How to eliminate ValidConfigType adware from your operating system?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is ValidConfigType?
ValidConfigType is a rogue with adware and browser hijacker qualities. Due to the questionable methods used to distribute software products within these classifications, they are also considered to be PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications). ValidConfigType has been noted being spread via fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers.
ValidConfigType adware in detail
Adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, surveys, banners, and other intrusive ads) - on any visited website and/or different interfaces. The delivered advertisements diminish the browsing experience and pose a threat to device/user safety. When clicked on, intrusive adverts redirect to various untrustworthy/malicious sites, and some can stealthily download/install software (e.g., PUAs).
Browser hijackers reassign browsers' new tab/window, homepage, and default search engine URLs - to fake web searcher addresses. Therefore, web searches performed via the URL bar and new browser tabs/windows opened - redirect to the promoted address.
In the case of ValidConfigType, it redirects to the search.r0n3.com fraudulent search engine. The promoted web searchers usually cannot provide search results, so they redirect to legitimate search engines. Search.r0n3.com redirects to Yahoo (potentially others).
What is more, browser hijackers also use persistence-ensuring techniques to prevent users from restoring their browsers.
Adware and browser hijackers typically have data tracking abilities. Targeted information includes: browsing and search engine histories, IP addresses, personally identifiable details, and so on. The collected data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties (possibly, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of unwanted apps on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ValidConfigType |
| 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
ConsoleConnection, MemoryField, ExecutiveProduct, ConnectionCache, ExpandedValue, and AdminRemote are some examples of adware.
Most PUAs (adware and browser hijackers included) appear innocuous and offer "useful" functionalities, which are rarely operational. Instead of delivering on any promises, unwanted applications can run intrusive advertisement campaigns, hijack browsers, cause redirects, and gather private data.
How did ValidConfigType install on my computer?
PUAs are often distributed using the "bundling" method - packing regular programs with unwanted/malicious additions. Rushed downloads/installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system. Intrusive advertisements proliferate PUAs as well. Upon being clicked, the ads can execute scripts to stealthily download/install these apps. Some PUAs may also have "official" download webpages.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is advised to research software and download only from official/verified sources. Untrustworthy download channels, e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc. - offer bundled content.
When downloading/installing, it is recommended to read terms, study possible options, and use the "Custom/Advanced" settings to opt-out from all supplements. Intrusive adverts appear harmless; however, they redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., pornography, adult-dating, gambling, etc.).
In case of encounters with ads and/or redirects of this kind, the system must be checked and all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed from it. If your computer is already infected with ValidConfigType, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Appearance of ValidConfigType adware promoting the search.r0n3.com fake search engine that redirects to Yahoo (GIF):
Files related to the ValidConfigType adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.ValidConfigType/ValidConfigType
- ~/Library/Application Support/com.ValidConfigTypeDaemon/ValidConfigType
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.ValidConfigType.plist
- ~/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.ValidConfigTypeDaemon.plist
IMPORTANT NOTE! Rogue setups/apps that promote the ValidConfigType website are designed to create a new device profile. Therefore, before taking any further removal steps, perform these actions:
1) Click the "Preferences" icon in the menu bar (Dock) and select "Profiles".
2) Locate all suspicious profiles and delete them.
3) Perform a full system scan with Combo Cleaner anti-virus suite.
After performing these actions, you can proceed with further removal steps for this browser hijacker.
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 ValidConfigType?
- STEP 1. Remove ValidConfigType related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ValidConfigType ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ValidConfigType adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ValidConfigType ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ValidConfigType adware using Combo Cleaner:
ValidConfigType adware removal:
Remove ValidConfigType-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 installed onto a system can affect its performance and diminish browsing quality. Furthermore, users can experience various other issues through adware-delivered advertisements.
What does adware do?
Adware or advertising-supported software operates by displaying various ads.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware typically generates revenue through affiliate programs. The adverts this software delivers - promote various websites, products, and services. Adware can profit through ad clicks, site visits, and/or product purchases.
What is the purpose of forcing users visit search.r0n3.com website?
ValidConfigType developers' revenue is also dependent on the count of visitors to the search.r0n3.com website.
Is visiting search.r0n3.com a threat to my privacy?
Websites like search.r0n3.com often collect a variety of data relating to their visitors. Therefore, yes, visiting search.r0n3.com does pose a threat to your privacy.
How did ValidConfigType infiltrate my computer?
ValidConfigType has been distributed via fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers. In general, adware and browser hijackers are distributed by being bundled with other programs, promoted through scam sites or intrusive ads, and other dubious techniques.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ValidConfigType adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed adware and browser hijacker apps. On the other hand, manual removal may not be the perfect solution. Even after removal, there may be remnants of this software left. These components may hide deep within the system and continue running. Furthermore, these apps can infiltrate systems in bundles and may be able to re-install one another. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate unwanted applications immediately and all at the same time.
Outstanding!
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