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I need help to remove a scam "cleaning" product i.e. CleanmyMacX

I need help to remove/uninstall a scam "cleaning" product i.e. CleanmyMacX from my iMac desktop. I went to their website for instructions. Their website said to first open CleanmyMacX. I can't even open CleanmyMacX-which is why I wanted to uninstall it in the beginning. Please, any suggestions?

iMac, OS X 10.11

Posted on Sep 22, 2020 2:28 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 22, 2020 2:38 PM

Try the following:


1 - download Find Any File.


2 - boot into Safe Mode (How to use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support) by booting with the Shift key held down.

NOTE: Safe Mode boot can take up to 10 minutes as it's doing some system cache cleaning, volume verifying and directory repairing. 

The reason for booting into Safe Mode is that it blocks all 3rd party software from running, thus allowing it to be safely deleted


3 - launch Find Any File and search for any files with the application's name  and the developer's name in the file name.  For example for CleanMyMac software you'd do the following searches: 


1 - Name contains cleanmymac

2 - Name contains macpaw


Any files that are found can be dragged from the search results window to the Desktop or Trash bin in the Dock for deletion.


FAF can search areas that Spotlight can't like invisible folders, system folders and packages.


There is no reason to ever run any "cleaning", "optimizing", "speed-up" or anti-virus apps on your Mac.  This user tip describes what you need to know and do to protect your Mac: Effective defenses against malware and other threats - Apple Community   


4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 22, 2020 2:38 PM in response to 5Apple30

Try the following:


1 - download Find Any File.


2 - boot into Safe Mode (How to use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support) by booting with the Shift key held down.

NOTE: Safe Mode boot can take up to 10 minutes as it's doing some system cache cleaning, volume verifying and directory repairing. 

The reason for booting into Safe Mode is that it blocks all 3rd party software from running, thus allowing it to be safely deleted


3 - launch Find Any File and search for any files with the application's name  and the developer's name in the file name.  For example for CleanMyMac software you'd do the following searches: 


1 - Name contains cleanmymac

2 - Name contains macpaw


Any files that are found can be dragged from the search results window to the Desktop or Trash bin in the Dock for deletion.


FAF can search areas that Spotlight can't like invisible folders, system folders and packages.


There is no reason to ever run any "cleaning", "optimizing", "speed-up" or anti-virus apps on your Mac.  This user tip describes what you need to know and do to protect your Mac: Effective defenses against malware and other threats - Apple Community   


Sep 22, 2020 3:05 PM in response to Old Toad

After OT's great suggestions...


Run etrecheck to see what chaff it left...

On CMM…

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/251370955?answerId=252661013022#252661013022

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/251442443?answerId=252814053022#252814053022

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/251464557?answerId=252841819022#252841819022


Find Any File...


http://apps.tempel.org/FindAnyFile/index.php


Hold Option or alt key when selecting Find to Find All.


EtreCheck is a simple little diagnostic tool to display the important details of your system configuration and allow you to copy that information to the Clipboard. It is meant to be used with Apple Support Communities to help people help you with your Mac. It will not display any personal info.

https://www.etrecheck.com/


On FaF...



I need help to remove a scam "cleaning" product i.e. CleanmyMacX

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