Removing ValidWindow adware-type from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is ValidWindow?
Our researchers found the ValidWindow app during a routine review of new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. Upon examination, we determined that this application is adware. ValidWindow is part of the AdLoad malware family.
ValidWindow adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It primarily functions by displaying ads on visited webpages, desktops, or other interfaces. This third-party graphical content can not only diminish the browsing experience or system performance but may also promote harmful content.
Adware-delivered advertisements push various scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform sneaky downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that any genuine products/services encountered via these ads are most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might not operate as designed if the browser/system is incompatible, particular websites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. However, even if ValidWindow does not deliver adverts – its presence threatens device/user safety.
Additionally, AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking abilities – yet we did not observe them while testing ValidWindow. This app might also have data-tracking functionalities, as they are standard for ValidWindow.
Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, browser cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. The collected data can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, advertising-supported software like ValidWindow may cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ValidWindow |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Additional Information | This application belongs to the 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), 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
DigitalKey, ServiceDesk, OperativeIndexer, WebTemplate, and MajorRecord are just a few of our newest articles on adware-type apps.
Software within this category tends to appear legitimate and innocuous. Adware may also offer a broad range of "useful" and "advantageous" features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did ValidWindow install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is pushed through scam websites. Users are most commonly entered via sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, intrusive adverts, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
"Bundling" – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is also used to spread adware. The risk of allowing bundled content into the device is furthered by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installations (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Intrusive adverts proliferate advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to research software before downloading or purchasing. We recommend obtaining programs/media only from official and trustworthy sources. When installing, it is essential to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of supplementary apps, extensions, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful when browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive adverts may look innocuous – however, they redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such advertisements and/or redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ValidWindow, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ValidWindow adware's installation is over:
ValidWindow adware's installation folder:
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
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Quick menu:
- What is ValidWindow?
- STEP 1. Remove ValidWindow related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ValidWindow ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ValidWindow adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ValidWindow ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
ValidWindow adware removal:
Remove ValidWindow-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-delivered ads can promote content capable of causing serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can also diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It is also considered a privacy threat, as adware usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware's primary functionalities may include displaying third-party graphical content (ads) on various interfaces, force-opening websites, and gathering private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit by generating content (e.g., sites, software, products, services, etc.). Most of the revenue comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ValidWindow adware?
Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without security software) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – file leftovers can remain hidden within the system. What is more, the remaining components can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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