How to remove ConfigProgress adware from your operating system?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is ConfigProgress?
ConfigProgress is an adware-type application with browser hijacker traits. It operates by delivering intrusive advert campaigns and promoting fake search engines through modification of browser settings.
Furthermore, most rogue apps of this type collect browsing-related data. Due to the questionable techniques employed in ConfigProgress' proliferation, it is also classified as a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application).
This piece of software has been notably spread through fake Adobe Flash Player updates. It is important to mention that illegitimate updaters/installers may distribute malware (e.g., trojans, ransomware, etc.) as well.
Adware delivers pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys, and other intrusive advertisements. This third-party graphical content can be placed on any visited website and/or different interfaces.
The delivered ads severely diminish the browsing experience by overlaying webpage content and limiting the browsing speed. Additionally, these adverts are deemed to be dangerous.
Once clicked on, intrusive ads redirect to unreliable/malicious sites, and some can stealthily download/install software (e.g., PUAs). Browser hijackers reassign browsers' default search engine, new tab/window, and homepage URLs - to fake web searcher addresses.
Hence, with such a piece of software installed: new browser tabs/windows opened and search queries typed into the URL bar - redirect to the promoted address. Illegitimate search engines usually cannot generate search results, so they redirect to (or cause redirection chains ending with) Google, Bing, Yahoo, and other genuine ones.
Browser hijackers can undo any changes users try to make to their browsers and/or restrict/deny access to the browser settings outright. Therefore, restoring a hijacked browser is impossible without removing the software affecting it.
As mentioned in the introduction, most PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) have data tracking abilities. Information of interest includes: URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, IP addresses, geolocations, and users' personally identifiable details.
The gathered data is then monetized by being shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals). In summary, the presence of unwanted apps on devices - can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
To ensure device and user safety, all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be eliminated immediately upon detection.
| Name | Ads by ConfigProgress |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Agent-MT [Trj]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adloa), Fortinet (Adware/Cimpli!OSX), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Cimpli.m), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| 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. |
QuicklookPI, SearchForWords, and WebSearchUpgrade are a couple examples of apps within the adware classification. They appear legitimate and harmless.
This software also offers a wide variety of "handy" functionalities. However, the promised features are seldom operational.
In fact, this is true of nearly all PUAs. The sole aim of unwanted applications is to generate profit at user expense.
Therefore, instead of delivering on any promises, PUAs can run intrusive advertisement campaigns, modify browsers, cause redirects, and collect vulnerable and private information.
How did ConfigProgress install on my computer?
PUAs are spread via downloaders/installers of other software. This deceptive marketing method of packing regular products with unwanted or malicious additions - is termed "bundling".
By rushing through download/installation processes (e.g., skipping steps and sections, etc.) - users risk allowing bundled content into their devices.
Upon being clicked, intrusive adverts can execute scripts to download/install PUAs without user permission. Some of these applications also have "official" promotional/download sites.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is recommended to research products to verify their legitimacy before download/installation and/or purchase. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and trustworthy sources.
Dubious download channels, e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - often offer harmful and bundled content. When downloading/installing, it is important to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out from supplementary apps, tools, features, and other additions.
It is advised to exercise caution when browsing. Intrusive advertisements appear ordinary and innocuous; however, they redirect to highly questionable webpages (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.). Should users encounter ads and/or redirects of this type, they must check their devices and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected.
If your computer is already infected with ConfigProgress, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed when ConfigProgress adware is present on the system:
Text presented in this pop-up:
"ConfigProgressd" will damage your computer.
This file was downloaded on an unknown date.
OK
Show in Finder
Delusive installer (fake Flash Player updater) promoting ConfigProgress adware;
First installation step:
Second installation step:
Files related to the ConfigProgress adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.ConfigProgress.service.app
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.ConfigProgress.service.plist
- /Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.ConfigProgress.system
- /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.ConfigProgress.system.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! In some cases malicious applications like ConfigProgress alter system proxy settings, thereby causing unwanted redirects to a variety of questionable websites.
The redirects are likely to remain even after removing the application itself. Thus, you'll have to 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 set the settings of each protocol to 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 ConfigProgress?
- STEP 1. Remove ConfigProgress related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ConfigProgress ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ConfigProgress adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ConfigProgress ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ConfigProgress adware using Combo Cleaner:
ConfigProgress adware removal:
Remove ConfigProgress-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.
Outstanding!
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