Your Registration Key Is Blocked POP-UP Scam

Your Registration Key Is Blocked removal instructions

What is Your Registration Key Is Blocked?

"Your Registration Key Is Blocked" is a fake error message displayed by a number of rogue sites. Research shows that users typically visit these sites inadvertently - they are redirected by potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) or intrusive ads delivered by other rogue sites. PUPs often infiltrate systems without users’ permission, deliver intrusive ads, and gather various sensitive information.

This error states that the system is not activated and is proliferating malware. Furthermore, the computer is running pirated software and might be hacked or being used from a suspicious location. These issues must be resolved immediately. Therefore, users are encouraged to contact Microsoft 'tech support' via a toll-free telephone number ("+44-203-936-2186") provided. This is a scam - "Your Registration Key Is Blocked" error is fake and Microsoft certainly has nothing to do with this. All claims are merely attempts to scare and trick gullible users into calling and paying for tech support that is not required. Therefore, ignore "Your Registration Key Is Blocked". The error can be removed simply by closing the web browser, however, rogue sites often employ scripts that prevent users from closing browsing tabs/windows. In these cases, terminate the browser using Task Manager or simply reboot the system. After rerunning the browser, do not restore the previous session, since this will reopen the malicious sites.

As mentioned above, potentially unwanted programs deliver intrusive advertisements (e.g., coupon, banner, pop-up, and so on). These are delivered using tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, ads often conceal underlying content, thereby significantly diminishing the browsing experience. Furthermore, they can lead to malicious websites and execute scripts that download and install malware (or other PUPs). Therefore, even a single accidental click might result in high-risk computer infections. Furthermore, potentially unwanted programs are likely to record information relating to browsing activity, including IP addresses, website URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, keystrokes, etc. This typically includes personal details that developers share with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse private data to generate revenue. Therefore, the presence of information-tracking apps can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. For these reasons, you are strongly advised to eliminate all potentially unwanted programs immediately.

Threat Summary:

Name	"Your computer's registration key is Blocked" virus
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Scammers Telephone Number	+44-203-936-2186, +1-866-399-8722
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.
Relating Domain(s)	chrmophotograph[.]host
Serving IP Address (chrmophotograph[.]host)	108.161.135.215
Damage	Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss, identity theft.
Malware Removal (Windows)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Malwarebytes. ▼ Download Malwarebytes To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Malwarebytes. 14 days free trial available.

"Your Registration Key Is Blocked" shares many similarities with ERROR #AP7MQ79, Someone is Trying to Steal Your Banking Details, Microsoft Alert Your Data Is At High Risk, and a number of other fake errors. All claim that the system is damaged (e.g., infected, missing files, and so on), however, as with "Your Registration Key Is Blocked", these errors are also designed only to extort money from unsuspecting users. In addition, potentially unwanted programs have many similarities. By offering many "useful features", they attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, however, rather than giving any real value for regular users, PUPs cause unwanted redirects, gather sensitive information, and deliver intrusive ads, thereby posing a threat to your privacy and computer safety.

How did potentially unwanted programs install on my computer?

In some cases, potentially unwanted programs have official download websites, however, most infiltrate systems without users' permission, since developers proliferate them using a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" and intrusive advertisements. "Bundling" is essentially stealth installation of third party applications together with regular (typically free) software. Developers are not honest enough to disclose "bundled" PUP installations properly - they hide them within "Custom/Advanced" settings (or other section) of the download/installation processes. Furthermore, many users rush download/installation processes, skip steps, and click various advertisements without understanding the possible consequences. This behavior often leads to inadvertent installation of PUPs.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

The main reasons for computer infections are poor knowledge and careless behavior. The key to safety is caution. Therefore, pay close attention when browsing the Internet and downloading/installing software. Bear in mind that intrusive ads typically seem legitimate, but once clicked, they redirect to dubious websites (gambling, adult dating, pornography, and so on). If you encounter these redirects, immediately remove all dubious applications and browser plug-ins. Furthermore, carefully analyze each window of the download/installation dialogs and opt-out of all additionally-included programs. You are advised to download programs from official sources only, using direct download links. Third party downloaders/installers often include rogue apps, and thus should never be used. If your computer is already infected with PUPs, we recommend running a scan with Malwarebytes for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

Text presented in "Your Registration Key Is Blocked" pop-up:

VIRUS ALERT FROM MICROSOFT
This computer is BLOCKED
Do not close this windows and restart your computer
Your computer's registration key is Blocked.
Why we blocked your computer?
The window's registration key is illegal.
This window is using pirated software.
this window is sending virus over the Internet.
This window is hacked or used from undefined location.
We block this computer for your security
Contact microsoft helpline to reactivate your computer.

Text presented in the website that displays "Your Registration Key Is Blocked" pop-up:

Windows Support Alert
Your System Detected Some Unusual Activity
It might harm your computer data and track your financial activities
Please report this activity to +44-203-936-2186

Appearance of "Your Registration Key Is Blocked" pop-up scam:

Another variant of "Your Registration Key Is Blocked" scam:

Text presented within this pop-up:

VIRUS ALERT FROM MICROSOFT
***This computer is BLOCKED***

Do not close this window and restart your computer
Your computer's registration key is Blocked.
Why we blocked your computer?

The window's registration key is illegal.
This window is using pirated software.
This window is sending virus over the internet.
This window is hacked or used from undefined location.
We block this computer for your security.
Contact Windows helpline reactivate your computer.

Enter Windows registration key to unblock or Call Support at
+1-866-399-8722(Toll Free)

Instant automatic malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Malwarebytes is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Malwarebytes 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 Malwarebytes. 14 days free trial available.

Quick menu:

• What is Your Registration Key Is Blocked?
• 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 "your computer's registration key is blocked" 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 "your computer's registration key is blocked" 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 "your computer's registration key is blocked" 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 extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Click the Edge 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.

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the "your computer's registration key is blocked" virus, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon  (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

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.

• If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the 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 "your computer's registration key is blocked" virus from your computer, please ask for assistance in our malware support forum.

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