ERROR 268d3x8938 POP-UP Scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
ERROR 268d3x8938 removal instructions
What is ERROR 268d3x8938?
Very similar to Microsoft Alert Your Data Is At High Risk, Attention Your Computer Has Been Infected, Your Computer Might Be Infected By Trojans, and many others, "ERROR 268d3x8938" is a fake error message displayed by a variety of deceptive websites. Research shows that many users visit these sites inadvertently - they are redirected by potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) or intrusive ads delivered by other rogue sites. Most PUPs infiltrate systems without permission. In addition, these programs often deliver intrusive advertisements and record various sensitive information.
This error states that suspicious activity caused by a high-risk virus has been detected. The malware also supposedly poses a direct threat to personal information (logins/passwords, banking information, and so on) and must be eliminated immediately. Therefore, users are encouraged to contact 'tech support' via a toll-free telephone number ("+1-855-624-0192") provided. This is a scam. "ERROR 268d3x8938" is fake and certainly has nothing to do with Microsoft. Cyber criminals generate revenue by tricking users into contacting fake tech support and paying for services that are not required. Your computer is likely to be completely virus-free. Therefore, ignore "ERROR 268d3x8938" and never call the aforementioned telephone number. To remove this error, simply exit the web browser, however, some rogue sites use scripts that prevent users from closing browsing tabs/windows. In these cases, close the browser using Task Manager or simply reboot the system. After re-running the browser, do not restore the previous session, otherwise you will end up returning to the malicious site/s.
As mentioned above, potentially unwanted programs deliver various intrusive ads, such as banners, pop-ups, coupons, and so on. To achieve this, developers employ various tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, they are likely to conceal underlying content, significantly diminishing the browsing experience. In addition, some ads redirect to malicious websites and even execute scripts that stealthily download and install PUPs/malware. Therefore, even a single click can result in high-risk computer infections. Another important issue is information tracking. Research shows that most PUPs gather data relating to browsing activity. Recorded information (e.g., IP addresses, website URLs visited, pages viewed, etc.) is likely to contain personal details that developers share 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. For these reasons, uninstall all PUPs immediately.
There are dozens of fake errors that have similar characteristics to "ERROR 268d3x8938". Bear in mind, however, that the actual purpose of all fake errors is to extort money from unsuspecting victims. Potentially unwanted programs are also known to share similarities. By offering a wide range of "useful features", they attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, however, these programs, are designed only to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than giving any real value for regular users, PUPs cause unwanted redirects, deliver intrusive advertisements, and gather sensitive information. In doing so, they pose a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety.
How did potentially unwanted programs install on my computer?
Some PUPs are known to have official download websites, however, due to the lack of knowledge and careless behavior of many users, these programs often infiltrate systems without permission. Developers proliferate PUPs using intrusive advertisements and a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" (stealth installation of third party applications together with regular software/apps). Developers hide "bundled" apps within "Custom/Advanced" settings (or other sections) of the download/installation processes. Furthermore, many users rush these procedures, skip steps, and click various advertisements without understanding the possible consequences. In doing so, they expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
This situation can be prevented by paying close attention when browsing the Internet and downloading/installing software. Bear in mind that intrusive advertisements usually seem legitimate, since developers invest many resources into their design, but most lead to untrustworthy sites such as pornography, gambling, adult dating, and so on. If you encounter these ads, immediately eliminate all suspicious applications and browser plug-ins. Carefully analyze each window of the download/installation processes and opt-out of all additionally-included programs. You are advised to download your programs from official sources only, using direct download links. Third party downloaders/installers are used to promote ("bundle") PUPs, and thus should never be used. The key to computer safety is caution. If your computer is already infected with PUPs, we recommend running a scan with Spyhunter for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Text presented in "ERROR 268d3x8938" pop-up:
Microsoft Warning Alert
ERROR # 268d3x8938(3)
"Suspicious activity detected on your IP address due to harmful virus installed in your computer. Call Toll Free now @ +1-855-624-0192 for any assistance..."
Please call us immediately at: +1-855-624-0192
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 is that it has been infected with a Pornographic Spyware and riskware. The following information is being stolen...
1. Facebook Logins
2. Credit Card Details
3. Email Account Logins
4. 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.
The appearance of "ERROR 268d3x8938" pop-up (GIF):
Instant automatic removal of ERROR 268d3x8938 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 ERROR 268d3x8938 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 ERROR 268d3x8938?
- 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 "error 268d3x8938" 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 and remove them.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the "error 268d3x8938" 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 on "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with "error 268d3x8938" 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 "error 268d3x8938" virus from your computer, please ask for assistance in our malware support forum.
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