System Activation KEY Has Expired POP-UP Scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
System Activation Key Has Expired removal instructions
What is System Activation Key Has Expired?
"System Activation Key Has Expired" is another fake error message similar to Spyware Detected On Your Computer!, Zeus Virus Detected In Your Computer, and many others. It is displayed by various deceptive websites that users often visit inadvertently (they are redirected by potentially unwanted programs [PUPs] or intrusive ads delivered by other malicious sites). Research shows that potentially unwanted programs typically infiltrate systems without consent and, as well as causing redirects, generate intrusive advertisements, gather sensitive information and, sometimes, run unwanted background processes.
The error message states that the system is infected, since the activation key has expired and that the infection poses a direct threat to personal data (logins/passwords, banking information, etc.) Therefore, it must be eliminated immediately. To achieve this, users are encouraged to call 'tech support' via a telephone number ("1-877-670-2749") provided and follow the given instructions. Note that the "System Activation Key Has Expired" error is fake. Cyber criminals generate revenue by scaring and tricking users into calling and paying for 'tech support' that is not required - the computer is most probably secure. Therefore, ignore "System Activation Key Has Expired" and never call the aforementioned telephone number. The error can be removed simply by closing the web browser, however, since some rogue sites employ scripts that prevent users from closing browsing tabs/windows, you are advised to terminate the browser using Task Manager, or simply reboot the system. Note that it is very important NOT to restore the previous session next time the browser is opened, otherwise you will reopen the malicious site.
Potentially unwanted programs generate coupon, banner, pop-up, and other similar ads. To achieve this, developers employ various tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, intrusive ads often conceal underlying website content, significantly diminishing the browsing experience. Furthermore, these ads might redirect to malicious websites and even run scripts that stealthily download and install malware. Therefore, even a single click can result in high-risk computer infections. Another downside is information tracking. Potentially unwanted programs gather IP addresses, websites visited, pages viewed, search queries, and other similar data relating to browsing activity. Collected data (IP addresses, URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, etc.) typically includes personal details that are shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals). These people misuse private data to generate revenue. Therefore, the presence of data-tracking app(s) can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. PUPs also mine cryptocurrencies and run other unwanted processes without permission. By misusing system resources in this way, they significantly diminish the browsing experience.
| Name | "System Activation KEY Has Expired" virus |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
| Symptoms | Unauthorized online purchases, changed online account passwords, identity theft, illegal access of one's computer. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive emails, rogue online pop-up ads, search engine poisoning techniques, misspelled domains. |
| Damage | Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss, identity theft. |
| Removal |
To eliminate System Activation KEY Has Expired virus our malware researchers recommend scanning your computer with Spyhunter. |
As mentioned above, "System Activation Key Has Expired" shares many similarities with dozens of other fake errors. All claim that the system is infected, missing files, or damaged in other similar ways, however, these claims are merely attempts to extort money from unsuspecting users. Potentially unwanted programs also share many similarities. By offering "useful features", they attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, however, since all PUPs are designed only to generate revenue for the developers, they are useless for regular users. Rather than delivering any real value, PUPs pose a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety.
How did potentially unwanted programs install on my computer?
Some PUPs have official promotion websites, however, most infiltrate systems without permission, since developers promote them using intrusive advertisements and a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" (stealth installation of third party programs together with regular software/apps). Developers hide "bundled" apps within "Custom/Advanced" settings (or other sections) of the download/installation processes. Many users are likely to rush these procedures and skip steps. In addition, they often click advertisements without understanding the possible consequences. This behavior typically leads to inadvertent installation of PUPs - they expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
To prevent ransomware infections, be very cautious when browsing the Internet and, especially when downloading/installing software. Developers invest many resources into intrusive ad design, thereby making them appear legitimate. Once clicked, however, they redirect to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and other dubious sites. If you experience these redirects, immediately eliminate all dubious applications and browser plug-ins. Furthermore, carefully analyze each step of the download/installation processes and opt-out of all additionally-included programs. You are also advised to avoid using third party download/installation set-ups, since developers monetize them by promoting PUPs ("bundling" method). Software should be downloaded from official sources only, using direct download links. The key to computer safety is caution.
Text presented in "System Activation Key Has Expired" pop-up:
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 CCs) have been stolen. Call the Help Desk number 1-877-670-2749 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: 1-877-670-2749
WARNING: Hard Drive Safety Delete Starting In 4:58 minutes.
Toll free: 1-877-670-2749
The appearance of "System Activation Key Has Expired" pop-up (GIF):
Instant automatic removal of System Activation KEY Has Expired virus:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Spyhunter is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of System Activation KEY Has Expired virus. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Spyhunter
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Free scanner checks if your computer is infected. To remove malware, you have to purchase the full version of Spyhunter.
Quick menu:
- What is System Activation Key Has Expired?
- 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 extensions from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Removal of potentially unwanted programs:
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.
Remove rogue extensions 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 "system activation key has expired" 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 "More 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 "system activation key has expired" 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 "system activation key has expired" 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 Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox 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.
Remove malicious add-ons from Microsoft Edge:
Click the three horizontal dots icon 
(at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions, right click your mouse on these entries and click "Uninstall".
Optional method:
Click the three horizontal dots icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), and select Settings.
In the opened tab, click the "Choose what to clear" button.
Click Show more and select everything, and then click the "Clear" button.
- If this didn't help, please follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
Commonly, 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.
Removal assistance:
If you are experiencing problems while trying to remove "system activation key has expired" virus from your computer, please ask for assistance in our malware support forum.
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Outstanding!