How to uninstall ValidMemory adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is ValidMemory?
ValidMemory is an adware-type app with browser hijacker traits. It operates by delivering various intrusive advertisements and promoting fake search engines by modifying browsers. Due to the dubious techniques used to spread ValidMemory, it is also classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA).
Most PUAs have data tracking capabilities that are employed to monitor users' browsing habits. ValidMemory has been observed being spread via fake Adobe Flash Player updates. Note that bogus software updaters/installers can proliferate trojans, ransomware, and other malware.
ValidMemory adware overview
Adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content, typically on any visited website. This software delivers pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, full-page, and other intrusive ads. These significantly diminish the browsing experience and pose a threat to device/user safety. When clicked, they can redirect to untrusted/malicious sites and some can download/install software (e.g., PUAs) without users' consent.
Browser hijackers reassign the default search engine, homepage, and new tab/window URLs to fake search engines. Therefore, each new browser tab/window opened and search query typed into the URL bar redirects to the promoted search engine address.
Bogus web searchers are usually unable to generate search results, and so they redirect (or cause redirection chains leading) to Google, Bing, Yahoo, and other genuine search engines. Furthermore, browser hijackers can limit/deny access to the browser settings and undo any permitted changes made.
Most PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) can track data. Targeted information includes: visited URLs, viewed web pages, searched queries, IP (Internet Protocol) addresses, geolocations, and even personally identifiable details. PUA developers monetize this sensitive data by sharing it with and/or selling it to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of unwanted software on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial loss, and identity theft. Therefore, you are strongly advised to remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately upon detection.
| Name | Ads by ValidMemory |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Additional Information | This application belongs to Adload malware family. |
| Symptoms | Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads. |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information. |
| Malware Removal (Mac) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Adware examples
RecordMapper, ExtendedSprint, RunningUpdater, and PortalAgent are some examples of apps within the adware category. They may seem legitimate and offer "useful" functionality, however, as with most PUAs, the features promised are rarely operational.
The sole purpose of this unwanted software is to generate revenue at users' expense. Rather than delivering any real value, PUAs run intrusive advertisement campaigns, cause redirects, hijack browsers, and collect private information.
How did ValidMemory install on my computer?
PUAs are distributed via download/installation set-ups of other products. This deceptive marketing tactic of packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions is called "bundling".
Rushing download/installation processes (e.g. ignoring terms, skipping steps and settings, etc.) increases the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.
Some PUAs have "official" download sites. Intrusive advertisements proliferate these applications as well. Once clicked, they can execute scripts to download/install PUAs without users' consent.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
You are advised to research all software before download/installation. Use only official and verified download channels. Unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks (BitTorrent, Gnutella, eMule), and other third party downloaders commonly offer harmful and bundled content, and are therefore untrusted and should be avoided.
When downloading/installing, read the terms, study all possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out of additional apps, tools, features, and so on.
Intrusive advertisements typically seem legitimate, however, they can redirect to dubious and malicious sites (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and many others). If you encounter ads or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately.
Installed programs must be activated and updated with tools or implemented functions that are provided by the official developers. No other third party, unofficial tools should be used.
Note that it is illegal to activate licensed software with ‘cracking’ tools. Files and programs should be downloaded from official websites and via direct download links. Avoid third party installers and the tools/sources mentioned above.
Do not open website links or files in irrelevant emails that are received from unknown, suspicious addresses. These bogus emails are often disguised as official and important. Regularly, scan your computer with reputable, up-to-date antivirus or anti-spyware software.
If your computer is already infected with ValidMemory, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Deceptive installer (fake Flash Player updater) promoting ValidMemory adware;
First installation step:
Second installation step:
Files related to the ValidMemory adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.ValidMemory.service.app
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.ValidMemory.service.plist
- /Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.ValidMemory.system
- /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.ValidMemory.system.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! In some cases, malicious applications like ValidMemory alter system proxy settings, thereby causing unwanted redirects to a variety of dubious websites.
The redirects are likely to remain even after removing the application itself. Thus, you must restore them manually.
Step 1: Click on the gear icon in the Dock to navigate to the system settings. If the icon is not present in the Dock, you can find it in the Launchpad.
Step 2: Navigate to the Network settings.
Step 3: Select the connected network and click "Advanced...".
Step 4: Click on the "Proxies" tab and untick all the protocols. You should also assign the settings of each protocol to the default: "*.local, 169.254/16".
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is ValidMemory?
- STEP 1. Remove ValidMemory related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ValidMemory ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ValidMemory adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ValidMemory ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ValidMemory adware using Combo Cleaner:
ValidMemory adware removal:
Remove ValidMemory-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:
Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select "Applications". In the applications folder, look for "MPlayerX","NicePlayer", or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.
Remove adware-related files and folders
Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/
In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.
Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/
In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.
Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/
In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:
In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/
In the "LaunchDaemons" folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example "com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist", "com.myppes.net-preferences.plist", "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist", "com.avickUpd.plist", etc., and move them to the Trash.
Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:
If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure your system is not infected, run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file, double click combocleaner.dmg installer. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.
Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide; otherwise, it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.
After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.
Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers
Remove malicious Safari extensions:
Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".
In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for regular browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Significant threats are posed by the content promoted through adware-delivered ads (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, this software is considered to be a threat to user privacy, as it usually possesses data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. The software's primary functions can include displaying advertisements on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit primarily through content promotion (e.g., websites, applications, browser extensions, tools, products, services, etc.). Most of the revenue comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ValidMemory adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate all adware-type apps present. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be ideal. In some instances, file leftovers remain hidden within the system after the software has been manually removed. These remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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