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Avoid getting scammed by fake "Do Not Ignore This Windows Alert" websites

Also Known As: "Do Not Ignore This Windows Alert" virus
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What kind of scam is "Do Not Ignore This Windows Alert"?

"Do Not Ignore This Windows Alert" is a fake pop-up error displayed by a malicious website. Users often visit this website inadvertently - they are redirected by rogue adware-type applications that infiltrate usually infiltrate systems without consent (bundling method).

As well as causing unwanted redirects, these potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) collect various data types and deliver intrusive online advertisements.

Do Not Ignore This Windows Alert adware

"Do Not Ignore This Windows Alert" scam overview

"Do Not Ignore This Windows Alert" error states that the computer has been infected with high-risk trojan/spyware and all personal details (saved passwords, banking details, etc.) are at risk. It is also stated that closing the pop-up will disable computer access (this warning is supposedly issued to prevent further damage).

To solve the problem, users are encouraged to contact technical support via a telephone number ("0800-046-5718") provided. These statements are false. As mentioned above, "Do Not Ignore This Windows Alert" is a fake error message. The virus does not exist. Cyber criminals attempt to trick users into calling and paying for technical services that are not needed.

Therefore, you should ignore this pop-up and never attempt to contact these people. As mentioned above, PUPs continually gather various data relating to Internet browsing activity, including IP addresses, Internet service providers (ISP), geo-locations, websites visited, search queries, mouse/keyboard movement, etc.

This data might contain personal information that is shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse personal details to generate revenue. Therefore, the presence of information-tracking apps on your system can result in serious privacy issues or even identity theft. Another downside is display of intrusive online advertisements.

PUPs employ a 'virtual layer' to generate pop-up, coupon, banner, and other similar ads. The virtual layer is a tool that enables placement of third party graphical content on any site. The resultant ads often conceal underlying content of visited websites, thereby significantly diminishing the Internet browsing experience.

In addition, some redirect to malicious websites - clicking them can result in high-risk adware or malware infections. Potentially unwanted programs should be uninstalled immediately.

Threat Summary:
Name "Do Not Ignore This Windows Alert" virus
Threat Type Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Tech Support Scammer Phone Number 0800-046-5718; 1800 757 326
Symptoms Fake error messages, fake system warnings, pop-up errors, hoax computer scan.
Distribution methods Compromised websites, rogue online pop-up ads, potentially unwanted applications.
Damage Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss, identity theft, possible malware infections.
Malware Removal (Windows)

To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner.
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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.

Technical support scam examples

There are dozens of fake errors similar to "Do Not Ignore This Windows Alert". Examples include Microsoft Alert, Call Windows Help Desk Immediately, Windows Security Alert, and many others. All claim that the system is infected, missing files, or damaged in other similar ways.

In fact, these errors should never be trusted - the messages are merely attempts to generate revenue by tricking victims into paying.

The purpose of adware-type applications is identical: by offering various 'useful functions', adware attempts to give the impression of legitimacy and useful software, however, rather than providing any value for regular users, these applications simply collect personally identifiable information and deliver intrusive online advertisements. Some (as in this case) cause unwanted redirects to malicious websites.

How did adware install on my computer?

Cyber criminals proliferate adware-type apps by employing a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" - stealth installation of third party apps with regular software - since they know that many users rush the download/installation processes and skip steps.

Therefore, bundled programs are hidden within the "Custom/Advanced" settings. Skipping this section often leads to inadvertent installation of rogue apps.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

To prevent system infiltration by PUPs, be cautious when downloading and installing software. Select the "Custom/Advanced" settings and closely analyze each step. In addition, decline offers to download/install additional apps and cancel those already included. The key to computer safety is caution.

Scam message presented in this pop-up (never call any numbers presented within this message - it is a tech support scam):

********* Do not ignore this windows alert *********

Please call us immediately at: 0800-046-5718 (Toll free)
If you close this page, your computer access will be disabled to prevent further damage to our network.
Your computer has alerted us that it has been infected with a trojan and spyware. The following information is being stolen…
1. Facebook Login
2. Credit Card Details
3. Email Account Login
4. Photos stored & saved on this computer
You must contact is immediately so that our engineers can walk you through the removal process over the phone. Please call us with the next 5 minutes to prevent your computer from being disabled.
Please call us immediately: 0800-046-5718 (Toll free)

********* Do not ignore this windows alert *********

Screenshot of the malicious website displaying "Do Not Ignore This Windows Alert" error after closing the pop-up:

Website displaying Do Not Ignore This Windows Alert scam

The appearance of this tech support scam pop-up:

do not ignore this warning scam pop-up appearance (GIF)

Text presented on this scam website:

Your computer has been Locked
Your computer with the IP address - might infected by the Trojans - Because System Activation KEY has expired & Your information (for example, passwords, messages, and credit cards) have been stolen. Call the Help Desk number 0800-046-5718 to protect your files and identity from further damage. ‘System Activation Error Code: 0x44578’ Lock Screen. To immediate rectify issue and prevent data lose Please call Toll free: 0800-046-5718

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:

Adware removal:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.

Windows 10 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.

Windows 7 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.

macOS (OSX) users:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.

Do Not Ignore This Windows Alert adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for any suspicious/recently-installed applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted program, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove adware from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:

Internet Explorer logoRemove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Removing Do Not Ignore This Windows Alert ads from Internet Explorer step 1

Click the "gear" icon Internet Explorer options icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for any recently-installed suspicious browser extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removing Do Not Ignore This Windows Alert ads from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the "do not ignore this windows alert" virus, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.

Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows XP

Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 7

Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.

Reseting Internet Explorer settings to default in Windows 8 - accessing

In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - Internet options advanced tab

Click the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - click the Reset button in the Internet options advanced tab

Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - confirm settings reset to default by clicking the reset button

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing Do Not Ignore This Windows Alert  ads from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome options icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, select these entries and click the trash can icon.

Removing Do Not Ignore This Windows Alert ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the "do not ignore this windows alert" virus, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing Do Not Ignore This Windows Alert ads from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.

Removing Do Not Ignore This Windows Alert ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with "do not ignore this windows alert" virus removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, firefox menu icon in the opened menu, click Help.

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

removing adware from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

removing adware from safari step 2 - removing extensions

In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.

Optional method:

Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...

resetting safari step 1

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the "do not ignore this windows alert" virus, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

  • If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

declining installation of adware while downloading free software sampleCommonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is an online scam?

An online scam is a type of deceptive content promoted on the Web; it aims to trick users into performing specific actions. For example, victims may be enticed/scared into calling fake helplines, permitting scammers to access devices remotely, disclosing private information, making monetary transactions, buying products, downloading/installing software, subscribing to services, and so forth.

What is the purpose of an online scam?

The purpose of online scams is to generate revenue for scammers. Profit can be made by obtaining funds through deception, endorsing content (e.g., websites, software, products, etc.), selling/abusing sensitive data, and distributing malware.

Why do I encounter online scams?

Widespread scam promotion techniques include: websites that use rogue advertising networks, spam (e.g., emails, SMSes, DMs/PMs, social media posts, browser notifications, etc.), intrusive advertisements (malvertising), mistyped URLs (typosquatting), and adware.

I cannot exit a scam page, how do I close it?

If you cannot exit a deceptive webpage – you have to end the browser's process using Task Manager. Keep in mind that restoring the previous browsing session will reopen the scam page; therefore, start a new one when reaccessing the browser.

I have allowed cyber criminals to remotely access my computer, what should I do?

If you have allowed cyber criminals to access your computer remotely – firstly, disconnect it from the Internet. Secondly, remove the remote access software that the criminals used (e.g., UltraViewer, TeamViewer, AnyDesk, etc.) since they might not need your permission to reconnect. Lastly, perform a full system scan with an anti-virus and remove all detected threats.

I have provided my personal information when tricked by an online scam, what should I do?

If you have provided your log-in credentials – change the passwords of all potentially compromised accounts and inform their official support without delay. And if you've disclosed other private data (e.g., passport photos/scans, ID card details, credit/debit card numbers, etc.) – immediately contact relevant authorities.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from online scams and the malware they proliferate?

Combo Cleaner is designed to eliminate all kinds of threats. It can scan visited sites for deceptive/malicious content, issue warnings when such webpages are opened, and restrict all further access to them. Combo Cleaner is also capable of detecting and removing practically all known malware infections. Remember that sophisticated malicious programs tend to hide deep within systems – therefore, performing a complete system scan is essential.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Removal Instructions in other languages
Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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