Remove Fake “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart”

“Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart” scam is a pop-up that purported to be a valid warning of Windows operating system. In reality, this is a fake web site that tries to deceive computer users. It issues fake warnings and alerts prompting visitors to call 1-888-523-2979, a moneymaking technical phone support. Be aware that programs and services offered are not free. Bogus “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart” was created to scam computer users and steal money through fraudulent online transactions.

When your browser is redirected to fake “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart”, or pop-up appears as you browse the Internet, it may mean that your computer is infected with malicious code. In contrary, your PC may be clean and the appearance of “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart” pop-ups was just caused by an infected web site you are viewing. Remember this site “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart” is malicious. Thus, you must avoid it to keep your computer safe and away from adware or malware threats.

If “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart” relevant files are executed, you may instantly acquire unwanted codes that may cause changes on the computer. Moreover, add-ons and extensions brought by this site can do modifications on the browser that causes pop-up ads, redirects, home page hijacking, and other unsolicited actions. On the other hand, if you call the provided number, your phone account will be billed with unexpected amount. The message you will see from this malicious pop-up reads:

Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart. We’re just collecting some error info, and then
we’ll restart for you.

6% complete

For more information about this issue and possible fixes
Call TOLL FREE “1-888-523-2979” give them this info
Stop Code: CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED
Error code: 0x000AAAAA

In order to prevent “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart” attack, you must take extra caution when visiting web sites particularly unknown ones. As much as possible, avoid downloading unfamiliar freeware or shareware that are commonly the carrier or adware and other malicious programs.

To completely remove “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart” adware and stop the pop-up ads, you may have to scan the PC with legitimate security tools and virus removers. Removing any relevant software also helps eliminate unwanted items on the computer.

Fake “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart” Removal Guide

This section contains comprehensive guide to help you remove threats from the affected computer.

Procedures on this page are written in a manner that can be easily understand and execute by computer users.

Stage 1: Remove Rootkit and Virus from the Computer

This rootkit and virus removal tool is free and easy to use. It scans, detects and removes any rootkit as well as malware that are hidden on the computer.

1. Download Sophos Virus Removal Tool from the link provided. Save the file to your Desktop so that we can access the file easily.
Sophos Virus Removal Tool Download Link (this will open a new window)

2. Once the download completes, double-click the file to install the program on the computer. It will update the database once installations has finished. Internet connection is required at this point.

3. After downloading necessary updates, Sophos Virus Removal Tool displays the welcome screen.

sophos-scan

4. Click on Start Scanning button to begin checking the system for presence of rootkit and virus.

Stage 2: Scan and Delete Adware with AdwCleaner

1. Download the tool called AdwCleaner from the location stated below.
– Click here to download AdwCleaner (this will open a new window)

2. Once you have completed the download, please close all running programs on the computer.

3. Locate the file and double-click on adwcleaner_Ver.exe to start running the tool. Then, click on Scan button.

AdwCleaner

4. It searches for presence of harmful programs, plug-ins, add-ons, or any data that were found malicious and linked to “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart”. You need to Clean all items detected by this tool.

5. Once scan is done, the tool may need to reboot your computer to finalize the cleaning process.

6. After reboot, AdwCleaner will display the log file of the recent scan.

Stage 3: Remove Adware Add-on linked to “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart” and Cleanup the Browser

After the previous scans, you may have deleted “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart” from the affected browser. This next step will ensure that no more module of adware will be left on the browser. This free tool scans and checks the browser for unwanted add-on and extension, and if found, Avast Browser Cleanup will give you a report and suggestion.

1. Download this free tool and save it to your desktop.
Avast Browser Cleanup Download Link (this will open in a new window)

2. Please install the program. Start the process by double-clicking on the executable file avast-browser-cleanup-sfx.exe.

3. When run, Avast Browser Cleanup performs a test on the browser. If unwanted entries were found, it will display a button ‘Remove all add-ons listed below and cleanup browser.’ You may remove all or delete one entry at a time.

Avast Browser Scanner

4. Avast Browser Cleanup will confirm before it permanently deletes the add-on. Please click Yes to proceed with the removal of “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart” on the affected browser.

Option: Alternative Method to Clean Up Internet Browser

Cleaning your internet browser from clutter and unwanted add-on/extension is a must when dealing with “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart”. The procedure below discuss on resetting various browsers to its default state.

Restore Google Chrome to Default Settings

Resetting Google Chrome to default settings is helpful in deleting hard-to-remove extension such as from “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart”. This method is highly advisable to perform if you have difficulty in removing unwanted extension.

1. Open Google Chrome application.

2. In the address bar please type the this string: chrome://settings/ and then, press Enter on keyboard.

3. Scroll down to bottom, then click Advanced

4. Scroll to the bottom of the page until you see Reset and Clean Up section.

5. Click on Restore settings to their original defaults. If it prompts for confirmation, please click Reset Settings button to proceed.

Google Chrome Reset

This function will reset your home page, new tab page, search engine, and other areas affected by “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart”. Unwanted extensions will also be removed from the browser. This will not affect your bookmarks, history, and other saved data. You may also run Chrome Cleanup function from this page. An integrated tool from Google Chrome but with more advanced Adware scanner feature.

Reset Mozilla Firefox to Default

This section describes how to remove unwanted extension from Firefox that may be related to “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart”.. This process can fix many browser issues by restoring Firefox to factory settings without affecting your essential information (bookmarks, browsing history, passwords, and Internet cookies) on the browser. If you desire to remove only specific extension, please see manual removal of add-on from Firefox.

1. Navigate to Firefox menu at the top of the browser and access the Help area. Click on Troubleshooting Information.

2. A new tab will appear. You will notice a section on upper-right corner of the screen stating ‘Give Firefox a Tune Up’. Click the Refresh Firefox button.

FF Reset

3. If confirmation window appears, click Refresh Firefox to continue.

4. Firefox browser will close and start the resetting process. When done, it will display a list of restored data. “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart” should be gone by now. Click Finish to open a fresh version of Firefox.

Restore Internet Explorer to Default Settings

1. Open Internet Explorer and navigate to top menu. Click Tools, and then Internet Options.

2. Select Advanced tab on Internet Options window.

IE Reset

3. On lower part of the window, under Reset Internet Explorer Settings area, click the Reset button. Please see image for reference.

Your data like favorites, bookmark, and history will remain in the browser. However, this process may delete add-ons by “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart” and other unknown objects. If you prefer to carry out the procedure manually, please add-on removal from Internet Explorer.

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