How to remove NetCollection (Mac)

What is NetCollection

NetCollection is a type of adware that belongs to the AdLoad malware family, specifically designed to deliver intrusive advertisements and generate revenue through clicks and impressions. Users may experience unwanted pop-ups, redirects to dubious websites, and a noticeable decline in system performance when infected. This malicious software often exploits deceptive distribution methods, including bundled software installations and misleading ads, to infiltrate user systems. Once installed, it can track browsing habits and gather sensitive information, posing significant privacy risks. While it may appear harmless, the presence of NetCollection can lead to more severe threats, including financial losses and identity theft. To safeguard against such threats, users should remain vigilant during software installations and utilize reputable antivirus solutions for detection and removal.

How NetCollection infects Mac computers

NetCollection adware typically infects Mac systems through deceptive methods, primarily bundled with legitimate software from unofficial or questionable sources. Users often unknowingly install it while downloading free applications or using torrent sites, where adware is packaged with the desired software. Additionally, intrusive pop-up ads and misleading advertisements can redirect users to malicious sites that promote the adware. Once installed, NetCollection begins to display intrusive ads, collect browsing data, and can even track personal information, posing significant privacy risks. The lack of user awareness during the installation process, especially when opting for “Easy” or “Express” settings, greatly contributes to the spread of this adware. As such, it is crucial for users to exercise caution when downloading software and to thoroughly review installation options to avoid inadvertently allowing such threats onto their systems.

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

Remove NetCollection manually for free

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

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

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

Remove NetCollection from Applications

Remove NetCollection from Mac:

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

Cannot uninstall NetCollection

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

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

Remove NetCollection add-on from your browsers

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

Reset browser settings

To finish NetCollection 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 NetCollection


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


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

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 NetCollection in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like NetCollection

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