Winkeyexpired.xyz virus (Support Scam) - Virus Removal Instructions
Winkeyexpired.xyz virus Removal Guide
What is Winkeyexpired.xyz virus?
Warnings coming from Winkeyexpired.xyz site – should I believe what they say?
Winkeyexpired.xyz virus is a term that we use to define an annoying phishing[1] website created by tech support scammers. Unfortunately, it is still active. We assume that victims enter Winkeyexpired.xyz website when a malicious program[2] redirects them there, or after clicking a deceptive link while browsing the Internet or exploring email messages they received. The website says:
Your computer has been locked
Your computer with the IP address [redacted] has been infected by the Trojans– Because System Activation KEY has expired & Your information (for example, passwords, messages, and credit cards) have been stolen.
Windows Activation Error Code: 0x44578’ Lock Screen. To immediately rectify issue and prevent data lose
Please call Toll Free : 1800-941-033
The phishing website also repeatedly opens pop-ups that say “Do not ignore this windows alert,” however, let’s look into details. Can you see the grammar mistakes in this message? You should also hear an automated audio message read to you by a robot – it says that your system will crash in 5 minutes if you do nothing. However, we can assure you that it isn’t going to happen. This phishing site urges you to call that number, but rely on your common sense – it is nothing else but a pure tech support scam, which tries to frighten you and make you call scammers that will try to prey you. If you call the number provided in the message, you get in touch with a person who pretends to act like he/she is a “Microsoft technician.” Scammers typically speak with a strong indian accent and talk all kinds of bad things about your computer – that it is infected, that your personal data is stolen, that your windows key is expired, and so on. It is obvious that criminals try to scare victims and make them follow their commands without thinking – do not fall for such social engineering[3] tricks.
Frauds might use your trust to swindle sensitive information from you, for example, they can ask you to visit a legitimate-looking website and provide your credit card details there to “purchase a new windows key” or buy a suspicious security program; if you enter these details, they might be immediately transmitted to scammers. Frauds can also try to convince you to install remote access programs and let them log into your computer with an intention to plant malware there. It goes without saying that you should remove Winkeyexpired.xyz malware immediately – please use automatic malware removal programs for that. We recommend using FortectIntego software, but SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes are also good. Do not delay Winkeyexpired.xyz removal or these messages will keep bothering you again and again.
How did I get redirected to this malicious site?
We have already mentioned that Winkeyexpired.xyz malware causes redirects to the indicated phishing site; therefore, you should immediately get rid of it. This malicious program could slip into your computer without drawing your attention. You may have installed it alongside another shady program, or you may have opened a malicious email attachment[4]. Therefore, we recommend you to think twice before opening files added to vague-looking emails from unknown individuals, and install programs only with Custom/Advanced settings to see all additional items added to them. In addition, choose download sources wisely! Avoid shady file sharing sites – files downloaded from them are likely to contain spyware[5] or malware.
How to prevent these alerts from showing up and remove Winkeyexpired.xyz malware?
To remove Winkeyexpired.xyz virus, reboot your PC using guidelines provided below the article. You will need to restart your computer and make it run in a Safe Mode with Networking. This way, your hands will be free to remove the malware without errors or interruptions. For Winkeyexpired.xyz removal, employ a decent anti-malware software. It will thoroughly scan through system, check folders and files and inform you about all malicious detections. It takes only one click to remove all of them with automatic malware removal program, whereas it would take much more time to delete infectious files manually.
Getting rid of Winkeyexpired.xyz virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
These instructions will help you to reboot your PC into a proper mode for Winkeyexpired.xyz Tech Support virus removal.
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Winkeyexpired.xyz and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting malware
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.
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- ^ What is phishing?. PhishTank. Information on phishing sites.
- ^ Malicious programs. Securelist. Information about Viruses, Hackers and Spam.
- ^ The Social Engineering Framework. The Official Social Engineering Portal. Security Through Education.
- ^ Ian Paul. Three warning signs that email is malicious. PCWorld. News, tips and reviews from the experts on PCs, Windows, and more.
- ^ What is spyware?. BBC WebWise. IT news and tips.