Redundant pop-ups showing “Virus Alert from Windows” scam message is an indication that system is under attack. Though, this does not necessarily mean that computer is already infected. One reason why web users are seeing this is due to recent visit to malicious websites that aims to mislead web users by showing false information regarding identified unusual system activities. There are also instances that “Virus Alert from Windows” will appear as advertisements when viewing pages on websites that were hacked by cyber crooks who are involved in this fraudulent technical support activities. They mean to mislead users and make them believe that computer is infected.
The fake “Virus Alert from Windows” contains the following message:
VIRUS ALERT FROM WINDOWS
This computer is BLOCKED
Do not close this window and restart your computer
Your computer’s registration key is Blocked.
Why we blocked your computer?
The Windows’ registration key is illegal.
This Windows is using pirated software.
This Windows is sending virus over the internet.
This Windows is hacked or used from undefined location.
We block this computer for your security.
Contact Microsoft helpline to reactivate your computer.Windows Security Tollfree:
+1-833-289-7888
Obviously, the attacker’s objective is to swindle money from computer users. By providing Toll-free numbers, they intend to collect call charges from victims while discussing the possible solution. Moreover, online criminals behind “Virus Alert from Windows” scam may offer remotely controlled technical services, which may cost victims a sum of money for unnecessary and bogus services.
There has been so many incident of this fraudulent alerts claiming to be from Microsoft Windows and computer security experts always reminds that these are all fake because the operating system never issue these kind of messages with corresponding toll free number when unusual activity is detected. Below are steps to take in order to stop “Virus Alert from Windows” from appearing on the browser.
Fake “Virus Alert from Microsoft” Removal Guide
Stage 1: Close the browser program
During browser hijacking that involves fake alerts, it is important to close the internet program first and avoid downloading any software from the said window.
1. On the fake alert window, click the X on upper right corner.
2. If the fake alert window persists, you can end the running process by executing the following steps.
3. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on keyboard to launch Task Manager.
4. On Processes tab, select the affected internet application and click on End Task button.
Stage 2: Scan the computer with Anti-malware Program
1. Download the free anti-malware scanner called MalwareBytes Anti-Malware.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Download Link (this will open a new window)
2. After downloading, install the program. It may run automatically or you have to double-click on the downloaded file MB3-Setup.exe.
3. Proceed with the installation using only the default setup. If you need the complete setup procedure, it is available on the download page.
4. After the installation process, click Get Started to run the program.
5. Continue with the prompts until the main program opens.
6. On Malwarebytes Anti-malware console, click on Scan to run the most comprehensive detection method and find any hidden items linked to fake alert “Fake Virus Alert from Microsoft”.
7. Wait for the anti-malware to finish scanning the computer.
8. When scanning is done, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will display the list of identified threats. Remove all identified threats and restart the computer to finalized the scan process.
Stage 3: 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.
4. It searches for presence of harmful programs, plug-ins, add-ons, or any data that were found malicious and linked to “Fake Virus Alert from Microsoft”. 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.
