Microsoft Warning Alert Scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
Microsoft Warning Alert removal instructions
What is Microsoft Warning Alert?
"Microsoft Warning Alert" is a fake pop-up error message claiming that the computer is infected. This error is displayed by a malicious website that users visit inadvertently - they are redirected by potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) that infiltrate the system during installation of regular apps ("bundling" method). As well as causing redirects, PUPs deliver intrusive advertisements and continually record various user/system information.
This error message states that malicious content has been detected and, therefore, personal information (logins, passwords, banking details, etc.) is at risk. It is also stated that the malware must be eliminated immediately by contacting 'certified technicians' via the telephone number ("0-800-046-5729") provided. Victims are then supposedly guided through the removal process. Be aware, however, that this error message is a scam. Criminals attempt to trick victims into calling and paying for services that are not required. Therefore, never attempt to call the aforementioned telephone number. You can remove this error simply by closing the web browser. Note that the malicious website displays a full screen pop-up when attempts are made to close the browser - this can only be closed via Windows Task Manager. PUPs employ a "virtual layer" to generate coupon, banner, pop-up, and other similar ads. "The virtual layer" enables placement of third party graphical content on any site. The displayed ads often conceal underlying content of visited websites. Furthermore, some lead to malicious websites. Therefore, clicking them can result in further computer infections. Another downside is information tracking - PUPs gather Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, Internet service providers (ISPs), geo-locations, URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, mouse/keyboard activity, and other similar data that might be personally identifiable. This information is shared with third parties who misuse personal details to generate revenue. Thus, data tracking can result in serious privacy issues or even identity theft. All potentially unwanted programs must be uninstalled immediately.
"Microsoft Warning Alert" shares many similarities with Microsoft Has Detected A Porn Virus, Warning Internet Security Breached, Your Computer Has Been Infected With Virus, and many other fake error messages. All state that the system is infected or damaged in other similar ways, however, this information is false and should not be trusted. The only purpose of this software is to generate revenue for the developers. In fact, PUPs all have an identical purpose - by offering various 'useful functions', they attempt to give the impression of legitimacy. Rather than providing any significant value for regular users, potentially unwanted programs cause unwanted redirects, display intrusive advertisements, and gather personal information.
How did adware install on my computer?
As mentioned above, PUPs are distributed using a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" - stealth installation of third party applications with regular software. Developers hide bundled programs within the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings of the download/installation processes. Unsuspecting users often rush these procedures and skip most steps, often leading to inadvertent installation of PUPs.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
There are two simple steps you should take to prevent this situation. Firstly, never rush when downloading and installing software. Select the "Custom/Advanced" settings and closely analyze each step. Secondly, cancel all additionally-included applications and decline offers to download/install them. The key to computer safety is caution.
Text presented within "Microsoft Warning Alert" pop-up:
** Microsoft Warning Alert **
Malicious Pornographic Spyware/Riskware Detected
Error # 0x80072ee7
Please call us immediately at: 0-800-046-5729
Do not ignore this critical alert.
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 Pornographic Spyware and riskware. The following information is being stolen...
> Financial Data
> Facebook Logins
> Credit Card Details
> Email Account Logins
> Photos stored on this computer
You must contact us immediately so that our expert engineers can walk you through the removal process over the phone to protect your identity. Please call us within the next 5 minutes to prevent your computer from being disabled or from any information loss.
Toll Free: 0-800-046-5729
Another variant of this scam “Windows Warning Alert”:
Text presented in this scam:
Windows Warning Alert
Malicious Spyware/Riskware Detected
Error FXX000
Please call us immediately at: +1-888-371-0333
Do not ignore this critical alert.
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 Spyware and risk ware. The following information is being stolen…
> Financial Data
> Facebook Logins
> Credit Card Details
> Email Account Logins
> Photos stored on this computer
You must contact us immediately to that our expert engineer can walk you through the removal process over the phone to protect your identity. Please call us within the next 5 minutes to prevent your computer from being disabled or from any information loss.
Toll Free: +1-888-371-0333
Jet another variant of this scam "Error # 0x80072ee7", scammers use (855)252-1791 phone number:
Quick menu:
- What is Microsoft Warning Alert?
- STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove adware from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue extension from Safari.
Adware removal:
Windows 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.
Windows XP users:
Click Start, choose Settings and click Control Panel. Locate and click Add or Remove Programs.
Windows 10 and Windows 8 users:
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.
Mac OSX users:
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.
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.
Download remover for Microsoft Warning Alert virus
(866) 983-7844
Remove adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:
Click the "gear" 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".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the microsoft warning 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.
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.
Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.
In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.
Click the Reset button.
Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu 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.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the microsoft warning alert virus, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the 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.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(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.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with microsoft warning 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, in the opened menu, click the Open Help Menu icon, 
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Reset Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
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...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Summary:
Most commonly adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate user's Internet browsers through free software downloads. Notice that the safest source for downloading free software is it's developers website. To avoid installation of adware be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing the already downloaded free program choose custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal all of the potentially unwanted applications that are being installed together with your chosen free program.
Removal assistance:
If you are experiencing problems while trying to remove microsoft warning alert virus from your computer, please ask for assistance in our malware support forum.
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