Avoid being scammed by websites displaying "Error MS-77X1"
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
(updated)
What is "Error MS-77X1"?
"Error MS-77X1", also known as "Fehler # MS-77X1", is a technical support scam run on deceptive sites. The scheme claims that suspicious activity has been detected on the device and, due to this, it has been blocked. To resolve these nonexistent issues, users are urged to call a fake "Windows Support" helpline.
To emulate the system being locked, the "Error MS-77X1" scam automatically turns on printing so that users are prevented from closing its web page. Note that all of the information provided by this scheme is false and is in no way associated with the Microsoft Corporation.
Most users access deceptive websites through redirects caused by intrusive advertisements or by Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs) already installed onto the system.
The text presented in the "Error MS-77X1" scam is in German. According to a rough translation, it claims that Windows has been blocked due to suspicious activity, and users' browsing history, log-in credentials (i.e. usernames and passwords), credit card details and stored files are at risk.
Users are warned not to ignore this alert - unless they call the provided telephone number, access will be disabled to prevent further damage to the network. The message in the pop-up window, displayed by the "Error MS-77X1" scam, similarly encourages to call the fake tech support number.
It reiterates that the device will be blocked, unless users call and address the detected threats/issues. Schemes of this type generate profit by abusing users' trust. Scammers typically attempt to gain access to devices and, if they are successful, can infect systems with malware (e.g. Trojans, ransomware, etc.) and extract sensitive information.
Users may be asked to provide their personal information as well. Information of interest includes (but is not limited to) names, addresses, emails, banking account and credit card details. The "services" of scammers are expensive and users are requested to pay for them.
Often the payments are made via dubious payment portals (which may record the entered banking information) and/or difficult/impossible to trace digital currencies (e.g. cryptocurrencies, pre-paid vouchers, gift cards, etc.). Furthermore, successfully scammed victims can be targeted repeatedly.
To summarize, trusting the "Error MS-77X1" scheme can result in system infections, significant financial loss, serious privacy issues and even identity theft. As mentioned, the websites running "Error MS-77X1" prevent users from closing them by displaying printer dialog windows.
To close such a site, Windows Task Manager must be used to end the browser process. Additionally, when the browser is reopened, the previous browsing session must not be restored, as this will also reopen the scam web page.
PUAs are one of the main causes of rogue redirects to highly dubious pages, however, these applications can have additional functionality. Unwanted apps classified as adware deliver intrusive advertisements (e.g. pop-ups, banners, coupons, etc.). Another type called browser hijackers make modifications to browser settings to promote bogus search engines.
Furthermore, most types of PUAs have data tracking capabilities. They can monitor browsing activity (browsing and search engine histories) and collect personal information extracted from it (IP addresses, geolocations and other details). This vulnerable data is then monetized by sharing with and/or selling to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
Therefore, you are strongly advised to eliminate all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins without delay.
| Name | Error MS-77X1 (Fehler # MS-77X1) tech support scam |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud. |
| Fake Claim | Scam claims the device has been locked, due to suspicious activity detected on it. |
| Disguise | Windows support. |
| Tech Support Scammer Phone Number | 0800-101-202, 1-844-322-2922 |
| Symptoms | Fake error messages, fake system warnings, pop-up errors, hoax computer scan. |
| Distribution methods | Compromised websites, rogue online pop-up ads, potentially unwanted applications. |
| Damage | Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss, identity theft, possible malware infections. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
"Covid19 Warning Alert", "Windows Alert & Warning" and "System Activation KEY Has Expired" are some examples of other technical support scams. There are hundreds of thousands of deceptive websites on the internet. The schemes make various claims, offers, requests and demands.
Popular models include warnings that the system is infected, software is outdated, and present fake prize giveaways and raffles, "amazing" deals, and so on. Regardless of how these scams operate, their purposes are identical: to generate revenue for the developers.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Some PUAs have "official" download pages, which are often promoted by scam sites. These applications are also distributed via the download/installation set-ups of other products. This deceptive marketing technique of packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions is called "bundling".
Rushing downloads/installations (e.g. ignoring terms, using presets, etc.) increases the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device. Once clicked, intrusive ads can execute scripts to download/install PUAs.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
You are advised to research all products before download/installation. Use only official and verified download channels. Untrusted sources such as unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks and other third party downloaders commonly offer deceptive and bundled content.
When downloading/installing, read the terms, study all possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out of supplementary apps, tools, features and other additions. Intrusive ads may seem normal, however, they can redirect to dubious web pages (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and so on).
If you experience advertisements or redirects of this kind, inspect your devices and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser hijackers/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 the "Error MS-77X1" scam:
Background:
Aufgezeichneter Fehler à:
Windows gemeldeter Download à hxxps://HD-SE***.COM
** WARNUNG KRITISCHE MELDUNG ! **
Fehler # MS-77X1
Windows-Support kontaktieren: 0800-101-202 :
Ignorieren Sie diese wichtige Warnung nicht
Windows wurde aufgrund verdächtiger Aktivitäten blockiert.
Bitte rufen Sie uns innerhalb von 5 Minuten an, um zu
verhindern, dass Ihr Computer deaktiviert wird. Die folgenden
Informationen können verloren gehen:
1. Passwörter
2. Browserverlauf
3. Wichtige Informationen (Kreditkarten)
4. Dateien auf der Festplatte
Ignorieren Sie diese kritische Warnung nicht Wenn Sie diese
Seite schließen, wird Ihr Computerzugriff deaktiviert, um
weitere Schäden an unserem Netzwerk zu verhindern .
----------------------
Pop-up:
Windows-Support kontaktieren: 0800-101-202
Bitte rufen Sie uns an: 0800-101-202
Program firefox.exe
Verified Publisher: Mozilla
Notwendige Maßnahmen:
Kontaktieren Sie uns sofort, damit Unsere
Technikern die Fehler selbst sehen und überprüfen
können. Bitter rufen Sie uns innerhalb 5 minuten an,
um es zu verhindern, sonst Ihr Computer deaktiviert
wird.
Ok Jetzt anrufen
Verhindern Sie zusätzliche Dialoge.
Windows-Support kontaktieren: 0800-101-202
0800-101-202
The appearance of "Error MS-77X1" scam (GIF):
English variant of "Error MS-77X1" pop-up scam:
Text presented within:
** WARNING CRITICAL MESSAGE**
Error # MS-77X1
Contact Windows Support: +1-855-980-0200 :
Do not ignore this important warning
Windows was blocked due to suspicious activity. Please call us within 5 Minutes to prevent your Computer from being deactivated. The following information may be lost:1. Passwords
2. Browsing History
3. Sensitive information (credit cards)
4. Files on the hard driveDo not ignore this critical warning if you close this page, your Computer access disabled to prevent further damage to our network .
Contact Windows Support:
+1-855-980-0200
Contact Windows Support: +1-855-980-0200
Please call us: +1-855-980-0200
Program firefox.exe
Verified Publisher: Mozilla
Necessary measures: Contact us immediately so that our technicians can guide you through the process of removing the Phone can lead. Please call us within 5 minutes to prevent Your Computer will be disabled.
Ok Call now
Prevent additional dialogs.
+1-855-980-0200 Recorded error à:
Windows reported Download à
Appearance of the English variant (GIF):
Another variant of "Error MS-77X1" pop-up scam:
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Quick menu:
- What is "Error MS-77X1"?
- 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 applications:
Windows 11 users:
Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.
Windows 10 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.
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.
macOS (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 application, 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 ms-77x1 (fehler # ms-77x1) tech support scam, 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 ms-77x1 (fehler # ms-77x1) tech support scam, 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 ms-77x1 (fehler # ms-77x1) tech support scam 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 error ms-77x1 (fehler # ms-77x1) tech support scam, 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 error ms-77x1 (fehler # ms-77x1) tech support scam from your computer, please ask for assistance in our malware support forum.
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