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  • Severity: Medium
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  • Windows
  • Verified · Jan 2019

How to remove Error #31(0x1F)

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

Olivia Morelli · Ransomware analyst

Error #31(0x1F) is a scam that encourages people to call a fake Windows Support number

Error #31(0x1F) pop-upError #31(0x1F) is a malicious program that displays a deceptive pop-up window with the message about possible system failure or danger to your sensitive information. However, this is a fake alert, and there is no danger to your system or credentials besides the adware-type virus displaying intrusive content without your approval. Typically, the virus is causing a pop-up window filled with a Windows security alert and informing the victim about the presence of malicious programs. Additionally, it encourages people to contact the alleged support via +1-888-905-1666 or other numbers immediately. Unfortunately, calling the number may lead to cybercriminals or scammers who are seeking to get your personal information or money for their “technical support.” Beware that by entering your banking details, you can reveal them to scammers as they can use a fake screen posing a legitimate bank page. You should ignore such alerts and keep in mind that Windows technical support has never asked for money.

Name Error #31(0x1F)
Type Adware/Scam
Category Potentially unwanted program
Symptoms Delivers a fake alert message and commercial content, encourages to call suspicious number
Distribution Software bundles, deceptive websites or advertisements
Main danger Tricks people into revealing their information, collects keystrokes with the screen overlay
Elimination Use FortectIntego for a general system cleaning and remove Error #31(0x1F)

Error #31(0x1F) pop-up redirects to a deceptive website which displays a message identified as Unknown System Failure but in reality there is no malicious activity that affects the general system of your device. The adware which infiltrated your system delivers all this content. This potentially unwanted program[1] also causes:

  • intrusive commercial content;
  • advertisements in the form of banners, pop-up windows;
  • redirects to deceptive websites;
  • in-text links to malicious sites;
  • installation of additional browser content.

Error #31(0x1F) can also cause slowness of the browser or device in general and this way users get tricked that the system is infected. Nevertheless, your details might be at risk, especially if the message keeps popping up or you contact the suggested number.[2] 

Unfortunately, Error #31(0x1F) virus message is not a program you can find nor delete because the main symptom is the delivery of the message that reads:

WINDOWS SECURITY ALERT:

Your Windows Customer ID: WINDOWS10A182404
Call Official Windows Support Tollfree: +1-888-905-1666
Malicious spyware / riskware detected.
Error #31(0x1F) Unknown System Failure!

Please call WINDOWS SUPPORT NO: +1-888-905-1666 (TOLL FREE) immediately
Suspicious Connection Was Trying To Access Your IP Address, Logins & Tracking your Banking.
Your TCP Connection Was Blocked By Your Firewall. Your Connection Will Be Suspended Soon.
Hard Drive Have Trojan Virus! Please Don't Try To Fix Manually, It Will Crash Your All Data on the Device.
Suspicious Connection may trying to access following information:
> Banking Information.
> Email / Facebook Logins.
> Credit cards details.
> Photos stored on this device.

Consequently, We are performing additional security check to verify our existing customers.
Please Call OFFICIAL WINDOWS TOLL FREE NUMBER +1-888-905-1666 to reactivate your Connection.
Please mention the Your YOUR WINDOWS CUSTOMER ID: WINDOWS10A182404
when you are calling.

Researchers[3] note that similar errors like Error #31(0x1F) can indicate various problems with the device, but there is no need to call the provided numbers. Often these tech support scammers[4] talk with a foreign accent and this fact should be a first indicator that the support is not legitimate.

You should employ a reputable anti-malware program and scan the system instead. This way you can remove Error #31(0x1F) from the system and keep on using the machine safely. You should use FortectIntego or any other tool and follow the suggested steps. The program indicates possible intruders and terminates malicious programs.

Automatic Error #31(0x1F) removal is the best option because the program causing these fake system alerts comes without your consent or knowledge and often via software bundles or from deceptive ads. A full system scan eliminates all similar programs and browser extensions or plugins. 

Error #31(0x1F)

Unwanted applications come from visiting suspicious websites

In most cases, potentially unwanted applications like adware, browser hijackers or fake system tools come via software bundles because developers pack their products alongside various freeware and spread these bundles around the internet. When you get freeware from questionable sources, you risk getting additional programs like fake system alerts causing adware.

You can avoid these infiltrations if you choose Advanced or Custom options during freeware installation. By doing so, you get an opportunity to decide what programs get installed on the device. If you skip through these steps and select Default or Quick options, you automatically agree to all additional programs. Also, keep your security software up-to-date, so suspicious websites can be blocked before you enter them.

Get rid of Error #31(0x1F) and related alerts or commercial content

Remove Error #31(0x1F) and forget about those deceptive alerts and commercial content constantly delivered to your screen. You can do so by scanning the system entirely using reputable antivirus tools. If you have a program that you can trust make sure to follow the suggested steps.

If you need a software suggestion for Error #31(0x1F) removal, we have listed a few programs that we as security researchers can trust and recommend. This method of virus termination takes less than 15 minutes and gives you an advantage of eliminating all possible threats.

You should also remember that Error #31(0x1F) virus may install additional content on your browser, so you should check your Chrome, Firefox or Excel browser for suspicious extensions or toolbars and change settings to default on every one of them. 

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

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

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