-ons'.
Choose the 'Extensions' tab and look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the 'Remove' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Mozilla Firefox browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Remove cleanup my mac potentially unwanted application related Google Chrome add-ons:
Open Google Chrome and click the 'Chrome menu' (three horizontal lines) button located in the top-right corner of the browser window. From the drop-down menu, choose 'More Tools' and select 'Extensions'.
In the 'Extensions' window, look for any recently-installed suspicious add-ons. When located, click the 'Trash' button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Google Chrome browser - none are crucial for normal browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Advanced Mac Cleaner is an unacceptable computer tool or program that every user wishes get rid from the Mac OS X system. It is deemed as invasive type of software that may be installed on the computer without user’s approval. This kind of malware is spreading on thousand of computers worldwide through Internet connection. Software exploits and vulnerabilities in Internet browser programs are believed to be exploited by Advanced Mac Cleaner to gain access on target computer. Malicious links from social media sites and spam email messages also contributes to the delivery of Advanced Mac Cleaner onto victim’s computer.
When this potentially unwanted program is run on the system, it can perform various actions to take control or certain system functions. Furthermore, Advanced Mac Cleaner does not provide entries to instantly remove its code when user is not comfortable with it. In addition, this unknown security and optimization tool may block your Internet access to security web sites preventing you from downloading removal tools and proper guide to delete Advanced Mac Cleaner from the affected computer.
Once Advanced Mac Cleaner is running on the computer, it will begin to display fake warnings and pop-up alerts stating several infections detected on OS X operating system. Obviously, these alerts are just ploy to deceive computer users and force them to pay for the Advanced Mac Cleaner registration code.
As you can see, Advanced Mac Cleaner program was made to steal money from you using various method of deception. Never pay for this worthless program and execute the removal steps to eliminate this threat from the computer right away.
Online Security Scanner Report for advancedmaccleaner.com:
No Issues | Feedback: 2.3/5.0 | Updated: Aug. 15, 2018 |
High risk | Feedback: PUP | Updated: Aug. 15, 2018 |
Unsafe | Feedback: Harmful content | Updated: Aug. 15, 2018 |
Procedures to Remove Advanced Mac Cleaner
This section contains complete instructions to assist you in removing potentially unwanted program from Mac system.
Procedures published on this page are written in method that can be easily understand and execute by Mac users.
Step 1 : Quick Fix - Scan the System with Combo Cleaner
Combo Cleaner is a trusted Mac utility application with complete antivirus and optimization features. It is useful in dealing with adware and malware. Moreover, it can get rid of unwanted program like Advanced Mac Cleaner. You may need to purchase full version if you require to maximize its premium features.
1. Download the tool from the following page:
2. Double-click the downloaded file and proceed with the installation.
3. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon onto your Applications folder icon.
4. Open your Launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon.
5. Wait until antivirus downloads it's latest virus definition updates and click on 'Start Combo Scan' to start removing Advanced Mac Cleaner.
6. Free features of Combo Cleaner include Disk Cleaner, Big Files finder, Duplicate files finder, and Uninstaller. To use antivirus and privacy scanner, users have to upgrade to a premium version.
Proceed with the rest of the removal steps if you are comfortable in manually removing malicious objects associated with the threat.
Step 2 : Quit Advanced Mac Cleaner Process
Before proceeding with the steps below, please close Advanced Mac Cleaner window if in case it is open.
1. Go to Launchpad, Utilities folder, open Activity Monitor.
2. Choose All Processes from the upper right corner of the window.
3. Under Process Name column, look for Advanced Mac Cleaner. Click the name to select the malicious process.
4. Next, click the Quit Process button located in the upper left corner of the window.
5. When prompted, click on Force Quit.
6. You may now delete or remove files that belongs to Advanced Mac Cleaner. Proceed to the next steps.
Step 3 : Delete Advanced Mac Cleaner Login Items
Some malware also installs login item into compromised account under System Preferences. This object automatically runs Advanced Mac Cleaner during user log in.
1. Go to Apple menu and choose System Preferences.
2. Select Users & Groups from the preferences window.
3. You may need to Unlock this area in order to make changes. Click on the Lock icon on lower left corner of the window.
4. Next, select user account that runs Advanced Mac Cleaner.
5. Click on Login Items tab.
6. Select Advanced Mac Cleaner from listed entries and click on the minus [-] button and confirm your actions. Please see image below for reference.
Step 4 : Delete Malicious Files that have installed Advanced Mac Cleaner
1. Select and copy the string below to your Clipboard by pressing Command + C on your keyboard.
~/Library/LaunchAgents
2. Go to your Finder. From the menu bar please select Go > Go to Folder..
3. Press Command + V on your keyboard to paste the copied string. Press Return to go to the said folder.
4. You will now see a folder named LaunchAgents. Take note of the following files inside the folder:
- com.pcv.hlpramc.plist
- amc.plist
If you cannot find the specified file, please look for any unfamiliar or suspicious entries. It may be the one causing Advanced Mac Cleaner to be present on your Mac. Arranging all items to see the most latest ones may also help you identify recently installed unfamiliar files. Please press Option + Command + 4 on your keyboard to arrange the application list in chronological order.
5. Drag all suspicious files that you may find to Trash.
6. Repeat Step 2, numbers 1-5 procedures on the following folder (without ~):
/Library/LaunchAgents
7. Please restart the computer.
8. Open another folder using the same method as above. Copy and Paste the following string to easily locate the folder.
~/Library/Application Support
9. Look for suspicious objects or folders with the following names and drag them to the Trash.
- AdvancedMacCleaner
- AMC
10. Repeat procedures 8 and 9 on the following folders if necessary.
![Mac Mac](/uploads/1/2/5/7/125743239/378496268.jpg)
~/Library/Caches
11. Go to your Finder and open the Applications Folder. Look for subfolders with names similar above and drag them to Trash.
12. Lastly, please Empty your Mac's Trash bin.
Step 5 : Run another Scan using MBAM Tool for Mac
1. Download Malwarebytes Anti-malware for Mac from this link:
2. Run Malwarebytes Anti-malware for Mac. It will check for updates and download if most recent version is available. This is necessary in finding recent malware threats including Advanced Mac Cleaner.
3. If it prompts to close all running web browser, please do so. Thus, we advise you to PRINT this guide for your reference before going offline.
4. Once it opens the user interface, please click on Scan button to start scanning your Mac computer.
5. After the scan, Malwarebytes Anti-malware for Mac will display a list of identified threats, Advanced Mac Cleaner is surely part of it. Be sure to select all items in the list. Then, click Remove button to clean the computer.
6. You may now restart the computer.
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