Do not trust the Activation Failed! (Error Code 001) scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
(updated)
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.
Generally, people do not visit these pages intentionally - they are opened through deceptive advertisements, other untrusted websites, or by installed potentially unwanted applications (PUAs). In any case, you should ignore these scam web pages.
Scammers behind this website attempt to trick visitors into believing that TV activation has failed. It then encourages them to solve this problem with their help by calling them on the +1-831-346-1681 number.
Generally, when scammers behind websites of this kind are contacted, they attempt to trick unsuspecting people into paying for their services or software that will supposedly solve the problem (in this case, a failed TV activation/"Error Code 001").
Note that, in some cases, scammers attempt to trick users into giving them remote access to the computer through a Remote Administration Tool (RAT). By installing software of this type, users will 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 other malware (e.g., ransomware, Trojans) onto the operating system. The scammers behind these pages should never be contacted.
As mentioned, these web pages are often opened by browsers when PUAs are installed on them.
PUAs are designed to serve advertisements and collect various user-system information. They usually serve ads in the form of coupons, pop-ups, surveys and banners. Commonly, these promote dubious, potentially malicious pages or execute scripts designed to download and install various PUAs.
Note that PUAs can collect data such as, for example, IP addresses, entered search queries, geolocations, addresses of visited websites, and other browsing-related details. In some cases, they collect sensitive data, which might be sold to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) or misused to generate revenue in other ways.
Therefore, installation of these apps can cause problems relating to privacy and browsing safety. It is possible that some users could even become victims of identity theft. Remove all PUAs from your browsers and computers immediately.
| 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 Combo Cleaner. |
"Windows Error Code: DLL011150", "Error Code : EBRX1:6X76D" and "Error MS-77X1" are some of examples of other similar scams.
In most cases, these 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 who can be contacted via the provided number.
In any case, you are strongly advised to never trust these pages or call the scammers' numbers. If the pages are opened often by a browser, it is very likely that this is caused by an installed PUA.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Commonly, developers include PUAs into the download and/or installation set-ups of other (usually free) programs as 'additional offers'. In most cases, they are mentioned in "Advanced", "Custom" and other similar settings of set-ups, however, many users fail to check and and change these settings.
This allows PUAs to be downloaded and installed with other, required programs. This software distribution method is known as "bundling". In addition, PUAs are often downloaded and installed through deceptive advertisements that execute certain scripts when clicked.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
All programs and files should be downloaded from official websites and through direct links. Other channels are used to distribute and promote unwanted, even malicious programs. Some examples of sources that should be avoided are Peer-to-Peer networks (eMule, torrent clients), unofficial websites, third party downloaders and installers.
Check all "Advanced", "Manual, and "Custom" settings, and decline offers to download or install unwanted software. Do not click intrusive advertisements that appear on dubious web pages, since they can be designed to open other sites of this kind or run scripts to download and install unwanted apps.
Remove any unwanted, suspicious or unknown extensions, add-ons and plug-ins, which are installed on the browser, immediately. Software of this kind that is installed on the operating system should also be removed. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus 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. 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:
- 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 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 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 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 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!
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