CRITICAL ALERT – Automatic disinfection failed (Removal Instructions) - Free Guide

CRITICAL ALERT – Automatic disinfection failed Removal Guide

What is CRITICAL ALERT – Automatic disinfection failed?

CRITICAL ALERT – Automatic disinfection failed is a scam message that seeks to empty your pockets

CRITICAL ALERT – Automatic disinfection failedCRITICAL ALERT – Automatic disinfection failed is fake alert that usually stems from adware installed on your device

CRITICAL ALERT – Automatic disinfection failed is a technical support scam[1] scheme led by cybercriminals in order to extort money out of innocent users. The fake message appears once victims get redirected to a malicious domain which spawns a full-screen pop-up, and it does not matter which browser is used – Google Chrome, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, or Internet Explorer, as the virus behaves the same.

Essentially, CRITICAL ALERT – Automatic disinfection failed tries to mimic legitimate Windows error and a Blue Screen of Death.[2] The latter is a so-called system crash can be experienced due to various computer problems, such as corrupted OS files, broken drivers, and many other factors. unfortunately, some users might not be able to differentiate between the real alert from Microsoft and the fake one.

While anyone can accidentally visit a site that shows CRITICAL ALERT – Automatic disinfection failed scam message, most users who see these type of fake alerts are infected with adware. These potentially unwanted programs enter computers via software bundling, alter browser settings, and then start showing various advertisements and redirect users to potentially malicious sites.

Name CRITICAL ALERT – Automatic disinfection failed
Type Tech support scam
Category Adware
Infection means Software bundles, third-party sites, ads
Symptoms The screen seems to be locked, and you are prompted to call a fake tech support number; other symptoms of adware include redirects to suspicious domains, pop-up ads on all sites you visit, sponsored links, not-organic search results, etc.
Risks Loss of money, installation of unwanted or malicious software
Termination To remove adware from your computer, scan it with FortectIntego or use our manual guide below

CRITICAL ALERT – Automatic disinfection failed virus is just one of many of hundreds of tech support scams. Users can encounter a variety of others around the web, including “Call Microsoft Support,” “Microsoft has detected suspicious activity,” VIRUS ALERT FROM MICROSOFT, and many others. While different cybercriminals might operate these malicious plots, the scheme only seeks to extort money.

While fake sites might show a pop-up message or use the background text of the webpage within the browser, CRITICAL ALERT – Automatic disinfection failed goes a little bit further and opens a full-screen pop-up which makes it look like the computer has crashed. However, the best hint that it is not the case is another pop-up message which reads:

CRITICAL ALERT

Automatic disinfection failed.
From now on, only a Windows technician is able to intervene and prevent data loss.

CONTACT THE Windows SUPPORT TO:

+1(833)244-7113

(Free and non-premium call)

Data loss can occur in 174 seconds if a Windows technician does not assist you in time

While this message might look like an obvious scam to most, some victims might find it difficult to separate real warning from CRITICAL ALERT – Automatic disinfection failed fake pop-up. However, users should know that Microsoft-initiated messages would never provide a contact number, and they would not show some bogus timers of the “doom's day.” Besides, the tech giant would not make grammar and spelling mistakes within their texts.

CRITICAL ALERT – Automatic disinfection failed fake alertCRITICAL ALERT – Automatic disinfection failed is a technical support scam that tries to make users pay for fake tech support services

However, even those who suspect that the message is fake might not know how to remove CRITICAL ALERT – Automatic disinfection failed screen lock. However, in most of the cases, users can shut down the malicious site via the Task Manager – by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc and then shutting down the browser the redirect occurred in.

Once the malicious message is terminated, it is time to proceed with CRITICAL ALERT – Automatic disinfection failed removal. For that, you will have to delete adware that is secretly installed on your computer – you can do it either manually or automatically. In case you decide to go for the latter, mane use of security software such as FortectIntego.

As evident, you should never contact cyber criminals as they might ask you to pay money for the bogus service or make you install malware on your computer.

Decline all the offers and deals during the installation of freeware or shareware

Those who suffer from frequent redirects to unknown websites and see excessive pop-ups, deals, offers, coupons, flashing windows, auto-play videos, and other ads are rarely aware why the activity is taking place on their browsers. This is because such users install potentially unwanted programs unintentionally when establishing free applications downloaded from the internet, so they rarely know that their devices are infected in the first place.

Therefore, it is vital to pay attention when installing free software from third-party sites. Security experts[3] prompt users to be vigilant:

  • Pick your download sources carefully – avoid torrent and similar P2P sites;
  • Never rush the installation;
  • Read through the installation instructions carefully;
  • Check if important documents (ToS, EULA, Privacy Policy) are present;
  • Decline all the offers/deals on the way;
  • Pick Advanced/Custom settings instead of Recommended/Quick ones and see if optional components are hidden there; if there are – remove the ticks next to them to avoid the installation of PUPs.

CRITICAL ALERT – Automatic disinfection failed pop-upCRITICAL ALERT – Automatic disinfection failed imitates original Microsoft error message but is actually completely bogus

Never contact crooks and terminate CRITICAL ALERT – Automatic disinfection failed scam message along with adware installed on your PC

If you call the crooks and paid them money – contact your bank and local authorities dealing with a scam. Make sure you include all the relevant information, such as the provided phone number and what you spoke on the phone with the criminals. To remove CRITICAL ALERT – Automatic disinfection failed message from your screen, you need to press Ctrl + Shift + Esc and shut down the browser you were using when you encountered it.

However, be aware that CRITICAL ALERT – Automatic disinfection failed removal from your screen does not mean that your computer is adware-free. You need to terminate it to stop all the intrusive content that has been bugging you. To do that, you should either scan your PC with anti-malware software or check our detailed guide below this article. As soon as you remove the CRITICAL ALERT – Automatic disinfection failed virus, you should also reset all the installed browsers, such as Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, Safari, etc.

You may remove virus damage with a help of FortectIntego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.

Offer
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Intego Happiness
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Compatible with Microsoft Windows Compatible with macOS
What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.

Getting rid of CRITICAL ALERT – Automatic disinfection failed. Follow these steps

Uninstall from Windows

To stop redirect to suspicious sites and intrusive ads, you should delete adware program from your Windows machine:

Instructions for Windows 10/8  machines:

  1. Enter Control Panel into Windows search box and hit Enter or click on the search result.
  2. Under Programs, select Uninstall a program. Uninstall from Windows 1
  3. From the list, find the entry of the suspicious program.
  4. Right-click on the application and select Uninstall.
  5. If User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
  6. Wait till uninstallation process is complete and click OK. Uninstall from Windows 2

If you are Windows 7/XP user, proceed with the following instructions:

  1. Click on Windows Start > Control Panel located on the right pane (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
  2. In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program. Uninstall from Windows 7/XP
  3. Pick the unwanted application by clicking on it once.
  4. At the top, click Uninstall/Change.
  5. In the confirmation prompt, pick Yes.
  6. Click OK once the removal process is finished.

Remove from Microsoft Edge

After you remove CRITICAL ALERT – Automatic disinfection failed adware from your PC, make sure you refresh MS Edge browser, as PUPs often change the settings without permission:

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 on Uninstall at the bottom. 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 Privacy & security.
  2. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  3. Select everything (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 Disable if you found any suspicious domain.

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

If this solution failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method. Note that you need to backup your data before proceeding.

  1. Find the following folder on your computer: C:\\Users\\%username%\\AppData\\Local\\Packages\\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe.
  2. Press Ctrl + A on your keyboard to select all folders.
  3. Right-click on them and pick Delete Advanced MS Edge reset 1
  4. Now right-click on the Start button and pick Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  5. When the new window opens, copy and paste the following command, and then press Enter:

    Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\\AppXManifest.xml” -Verbose Advanced MS Edge reset 2

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. 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 unwanted plugin 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 Options.
  3. Under Home options, enter your preferred site that will open every time you newly open the Mozilla Firefox.

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, as well as Cached Web Content and press 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 the suspicious plugins that might be 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 unwanted extensions from Safari:

  1. Click Safari > Preferences…
  2. In the new window, pick Extensions.
  3. Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall. Remove extensions from Safari

Clear cookies and other website data from Safari:

  1. Click Safari > Clear History…
  2. From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
  3. Confirm with Clear History. Clear cookies and website data from Safari

Reset Safari if the above-mentioned steps did not help you:

  1. Click Safari > Preferences…
  2. Go to Advanced tab.
  3. Tick the Show Develop menu in menu bar.
  4. From the menu bar, click Develop, and then select Empty Caches. Reset Safari

After uninstalling this potentially unwanted program (PUP) and fixing each of your web browsers, we recommend you to scan your PC system with a reputable anti-spyware. This will help you to get rid of CRITICAL ALERT – Automatic disinfection failed registry traces and will also identify related parasites or possible malware infections on your computer. For that you can use our top-rated malware remover: FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.

How to prevent from getting adware

Access your website securely from any location

When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address.

If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for the server or network manager that needs to monitor connections and activities. VPN software providers like Private Internet Access can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world.

 

Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks

While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various reasons, malware is one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files. More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, and images get encrypted. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them.

Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system. In some cases, Data Recovery Pro can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection. 

 

About the author
Jake Doevan
Jake Doevan - Computer technology expert

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