Jul 30, 2015 I presume the three icons (MacKeeper, ZipCloud and Advanced Mac Cleaner) are in the same location? Please find them, you can do it in Finder. If the icons are on Desktop, you can right click on each and choose 'Move to Trash'. Aug 27, 2013 Optimize your Mac today by using Mackeeper software to help free up hard drive space and memory. Also take advantage of its other features. Oct 05, 2017 CleanMyMac vs. MacKeeper – Which Software is Best to Clean My Mac? October 5, 2017 Share Tweet Pin G Plus Email. If you own a Mac, you know the importance of taking care of it and keeping it clean. If you don’t, you soon will when it starts running slower. Why it’s important to keep your Mac clean. The Mac is a special computer.
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It happened again last week.
A friend was telling me she had convinced her mother to get a Mac laptop.
'But what is this MacSweeper?' she said, with a hint of puzzlement in her voice.
She meant, of course, MacKeeper.
Again: 'What is it?'
A recurring problem
In the early days of web browsing, windows containing ads would often pop up randomly and without notice, blocking content on the screen. Annoyed users would have to close these pop-up windows over and over again in an on-going game of whack-a-mole. Then, the very first iteration of Safari included a unique feature: Block Pop-Up Windows. With a simple check box, you could rid yourself this nuisance.
In short order, other browsers adopted this feature and all was well with the world....until it resurfaced, largely via new windows or tabs, and we were all back to Square One.
But what's been happening of late with these uninvited guests at our browsing parties is a little different. Instead of relatively harmless ads, we're seeing a hard sell by advertisers that uses fear, uncertainty, and doubt to scare users, strongly suggesting that their unprotected Mac is at risk of a virus, or might--horror of horrors--already have one.
And then comes the pitch: Wouldn't you like to download some software or call us right away at the number listed on your screen and buy a service plan to help protect you from evildoers in cyberspace? Or maybe even let us have control of your computer so we can scan and see if your device has already been infected?
While no one can guarantee that your Mac will always be completely safe from viruses and other malware, chances are pretty good that if you are careful and don't fall for scammers' tricks then your Mac won't be impacted.
There are lots of entities that are pushing unsuspecting users to download or buy software and services that have been reported to be of questionable value. These aggressive marketing techniques happen in many ways, including phone calls (more on that later).
MacKeeper is one of these products, and because it seems so prevalent thanks to its extensive on-line advertising campaign, we'll focus on it here. It is a suite of software programs that can securely erase files, perform backups, and other utilities. But some users claim that it slows down their Mac, and many people who accidentally downloaded and installed it now want to remove it.
Here's how.
Step 1. MacKeeper's Way
According to MacKeeper's website, the steps are simple: quit the app and drag it to the trash. If you're running an older version of MacKeeper, you may need to remove its menu bar icon first
- From the Apple menu, choose Go > Applications.
- In the window that appears, double-click the MacKeeper icon.
- From the MacKeeper menu choose Preferences.
- In the window that appears, click General.
- Uncheck the box for Show MacKeeper icon in menu bar.
- From the MacKeeper menu choose Quit.
- Drag the MacKeeper app icon from the Applications window to the Trash.
- Enter an administrator password twice when prompted.
Your Mac may open a web browser window for a MacKeeper survey that asks you to select a reason for uninstalling the software. It's purely optional.
Step 2. But you're not done yet...
Like just about every Mac app, MacKeeper spreads a bunch of support files in several different locations on your computer. Unfortunately, MacKeeper's uninstall process might not remove all of them, particularly if you have an older installation of the app.
You can download and install Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware for Mac and have it do the heavy lifting for you, or you can do it by hand as outlined in Step 3 below. If you choose to install Malwarebytes, launch it and do this:
- Click the Scan button.
- In the sheet that appears, check the box for any software that you would like to delete and click Confirm. (As an aside, PUP stands for Potentially Unwanted Program.)
- Once the process is finished, restart your Mac.
If at some point you want to remove Malwarebytes, there are directions at malwarebytes.com. You will probably also need to follow steps similar to those in Step 3 below to remove all the support files that Malwarebytes installs.
Step 3. The Manual Way
Even Malwarebytes may not get all of MacKeeper's supporting files. You should take a look in the Library folder in your home directory to make sure they're all gone. Here's where and how to find them.
- In the Finder's Go menu, choose Go to Folder....
- In the dialog box that appears, type ~/Library and click Go. This will open the Library folder which is normally hidden by default in your home directory.
- If you find a folder named MacKeeper Backups, drag it to the Trash.
- Scroll through your Library folder and open the Application Support folder. If you find any files or folders with MacKeeper in its name, drag them to the Trash.
- Scroll through your Library folder and open the Caches folder. If you find files named com.mackeeper.MacKeeper, com.mackeeper.MacKeeper.Helper, or any other files or folders with MacKeeper in their name, drag them to the Trash.
- Scroll through your Library folder and open the LaunchAgents folder. If you find a file named com.mackeeper.MacKeeper.Helper.plist, or any other files or folders with MacKeeper in their name, drag them to the Trash.
- Your Library folder may contain a folder named LaunchDaemons. If you find inside it a file named com.mackeeper.MacKeeper.plugin.AntiTheft.daemon.plist or any other files or folders with MacKeeper in their name, drag them to the Trash.
- Scroll through your Library folder and open the Preferences folder. If you find inside it a file named com.mackeeper.MacKeeper.AdwareAnalyzer.plist or any other files or folders with MacKeeper in their name, drag them to the Trash.
- From the Finder menu, choose Empty Trash... and Empty the Trash if prompted.
Step 4. If the hits just keep on comin'...
Sometimes installing MacKeeper will result in Safari extensions and cookies also being installed...and the prodding to install MacKeeper—as well as other ads—may keep appearing. The latest version of macOS contains a built-in tool that will remove known unwanted adware and malware when you restart your Mac. So try that first. If that doesn't work, here's what to do.
- From the Apple menu, choose Force Quit....
- In the window that appears, select Safari and click Force Quit.
- Relaunch Safari while holding down the Shift key on the keyboard. This will prevent any windows that were open when you force quit Safari from reopening.
- From the Safari menu, choose Preferences.
- Click Extensions.
- In the list that appears, select any extensions that you don't recognize and click Uninstall for each of them.
- Click Privacy.
- Click Manage Website Data.
- In the sheet that appears, enter MacKeeper in the Search box to show any data related to MacKeeper and click Remove All.
- Close the Preferences window and from the Safari menu, choose Quit Safari and restart your Mac.
Postscript
You can take all these steps when it comes to MacKeeper, but even so, aggressive marketing tactics may take a different form. The very morning right before I sat down to write this article, the phone rang at my house.
A guy named 'Jim' said his company had been tracking a problem with my computer for several weeks. He breathlessly asked me—a couple of times—to hurry up and turn on my Windows computer and sit down in front of it so he could show me what the problem was before it got any worse.
My turn to be aggressive.
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'Well, James, I know you're lying to me because there isn't a Windows computer in this house. Now please take me off your call list and don't ever call this number again or I will contact the authorities and have you thrown in jail. How does that sound to you?'
Click
Made my day.
Any questions?
I put my own Mac at risk in order to help clarify how to uninstall MacKeeper on your Mac, so I've got first-hand experience. If you've installed the program and are still having trouble removing it completely from your Mac, let me know in the comments section and I'll try to help you out.
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How to remove 'kromtech[.]net' from Mac?
What is 'kromtech[.]net'?
kromtech[.]net is a rogue domain used to promote MacKeeper, a potentially unwanted application (PUA). This domain redirects visitors to various landing pages that promote the MacKeeper PUA. Research shows that users typically visit kromtech[.]net inadvertently - they are redirected by PUAs already installed on the system.
As mentioned above, the kromtech[.]net domain is used to promote the MacKeeper app. Developers of this application have many affiliates who promote MacKeeper in malicious ways, including the use of the kromtech[.]net domain. Criminals proliferate various adware-type applications designed to diminish computer performance, open new browser tabs/windows, and redirect users to kromtech[.]net. As a result, many users notice that their systems are working slower. This technique is often successful, since affiliates often trick recipients into downloading and potentially purchasing the MacKeeper PUA, which is presented as a good system cleaner/optimizer. Furthermore, adware-type applications are also likely to deliver other advertisements and gather sensitive data (which is later sold to third parties). Therefore, promotion of the MacKeeper PUA is not the only source of revenue for the rogue affiliates. In summary, if you encounter redirects to kromtech[.]net, immediately remove all suspicious applications, including MacKeeper.
Name | kromtech.net pop-up |
Threat Type | Potentially unwanted application, Mac malware, Mac virus |
Promoted Application | MacKeeper |
Serving IP Address | 3.212.206.237 |
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), fake flash player installers, torrent file downloads. |
Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information. |
Removal | To eliminate kromtech.net pop-up 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. |
There are dozens of PUAs that share many similarities with MacKeeper. For example, ProntoApp, Advanced Mac Cleaner, Cleanup My Mac, and PathBrand. Most offer useful features, however, few provide the functionality promised. These apps are designed only to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than giving any real value for regular users, they cause redirects, deliver advertisements, and gather information. Some PUAs (such as fake system cleaners/anti-virus suites) display fake system scan results to scare and trick recipients into purchasing so-called 'full versions' of these apps, since the free versions are supposedly incapable of fixing the listed errors (which usually do not even exist). In these ways, criminals attempt to extort money from unsuspecting users.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Potentially unwanted applications (such as those that promote kromtech[.]net) usually infiltrate computers without users' consent, since developers proliferate them using 'bundling' and intrusive advertising methods. 'Bundling' is stealth installation of third party applications with regular software. Developers hide 'bundled' apps behind 'Custom/Advanced' settings (or other sections) of the download/installation processes. Furthermore, many users often click advertisements, rush download/installation processes, and skip steps. In doing so, they expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
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The main reasons for computer infections are poor knowledge and careless behavior. The key to safety is caution. Therefore, pay close attention during the download/installation processes and browsing the Internet in general. Avoid using third party downloaders/installers, since most are monetized using the 'bundling' method'. Software should be downloaded from official sources only, preferably using direct download links. Additionally, study each step of the download/installation processes using the 'Custom' or 'Advanced' settings and opt-out of all additionally-included programs. Intrusive advertisements usually seem legitimate, however, most redirect to dubious websites such as surveys, adult dating, gambling, pornography, and similar. If you encounter these ads and redirects, remove all suspicious applications and browser plug-ins immediately. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan withCombo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.
Examples of MacKeeper landing pages promoted via the kromtech[.]net website:
Instant automatic removal of kromtech.net pop-up: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 kromtech.net pop-up. 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. 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. 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 adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
Video showing how to remove MacKeeper 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 kromtech.net pop-up 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:
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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.
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Check for adware-generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents folder:
In the Go to Folder bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents
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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.
kromtech.net pop-up removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Remove kromtech.net pop-up 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 kromtech.net pop-up 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 kromtech.net pop-up 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'.
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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.