What is Freedownloadmanager.exe? Should I remove it?

Should you remove Freedownloadmanager.exe file?

Freedownloadmanager.exe is a dangerous file closely related to technical support scams. Technically, this file causes computer malfunction and it is used to spread malware that locks computer screen and asks the victim to enter Windows Product Key. No matter how many times the user enters the right product key, Windows will not be “activated” and the user will not be allowed to use the computer. This activity of this malware resembles ransomware viruses a bit; however, these viruses differ. Tech Support scam-type malware always displays a support number on the lock screen, urging the victim to get help from “certified” IT experts. The message looks like this:

Your Windows Licence has Expired, Please get a new one by calling on 1-888-303-5121.

This number connects the user with a scammer whose job is to convince the computer user that computer system is damaged or compromised, or that the operating system license needs to be renewed. In some cases, scammers claim to be working at Microsoft, which is a complete lie, of course. The primary aim of these criminals is to swindle credit card numbers, passwords, and other personal information from the user. Typically, they claim that only by providing such information the user can “confirm his identity.”

If this plan does not work out because the victim refuses to provide such details, criminals try to carry out the plan B: they say that they cannot fix user’s computer without getting direct access to it. This can be easily solved; they ask the user to double-click on any of two shortcuts to remote access programs on the lock screen – LogMeIn or TeamViewer and tell them login details so that they could get the control of the computer remotely. DO NOT give them these details. If you did, believe us – they would use such opportunity to install viruses, trojans, and other malicious files on the computer system. These criminals just seek to take advantage of inexperienced and naive computer users and swindle money from them in illegal ways. Therefore, if you see this screen on your computer, it means that an immediate Freedownloadmanager.exe removal is required. For that, we recommend you to employ FortectIntego or a similar malware removal program.

How does Freedownloadmanager.exe hijack computers?

This piece of malware spread using Trojan horse technique, which means that it pretends to be a trustworthy file while it is not. It can get into victim’s computer system via drive-by downloads, bogus software updates, deceptive apps and exploit kits. To protect your computer from malware attacks, it is highly recommended to install a trustworthy anti-malware program and keep all your programs up-to-date to make sure that scammers cannot exploit vulnerabilities in them. Backup your files and remember – legitimate technical support companies NEVER ask you to provide your personal details via a phone call!

How to remove Freedownloadmanager.exe malware?

To remove Freedownloadmanager.exe virus, firstly try these two methods to deactivate the lock screen. Then follow further instructions.

• Type 8716098676542789 or closecloseclosecloseclose in the Windows Product Key box and click Activate Now. If the lock screen disappears, then follow instructions starting from Step 3 (below).
• If this fails to work, try to reboot your computer in a Safe Mode with Networking:
  1. Restart the computer and once anything shows up on the screen, start clicking F8 button repeatedly.
  2. In the Advanced Boot Window, which should show up shortly, choose Safe Mode with Networking option and hit Enter.
  3. Once the computer loads fully, find Freedownloadmanager.exe file on the computer system and delete it.
  4. We highly recommend you to finish Freedownloadmanager.exe removal by running a decent anti-malware tool to detect all possibly dangerous files and remove them from the system. Only this way you will be sure that computer is completely clean and virus-free.