Your Software Copy Is Expired Scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Your Software Copy Is Expired?
Your Software Copy Is Expired is malware that locks computers and states that users' Windows copies have expired. This malware encourages users to enter a valid Product Key or contact certified Microsoft technicians via the telephone number provided (1-844-872-8686). These technicians supposedly help users to solve this issue, however, this is a complete scam.
After system infiltration, this malware waits for the user to restart the system. It will then install fake Windows updates and display a screen stating that the user's Windows copy has expired and that a valid Activation Key must be entered. Be aware that these statements are merely attempts to trick users into calling the toll-free number, since entering a valid key will not solve this problem.
Research shows that users who contact these dubious 'technicians' are asked to pay a $250 fee to unlock their computers, however, paying the ransom does not necessarily mean that your computer will ever be unlocked. In fact, cyber criminals collect credit card numbers and aim to generate as much revenue as possible.
They are not concerned about the wishes of users whose computers have been locked. Therefore, paying the fee merely supports their malicious business. TheWack0lian discovered a keyboard combo (Ctrl+Shift+S), which temporary disables this locker.
In addition, one of the following Product Keys might help you to unlock your computer: "h7c9-7c67-jb", "g6r-qrp6-h2", or "yt-mq-6w". Note that these keys will only work in certain situations. If these methods do not work, you are strongly advised to restore your system/files from a backup.
Although this malware does not encrypt victims' files, it has similar behavior to dozens of other ransomware-type viruses such as Locky and Cerber. These viruses are often distributed using malicious e-mail attachments, fake software updates, peer-to-peer (P2P) networks and/or trojans.
Therefore, keeping your installed software up-to-date and using a legitimate anti-virus/anti-spyware suite is paramount. The key to computer safety is caution. Express caution when downloading files from third party sources. Furthermore, never open any attachments sent from unrecognized/suspicious email addresses, since it is highly probable that they will be viruses.
Your Software Copy Is Expired scam supposedly installing Windows updates:
Your Software Copy Is Expired scam uses TeamViewer to connect victims with rogue technicians:
Instant automatic 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 malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
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. 7 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 Your Software Copy Is Expired?
- STEP 1. "Your Software Copy Is Expired" virus removal using safe mode with networking.
- STEP 2. "Your Software Copy Is Expired" ransomware removal using System Restore.
"Your Software Copy Is Expired" virus removal:
Step 1
Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Start your computer in Safe Mode. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart, click OK. During your computer starting process press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until you see the Windows Advanced Option menu, then select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Video showing how to start Windows 7 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 8 users: Go to the Windows 8 Start Screen, type Advanced, in the search results select Settings. Click on Advanced Startup options, in the opened "General PC Settings" window select Advanced Startup. Click on the "Restart now" button. Your computer will now restart into "Advanced Startup options menu".
Click on the "Troubleshoot" button, then click on "Advanced options" button. In the advanced option screen click on "Startup settings". Click on the "Restart" button. Your PC will restart into the Startup Settings screen. Press "5" to boot in Safe Mode with Networking Prompt.
Video showing how to start Windows 8 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Step 2
Log in to the account infected with the Your Software Copy Is Expired "Your computer has been blocked" virus. Start your Internet browser and download a legitimate anti-spyware program. Update the anti-spyware software and start a full system scan. Remove all entries detected.
If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking, try performing a System Restore.
Video showing how to remove ransomware virus using "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" and "System Restore":
1. During your computer starting process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until the Windows Advanced Options menu appears, and then select Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list and press ENTER.
2. When Command Prompt Mode loads, enter the following line: cd restore and press ENTER.
3. Next, type this line: rstrui.exe and press ENTER.
4. In the opened window click "Next".
5. Select one of the available Restore Points and click "Next" (this will restore your computer system to an earlier time and date, prior to the Your Software Copy Is Expired ransomware virus infiltrating your PC).
6. In the opened window click "Yes".
7. After restoring your computer to a previous date, download and scan your PC with recommended malware removal software to eliminate any remnants of the Your Software Copy Is Expired "Your computer has been blocked up for safety reasons" virus.
If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking (or with Command Prompt), boot your computer using a rescue disk. Some variants of ransomware disable Safe Mode making its removal complicated. For this step, you require access to another computer.
After removing "Your computer has been blocked up for safety reasons" virus from your PC, restart your computer and scan it with legitimate antispyware software to remove any possible remnants of this security infection.
Other tools known to remove the Your Software Copy Is Expired "Your computer has been blocked up for safety reasons" virus:
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion