How to remove ValidInitiator (Mac)

What is ValidInitiator

ValidInitiator is a rogue application identified as adware, specifically belonging to the AdLoad malware family. This type of software operates by displaying unwanted advertisements and generating revenue for its developers through affiliate marketing schemes. Users may experience a decline in system performance, as the adware can slow down their Macs and redirect them to dubious websites. Additionally, ValidInitiator is known to track user data, which can lead to serious privacy concerns, including the potential theft of sensitive information. Distribution methods for this adware often include deceptive pop-up ads, bundled software installations, and torrent downloads. To mitigate the risks associated with ValidInitiator, users are advised to employ reputable antivirus tools for detection and removal. Regular vigilance while browsing and cautious installation practices can help prevent future infections.

How ValidInitiator infects Mac computers

ValidInitiator primarily infects Mac systems through deceptive software bundling and malicious advertisements. Users often encounter this adware when downloading free software from unreliable sources, such as third-party websites or torrent sites, where it is packaged alongside legitimate applications. During installation, if users opt for “Quick” or “Easy” settings without thoroughly reviewing the installation prompts, they may inadvertently allow ValidInitiator to gain access to their systems. Additionally, the adware can be distributed via intrusive pop-up ads and rogue advertising networks, which redirect users to malicious download pages. Once installed, ValidInitiator begins to display unwanted advertisements, compromise user privacy, and can even lead to further infections if users click on its deceptive ads. To prevent such infections, it is essential to download software exclusively from trusted sources and to remain vigilant during installation processes.

1. Download ValidInitiator Removal Tool
2. Remove ValidInitiator from Login Items
3. Remove/Uninstall ValidInitiator from Applications
4. Remove ValidInitiator from browsers
5. Reset browser settings
6. Remove ValidInitiator files and folders
7. Block ValidInitiator ads and pop-ups
8. How to protect from threats, like ValidInitiator

Remove ValidInitiator manually for free

Note: ValidInitiator sets up to start on macOS startup. Therefore, before starting the removal, perform these steps:

1. Open System Preferences, choose Users & Groups.
2. Choose your account (set up as Current User).
3. Click Login Items tab.
4. Find “ValidInitiator” entry. Select it, and click the “-“ (minus) button to remove it.

Note 2: ValidInitiator won’t quit just by closing it, therefor use Force Quit to end the process.

1. Press 3 buttons at the same time: Option, Command, and Esc (Escape). This is similar to Control-Alt-Delete on a Windows PC.
2. Choose ValidInitiator in the list.
3. Click Force Quit button.

Here is a manual step-by-step tutorial for full ValidInitiator removal from your computer. This works 99% and was checked with the latest versions of ValidInitiator installer on operating systems with the latest updates and browser versions.

Remove ValidInitiator from Applications

Remove ValidInitiator from Mac:

1. In the Finder sidebar, click Applications.
2. ValidInitiator might have an Uninstaller. If you see Uninstall ValidInitiator or ValidInitiator Uninstaller, double-click it and follow the onscreen instructions.
3. Otherwise, drag ValidInitiator from the Applications folder to the Trash (located at the end of the Dock).
4. Then choose Finder > Empty Trash.

Cannot uninstall ValidInitiator

If you can’t uninstall ValidInitiator using instructions above, or it keeps coming back, you can use free AppCleaner for Mac to remove all residual data and libraries of ValidInitiator. Follow instructions below:

1. Download free AppCleaner.
2. Drag ValidInitiator from Applications folder to AppCleaner window.
3. Choose files and folders you want to remove along with ValidInitiator.
4. Click Delete button.

Remove ValidInitiator add-on from your browsers

Removing ValidInitiator from Applications often does not bring the desired effect. It is a browser extension, and it may still be active in Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Here are instructions on how to remove the ValidInitiator extension from your browsers manually.

Safari:

1. Start Safari on your Mac, click Safari to open drop-down menu and choose Preferences
2. Click Extensions tab.
3. Find ValidInitiator extension.
4. Click Uninstall button to remove it.

Google Chrome:

1. Start Google Chrome browser
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) chrome://extensions.
3. Find ValidInitiator extension.
4. Click the trash can icon to remove it.

Mozilla Firefox:

1. Start Mozilla Firefox browser.
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) about:addons.
3. Choose ValidInitiator extension.
4. Click Disable or Remove button.

Reset browser settings

To finish ValidInitiator removal, reset your browser settings to make sure, there are no leftover items in browser folders.

Reset Safari:

1. Start Safari on your Mac, click Safari to open drop-down menu and choose Preferences
2. Go to the Privacy section of Safari’s preferences.
3. Click Remove All Website Data button.
4. In the opened window, click Remove Now button to remove data stored by websites in Safari.
5. Go to the Advanced section of Safari’s preferences.
6. Click the Show Develop menu in menu bar option.
7. In the menu, click Develop and select Empty Caches from this menu.
8. Again, go to Safari menu and choose Clear History….
9. Choose to clear all history and click Clear History button.

Reset Google Chrome:

1. Start Google Chrome browser
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) chrome://settings.
3. Scroll down and find Show advanced settings link.
4. Click on it and scroll down to the bottom again.
5. Click Reset settings button and click Reset to confirm.

Reset Mozilla Firefox:

1. Start Mozilla Firefox browser.
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) about:support.
3. Click Refresh Firefox… button.
4. Click Refresh Firefox to confirm.

Remove following files and folders of ValidInitiator


~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.ValidInitiator.service.app
~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.ValidInitiator.service.plist
/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.ValidInitiator.system
/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.ValidInitiator.system.plist


Download AdGuard for Mac to block malicious pop-ups, that promote ValidInitiator

AdGuard is the best ad-blocker, internet filtering, and internet security application for macOS. It can cut out unwanted banners from site pages, block pop-ups, stop redirects, and prevent users from visiting potentially dangerous resources. Use it to stop ads promoting ValidInitiator in browsers.

Download AdGuard for Mac

How to protect Mac OSX from adware, like ValidInitiator

Mac OSX is known to be one of the safest operating systems, and for a long time, there was no need for antivirus products for Mac. But with the growing popularity of Mac computers and notebooks and evolving technology, viruses, trojans, adware, toolbars, hijackers, and other malware paved the way for Mac users. We recommend you to use one of the best anti-malware for Mac available — Malwarebytes for Mac.

Download Malwarebytes for Mac