How to remove ArchiveAccess (Mac)

What is ArchiveAccess

ArchiveAccess is classified as adware that primarily targets macOS systems, generating intrusive advertisements that can disrupt user experience. This type of software is known for displaying misleading ads, including pop-ups, banners, and coupons, often leading users to unreliable websites. Many security vendors have flagged ArchiveAccess as malicious due to its deceptive practices, which can result in users unintentionally downloading unwanted software or providing sensitive information to phishing sites. The presence of ArchiveAccess can significantly slow down system performance, causing freezes and crashes. Additionally, it may install various hidden files that complicate manual removal efforts. Users are strongly advised to uninstall this adware promptly and run a thorough system scan with reliable antivirus software to ensure complete eradication.

How ArchiveAccess infects Mac computers

ArchiveAccess typically infects Mac systems through deceptive methods that exploit user behavior. One common approach involves bundling the adware with legitimate software, where users inadvertently install ArchiveAccess by not carefully reviewing installation prompts and opting for default settings. Additionally, the adware may be delivered via misleading pop-up ads or notifications that encourage users to download purported software updates or free applications from untrusted sources. Torrents and peer-to-peer networks also serve as distribution channels, where users unknowingly download infected files. Once installed, ArchiveAccess begins displaying intrusive ads, redirecting users to questionable websites, and compromising their online privacy. To mitigate the risk of infection, users should ensure they download software exclusively from official sources and remain vigilant during installation processes.

1. Download ArchiveAccess Removal Tool
2. Remove ArchiveAccess from Login Items
3. Remove/Uninstall ArchiveAccess from Applications
4. Remove ArchiveAccess from browsers
5. Reset browser settings
6. Remove ArchiveAccess files and folders
7. Block ArchiveAccess ads and pop-ups
8. How to protect from threats, like ArchiveAccess

Remove ArchiveAccess manually for free

Note: ArchiveAccess sets up to start on macOS startup. Therefore, before starting the removal, perform these steps:

1. Open System Preferences, choose Users & Groups.
2. Choose your account (set up as Current User).
3. Click Login Items tab.
4. Find “ArchiveAccess” entry. Select it, and click the “-“ (minus) button to remove it.

Note 2: ArchiveAccess won’t quit just by closing it, therefor use Force Quit to end the process.

1. Press 3 buttons at the same time: Option, Command, and Esc (Escape). This is similar to Control-Alt-Delete on a Windows PC.
2. Choose ArchiveAccess in the list.
3. Click Force Quit button.

Here is a manual step-by-step tutorial for full ArchiveAccess removal from your computer. This works 99% and was checked with the latest versions of ArchiveAccess installer on operating systems with the latest updates and browser versions.

Remove ArchiveAccess from Applications

Remove ArchiveAccess from Mac:

1. In the Finder sidebar, click Applications.
2. ArchiveAccess might have an Uninstaller. If you see Uninstall ArchiveAccess or ArchiveAccess Uninstaller, double-click it and follow the onscreen instructions.
3. Otherwise, drag ArchiveAccess from the Applications folder to the Trash (located at the end of the Dock).
4. Then choose Finder > Empty Trash.

Cannot uninstall ArchiveAccess

If you can’t uninstall ArchiveAccess using instructions above, or it keeps coming back, you can use free AppCleaner for Mac to remove all residual data and libraries of ArchiveAccess. Follow instructions below:

1. Download free AppCleaner.
2. Drag ArchiveAccess from Applications folder to AppCleaner window.
3. Choose files and folders you want to remove along with ArchiveAccess.
4. Click Delete button.

Remove ArchiveAccess add-on from your browsers

Removing ArchiveAccess from Applications often does not bring the desired effect. It is a browser extension, and it may still be active in Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Here are instructions on how to remove the ArchiveAccess extension from your browsers manually.

Safari:

1. Start Safari on your Mac, click Safari to open drop-down menu and choose Preferences
2. Click Extensions tab.
3. Find ArchiveAccess extension.
4. Click Uninstall button to remove it.

Google Chrome:

1. Start Google Chrome browser
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) chrome://extensions.
3. Find ArchiveAccess extension.
4. Click the trash can icon to remove it.

Mozilla Firefox:

1. Start Mozilla Firefox browser.
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) about:addons.
3. Choose ArchiveAccess extension.
4. Click Disable or Remove button.

Reset browser settings

To finish ArchiveAccess removal, reset your browser settings to make sure, there are no leftover items in browser folders.

Reset Safari:

1. Start Safari on your Mac, click Safari to open drop-down menu and choose Preferences
2. Go to the Privacy section of Safari’s preferences.
3. Click Remove All Website Data button.
4. In the opened window, click Remove Now button to remove data stored by websites in Safari.
5. Go to the Advanced section of Safari’s preferences.
6. Click the Show Develop menu in menu bar option.
7. In the menu, click Develop and select Empty Caches from this menu.
8. Again, go to Safari menu and choose Clear History….
9. Choose to clear all history and click Clear History button.

Reset Google Chrome:

1. Start Google Chrome browser
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) chrome://settings.
3. Scroll down and find Show advanced settings link.
4. Click on it and scroll down to the bottom again.
5. Click Reset settings button and click Reset to confirm.

Reset Mozilla Firefox:

1. Start Mozilla Firefox browser.
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) about:support.
3. Click Refresh Firefox… button.
4. Click Refresh Firefox to confirm.

Remove following files and folders of ArchiveAccess


~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.ArchiveAccess.service.app
~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.ArchiveAccess.service.plist
/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.ArchiveAccess.system
/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.ArchiveAccess.system.plist


Download AdGuard for Mac to block malicious pop-ups, that promote ArchiveAccess

AdGuard is the best ad-blocker, internet filtering, and internet security application for macOS. It can cut out unwanted banners from site pages, block pop-ups, stop redirects, and prevent users from visiting potentially dangerous resources. Use it to stop ads promoting ArchiveAccess in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like ArchiveAccess

Mac OSX is known to be one of the safest operating systems, and for a long time, there was no need for antivirus products for Mac. But with the growing popularity of Mac computers and notebooks and evolving technology, viruses, trojans, adware, toolbars, hijackers, and other malware paved the way for Mac users. We recommend you to use one of the best anti-malware for Mac available — Malwarebytes for Mac.

Download Malwarebytes for Mac