19-05-2021

How to remove ScreenSaver from Mac?

What is ScreenSaver?

Jul 24, 2019  This article presents an overview of the impacts that Mac Adware Cleaner could cause to your Mac. In it, you will also find removal steps for its complete removal from your affected Mac. Mac Adware Cleaner is a potentially unwanted program classified as adware. Once started on your Mac it implements certain changes of system and browser. Nov 30, 2018  The safest place to download apps for your Mac is the Mac App Store. If you need third-party software for your Mac, and it isn’t available in the App Store, get it directly from the developer or another reliable source, rather than through an ad or link. If you think that you might have malware or adware on your Mac, update to the latest.

Identical to ScreenCapture.app, Spaces.app, and a number of others, ScreenSaver (also known as ScreenSaver.app) is a potentially unwanted application (PUA) and software categorized as adware. This particular app is designed to promote a dubious website (searchbaron.com), which is a fake search engine. This search engine redirects users to bing.com using the Amazon AWS service. Typically, people download and install apps such as ScreenSaver unintentionally. When installed, most adware-type apps feed users with annoying, intrusive ads and gather data about browsing habits.

When installed, the ScreenSaver application runs in the operating system background and follows users' internet browsing activities. Each time a search query is entered into a browser, ScreenSaver forces the user to visit searchbaron.com, and then simply opens the bing.com site and displays associated search results. It is possible that ScreenSaver might open bing.com through the Amazon AWS service. Bing is a well-known and legitimate search engine, however, this does not indicate that its developers have anything to do with the ScreenSaver adware. The Bing search engine is safe to use, however, the searchbaron.com fake search engine (which is opened before bing.com) is used to collect information such as IP addresses, geolocations, entered search queries, addresses of visited pages, and other similar details. Additionally, people who are forced to visit searchbaron.com by ScreenSaver are being used to generate fake traffic. Furthermore, adware-type apps usually display unwanted ads that, if clicked, lead to untrustworthy pages or even download and installation of unwanted applications. These apps often display coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups, and so on. Adware might also be used to gather data such as IP addresses and other information that is collected by the searchbaron.com fake search engine. People who develop these apps often misuse the information to generate revenue, or share it with third parties (possibly, cyber criminals) who also misuse it. Apps such as ScreenSaver should be removed immediately, however, this might not be straightforward. To successfully remove ScreenSaver, follow the steps described below.

Threat Summary:
NameScreenSaver.app virus
Threat TypeMac malware, Mac virus
SymptomsYour Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites.
Distribution methodsDeceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers, torrent file downloads.
DamageInternet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information.
Removal

To eliminate ScreenSaver.app virus 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.

Adware developers present their apps as legitimate and useful, however, people who have them installed on their browsers or operating systems are exposed to problems with browsing safety, privacy, and other issues. Rather than providing any useful features, adware-type apps display ads and collect data. They are designed only to generate revenue for their developers.

How did ScreenSaver install on my computer?

Many people download and install adware and other PUAs inadvertently. In some cases, by clicking advertisements that run scripts - these cause download and installation of a rogue application. In other cases, unwanted downloads/installations happen when people install software. Developers bundle (include) PUAs into various download and/or installation set-ups, and hide related information in 'Custom', 'Advanced', and other settings. Many people leave these settings unchanged, thereby allowing unwanted apps to be downloaded and installed with other software.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

Download software from official and trustworthy web pages. Do not use third party downloaders, Peer-to-Peer networks such as torrent clients or eMule, dubious websites or other similar channels. Check all 'Custom', 'Advanced' and other similar settings that are available in each download or installation setup. Deselect offers to install or download unwanted software, and only then complete the setup. Avoid clicking advertisements, especially if they are displayed on dubious web pages relating to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and so on. These often cause redirects to other untrustworthy web pages. If you encounter unwanted redirects or see intrusive ads, check your browser for unwanted applications (extensions, plug-ins, and add-ons) and remove them. Also check the list of installed programs on your computer and remove unwanted entries. If your computer is already infected with ScreenSaver, we recommend running a scan withCombo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Fake error message displayed by ScreenSaver application:

Text in this error message:

Your computer is low on memory.

To free up some memory, please close a few applications.

This adware is also designed to ask for permissions to perform various actions in the Safari web browser by displaying a pop-up with this text:

“ScreenSaver.app“ wants access to control “Safari.app“. Allowing control will provide access to documents and data in “Safari.app“, and to perform actions within that app.

Appearance of ScreenSaver adware redirecting to searchbaron.com, which, in turn, redirects to bing.com:

IMPORTANT NOTE!

As mentioned above, removal of the ScreenSaver application is a complicated process. It is impossible to delete it without first terminating its process. The problem is that the process is automatically re-started immediately it is terminated. Therefore, to remove this application, you must perform the following steps:

1) Navigate to the '~/Library/Application Support/.screensaver/' directory, right-click on the 'ScreenSaver' application, and select 'Show Package Contents':

2) Navigate to the 'Contents/MacOS' directory and delete the 'ScreenSaver' application:

3) Once the previous steps are performed, the process of the ScreenSaver application will no longer be automatically re-started, and you can then easily terminate it and remove the remaining application files:

4) After removing the ScreenCapture application, you must navigate to the '/Users/Test/Library/Application Support' directory and enable the display of hidden directories. Then, search for a directory with a dubious name (e.g., '.helper', '.dir' or similar) which contains an application called 'Finder'. Once located, this entire directory must be deleted. Note that MacOS has a genuine Finder application. Yet, the malicious one has a completely different icon (typically, a Terminal logo) - criminals simply use this name as a disguise:

5) Finally, go to the '~/Library/LaunchAgents/' directory and find and remove the 'com.xyz.abc.ScreenSaver.plist' file.

Instant automatic removal of ScreenSaver.app virus: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 ScreenSaver.app virus. 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.

Quick menu:

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

Video showing how to remove ScreenSaver adware using Combo Cleaner:

ScreenSaver adware removal:

Remove ScreenSaver-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.

Free scanner checks if your computer is infected. To remove malware, you have to purchase the full version of Combo Cleaner.

Remove screensaver.app virus 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.

ScreenSaver.app virus removal from Internet browsers:

Remove malicious extensions from Safari:

Remove screensaver.app virus 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 screensaver.app virus 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 screensaver.app virus 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.

How to remove ScreenCapture from Mac?

What is ScreenCapture?

Identical to Spaces.app and Spotlight.app, ScreenCapture (also known as ScreenCapture.app) is an adware-type application designed to promote the searchbaron.com fake search engine, which is designed to redirect users to bing.com by using the Amazon AWS service. This application typically infiltrates computers without users' consent. Note that adware-type applications often deliver intrusive ads and gather information relating to users' browsing activity.

Following infiltration, ScreenCapture stealthily runs in the system background and monitors browsing activity. Once a search query is entered by the user, ScreenCapture immediately redirects users to searchbaron.com, which then redirects to bing.com. ScreenCapture itself might also redirect to bing.com using the aforementioned Amazon AWS service. In any case, users end up searching via Bing, a legitimate search engine developed by Microsoft. Note, however, that Microsoft has nothing to do with this adware. The redirects are harmless, but are performed for several reasons. ScreenCapture allows searchbaron.com to record user-system information such as search queries, IP addresses, geolocations, and so on. Additionally, ScreenCapture generates fake traffic. Adware-type applications often deliver intrusive advertisements such as coupons, banners, pop-ups, and similar that redirect to dubious websites and even run scripts that download/install other PUAs. Adware is also likely to record data such as website URLs visited, pages viewed, and other information relating to browsing habits. Collected data is later shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse it to generate revenue. Thus, having a, adware-type applications attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, however, these programs have just one purpose: to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than giving any value for regular users, adware-type applications cause unwanted redirects, gather information, and deliver intrusive advertisements, thereby significantly diminishing the browsing experience and posing a threat to your privacy and computer safety.

How did ScreenCapture install on my computer?

Adware-type applications such as ScreenCapture are typically distributed using a deceptive marketing method called 'bundling' and intrusive advertisements. 'Bundling' is essentially stealth installation of third party applications together with regular software. Developers know that many users skip download/installation steps. Therefore, all 'bundled' applications are hidden behind 'Custom/Advanced' settings or other sections of these procedures. By rushing and skipping steps, many users expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

To prevent this situation, be very cautious when browsing the Internet and downloading and installing software. Bear in mind that developers invest many resources into intrusive ad design, thereby making them seem legitimate. Once clicked, however, they redirect to dubious websites (gambling, adult dating, pornography, and similar). If you continually encounter these ads/redirects, remove all suspicious applications and browser plug-ins. Furthermore, study each step of the download/installation processes using the 'Custom' or 'Advanced' settings. Opt-out of all additionally-included programs and decline offers to download/install them. Software should be downloaded from official sources only, preferably using direct download links. Third party downloaders/installers often include rogue applications, and thus these tools should never be used. If your computer is already infected with ScreenCapture, we recommend running a scan withCombo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Fake error message displayed by the ScreenCapture application:

Text presented within this error:

Mac Adware Cleaner Uninstall

Your computer is low on memory.

To free up some memory, please close a few applications.

Appearance of ScreenCapture adware redirecting to searchbaron.com which, in turn, redirects to bing.com:

IMPORTANT NOTE! As mentioned above, removing the ScreenCapture application is a rather complicated process, since deleting this application without firstly terminating its associated process is impossible - the process is automatically re-started immediately it is terminated. Therefore, to remove this application, you must perform the following steps:

1) Navigate to the '~/Library/Application Support/.screencapture/' directory, right-click on the 'ScreenCapture' application, and select 'Show Package Contents':

2) Navigate to the 'Contents/MacOS' directory and delete the 'ScreenCapture' application:

3) Once the previous steps are performed, the process associated with the ScreenCapture application will no longer be automatically re-started and you will be able to easily terminate it and remove the remaining application files:

4) After removing the ScreenCapture application, navigate to the '/Users/Test/Library/Application Support' directory and enable the display of hidden directories. Then, search for a directory with a dubious name (e.g., '.helper', '.dir', or similar), which contains an application called 'Finder'. Once located, this entire directory must be deleted. Note that MacOS actually has a genuine Finder application. Yet, the malicious version has a completely different icon (typically, a Terminal logo) and criminals simply use this as a disguise:

Instant automatic removal of ScreenCapture.app virus: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 ScreenCapture.app virus. 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.

Quick menu:

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

Video showing how to remove ScreenCapture.app adware using Combo Cleaner:

ScreenCapture adware removal:

Remove ScreenCapture-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.

Free scanner checks if your computer is infected. To remove malware, you have to purchase the full version of Combo Cleaner.

Remove screencapture.app virus related files and folders:

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Best Adware Cleaner For Mac

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.

ScreenCapture.app virus removal from Internet browsers:

Remove Mac Adware Cleaner Pop Up

Remove malicious extensions from Safari:

Remove screencapture.app virus 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:

Mac Adware Cleaner Free Download

Remove screencapture.app virus 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'.

Mac Adware Cleaner Popup

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 screencapture.app virus related Google Chrome add-ons:

Adware

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.