HackTool:MSIL/AutoKms : Threat Definition & Removal

HackTool:MSIL/AutoKms is a detection for a malicious file that is normally in the form of “cracking” software. Computer users may utilize this kind of application to run commercial software without having to pay for a valid license or registration code. Though, it is useful to bypass the restriction on the product, computer users should know that hacking tools that are detected as HackTool:MSIL/AutoKms can cause severe harm to the computer.

Immediately scan the computer if the presence of HackTool:MSIL/AutoKms is detected. Its existence could lead to more malware infections, especially when it starts to collaborate with a Trojan Downloader variant. Make sure to run a thorough virus scan to pin down all threats that are hidden deep inside the system.

Illustration for HackTool:MSIL/AutoKms

How does it infect the computer?

Computer users who need to run commercial software but do not want to pay for a license usually resort to cracking tools. They usually obtain it from questionable websites such as torrents and piracy portals. In the majority of cases, the cracking tool is packed along with the modified version of the commercial application.

Once a computer user runs the contaminated tool, a locally installed security application may identify HackTool:MSIL/AutoKms right away. Hence, this may not happen if the anti-virus or anti-malware program is disabled or corrupted.

After the execution of HackTool:MSIL/AutoKms, it will establish a connection to a remote server to download additional malware and execute it immediately. Obviously, the added threat means harm, and the payload could be more hazardous than HackTool:MSIL/AutoKms virus itself.

How does this malware operate?

HackTool:MSIL/AutoKms is often integrated into cracking programs. Thus, computer security professionals are advising against running this type of software. Once it is executed on the computer, several malicious actions can be carried out, including the following:

  • Report the infection to a remote server.
  • Download extra malware and execute it on the computer.
  • Collect certain information from the infected computer.
  • Upload the gathered data to the attacker’s server.

Symptoms

After running the application that is infected with HackTool:MSIL/AutoKms, the antivirus program will instantly alert the computer user about the danger. In fact, the contaminated file will be deleted or placed in the quarantine area. Another sign of the infection that may be visible also includes the installation of potentially unwanted programs (PUP), browser hijacking, and excessive display of pop-up advertisements. Browser redirects, leading the user to sites that host adware, malware, and computer viruses, is also a sign of HackTool:MSIL/AutoKms infection.

How to Remove HackTool:MSIL/AutoKms

To totally remove HackTool:MSIL/AutoKms from the computer and get rid of relevant viruses and trojans, please execute the procedures as stated on this page. Make sure that you have completely scanned the system with the suggested malware removal tools and virus scanners.

Instant Removal : Scan the computer with antivirus program

Combo Cleaner is a trusted computer security and optimization tool equipped with a powerful virus and malware detection engine. This program can get rid of computer virus like HackTool:MSIL/AutoKms through this procedure.

1. Download the application from the following page:

2. Save the file to your preferred location.

3. Double-click the downloaded file CCSetup.exe and install with the default settings.

4. At the end of the setup process, click Finish to run Combo Cleaner.

5. The tool will update the database file; please wait for this process to complete.

6. To begin checking for threats like HackTool:MSIL/AutoKms, click on the Start Scan button. Wait for this scan to finish.

Screenshot of Combo Cleaner PC

7. At the end of the scan process, click on Remove all threats to delete HackTool:MSIL/AutoKms, including all harmful objects from the computer.

To fully optimize the features of antivirus and privacy scanners, users may have to upgrade to the premium version.

Please continue with the succeeding removal procedures if you are comfortable manually getting rid of the computer virus and malicious items linked to it.

Manual Removal : Steps to get rid of HackTool:MSIL/AutoKms

The steps below will guide you to manually remove HackTool:MSIL/AutoKms without having to purchase a recommended virus scanner. We have tested the procedures; hence, the attackers may make modifications overtime. As a result, terms, names, and images in the guide may differ from what users are seeing recently.

The procedure may require you to close the browser or restart the computer; therefore, we are suggesting to Boookmark or Print this page. You must be logged in to Windows with an Administrator account to be able to execute some of the tasks. Check here to know if you are currently using an account with Administrative rights. 

Step 1 : Start Windows in Safe Mode With Networking

The method of running Windows in Safe Mode before deleting files, ending system processes, and virus scanning is effective in getting rid of HackTool:MSIL/AutoKms. This routine can prevent most viruses and malware from loading, making it easier to detect and remove them.

1. On the Windows Search bar, please type msconfig.

Screenshot of Win 11 Search

2. Select and open System Configutation on the list of found results.

3. Once you are in the System Configuration window, go to the Boot tab.

Screenshot of Msconfig Win 11

4. Under the Boot Options area, please check Safe Boot so that it starts in Safe Mode after restarting.

5. Next, select Network. This will allow Windows to boot in Safe Mode with Networking.

6. Lastly, click on Apply and OK to save the changes.

7. Please restart Windows. The system should run in Safe Mode after the reboot.

Do not forget to restore the normal boot process of Windows after this process. Simply repeat the method above, and this time, uncheck the Safe Boot option to run Windows normally.

Step 2 : Run Sophos Home Virus Scanner

To remove HackTool:MSIL/AutoKms hidden files, scanning the computer with this powerful virus and malware removal tool is recommended. This scanner does not just uncover known threats like viruses or malware; it is also effective in discovering harmful files associated to HackTool:MSIL/AutoKms.

1. Please click on the link below to download the program.

2. After downloading, locate the file SophosInstall.exe in the Downloads folder.

3. Install by double-clicking on the file.

4. If it prompts "Do you want to allow this app to make changes on your device?" please click Yes.

5. Next, it will display the Terms and Conditions page. Click the Install button to begin.

Screenshot of Terms by Sophos Home

6. Run the installation with the default settings. Please note that an internet connection is required in order to download important updates.

7. After finishing the installation, you must login to the dashboard. If you already have a Sophos account, please login. Otherwise, please enter your details and click on the Create Account button.

8. Once you are in the Sophos Home console, click the Scan button to start checking the computer for HackTool:MSIL/AutoKms components.

Screenshot of Sophos Home

9. Scanning may take a while; please wait for this process to finish.

10. After scanning the computer, Sophos Home will start cleaning or deleting files infected with HackTool:MSIL/AutoKms.

11. You may now close Sophos Home. The computer is now free from HackTool:MSIL/AutoKms, as well as associated malware and viruses.

After executing the above instructions, HackTool:MSIL/AutoKms should have been completely removed from the computer. If there are still signs of infection or the computer is displaying unusual behaviors, please continue with the remaining procedures.

Another alternative for Windows 10/11 users is to scan the computer with Microsoft Defender Offline. This will run a virus scan in the recovery environment.

Step 3 : Double Check with Windows Security Apps

Microsoft Windows has a built-in security application that you can use to double-check if your computer is still infected with HackTool:MSIL/AutoKms. For Windows 10/11 users, please run Windows Security.

Windows 10 / 11 Instructions:

Windows Security is a free tool that was built to help you remove HackTool:MSIL/AutoKms, viruses, and other malicious items from Windows 10/11 systems. Follow these procedures to scan your computer with the tool:

1. Tap or click the Search charm and search for Windows Security

2. Click Open to run the program.

Screenshot of Win 11 Search

3. On the Dashboard, click Virus and threat protection from the sidebar.

Screenshot of Win 11 Virus Protection

4. On the right panel, click on Scan Options to see different levels of checking the computer.

5. Next, please select Full Scan button.

Screenshot of Full Scan Win 11

6. Lastly, click on the Scan now button to start scanning for the presence of HackTool:MSIL/AutoKms. The process may take a while to complete.

7. After the scan, Delete/Quarantine identified threats, whether they were relevant to HackTool:MSIL/AutoKms or not. You may now restart Windows to complete the virus removal process.

For Windows 8.1 and Windows 7, you can scan the computer for free with the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT 64-Bit). It is a stand-alone virus scanner tool that targets prevalent malware groups.

System Compatibility Notice

Logo of Windows

We ensured that our method to get rid of HackTool:MSIL/AutoKms is compatible with the majority of Microsoft operating systems (Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11). To prevent complicated steps, the commands used in the instructions are common, useful, and tested. If you encounter any compatibility problems when following this tutorial, please message us or leave your comment below, and we will reply and make the required modifications.

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