Are you getting the “HPDM.framework” will damage your computer error on your Mac? Your first instinct is to probably run a scan since this warning is usually triggered by malicious applications on your computer. Well, it is indeed malware and this is one of those browser hijackers that you don’t notice invading your Mac operating system.
This guide will shed light on what this malware is about, how it harms your computer, and what you can do to remove it from your computer completely.
What is HPDM.framework?
Recently we have been reading a lot of reports from Mac users complaining about the “HPDM.framework” will damage your computer error on Mac. The message pops up constantly and annoyingly no matter how many times the user tries to close the dialog box. It appears at least every 10 seconds, warning the user that the HPDM.framework will damage the affected Mac. This error is so annoying because it hounds the user all the time unless it is resolved.
HPDM.framework is in fact a browser hijacking application designed to modify or replace your default search engine and change your web browser’s homepage without your permission. It might also come with a potentially unwanted application or PUA that has been sneakily installed on your computer. So if you see a new toolbar or an unfamiliar app on your Mac that you don’t remember installing, then that’s probably how you got the malware.
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But sometimes HPDM.framework works discreetly by adding a simple script to your browser to avoid detection. The purpose here is to display random and probably malicious sponsored content from the malware’s supporter. These ads appear on your browser’s screen that could redirect you to shady websites.
“HPDM.framework” Will Damage Your Computer Virus
When this message pops up on your screen all of a sudden, this means that your Mac has detected that the HPDM.framework is initiating malware-like behavior or activities on your computer. macOS is equipped with a built-in malware scanner that detects malicious activities whenever you try to run or install a program.
How did the HPDM.framework get into your Mac? Different types of malware are distributed through various means. One of the common methods is via app bundling. If you’ve installed a new app, toolbar, or freeware on your Mac recently, it is possible that you didn’t notice the malware getting installed along with the app or freeware. This happens when you’re in a hurry to finish the installation and you don’t read each of the installation steps.
Another possibility is that you’ve clicked on a malicious ad or visited a hijacked website where the “HPDM.framework” is installed. The malware is then downloaded secretly on your Mac and you don’t notice anything wrong until this error appears.
“HPDM.framework” Will Damage Your Computer Error on Mac
However, there are some users who noted that this error is related to the software driver of their HP printer. Earlier last month, several Mac users with older HP printer drivers complained of getting errors since HP asked Apple to revoke the permissions for older software. Although the permissions have been reinstated, some users are still getting various errors, including the “HPDM.framework” will damage your computer error on Mac. HP has also released a patch to fix the issue, but this has caused more problems for some users.
What To Do About “HPDM.framework” Will Damage Your Computer Error
When you get this error, the first thing you need to do is to determine whether the “HPDM.framework” will damage your computer error on Mac is caused by malware or a faulty HP driver.
If you are running MacOS Catalina (10.15) or Mojave (10.14) and you have an HP printer installed on your computer, then you first need to try to resolve the issue using the workarounds provided by HP. But if you don’t have any HP printer installed when you got this error, then it is probably malware.
Malware Removal Guide for “HPDM.framework” Will Damage Your Computer
If you suspect the error to be caused by malware, the first thing you need to do is run a scan of your computer. You need to use a reliable antivirus that is able to pick up even the smallest threats.
You can also uninstall the PUA manually from your Mac. On Finder, click the Go > Applications. You should see a list of all the apps currently installed on your Mac. Find the app associated with “HPDM.framework malware or other suspicious apps you want to delete. Right-click on the app, then choose Move to Trash.
After deleting the malware using your antivirus, clean up macOS using a Mac cleaner to make sure there are no leftover files.
Next, check the following folders for any malicious entries and drag them to the Trash:
- /Library/LaunchAgents
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/Application Support
- /Library/LaunchDaemons
After you have cleaned up these folders, undo the changes to your browser:
1. Modify your homepage
In Chrome, go to the top right corner of your browser, click More > Settings. Click the dropdown menu in the Search engine section. Enter your preferred homepage.
In Safari, choose Safari > Preferences > General from the top menu. Next to New windows open with and New tabs open with, choose Homepage. Next to Homepage, enter your default homepage.
2. Clear your cache
Once you’ve verified your homepage setting, clearing your browser’s cache is the next step. The cache is the temporary storage location on your computer where data is stored so that your browser doesn’t have to download it each time.
Follow the steps below to learn how to clear your cache for Chrome and Safari.
- To clear your cache on Chrome: Click Chrome > History> Clear Browsing Data > Time Range > All Time > Clear Data.
- To clear your cache on Safari: Click Safari > Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data > Remove All.
How to Deal with the HPDM.framework Error
If your HP printer is causing your Mac to bring up the “HPDM.framework” will damage your computer error on Mac, you can try uninstalling and then reinstalling your HP software to try and fix the error. You can also refer to this article to check out some of the suggested workarounds.