How to remove GeneralSource (Mac)

What is GeneralSource

GeneralSource is a type of adware that falls under the AdLoad malware family, designed to generate revenue through intrusive advertising. This application typically displays various forms of ads, such as pop-ups, banners, and overlays, which can significantly disrupt the user experience. Often, it operates by collecting sensitive user data, including browsing history and personally identifiable information, which it may sell to third parties. While some advertisements may appear legitimate, they often lead to unsafe websites or promote dubious software. Users may unknowingly install GeneralSource through bundled software downloads or by clicking on deceptive ads. The presence of this adware not only compromises privacy but can also lead to financial losses and system performance issues. Therefore, timely detection and removal are essential to safeguard users’ devices and personal information.

How GeneralSource infects Mac computers

GeneralSource adware typically infects Mac systems through deceptive distribution methods, primarily leveraging software bundling techniques. This involves packaging the adware with seemingly legitimate applications in installers that users download from untrustworthy sources, such as free software websites or peer-to-peer sharing platforms. During the installation process, users often overlook crucial options and terms, allowing the unwanted software to gain access to their systems. Additionally, GeneralSource can be introduced through intrusive advertisements that, when clicked, execute scripts to install the adware without the user’s consent. Once installed, GeneralSource can compromise user privacy by tracking sensitive data and generating unwanted advertisements, leading to a frustrating browsing experience and potential security risks. Therefore, vigilance during software installation and careful scrutiny of the sources is vital in preventing such infections.

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

Remove GeneralSource manually for free

Note: GeneralSource 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 “GeneralSource” entry. Select it, and click the “-“ (minus) button to remove it.

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

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

Remove GeneralSource from Applications

Remove GeneralSource from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall GeneralSource

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

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

Remove GeneralSource add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish GeneralSource 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 GeneralSource


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


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

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 GeneralSource in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like GeneralSource

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