How to uninstall InitialProgram app/extension from Mac

What is InitialProgram

InitialProgram is supposed to be an application that will improve the browsing experience, but according to security specialists, this program is adware. Adware is a part of malware. It is developed to bombard you with unsolicited ads and pop up windows that could potentially be dangerous for your MAC OS. Adware can change browser settings and install harmful browser plugins.

Even worse, adware software can have spyware and keyloggers built into the program, leading to greater damage to your Apple Mac and possible invasion of your personal information. If you are unfortunate have adware or malware running on your MAC system, you can follow the suggestions here to get rid of InitialProgram from your computer and web-browser.

How does InitialProgram get on the Mac

The majority of adware software gets on the Mac along with free programs or even paid software that Net users can easily download online. The installers of such programs, in many cases, clearly indicate that they will install bundled apps. The option is given to users to stop the installation of any optional applications. So, in order to avoid the installation of any adware: read all disclaimers and install screens very carefully, select only Custom or Advanced install method and reject all additional software in which you are unsure.

Threat Summary

Name	InitialProgram, InitialProgram 1.0 app
Type	adware software, PUP (potentially unwanted program), popups, pop up virus, pop-up ads
Symptoms	advertising banners appear in places they shouldn’t be you keep getting redirected to unfamiliar web sites there is an unwanted program in the ‘Applications’ section of Finder unexpected internet browser extensions or toolbars keep coming back your web browser home page or search engine keeps changing or is not set to Google anymor your browser slows to a crawl your Apple Mac crashes
Removal	InitialProgram removal guide

How to remove InitialProgram from Mac

In the guidance below, we will try to cover the Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome and Safari and provide general help to get rid of InitialProgram adware. You may find some minor differences in your Apple Mac install. No matter, you should be okay if you follow the steps outlined below: uninstall all suspicious and unknown software, reset web-browsers settings, use free malicious software removal utilities. Some of the steps below will require you to shut down this webpage. So, please read the steps carefully, after that bookmark it or open it on your smartphone for later reference.

To remove InitialProgram, use the following steps:

1. Remove unwanted profiles on Mac device
2. Remove InitialProgram associated software by using the Finder
3. Remove InitialProgram related files and folders
4. Scan your Mac with MalwareBytes
5. Remove InitialProgram from Safari, Chrome, Firefox
6. How to stay safe online
7. To sum up

Remove unwanted profiles on Mac device

InitialProgram can make changes to the Mac system such as malicious changes to browser settings, and the addition of malicious system profiles. You need to check the system preferences, find and remove malicious profiles and ensure your settings are as you expect.

Click the System Preferences icon ( ) in the Dock, or choose Apple menu ( ) > System Preferences.

In System Preferences, click Profiles, then select a profile associated with InitialProgram.

Click the minus button ( – ) located at the bottom-left of the Profiles screen to remove the profile.
Note: if you do not see Profiles in the System Preferences, that means there are no profiles installed on your Mac device, which is normal.

Remove InitialProgram associated software by using the Finder

Check the list of installed apps on your Mac and remove all unknown and recently installed programs. If you see an unknown application with incorrect spelling or varying capital letters, it have most likely been installed by malware and you should clean it off first with malicious software removal tool like MalwareBytes AntiMalware (MBAM).

Open Finder and click “Applications”.

Carefully browse through the list of installed applications and delete all dubious and unknown applications.

After you’ve found anything questionable that may be the InitialProgram adware software or other potentially unwanted program, then right click this program and choose “Move to Trash”. Once complete, Empty Trash.

Remove InitialProgram related files and folders

Now you need to try to find InitialProgram related files and folders, and then delete them manually. You need to look for these files in certain directories. To quickly open them, we recommend using the “Go to Folder…” command.

Click on the Finder icon. From the menu bar, select Go and click “Go to Folder…”. As a result, a small window opens that allows you to quickly open a specific directory.

Check for InitialProgram generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents folder

In the “Go to Folder…” window, type the following text and press Go:
/Library/LaunchAgents

This will open the contents of the “/Library/LaunchAgents” folder. Look carefully at it and pay special attention to recently created files, as well as files that have a suspicious name. Move all suspicious files to the Trash. A few examples of files: macsearch.plist, search.plist, installapp.plist, InitialProgram.plist and com.machelper.plist. Most often, PUPs, adware and browser hijackers create several files with similar names.

Check for InitialProgram generated files in the /Library/Application Support folder

In the “Go to Folder…” window, type the following text and press Go:
/Library/Application Support

This will open the contents of the “Application Support” folder. Look carefully at its contents, pay special attention to recently added/changed folder. Move all suspicious folders to the Trash.

Check for InitialProgram generated files in the “~/Library/LaunchAgents” folder

In the “Go to Folder…” window, type the following text and press Go:
~/Library/LaunchAgents

Proceed in the same way as with the “/Library/LaunchAgents” and “/Library/Application Support” folders. Look for suspicious and recently added files. Move all suspicious files to the Trash.

Check for InitialProgram generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons folder

In the “Go to Folder…” window, type the following text and press Go:
/Library/LaunchDaemons

Carefully browse the entire list of files and pay special attention to recently created files, as well as files that have a suspicious name. Move all suspicious files to the Trash. A few examples of files to be deleted: com.InitialProgram.plist, com.machelper.plist, com.macsearch.plist, com.installapp.plist and com.search.plist. In most cases, browser hijackers, PUPs and adware create several files with similar names.

Scan your Mac with MalwareBytes

If you are still having problems with the InitialProgram removal or just wish to check your Mac computer occasionally for adware software and other malicious software, then download MalwareBytes Anti-Malware (MBAM). It is free for home use, and searches for and removes various undesired programs that attacks your MAC system or degrades machine performance. MalwareBytes Anti Malware (MBAM) can remove browser hijackers, toolbars, PUPs and adware software as well as malicious software, including ransomware and trojans.

Download MalwareBytes Free by clicking on the link below.

Once the download is complete, close all applications and windows on your MAC OS. Open a directory in which you saved it. Run the saved file and follow the prompts.

Once setup is done, you will see window as displayed on the image below.

Now press the “Scan” button to detect InitialProgram adware software.

Once MalwareBytes completes the scan, you’ll be shown the list of all found threats on your computer. Next, you need to click “Quarantine” button.

The Malwarebytes will now remove InitialProgram adware.

Remove InitialProgram from Safari, Chrome, Firefox

Annoying InitialProgram or other symptoms of adware in your web-browser is a good reason to find and remove malicious addons. This is an easy method to restore internet browsers settings and not lose any important information.

Google Chrome	Mozilla Firefox
In the top right corner, click on Google Chrome’s main menu button, represented by three vertical dots. In the menu go to ‘More tools’, then ‘Extensions’. Click ‘Remove’ to uninstall an extension. Click ‘Remove’ in the dialog box. You can also try to remove InitialProgram adware by reset Chrome settings.	Click on ‘menu’ button and select ‘Add-ons’. Go to ‘Extensions’ tab. To uninstall an add-on, click on ‘Remove’ button next to it. If you are still experiencing problems with InitialProgram adware software removal, you need to reset Firefox browser.
Safari
On the top menu select ‘Safari’, then ‘Preferences’. Select ‘Extensions’ tab. Select an extension you want to delete and click ‘Uninstall’ button next to it.

How to stay safe online

It’s also critical to protect your web browsers from harmful websites and advertisements by using an ad blocking application like AdGuard. Security experts says that it will greatly reduce the risk of malware, and potentially save lots of money. Additionally, the AdGuard can also protect your privacy by blocking almost all trackers.

AdGuard can be downloaded from the following link.

After downloading is finished, run the downloaded file. The “Setup Wizard” window will show up on the computer screen.

Follow the prompts. AdGuard will then be installed. A window will show up asking you to confirm that you want to see a quick guide. Click “Skip” button to close the window and use the default settings, or click “Get Started” to see an quick instructions which will help you get to know AdGuard better.

Each time, when you start your MAC system, AdGuard will start automatically and stop intrusive ads, block harmful and misleading web sites.

To sum up

Now your Apple Mac should be clean of the InitialProgram adware. We suggest that you keep AdGuard (to help you stop unwanted popup advertisements and intrusive harmful webpages) and MalwareBytes (to periodically scan your MAC OS for new malicious software, hijackers and adware software). Make sure that you have all the Critical Updates recommended for Mac OS. Without regular updates you WILL NOT be protected when new hijackers, malicious software and adware are released.

If you are still having problems while trying to get rid of InitialProgram from your internet browser, then ask for help here.