OFFER*Source of claim SH can remove it.
This file was downloaded on an unknown date
“This file was downloaded on an unknown date” is a browser hijacker for Mac-compatible browsing programs such as Chrome and Safari. “This file was downloaded on an unknown date” may also affect other browsers, and in doing so it will change the way your main browser acts. Namely, you can expect your browser to start using a different search engine, which you won’t be able to change. And a new browser homepage will be likely to greet you as soon as you open a new window. Furthermore, the new-tab page may be replaced, as well. And one of the most characteristic symptoms of a browser hijacker infections like NanoFile.gqa, GeneralObject.gqa is the presence of an obscene amount of online ads. These can come in every shape and size, but usually the most common types of online advertisements are popups, popunders, banners and box messages.
However, let’s also not forget another very significant trait of any browser hijacker. “This file was downloaded on an unknown date” may cause your browsing program to initiate page redirects to various supported web locations. This can be highly irritating and may pose a massive interference with your day-to-day browsing, as the redirecting can take place directly in the tab you’re using, or it may open a new tab/window. If you would like to have all these changes removed from your browser, the only way to do this is by first removing the software responsible for them – “This file was downloaded on an unknown date”. Below we have put together a removal guide that is easy to follow and will help you take care of this task very quickly.
This file was downloaded on an unknown date for Mac
“This file was downloaded on an unknown date” for Mac acts as an online advertising tool that delivers tailored ads directly on the screens of end users. Software like “This file was downloaded on an unknown date” for Mac usually generates profit for its developers by means of displaying said ads.
This is usually the result of very popular online business models such as Pay Per Click and Pay Per View. As you can tell from the name, the hijacker benefits from users’ views and clicks on the generated popups and banners. And that’s why they are typically positioned in such ways that prove nearly impossible to avoid.
What is “This file was downloaded on an unknown date”?
The “This file was downloaded on an unknown date” app may monitor your browsing patterns in order to try and determine your preferences so as to optimize its ads. The information that the “This file was downloaded on an unknown date” app collects could, however, also be used for other purposes further along the line.
For instance, it could be sold to third parties as valuable marketing data. And that is certainly not something that most users look forward to, as this will mean they can find themselves spammed by the ads of other companies, developers, etc. But even that’s not the least of the potential negative consequences of such software. For example, as a result of its activities you could possibly land on insecure web locations and maybe even be faced with virus attacks.
The “This file was downloaded on an unknown date” app
The “This file was downloaded on an unknown date” app is not malicious and should not be compared to viruses like Trojans and ransomware. But experts to categorize software like the “This file was downloaded on an unknown date” app as potentially unwanted. And therefore it’s best to simply get rid of it and not expose your system to any potential safety hazards.
SUMMARY:
| Name | “This file was downloaded on an unknown date” |
| Type | Adware |
| Detection Tool | We tested that SpyHunter successfully removes parasite* and we recommend downloading it. Manual removal may take hours, it can harm your system if you re not careful, and parasite may reinstall itself at the end if you don't delete its core files. |
*Source of claim SH can remove it.
Remove “This file was downloaded on an unknown date” from Mac
The following instructions will allow you to remove “This file was downloaded on an unknown date” in two ways:
- The manual instructions will allow you to remove it on your own by downloading 2 software suites which will show you the folders the threat is located in. Installing, scanning, and deleting everything will require 1-2 hours of your time, depending on your speed and the threat itself.
Note: If “”This file was downloaded on an unknown date”” has an in-built ability to restore itself on a restart, the manual steps will not prevent that. We recommend the automatic removal. - Download SpyHunter for Mac (one of the apps used in the manual instructions), scan with it, and if you decide to use the program, it will likely require about 15-20 minutes. This, however, requires an active subscription for SpyHunter, which means either to use the trial version or purchase the software.
Removal instructions:
1. Download EtreCheck from the Appstore and scan for any “This file was downloaded on an unknown date” unsigned files. Delete them. (You can skip this step altogether and download and scan with Spyhunter instead if you don’t want to double-check things).
2. Download and install Spyhunter for Mac. Scan for any malicious files.
3. The app will show you which files are infected. Either use SpyHunter to delete them for you (the automatic removal) or do it manually, which means tracking down each detected location by yourself and deleting the file.
4. In most cases start with /private/var/root/Library/Application Support/.”This file was downloaded on an unknown date”/”This file was downloaded on an unknown date”
5. In Finder press Shift+Command+G to open the Find window.
6. Search for the /var directory. Then proceed and look for the /root folder inside.
7. It will most likely be locked and you will need additional permissions to meddle with it.
8. Press command+I and scroll to sharing and permissions. Add your user name to permissions.
9. Now you should be able to access the /root folder and proceed and locate the /Library folder inside it. Proceed to do the same until you are inside the /Application Support folder.
10. It is possible that the folder you look for is hidden, if that is the case use command+shift+. to locate and find the file you want to delete.
11. Delete the “This file was downloaded on an unknown date” file.
12. If none of this helps, try the steps in this guide.
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