How to remove TotalSearchConsole from Mac

Complete tips to delete TotalSearchConsole

In most cases, users download and install TotalSearchConsole inadvertently. This is why; the app is given the category of potentially unwanted application. As per its behavior on system infiltrated, it can be said to be adware that has browser hijacker function as well. It is possible that it collects information.

Generally, adware-type applications like TotalSearchConsole serve banners, coupons, pop-ups and other type of ads. These ads can open various dubious websites and sometimes execute malicious scripts to cause unwanted downloads/ installations.

TotalSearchConsole also modifies certain browsers’ settings to hijack browsers. Usually, browser hijackers change browsers’ homepage, new tab pages and search engine options and sets some fake search engine in these places.

Because of such changes, users visit the rogue website all the time when they open their browsing tab and enter any queries on the URL search bar. In most cases, the changes made by browser hijacker can be undone only after the un-installation of rogue app.

Additionally, TotalSearchConsole might collect various browsing based data. These data can include IP addresses, Search queries, Viewed pages, URLs visited, ISPs, Geo-locations and etc. The data collected can be later on shared with and/or sold to third parties/ potent crooks.

In conclusion, the presence of the potentially unwanted app on system can lead into severe system infections, privacy issues, identity theft, monetary loss and even more severe consequences. To prevent such issues, immediately remove TotalSearchConsole and all related components from web browser and system.

The PUA removal is relatively easy to do as compare to ransomware and Trojan type malware removal process. You can even go by hand- check our below post to get the complete step-by-step instruction to remove TotalSearchConsole from system.

However, if you are not an experience user, meaning you are just a beginner and have not much IT skill and previous knowledge of malware removal, you should opt for automatic mode. For this, you need to employ a reputable antivirus tool, perform full system scan and let the software to do the rest of the job.

How did TotalSearchConsole enter my system?

Researches show that TotalSearchConsole can be distributed through deceptive, fake installer that supposedly installs Adobe Flash Player. People can download unwanted apps inadvertently with other software when the apps are included in the setups of regular software as additional offers.

The distribution method is bundling. Usually, those offers can be declined in Custom/ Advanced and similar setups. However, many users leave these settings unchecked and unchanged and thereby lead to the inadvertent installation of PUAs to their system.

In some cases, users cause unwanted downloads/ installations by clicking on deceptive ads that execute malicious scripts. Some PUPs can have official promotional/ download pages from where they can be downloaded.

How to prevent PUAs installations?

Download software and files from official websites and via direct links. It is not safe to use torrent clients, eMule, third party downloaders, unofficial websites or other sources of this kind. Check Custom/Advanced settings and decline the offer of download or install unwanted apps.

Do not click on any ads appear on dubious sites as they can open other untrustworthy pages or even cause unwanted download/ installation. Remove any unwanted, suspicious applications that are installed on the web browser.

Remove Files and Folders Related to TotalSearchConsole

Open the “Menu” bar and click the “Finder” icon. Select “Go” and click on “Go to Folder…”

Step 1: Search the suspicious and doubtful malware generated files in /Library/LaunchAgents folder

Type /Library/LaunchAgents in the “Go to Folder” option

In the “Launch Agent” folder, search for all the files that you have recently downloaded and move them to “Trash”. Few of the examples of files created by browser-hijacker or adware are as follow, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.Itvbit.plist”, installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, and “kuklorest.update.plist” and so on.

Step 2: Detect and remove the files generated by the adware in “/Library/Application” Support folder

In the “Go to Folder..bar”, type “/Library/Application Support”

Search for any suspicious newly added folders in “Application Support” folder. If you detect any one of these like “NicePlayer” or “MPlayerX” then send them to “Trash” folder.

Step 3: Look for the files generated by malware in /Library/LaunchAgent Folder:

Go to Folder bar and type /Library/LaunchAgents

You are in the “LaunchAgents” folder. Here, you have to search for all the newly added files and move them to “Trash” if you find them suspicious. Some of the examples of suspicious files generated by malware are “myppes.download.plist”, “installmac.AppRemoved.plist”, “kuklorest.update.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist” and so on.

Step4: Go to /Library/LaunchDaemons Folder and search for the files created by malware

Type /Library/LaunchDaemons in the “Go To Folder” option

In the newly opened “LaunchDaemons” folder, search for any recently added suspicious files and move them to “Trash”. Examples of some of the suspicious files are “com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist”, “com.avickUpd.plist”, “com.myppes.net-preference.plist”, “com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist” and so on.

Step 5: Use Combo Cleaner Anti-Malware and Scan your Mac PC

The malware infections could be removed from the Mac PC if you execute all the steps mentioned above in the correct way. However, it is always advised to be sure that your PC is not infected. It is suggested to scan the work-station with “Combo Cleaner Anti-virus”.

Once the file gets downloaded, double click on combocleaner.dmg installer in the newly opened window. Next is to open the “Launchpad” and press on “Combo Cleaner” icon. It is advised to wait until “Combo Cleaner” updates the latest definition for malware detection. Click on “Start Combo Scan” button.

A depth scan of your Mac PC will be executed in order to detect malware. If the Anti-virus scan report says “no threat found” then you can continue with guide further. On the other hand, it is recommended to delete the detected malware infection before continuing.

Now the files and folders created by the adware is removed, you have to remove the rogue extensions from the browsers.

Remove TotalSearchConsole from Internet Browsers

Delete Doubtful and Malicious Extension from Safari

Go to “Menu Bar” and open “Safari” browser. Select “Safari” and then “Preferences”

In the opened “preferences” window, select “Extensions” that you have recently installed. All such extensions should be detected and click the “Uninstall” button next to it. If you are doubtful then you can remove all the extensions from “Safari” browser as none of them are important for smooth functionality of the browser.

In case if you continue facing unwanted webpage redirections or aggressive advertisements bombarding, you can reset the “Safari” browser.

“Reset Safari”

Open the Safari menu and choose “preferences…” from the drop-down menu.

Go to the “Extension” tab and set the extension slider to “Off” position. This disables all the installed extensions in the Safari browser

Next step is to check the homepage. Go to “Preferences…” option and choose “General” tab. Change the homepage to your preferred URL.

Also check the default search-engine provider settings. Go to “Preferences…” window and select the “Search” tab and select the search-engine provider that you want such as “Google”.

Next is to clear the Safari browser Cache- Go to “Preferences…” window and select “Advanced” tab and click on “Show develop menu in the menu bar.“

Go to “Develop” menu and select “Empty Caches”.

Remove website data and browsing history. Go to “Safari” menu and select “Clear History and Website Data”. Choose “all history” and then click on “Clear History”.

Remove Unwanted and Malicious Plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox

Delete TotalSearchConsole add-ons from Mozilla Firefox

Open the Firefox Mozilla browser. Click on the “Open Menu” present in the top right corner of the screen. From the newly opened menu, choose “Add-ons”.

Go to “Extension” option and detect all the latest installed add-ons. Select each of the suspicious add-ons and click on “Remove” button next to them.

In case if you want to “reset” the Mozilla Firefox browser then follow the steps that has been mentioned below.

Reset Mozilla Firefox Settings

Open the Firefox Mozilla browser and click on “Firefox” button situated at the top left corner of the screen.

In the new menu, go to “Help” sub-menu and choose “Troubleshooting Information”

In the “Troubleshooting Information” page, click on “Reset Firefox” button.

Confirm that you want to reset the Mozilla Firefox settings to default by pressing on “Reset Firefox” option

The browser will get restarted and the settings changes to factory default

Delete Unwanted and Malicious Extensions from Google Chrome

Open the chrome browser and click on “Chrome menu”. From the drop down option, choose “More Tools” and then “Extensions”.

In the “Extensions” option, search for all the recently installed add-ons and extensions. Select them and choose “Trash” button. Any third-party extension is not important for the smooth functionality of the browser.

Reset Google Chrome Settings

Open the browser and click on three line bar at the top right side corner of the window.

Go to the bottom of the newly opened window and select “Show advanced settings”.

In the newly opened window, scroll down to the bottom and choose “Reset browser settings”

Click on the “Reset” button on the opened “Reset browser settings” window

Restart the browser and the changes you get will be applied

The above mentioned manual process should be executed as it is mentioned. It is a cumbersome process and requires a lot of technical expertise. And hence it is advised for technical experts only. To be sure that your PC is free from malware, it is better that you scan the work-station with a powerful anti-malware tool. The automatic malware removal application is preferred because it doesn’t requires any additional technical skills and expertise.

Download the application and execute it on the PC to begin the depth scanning. Once the scanning gets completed, it shows the list of all the files related to TotalSearchConsole. You can select such harmful files and folders and remove them immediately.