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Error DT00X2 POP-UP Scam

Also Known As: "Error DT00X2" virus
Damage level: Medium

What is Error DT00X2?

"Error DT00X2" is a fake error message similar to VIRUS ALERT FROM MICROSOFT, ERROR #AP7MQ79, This Build Of Windows 10 Is Corrupted, and many others.

The message is displayed by various deceptive websites that users often visit inadvertently - they are redirected by potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) or intrusive advertisements delivered by other rogue sites.

Research shows that potentially unwanted applications infiltrate systems without permission and, as well as causing redirects, deliver intrusive advertisements and gather sensitive information.

Error DT00X2 scam

This error states that the system is infected with malware that poses a significant threat to users' personal data (logins/passwords, banking information, etc.), and that the malware must be eliminated immediately. Therefore, users are encouraged to contact Microsoft 'certified technicians' via a telephone number ("+1-888-617-1555") provided.

These people then supposedly guide victims through the malware removal process. This is a scam - "Error DT00X2" is fake and Microsoft has nothing to do with it. In fact, cyber criminals generate revenue by extorting money from unsuspecting users.

After contacting fake tech support, users are charged for services that are not needed - your computer is most probably safe and virus-free. For these reasons, ignore the "Error DT00X2" message and never call the aforementioned telephone number. To remove this error, simply close the browser.

Some rogue sites, however, employ scripts that prevent visitors from closing browsing tabs/windows. In these cases, terminate the browser using Task Manager or simply reboot the system. After re-running the web browser, do not restore the previous session, otherwise the malicious sites are also reopened.

Potentially unwanted applications employ various tools to deliver coupon, banner, pop-up, and other similar intrusive ads. These tools enable placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, deployed ads often conceal underlying content, significantly diminishing the web browsing experience.

Furthermore, intrusive ads can lead to infectious websites and execute malicious scripts that stealthily download and install PUAs/malware. Even a single click can lead to system infections. Another significant issue is information tracking.

Research shows that rogue apps gather sensitive data, including IP addresses, website URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, keystrokes, and so on. This information usually includes personal details that developers share with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

These people misuse private information to generate revenue. Therefore, data tracking can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. You are strongly advised to uninstall all potentially unwanted applications immediately.

Threat Summary:
Name "Error DT00X2" 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.
Malware Removal (Windows)

To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner.
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As mentioned above, dozens of fake errors share similarities with "Error DT00X2". All claim that the system is infected, missing files, or damaged in other similar ways, however, these claims are merely attempts to trick gullible users into purchasing services that are not required.

All potentially unwanted applications are very similar. They offer 'useful features', but attempt to give the impression of legitimacy to trick users to install. PUAs are designed only to generate revenue for the developers, provide none of the functionality promised, and pose a significant threat to your privacy and web browsing safety.

How did potentially unwanted programs install on my computer?

In some cases, potentially unwanted applications have official download websites, however, due to the lack of knowledge and careless behavior of many users, these apps often infiltrate systems without permission. Developers developers proliferate them using "bundling" and intrusive advertising methods.

"Bundling" is essentially stealth installation of third party software together with regular (typically free) apps. Developers hide "bundled" programs within "Custom/Advanced" settings (or other sections) of the download/installation set-ups. Furthermore, many users are very likely to rush download/installation processes and skip steps.

In addition, they often click advertisements without understanding the possible consequences. This behavior results in an inadvertent installation of potentially unwanted applications.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

Lack of knowledge and careless behavior are the main reasons for computer infections. The key to safety is caution. Therefore, pay close attention when browsing the Internet and downloading/installing software. Carefully analyze each window of the download/installation dialogs and opt-out of all additionally-included programs.

Download software from official sources only, using direct download links. Third party downloaders/installers often include rogue apps, and thus should never be used. Bear in mind that intrusive advertisements often seem legitimate, since developers invest many resources into intrusive ad design.

In fact, they typically redirect to dubious websites, such as adult dating, pornography, gambling, and so on. If you encounter these advertisements, immediately remove all dubious applications and browser plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

Text presented in "Error DT00X2" pop-up:

YOUR COMPUTER WAS LOCKED
Error #DT00X2
Call Microsoft Technical Support at: +1-888-617-1555
Do Not Ignore This Important Warning
If you close this page without resolving issue, access to your computer will be disabled to prevent further damage to our network.
Your computer has alerted us that it was infected with virus and spyware.
The following data is at risk:
1. Facebook Login
2. Credit Card information
3. Email Credentials
4. Browsing History and Data
You must contact us immediately so our engineers can guide you through the recovery process by phone. Please call us within the next 5 minutes to prevent complete loss of your computer.
Contact Microsoft Engineer: (Toll-Free) +1-888-617-1555

The appearance of "Error DT00X2" pop-up (GIF):

Error DT00X2 scam gif

Instant automatic malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
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Quick menu:

How to identify a pop-up scam?

Pop-up windows with various fake messages are a common type of lures cybercriminals use. They collect sensitive personal data, trick Internet users into calling fake tech support numbers, subscribe to useless online services, invest in shady cryptocurrency schemes, etc.

While in the majority of cases these pop-ups don't infect users' devices with malware, they can cause direct monetary loss or could result in identity theft.

Cybercriminals strive to create their rogue pop-up windows to look trustworthy, however, scams typically have the following characteristics:

  • Spelling mistakes and non-professional images - Closely inspect the information displayed in a pop-up. Spelling mistakes and unprofessional images could be a sign of a scam.
  • Sense of urgency - Countdown timer with a couple of minutes on it, asking you to enter your personal information or subscribe to some online service.
  • Statements that you won something - If you haven't participated in a lottery, online competition, etc., and you see a pop-up window stating that you won.
  • Computer or mobile device scan - A pop-up window that scans your device and informs of detected issues - is undoubtedly a scam; webpages cannot perform such actions.
  • Exclusivity - Pop-up windows stating that only you are given secret access to a financial scheme that can quickly make you rich.

Example of a pop-up scam:

Example of a pop-up scam

How do pop-up scams work?

Cybercriminals and deceptive marketers usually use various advertising networks, search engine poisoning techniques, and shady websites to generate traffic to their pop-ups. Users land on their online lures after clicking on fake download buttons, using a torrent website, or simply clicking on an Internet search engine result.

Based on users' location and device information, they are presented with a scam pop-up. Lures presented in such pop-ups range from get-rich-quick schemes to fake virus scans.

How to remove fake pop-ups?

In most cases, pop-up scams do not infect users' devices with malware. If you encountered a scam pop-up, simply closing it should be enough. In some cases scam, pop-ups may be hard to close; in such cases - close your Internet browser and restart it.

In extremely rare cases, you might need to reset your Internet browser. For this, use our instructions explaining how to reset Internet browser settings.

How to prevent fake pop-ups?

To prevent seeing pop-up scams, you should visit only reputable websites. Torrent, Crack, free online movie streaming, YouTube video download, and other websites of similar reputation commonly redirect Internet users to pop-up scams.

To minimize the risk of encountering pop-up scams, you should keep your Internet browsers up-to-date and use reputable anti-malware application. For this purpose, we recommend Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.

What to do if you fell for a pop-up scam?

This depends on the type of scam that you fell for. Most commonly, pop-up scams try to trick users into sending money, giving away personal information, or giving access to one's device.

  • If you sent money to scammers: You should contact your financial institution and explain that you were scammed. If informed promptly, there's a chance to get your money back.
  • If you gave away your personal information: You should change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication in all online services that you use. Visit Federal Trade Commission to report identity theft and get personalized recovery steps.
  • If you let scammers connect to your device: You should scan your computer with reputable anti-malware (we recommend Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows) - cyber criminals could have planted trojans, keyloggers, and other malware, don't use your computer until removing possible threats.
  • Help other Internet users: report Internet scams to Federal Trade Commission.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Removal Instructions in other languages
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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Error DT00X2 virus QR code
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