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Christopher11

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Feb 10, 2007
707
66
I have the Safari virus where notifications pop up that give various ridiculous warnings. Can you tell me please how to get rid of it? I tried checking Activity Monitor via some directions on the Web, but couldn't find anything suspicious.
 

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Safari doesn't have any "viruses".

That sounds like adware or a bad website.

I'd suggest you quit Safari, shut down, and reboot.

And... if you're not using MalwareBytes -- start using it.
It's a free download.
It runs "free" for around 30 days or so.
After that, it prompts you to "update" to the "paid version".
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DO THAT.
Instead, you can "convert" it to continue to run in "free mode".

The difference:
- in "paid mode", it scans in "real time" (in the background).
- in "free mode", it only runs when you tell it to run.
Free mode works well enough for me.
 
Thank you Fishrrman. Restart doesn't help at all, but I will definitely install MalwareBytes right now, and hope it works.
 
This isn't a virus. You need to go into Safari Settings -> Websites -> Notifications and remove/deny notifications from sites you don't want or recognize.
 
Thank you, but I can't find Settings via the drop down menu. Do you mean Preferences? If not, where is 'Settings'?
 
Thank you. That's excellent. It seems to be stuck on my hard drive, whatever this is. Is there a way to block notifications from any given website or source? I can disable now, but I think I would miss all notifications if I do it generally.
 
Is there a way to block notifications from any given website or source?

You can block specific sites from the Safari preferences window. Change the site that has the System Preferences icon (per your screenshot) to Deny.
 
I bought a new (new to me, 2019) machine. However, I was going to transfer my profile. Can I do that without transferring any threats?
 
"I bought a new (new to me, 2019) machine. However, I was going to transfer my profile. Can I do that without transferring any threats?"

Either start with a completely new account (this will have problems of its own), or use setup assistant to migrate when you boot for the very first time.

Those "40 threats" (or whatever) that MalwareBytes found earlier -- did you use MB to remove them?
 
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Yup, I did. And it seems all better. Thank you.

If I start a new account on the 2019 machine, can I still migrate my profile later today?
 
"If I start a new account on the 2019 machine, can I still migrate my profile later today?"

NO !!
DO NOT DO THIS !!


You will end up with TWO accounts (with the same name) and all kinds of permissions problems.

I'm going to assume that the new (used, newer) Mac is coming to you ready to be set up for the first time (that is, setup assistant will run when you boot it the very first time)

The RIGHT WAY to do it:
You need a backup drive with a backup of your old Mac. (You can also connect them together using ethernet, but this method can be slower and more problematic)

DO NOT boot the new Mac until you are ready to migrate!

Connect the backup. It can be either from time machine, superduper, or CarbonCopyCloner.

NOW press the power on button on the new Mac for the very first time.

Begin setup. At the appropriate moment setup assistant will ask if you wish to migrate from another Mac or drive. YES, you want to do this.

"Aim" setup assistant at the backup and give it some time to digest things.
It takes a while.

Setup assistant will present you with "a list" of stuff to migrate.
I suggest you migrate ALL of it.

Let setup assistant do the migration. When done, you should see your login screen, just as before.

So... log in and "look around".
You're pretty much done.

Good luck.
 
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Deactivate Notifications for the site are you in

Also, this also will happen to other browsers like Chrome or Firefox, but is not specific to Safari
 
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Thank you guys. I came home after hours and it seemed like I had to restart my new 2019 Macbook Pro. It says: transferring your information… Starting up

Is it still transferring? If not, what should I do from here after I restart? Try to do it from a bootable back up drive?

I should mention that I’m doing it with a fire wire 800 cable and adapters, so it should have taken longer. It said six hours when I left the house three hours ago. So I don’t mind waiting longer as long as the process is in play appropriately.
 
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