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  • Active
  • Severity: High
  • Malware
  • Windows, Mac
  • Verified · Mar 2018

How to remove This Build of Windows 7 is Corrupted

A step-by-step removal guide for affected devices. Follow the verified procedure below — most readers complete it in under 10 minutes.

Gabriel E. Hall · Passionate web researcher

This Build of Windows 7 Is Corrupted is a fake alert that mimics official Microsoft's warning

This Build of Windows 7 Is Corrupted scam illustration

This Build of Windows 7 Is Corrupted is a hoax that falls into the categories of potentially unwanted program (PUP) and Tech-Support-Scam.[1] Typically it's triggered by recently installed adware, though hacked websites infected with cryptocurrency miners[2] might also cause it. The scam intimidates potential victims that the system has recently been infected with ransomware which encrypted the Windows License Key Data File. That's a catch to trick people into calling “certified Windows technicians” on “toll-free” number.

Name This Build of Windows 7 Is Corrupted
Type of malware Technical Support Scam, PUP
Distribution Bundling, spam emails with “unsubscribe” links
Symptoms Web browser starts displaying This Build of Windows 7 Is Corrupted full page alerts that freeze the screen and urge to call supposed Windows support
Targeted web browser Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, Opera
Compatible OS Windows 7 oriented, but altered versions can emerge on Windows 8, 8.1, and 10
Actions required Download FortectIntego and run a scan with it to eliminate malware. Reset web browser to disable This Build of Windows 7 Is Corrupted extension

This Build of Windows 7 Is Corrupted will hardly earn the profit by attacking experienced PC users. However, less tech-savvy people might easily fall for believing that this pop-up is a genuine Windows Support Alert. At first glance, it does look legitimate. It contains Microsoft's logo, while the background exhibits similar design of Windows 7 Control Panel.

However, Windows License Key Data File corruption is an invented issue here. To scare people into thinking that the problem is real, crooks lock web browser's screen with this tech support scam and do not allow to close it normally. If the potential victim clicks the X button, the following pop-up window may appear:

The server license-key13.xyz is asking for your username and password. The server reports that it is from Windows 10.0.

Your Windows 10.0 License Has Been Corrupted. Enter User Name and Password Or Contact Windows 10.0 Help Desk at Toll-Free 1 (855) 622-0255.

Warning: Your username and password will be sent using basic authentication on a connection that isn't secure.

Do not fall for this trick because criminals will try to swindle your money. According to people's reports, the pretend-to-be Microsoft support member requires paying $200 for Windows License Key Data File recovery and the removal of supposed ransomware. Besides, crooks may also ask for your PC's records and your credentials to connect to your PC remotely.

Instead of communicating with tricksters, you should remove This Build of Windows 7 Is Corrupted scam from the system. Otherwise, this misleading pop-up alert will keep locking your web browser's screen on a regular basis.

This Build of Windows 7 Is Corrupted removal is also recommended to prevent third-parties from reading user's search data. The adware related to this scam can inject tracking cookies and web beacons to monitor people's web browsing activities and accumulate information needed for affiliate marketing.

This Build of Windows 7 Is Corrupted Tech-Support-Scam example

You can remove This Build of Windows 7 Is Corrupted scam in two ways – manual and automatic. Since it may be difficult to identify the exact application that is triggering this fake warning, we recommend initiating a scan with FortectIntego to save your time and ensure proper malware elimination procedure.

Scam alerts can spread in many ways

Technical Support Scam Alerts can occur on the system out of nowhere. Crooks might inject malicious JavaScript codes to both legit and fake websites. Consequently, if the potential victim accidentally lands on a website, such as license-key13.xyz, he or she is very likely to receive a scam alert.

However, most frequently, people are tricked into installing the malware in the form of web browser's extension along with freeware. To prevent bundled installers, you must unpack each free application before installing it. For this purpose, opt for Advanced/Custom installation option and remove ticks marked next to extras like add-ons, plug-ins, toolbars, etc.

Cybersecurity researchers from udenvirus.dk[3] add that this particular malware can be distributed via spam email messages that contain links to unsubscribe unwanted email messages. Be aware that it's a trick and instead of unsubscribing some news you'll allow installing malware.

Get rid of This Build of Windows 7 Is Corrupted hoax

This Build of Windows 7 Is Corrupted removal is not as complicated as it might seem. The intrusive pop-up is dependent on adware type program, so to stop it from emerging in Chrom, Firefox or any other web browser, you have to remove This Build of Windows 7 Is Corrupted adware.

The problem is that it's currently unknown what particular apps are related to this scam. To avoid in-depth analysis of your system's tools, rely on a professional malware removal tool, say FortectIntego. It will eliminate PUPs and their components from system file, Windows registries, cache files, and similar.

Those who prefer manual This Build of Windows 7 Is Corrupted virus removal can use the tutorial provided below. Keep in mind that PUP removal is not the end of the task. You should also reset the web browser that keeps displaying the This Build of Windows 7 Is Corrupted pop-up.

Uninstall from Windows

Uninstall from Windows 10/8:

  1. Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
  2. Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 10/8

Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:

  1. Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
  2. In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.Uninstall from Windows 7/XP

Remove the unwanted program:

  1. In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
  2. If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.Uninstall the unwanted program from Windows

Delete from macOS

Remove the unwanted application:

  1. From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
  2. In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).Uninstall from Mac

Delete leftover files and folders:

  1. Select Go > Go to Folder.
  2. Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
  3. Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.Delete leftover files from Mac
  4. Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.

Reset Internet Explorer

Remove dangerous add-ons:

  1. Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
  2. Pick Manage Add-ons.
  3. You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.Remove add-ons from Internet Explorer

Change your homepage if it was altered:

  1. Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
  2. Select Internet Options.
  3. In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
  4. Click Apply and then select OK.Reset IE homepage

Delete temporary files:

  1. Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
  2. Under Browsing history, click Delete...
  3. Select relevant fields and press Delete.Clear temporary files from Internet Explorer

Reset Internet Explorer:

  1. Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
  2. Select Reset.
  3. In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.Reset Internet Explorer

Remove from Microsoft Edge

Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:

  1. Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
  2. From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
  3. Click Remove.Remove extensions from Edge

Clear cookies and other browser data:

  1. Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
  2. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  3. Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.Clear Edge browsing data

Restore new tab and homepage settings:

  1. Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
  2. Then find On startup section.
  3. Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.

Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:

  1. Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
  3. Select Details tab.
  4. Now scroll down and locate every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right-click on each of them and select End Task to stop MS Edge from running.Reset MS Edge

Instructions for Chromium-based Edge

Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):

  1. Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
  2. Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chromium Edge

Clear cache and site data:

  1. Click on Menu and go to Settings.
  2. Select Privacy, search and services.
  3. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  4. Under Time range, pick All time.
  5. Select Clear now.Clear browser data from Chroum Edge

Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. On the left side, pick Reset settings.
  3. Select Restore settings to their default values.
  4. Confirm with Reset.
  5. This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.Reset Chromium Edge

Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
  2. Select Add-ons.
  3. In here, select the unwanted extension and click Remove.Remove extensions from Firefox

Reset the homepage:

  1. Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
  2. Choose Settings.
  3. Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.

Clear cookies and site data:

  1. Click Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security section.
  3. Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
  4. Click on Clear Data...
  5. Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.Clear cookies and site data from Firefox

Reset Mozilla Firefox

If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
  2. Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.Reset Firefox 1
  3. Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
  4. Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.Reset Firefox 2

Remove from Google Chrome

Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

  1. Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
  2. In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all suspicious extensions related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.Remove extensions from Chrome

Clear cache and web data from Chrome:

  1. Click on Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
  3. Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
  4. Click Clear data.Clear cache and web data from Chrome

Change your homepage:

  1. Click menu and choose Settings.
  2. Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
  3. Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.

Reset Google Chrome:

If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
  3. Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
  4. Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
  5. Confirm with Reset settings.Reset Chrome 2

Delete from Safari

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
  2. Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.Remove extensions from Safari

Clear history and website data:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
  2. Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.Clear history from Safari

Reset Safari:

  1. Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
  2. Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
  3. From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.Reset Safari

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