How to remove “Enter A Product Key” virus

What is known about the “Enter A Product Key” virus:

“Enter A Product Key” virus belongs to a category of computer infections that are designed to trick the users into believing that their Windows license has expired, and they need a new license key to keep the system running as usual. Though similar infections have been around for a while now, an increase in their popularity is especially apparent in the last couple of months. This revival might be related to the new releases of Windows 10 and Windows 10 Anniversary Update. What has is also new with these infections is that they have become more aggressive. Instead of displaying a pop-up notification on the infected computer’s browser like they used to before, now the virus locks the computer’s screen, preventing the system from booting properly. In short, the virus is a tech-support scam with a hint of a ransomware infection. Though this virus does not encrypt the files stored on the computer, the lock screen does not allow the user to access computer’s desktop until the supposed Windows activation issue is solved. But there is a way you can lift the lock screen and remove Enter A Product Key virus from your computer. The virus decontamination instructions are provided below. Do not forget to scan your system with a trusted anti-malware utility like FortectIntego after completing these steps.

Tech-support virus creators are especially well informed in human psychology. First, they convince their Windows license has really expired, by locking the computer’s screen and preventing the antivirus utilities from exposing this roguery. In the lock screen Enter A Product Key malware shows a message similar to the one presented below:

Enter a Product Key
Your product key should be on the box that the Windows DVD came in or in an email that shows you bought Windows. The product key looks similar to this:
Product Key: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
Activate this edition of Windows

Unfortunately, entering the legitimate code will not work and, after displaying an error, the virus will ask you to contact a remote tech support number to solve the problem. Do NOT call the indicated number! It is a scam, and you will not receive any technical support whatsoever. The scammers will try to trick you into paying $99,99 for a product key that you do not really need. Besides, they may also try to get remote access to your computer and install additional rogue programs while connected. If you have already allowed the scammers to connect, terminate the remote access program immediately or restart your computer. Hurry to carry out the Enter A Product Key removal before this nasty infection causes more damage to your computer.

How do tech-support scam viruses infect computers?

“Enter A Product Key” tech-support scam virus may be a more serious infection than the popular adware or a browser hijackers, but it spreads virtually the same. A Trojan which carries this infection can be sneaked into your system along with other malware or even completely legitimate programs freely downloadable from the Internet. Such malicious software bundles are promoted on unverified and insecure websites or can be downloaded via peer-to-peer (P2P) networks. Also, a malicious script can arrive into your email or inbox of your social networking platform. Thus, you should always double-check what links you are clicking on and what software you are allowing to install on your computer.

Can you remove Enter A Product Key virus from your computer?

Yes, you can remove Enter A Product Key from the infected device, but that won’t be easy. Remember that this is a lock-screen virus so you first have to overcome this barrier to get to the program itself. You will find some tips on how to access your desktop in the manual virus removal guide provided below. The manual Enter A Product Key removal instructions themselves, though, should only be used by the users who have some knowledge about how malware elimination works. Otherwise, we suggest employing automatic antivirus utilities to fix your computer professionally.