How to remove DriveDataCache (Mac)

What is DriveDataCache

DriveDataCache is an adware-type application that belongs to the AdLoad malware family. It is designed to display undesirable and potentially malicious advertisements on macOS devices. Adware generates revenue for its developers by automatically displaying online advertisements in the user interface of the software or on a screen that pops up in the user’s face during the installation process. Once installed on a macOS device, DriveDataCache starts displaying unwanted advertisements that do not come from the websites the user is visiting. These ads can be in the form of pop-ups or banners, and may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

How DriveDataCache infected your Mac

DriveDataCache can infect macOS devices through deceptive methods, such as bundling with other software or being disguised as a legitimate application. Users may unknowingly install the adware while downloading and installing other programs, or by clicking on malicious links or ads. It is essential to act quickly and remove DriveDataCache adware from your Mac to prevent further damage and protect your personal information. Regularly update your macOS and use a reliable antivirus program to keep your device secure from adware and other malicious software.

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

Remove DriveDataCache manually for free

Note: DriveDataCache sets up to start on Mac OS 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 “DriveDataCache” entry. Select it, and click the “-“ (minus) button to remove it.

Note 2: DriveDataCache 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 DriveDataCache in the list.
3. Click Force Quit button.

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

Remove DriveDataCache from Applications

Remove DriveDataCache from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall DriveDataCache

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

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

Remove DriveDataCache add-on from your browsers

Removing DriveDataCache 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 DriveDataCache 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 DriveDataCache 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 DriveDataCache 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 DriveDataCache extension.
4. Click Disable or Remove button.

Reset browser settings

To finish DriveDataCache 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 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 DriveDataCache


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


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

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 DriveDataCache in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like DriveDataCache

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