How to Remove “Will damage your computer” pop-up error from Mac

What is “* will damage your computer. You should move it to the Trash.” message?

“* will damage your computer. You should move it to the Trash.” is a pop-up message that may appear when using a Macintosh computer running MacOS Catalina or MacOS Mojave. This message signals that the OS has forcibly stopped the program, which is suspected of causing harm to the computer. MacOS contains a module called Gatekeeper that is somewhat similar to antivirus on Windows-controlled systems. The Gatekeeper module constantly scans every application launched by the user and, when it detects a potentially malicious application, prompts the user to remove it (move it to the Trash).

The “* will damage your computer. You should move it to the Trash.” message starts popping up when dangerous applications get on the computer. These apps can include Browser hijackers, PUAs, adware, and other malware. It can display unwanted advertisements, change Mac settings, download and install other unwanted software and browser extensions. Even worse, adware and malware can have spyware and keyloggers built into itself, leading to greater damage to your MAC and possible invasion of your confidential data.

Text presented in the Will damage your computer. You should move it to the Trash. pop-up message:

“Application Name” will damage your computer.
You should move it to the Trash.

This file was downloaded on an unknown date.
Report malware to Apple to protect other users

Recently, many users have encountered a similar error that is associated with HP printers and scanners. A few examples of such error messages: “HPDM.framework will damage your computer”, “HP Utility will damage your computer”, “PDE.plugin will damage your computer”, and so on. Read here about the causes of this problem and how to fix it.

Most often, browser hijackers, PUAs, adware come bundled with the setup packages from file sharing and torrents web-sites. So, install freeware is a a good chance that you will find a bundled malicious software. In many cases, users have a chance to disable all included ‘offers’, but certain installers are created to confuse the average users, in order to trick them into installing malware. Anyway, easier to prevent malicious software rather than clean up your MAC OS after one. So, keep your browser updated (turn on automatic updates), run good antivirus software, double check freeware before you run it (do a google search, scan a downloaded file with VirusTotal), avoid misleading and unknown web sites.

Threat Summary

Name	* will damage your computer. You should move it to the Trash.
Type	pop-up virus, Mac virus, Mac malware
Distribution	Freeware installers, malicious pop-up ads, fake software updaters and torrent downloads
Symptoms	Your browser is redirected to websites you did not want, popups and new tab pages are loaded without your request, new entries appear in your Applications folder, unwanted internet browser extensions or toolbars keep coming back, your web browser settings are being modified without your request, your internet browser slows to a crawl.
Removal	“Will damage your computer” removal guide

 

MacVPNHelper, Maftask, WebSocketServerApp, APMHelper, ProntoApp, Smbstrhlpr, Helperamc, FocusReportingService, spchlpr, HIPRADE, Helpermcp, MapsAndDirections-1668307, hlpradc are examples of malicious apps that are mentioned in the “* will damage your computer. You should move it to the Trash.” messages. If any of these apps is installed on the Mac computer, then it should be removed as soon as possible.

How to remove “Will damage your computer” pop-up error

According to cyber threat analysts, malicious software can be removed manually and/or automatically. The free malware removal utilities which are listed below will help you remove PUPs, adware, harmful web-browser add-ons, spyware, trojans and other malware. However, if you are not willing to install other software, then use the step-by-step guide to uninstall any unwanted software and return your computer settings to their previous states.

1. Remove malicious profiles
2. Uninstall malware-related apps
3. Remove malware-related files and folders
4. Scan your Mac with MalwareBytes
5. Remove malicious extensions from Safari, Chrome, Firefox

Remove malicious profiles

Malware 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 related to malware.

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 computer, which is normal.

Uninstall malware-related apps

Go to the Finder and uninstall suspicious apps, all applications you do not remember installing. It is important to pay the most attention to applications you have recently installed. If you don’t know what the application does, look for the answer on the Web.

1. Open the Finder.
2. Click “Applications”.
3. It will open a list of all applications installed on the MAC OS.
4. Scroll through the all list, and uninstall dubious and unknown applications. Pay maximum attention to the app you installed last.
5. Drag the suspicious app from the Applications folder to the Trash.
6. Empty Trash.

Remove malware-related files and folders

Now you need to try to find malware-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 malware-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: com.machelper.plist, search.plist, installapp.plist and macsearch.plist. Most often, browser hijackers, adware software and potentially unwanted programs create several files with similar names.

Check for malware-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 malware-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 malware-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.macsearch.plist, com.installapp.plist, com.machelper.plist and com.search.plist. In most cases, PUPs, adware and browser hijackers create several files with similar names.

Scan your Mac with MalwareBytes

If you carefully followed the previous steps, then you should be able to delete malware-related entries. Of course, very often adware, potentially unwanted apps and browser hijackers hides on a Mac computer, disguising itself as legitimate applications and files. Therefore, in some cases, it is difficult for an inexperienced user to decide whether a particular file is part of browser hijackers, adware and PUPs. Therefore, we suggest you to use MalwareBytes to scan the Mac.

Download MalwareBytes AntiMalware by clicking on the following link.

Once downloading is done, close all windows on your MAC. Further, launch the saved file. Follow the prompts.

The MalwareBytes Anti Malware (MBAM) will automatically launch and you can see its main window like the one below.

Next, click the “Scan Now” button to find malware-related files and folders . Depending on your machine, the scan can take anywhere from a few minutes to close to an hour. While the tool is scanning, you can see how many objects and files has already scanned.

Once the scan get finished, it will open the Scan Results. When you’re ready, click the “Quarantine” button.

The MalwareBytes Free will remove malicious software and move the selected threats to the program’s quarantine.

Remove malicious extensions from Safari, Chrome, Firefox

If you have a “malware removal” problem, then remove malicious browser extensions can help you. In the steps below we’ll show you the way to delete harmful extensions without reinstall. This will also help to remove malware from your web-browser.

Google Chrome	Mozilla Firefox
In the top right hand corner, click on ‘three vertical dots’, and this will open up the main menu on Google Chrome. Select ‘More tools’, then ‘Extensions’. Click ‘Remove’ to uninstall an extension. Click ‘Remove’ in the dialog box. You can also try to remove malware from Google Chrome 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 malware 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.

 

HP Driver Problem Error Messages

Recently, many owners of HP printers and scanners have encountered the following problem, these devices stopped working and the following messages began to appear on the computer screen:

• commandtohp.filter will damage your computer.
• HPDeviceMonitoring.framework will damage your computer.
• HPDM.framework will damage your computer.
• hpPostProcessing.bundle will damage your computer.
• Matterhorn.framework will damage your computer.
• HP Scanner 3 will damage your computer.
• FaxArchive.task will damage your computer.
• Productimprovementstudy.hptask will damage your computer.
• inkjet1.driver will damage your computer.
• HP Utility will damage your computer.
• PDE.plugin will damage your computer.
• ScanEventHandler.app will damage your computer.
• inkjet3.driver will damage your computer.

Researchers determined that the cause of this problem was that Apple revoked the certificate that signed the HP drivers and applications.

We unintentionally revoked credentials on some older versions of Mac drivers. This caused a temporary disruption for those customers and we are working with Apple to restore the drivers. In the meantime, we recommend users experiencing this problem to uninstall the HP driver and use the native AirPrint driver to print to their printer.
HP Response

User Reports

HPDM Framework will damage your computer
I’ve started getting a constant message appearing about this (every 10 seconds), warning that the framework will damage my Mac computers (both personal and work computers). I’ve reinstalled the software/drivers and still the same. I have to put those files in trash to use my computer, then the printer doesn’t work. Any advice?
HP Community – GerardMG

 

Same problem here with same “damage your computer” message targeting Amazon Music app. Trashed HPDM Framework and AM apps. Then, what appeared to be Apple Software Update offered an HP Printer Driver update, which I allowed. Then I read on the Apple site that Apple Software Update no longer sends printer driver updates. (Uh, oh.) When I try to print, I get this error message: One or more components of the HP printing software are corrupted or missing. The print job cannot be completed. To fix this situation, HP recommends reinstalling the print driver software.
HP Community – Tmbrown

Fixes

• Pull the printer cable out of the USB socket, delete HP driver and HP folder. Connect the printer, then let the OS install the correct HP driver.
• If your printer supports AirPrint technology, then use it.
• Reinstall HP driver