Do not trust the Activation Failed! (Error Code 001) scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
(updated)
"Activation Failed! (Error Code 001)" removal instructions
What is "Activation Failed! (Error Code 001)"?
This is a typical technical support scam website used to deceive visitors into calling the provided number and paying for unnecessary services and/or software. As a rule, people do not visit such pages intentionally, they get opened through deceptive advertisements, other untrustworthy websites and/or by installed potentially unwanted applications (PUAs). Either way, such scam pages should be ignored.
Scammers behind this website attempt to trick visitors into believing that TV activation has failed and solving this problem with their help by calling them on the +1-831-346-1681 number. As a rule, when scammers behind websites of this kind are contacted, they attempt to trick unsuspecting users into paying them money for their services or some software that supposed to help users to solve the occurred problem (in this case a failed TV activation/"Error Code 001"). It is worthwhile to mention that in some cases scammers attempt to trick users into giving them a remote access to the computer through some Remote Administration Tool (RAT). By installing software of this type users allow scammers to control their computers remotely. Typically, scammers/cyber criminals use RATs to access personal documents (or other data), steal sensitive information, identities, and/or install some other malware (e.g., ransomware, Trojan) on the operating system. In one way or another, scammers behind pages like this one should never be contacted/called. As mentioned in the introduction, it is common that such pages get opened by browsers when some PUA is installed on them.
PUAs can be designed to serve advertisements and/or collect various information as well. Usually they serve ads in forms of coupons, pop-ups, surveys and/or banners. It is common that those ads promote shady, potentially malicious pages or execute scripts designed to download and/or install various PUAs. Also, PUAs can function as information tracking tools: they can collect various data, for example, IP addresses, entered search queries, geolocations, addresses of visited websites, and other browsing-related details. In some cases they can be designed to collect sensitive data too. Moreover, gathered data may be sold to third parties (potentially cyber criminals) or misused to generate revenue in other ways. Therefore, installation of apps of this kind can be the reason behind problems related to privacy, browsing safety. It is possible that some users may even become victims of identity theft. If some app of this type is installed on a browser and/or computer, then it should be uninstalled.
| Name | Activation Failed! (Error Code 001) technical support scam |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
| Fake Claim | TV activation has failed |
| Tech Support Scammer Phone Number | +1-831-346-1681 |
| 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 Malwarebytes. |
"Windows Error Code: DLL011150", "Error Code : EBRX1:6X76D" and "Error MS-77X1" are a couple of examples of other scams. In most cases such pages display fake notifications claiming that there is something wrong with the operating system (or account) and suggesting that visitors can fix the problem with the help of technicians that can be contacted via the provided number. Either way, it is strongly recommended to never trust such pages and more importantly, call the provided scammer numbers. If such pages get opened by a browser often, then it is very likely that it is some installed PUA what causes it.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
It is common that developers include PUAs in download and/or installation setups of other, usually free programs as additional offers. In most cases they are mentioned in "Advanced", "Custom" and other similar settings of setups. However, not all users check and and change those settings and by leaving them unchanged users allow for various PUAs to be downloaded and/or installed alongside with other, intentionally downloaded and/or installed programs. This software distribution method is known as "bundling". Also, PUAs can be downloaded and/or installed through deceptive advertisements that are designed to execute certain scripts. Although, it happens only when users click them.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
All programs and files should be downloaded from official websites and through direct links. Other channels can be used as tools to distribute, promote unwanted, sometimes even malicious programs. Some examples of sources that should not be used neither to download or install software: Peer-to-Peer networks (like eMule, torrent clients), unofficial websites, third party downloaders, installers. Download or installation setups that have settings like "Advanced", "Manual, "Custom" should be checked for offers to download and/or install unwanted software. It is not recommended to finish downloads and installations without checking those settings. Intrusive advertisements that appear on unreliable pages should not be clicked as well, they can be designed to open pages other pages of this kind or run scripts that would cause download and/or install unwanted apps. Any unwanted, suspicious or unknown extensions, add-ons or plug-ins that are installed on a browser should be removed as soon as possible. Software of this kind that is installed on the operating system should be uninstalled too. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Malwarebytes for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Appearance of the "Activation Failed! (Error Code 001)" scam page (GIF):
Text on this page:
Activation Failed! (Error Code 001)
Contact our customer support toll free for activation.
Do not try to enter code again and again, it may crash your device.
Call +1-831-346-1681
TV Activation has never been so easy. Enter the code that you see on your TV in order to install and activate. We made the process simpler,faster and more reliable for you. With just a call to schedule the appointment with our technician to help you understand the preciseness and angles to install the mount, we can make it easyyet keep it the things pocket friendly for you.
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:
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Quick menu:
- What is "Activation Failed! (Error Code 001)"?
- 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 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 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 activation failed! (error code 001) technical 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 activation failed! (error code 001) technical 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 plugins 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 activation failed! (error code 001) technical 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 activation failed! (error code 001) technical 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 activation failed! (error code 001) technical support scam from your computer, please ask for assistance in our malware support forum.
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Outstanding!