Windows Activation Scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is "Windows Activation" scam?
"Windows Activation" is a fake error message displayed by a malware-type app. First discovered by security researcher, Pieter Arntz, "Windows Activation" locks the computer screen and displays a fake MS Windows Activation window encouraging users to enter a 'genuine activation key'. This malware might also collect various information relating to users' Internet browsing activity.
As mentioned above "Windows Activation" states that the operating system copy has expired and that the user must enter a 'genuine activation key', however, since this error is fake, entering a proper key will not resolve the problem. Victims are encouraged to contact customer support via a telephone number ("1-844-411-3440") provided.
They are then supposedly guided through the activation process. Despite this, never attempt to call this telephone number. Criminals will attempt to trick you into calling and paying for services that are not required. You can unlock your screen simply by entering the "756AZ" key.
Furthermore, most malware-type applications that display fake errors gather various information that might be personally identifiable, including geo-locations, Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, Internet service providers (ISP), mouse/keyboard activity, websites visited, pages viewed, and queries entered into search engines.
The data is shared with third parties who misuse personal information to generate revenue. Therefore, data tracking can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft.
There are dozens of fake errors similar to "Windows Activation" including, for example, Microsoft Has Detected A Porn Virus, Don't Restart Your Computer, System Blocked For Security Reasons, and many others.
All claim that the computer has been infected or damaged in other similar ways, however, as with "Windows Activation", these errors are designed only to generate revenue for the developers. They should never be trusted.
Be aware that that this type of malware is often distributed using a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" (stealth installation of malicious software with regular apps), spam emails (malicious attachments), third party software download sources (torrents, freeware download websites, free file hosting websites, etc.), fake software updaters, and trojans.
Therefore, never rush when downloading and installing software. Select the "Custom/Advanced" settings, carefully observe each step, and cancel all additionally-included programs. Furthermore, never open files received from suspicious email addresses or download software from unofficial sources.
Keeping your installed applications up-to-date and using a legitimate anti-virus/anti-spyware suite is also essential. Bear in mind, however, that cyber criminals often employ fake updaters to distribute malware. Therefore, never use third party software update tools. The key to computer safety is caution.
"Windows Activation" scam error message:
Windows Activation
Enter a product key to activate Windows
Your product key should be on the box that the Windows DVD came in or in an email that shows you bought Windows. You need to be signed in as an administrator to enter a product key foe Windows activation. Your product key look similar to this: PRODUCT KEY: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
Activate Support - 1-844-411-3440
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Quick menu:
- What is "Windows Activation"?
- STEP 1. "Windows Activation" virus removal using safe mode with networking.
- STEP 2. "Windows Activation" virus removal using System Restore.
"Windows Activation" 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":
Windows 10 users: Click the Windows logo and select the Power icon. In the opened menu click "Restart" while holding "Shift" button on your keyboard. In the "choose an option" window click on the "Troubleshoot", next select "Advanced options". In the advanced options menu select "Startup Settings" and click on the "Restart" button.
In the following window you should click the "F5" button on your keyboard. This will restart your operating system in safe mode with networking.
Video showing how to start Windows 10 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Step 2
Log in to the account infected with the "Windows Activation" 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 viruses 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 "Windows Activation" 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 "Windows Activation" virus.
If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking (or with Command Prompt), boot your computer using a rescue disk.
Some viruses disable Safe Mode making it's removal complicated. For this step, you require access to another computer. After removing "Windows Activation" virus from your PC, restart your computer and scan it with legitimate anti-spyware software to remove any possible remnants of this security infection.
Other tools known to remove this scam:
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