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Reinstall from macOS Recovery
macOS Recovery makes it easy to reinstall the Mac operating system, even if you need to erase your startup disk first. All you need is a connection to the Internet. If a wireless network is available, you can choose it from the Wi-Fi menu , which is also available in macOS Recovery.
1. Start up from macOS Recovery
To start up from macOS Recovery, turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold one of the following sets of keys on your keyboard. Release the keys when you see an Apple logo, spinning globe, or other startup screen.
Command (⌘)-R
Reinstall the latest macOS that was installed on your Mac (recommended).
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Option-⌘-R
Upgrade to the latest macOS that is compatible with your Mac.
Shift-Option-⌘-R
Reinstall the macOS that came with your Mac, or the closest version still available.
Open Pkg On Mac
You might be prompted to enter a password, such as a firmware password or the password of a user who is an administrator of this Mac. Enter the requested password to continue.
When you see the utilities window, you have started up from macOS Recovery.
2. Decide whether to erase (format) your disk
You probably don't need to erase, unless you're selling, trading in, or giving away your Mac, or you have an issue that requires you to erase. If you need to erase before installing macOS, select Disk Utility from the Utilities window, then click Continue. Learn more about when and how to erase.
3. Install macOS
When you're ready to reinstall macOS, choose Reinstall macOS from the Utilities window. Then click Continue and follow the onscreen instructions. You will be asked to choose a disk on which to install.
- If the installer asks to unlock your disk, enter the password you use to log in to your Mac.
- If the installer doesn't see your disk, or it says that it can't install on your computer or volume, you might need to erase your disk first.
- If the installer is for a different version of macOS than you expected, learn about macOS Recovery exceptions.
- If the installer offers you the choice between installing on Macintosh HD or Macintosh HD - Data, choose Macintosh HD.
Please allow installation to complete without putting your Mac to sleep or closing its lid. During installation, your Mac might restart and show a progress bar several times, and the screen might be empty for minutes at a time.
If your Mac restarts to a setup assistant, but you're selling, trading in, or giving away your Mac, press Command-Q to quit the assistant without completing setup. Then click Shut Down. When the new owner starts up the Mac, they can use their own information to complete setup.
macOS Recovery exceptions
The version of macOS offered by macOS Recovery might vary in some cases:
- If macOS Sierra 10.12.4 or later has never been installed on this Mac, Option-Command-R installs the macOS that came with your Mac, or the closest version still available. And Shift-Option-Command-R isn't available.
- If you erased your entire disk instead of just the startup volume on that disk, macOS Recovery might offer only the macOS that came with your Mac, or the closest version still available. You can upgrade to a later version afterward.
- If your Mac has the Apple T2 Security Chip and you never installed a macOS update, Option-Command-R installs the latest macOS that was installed on your Mac.
- If you just had your Mac logic board replaced during a repair, macOS Recovery might offer only the latest macOS that is compatible with your Mac.
If you can't get macOS Recovery to offer the installer you want, you might be able to use one of the other ways to install macOS.
Other ways to install macOS
- You can also install macOS from the App Store or Software Update preferences. If you can't install macOS Catalina, you might be able to install an earlier macOS, such as macOS Mojave, High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, or Yosemite.
- Or create a bootable installer disk, then use that disk to install macOS on your Mac or another Mac.
How to prevent unwanted installation of software distributed through the maccleaner.pkg file
What is maccleaner.pkg?
The maccleaner.pkg file is used to install unwanted software onto MacOS. Examples of applications that might be installed through maccleaner.pkg are Smart Mac Booster, Advanced Mac Cleaner, Mac Cleanup Pro, MacKeeper, Mac Auto Fixer, and Advanced Mac Tuneup. All of these apps are categorized as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs), since they are advertised on deceptive websites, distributed through fake Flash Player updaters, and so on. If the maccleaner.pkg software package file appears in the Downloads folder (or others), we strongly recommend that you do not open or execute it.
Unwanted apps are promoted with their associated installation files (including maccleaner.pkg) by advertising them on deceptive websites. For example, when opened, scam web pages display fake virus alerts. They run fake virus scans and trick people into believing that the operating system/computer is infected with a virus and that it can be removed with a certain program (such as Advanced Mac Cleaner, Mac Cleanup Pro, and so on). Websites of this type and software advertised on them should never be trusted (do not download or install). The maccleaner.pkg file can also be distributed through fake Flash Player updaters. These do not update software, but simply download and install unwanted software. The maccleaner.pkg file might be disguised as an installation file of an updates package for Flash Player (or other software), however, when opened, it will install one of the aforementioned (or other) unwanted applications. In any case, if downloaded from a dubious channel, the maccleaner.pkg file should never be opened. The best option is to delete this file and avoid downloading files of this kind in the future.
Deceptive (scam) pages are used to promote unwanted software or fake updaters by displaying fake notifications about viruses, outdated software, and so on. These sites are usually opened by PUAs already installed on the system. Apps of this type open dubious pages, display unwanted ads, and gather data such as IP addresses, URLs of opened pages, entered search queries, geolocations, and other information relating to users' browsing habits. Developers share this data with other people (potentially cyber criminals) who misuse it to generate revenue. Furthermore, these apps display intrusive ads that, if clicked, open potentially malicious pages or download/install potentially malicious apps. Examples of ads displayed by PUAs include coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups, etc.
Name | maccleaner.pkg rogue installer |
Threat Type | Mac malware, Mac virus |
Symptoms | Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
Detection Names (maccleaner.pkg ) | Avast (MacOS:Agent-GT [PUP]), BitDefender (Trojan.MAC.Generic.6675), ESET-NOD32 (OSX/GT32SupportGeeks.DG Potentially Unwanted), FireEye (Trojan.MAC.Generic.6675), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads and websites, fake flash player installers, fake virus scanners, torrent file downloads. |
Damage | Installation of dubious software, possible monetary loss. |
Malware Removal (Mac) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available. |
The maccleaner.pkg file is used to install apps that are advertised as useful and legitimate, however, files and programs distributed through deceptive pages (or using other dubious methods) cannot be trusted. Some examples of scam pages that advertise unwanted software through files such as maccleaner.pkg include Checkingforward, Fastsearchday, and Falseortruerdr.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Most users install unwanted apps through dubious, deceptive ads that are capable of running certain scripts or when developers use a deceptive marketing method called 'bundling'. In any case, people install them inadvertently/unintentionally. When developers distribute unwanted apps through download or installation set-ups of other software, they hide related information in 'Custom', 'Advanced', and other similar parts of the set-ups. Unfortunately, many people leave these settings unchanged or even unchecked, thereby agreeing by default to download or install unwanted software included into the setup.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Download software from official and trustworthy websites and do not use third party installers, downloaders, Peer-to-Peer networks, and so on. Install and download software properly: check 'Custom', 'Advanced' and other settings of any setup and dismiss offers to download or install additional apps. Intrusive ads often redirect users to untrustworthy, deceptive websites (especially when displayed on dubious pages). Typically, these ads are shown on pages relating to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and so on. Another reason not to click them is the possibility of unwanted downloads/installations. Some ads can run scripts that will download and install unwanted software. If the browser opens dubious pages and/or shows unwanted ads, remove all suspicious and unwanted extensions, add-ons, and plug-ins immediately. The same applies to apps installed on the MacOS system. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.
Example of a pop-up scam (Truefalserdr) used to distribute the maccleaner.pkg file (unwanted software):
Example of the Smart Mac Booster app that is installed through the maccleaner.pkg file:
Instant automatic Mac malware removal: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 Mac malware. 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. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available.
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for MacBy 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. Limited three days free trial available.
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 unwanted applications distributed via Maccleaner.pkg file 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.
Combo Cleaner checks if your computer is infected with malware. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited three days free trial available.
Remove maccleaner.pkg rogue installer 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:
Mac Pkg Install
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.
maccleaner.pkg rogue installer removal from Internet browsers:
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Pkg Software Download
Remove maccleaner.pkg rogue installer 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 maccleaner.pkg rogue installer 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 maccleaner.pkg rogue installer 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.