ERROR # 0xuaO-0x156m(3) (Microsoft Support Scam) - Removal Guide
ERROR # 0xuaO-0x156m(3) Removal Guide
What is ERROR # 0xuaO-0x156m(3)?
ERROR # 0xuaO-0x156m(3) is a scam that is not only after users' money but also login details
ERROR # 0xuaO-0x156m(3) is a fake error message that seeks to extort money and login information
ERROR # 0xuaO-0x156m(3) is a fake alert that users might encounter on their Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, MS Edge, or another web browser. The message claims that the computer has been infected with the “Pornographic Spyware and riskware” and that sensitive information, such as credit card details or email account logins are being stolen. It is also said that if victims close down the page, their computers will be locked, and all access disabled. In order to resolve the situation, users are asked to call +1-844-279-2314 Toll-Free phone number (this can vary).
However, ERROR # 0xuaO-0x156m(3) is merely a tech support scam[1] that should never be trusted. Malicious actors create fake claims like this one to make users contact them so that more lies would be fed to them to make them pay for useless software or fake tech support services. If you encountered this message, we suggest you ignore it and check your system for infections, as redirects to scam sites might be caused by the adware.
Name | ERROR # 0xuaO-0x156m(3) |
Type | Phishing, tech support scam, fake alert |
Claim | The message says that malware was found on the computer, and that personal information is being stolen. To resolve the issues, crooks ask to call the provided phone number |
Goal | The main goal is to make users call the fake helpline and feed them more fake claims about their computer security so that money is paid |
Distribution | Users encounter the popup message on various malicious websites on the internet. In some cases, redirects to such sites might indicate adware infection |
Related | ERROR # 0x6a4-0xf9fx3999, Windows Error Code: DLL011150, ERROR 0xC004FC03 |
Elimination | If you did not download anything, you a are unlikely to be infected; however, we recommend checking the system with anti-malware or looking for adware programs manually |
Further steps | If you called the provided number and paid money, contact your bank immediately to revert these transactions. In case crooks infected your computer with malware, get rid of it and repair damaged system files with FortectIntego |
It is important to note that ERROR # 0xuaO-0x156m(3) virus scam can be encountered on a variety of different URLs – these typically are long addresses that do not come from the official websites. The fact that such notification is coming from a particular web address should serve as a red flag – anything can be claimed on malicious sites.
Upon entry, users are greeted with an orange background and a large “Microsoft Important Warning” title. However, this message has nothing to do with Microsoft at all, as cybercriminals are only using the name of a well-known tech company to make users believe the lies. The full message reads as follows:
** Microsoft Important Warning **
ERROR # 0xuaO-0x156m(3)
Please call us immediately at:
+1-844-279-2314 (Toll Free)
Do not ignore this critical warning message.
If you close this page, your computer access will be disabled to prevent further damage to our network.
Your computer has alerted us that it has been infected with a Pornographic Spyware and riskware. The following information is being stolen…1.Facebook Logins
2.Credit Card Details
3.Email Account Logins
4.Photos stored on this computerYou must contact us immediately so that our expert engineers can walk you through the removal process over the phone to protect your identity and from any kind of identity theft or information loss.
Call Windows : +1-844-279-2314 (Toll Free)
As evident, crooks are using all sorts of social engineering[2] tricks in order to make visitors scared and oblige to the request to call the helpline. Besides stating that personal information is in danger due to virus infection, they also say that the web page should not be closed, or the computer will be automatically locked. Do not worry – malicious actors behind ERROR # 0xuaO-0x156m(3) scam are incapable of doing any of those things.
Besides the lengthy message, you might also see an ERROR # 0xuaO-0x156m(3) popup which asks you to provide your username and password. While it is not indicated what account this message refers to, never enter any sensitive information into this window, or your credentials might be stolen and used for various malicious purposes.
If you call fake tech support, they might use several approaches to extort money from you. For example, they might claim that they need to install anti-malware software to remove ERROR # 0xuaO-0x156m(3) virus or that they can connect to your computer remotely and fix everything. No matter what you do, never agree to pay for anything, and never allow fake technicians to access your machine – they might install malware on it or steal passwords or other details.
ERROR # 0xuaO-0x156m(3) is a tech support scam that seeks to scare users into calling fake tech support helpline
When it comes to ERROR # 0xuaO-0x156m(3) removal, all you have to do is just close down the web browser tab and never interact with the contents. While it is unlikely that your computer has any viruses in them just because you encountered this fake message, security experts advise scanning the device with SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, Malwarebytes, or another security software to make sure. If something was found, we highly advise reverting the damage done by the virus with FortectIntego.
Keep in mind that adware might be causing redirects to various scam sites. These potentially unwanted programs can usually be also eliminated manually – we provided the instructions below.
Learn to recognize scams
Online fraud, also known as phishing, is one of the most common vectors that are used to steal login details of high-demand accounts (for example, Netflix). Also, malicious actors come up with fake error codes and other attributes that make users believe that their machines are infected with malware, and only the “official Microsoft support” can help.
When browsing the web and encountering a message like that, the first thing to do is not to panic. Always keep in mind that official warnings and notifications would never threaten you or scare you with consequences – such as virus infection, data deletion, or disablement of the computer. Nobody can do that (even authority), apart from malware, of course, and malicious programs are simply illegal.
Also, keep in mind that no official Microsoft alerts provide a contact number for information or other support. If you need help with the product, head to the official website of the app, and locate the number yourself. Never call a number provided on various websites that show up on your screen abruptly or after you clicked on some type of ad.
Experts[3] also recommend being extremely careful during the installation of free software downloaded from third-party sites. The installers often bundle several programs, which might result in the unintentional installation of adware or other junk. Always pick Advanced/Custom settings during the installation and remove all the ticks from pre-ticked boxes.
Finally, install a robust security program – it could help you prevent accessing malicious sites, including scam, spoofing,[4] phishing, and similar dangerous places on the internet.
Deal with ERROR # 0xuaO-0x156m(3) popup correctly
As mentioned above, ERROR # 0xuaO-0x156m(3) removal should be as easy as closing down the tab of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or another web browser you encountered the scam on. Keep in mind that everything that was said within the message is fake and should never be trusted.
You can remove ERROR # 0xuaO-0x156m(3) virus scam from your web browser with just one click, however, you should also perform additional checks. As mentioned, redirects to scam websites might indicate adware infection, so you should check your system either manually or automatically. We recommend the latter (using security software), especially if you are not that familiar with all-things IT.
If you contacted cybercriminals behind ERROR # 0xuaO-0x156m(3), and especially if you allowed them to access your computer, you should immediately change passwords of all your accounts, as they might have been stolen. If you paid for fake services, you could likely reverse this transaction by contacting your local bank branch.
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.
Getting rid of ERROR # 0xuaO-0x156m(3). Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
To uninstall programs from Windows systems, follow these steps:
Instructions for Windows 10/8 machines:
- Enter Control Panel into Windows search box and hit Enter or click on the search result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
- From the list, find the entry of the suspicious program.
- Right-click on the application and select Uninstall.
- If User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
- Wait till uninstallation process is complete and click OK.
If you are Windows 7/XP user, proceed with the following instructions:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel located on the right pane (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
- Pick the unwanted application by clicking on it once.
- At the top, click Uninstall/Change.
- In the confirmation prompt, pick Yes.
- Click OK once the removal process is finished.
Delete from macOS
macOS users should proceed with the following instructions to delete unwanted applications for good:
Remove items from Applications folder:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for all related entries.
- Click on the app and drag it to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash)
To fully remove an unwanted app, you need to access Application Support, LaunchAgents, and LaunchDaemons folders and delete relevant files:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and click Go or press Enter.
- In the Application Support folder, look for any dubious entries and then delete them.
- Now enter /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders the same way and terminate all the related .plist files.
Remove from Microsoft Edge
Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:
- Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
- From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
- Click on Uninstall at the bottom.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Privacy & security.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Select everything (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.
Restore new tab and homepage settings:
- Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
- Then find On startup section.
- Click Disable if you found any suspicious domain.
Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:
- Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
- Select Details tab.
- 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.
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.
- Find the following folder on your computer: C:\\Users\\%username%\\AppData\\Local\\Packages\\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe.
- Press Ctrl + A on your keyboard to select all folders.
- Right-click on them and pick Delete
- Now right-click on the Start button and pick Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- 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
Instructions for Chromium-based Edge
Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and site data:
- Click on Menu and go to Settings.
- Select Privacy, search and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Under Time range, pick All time.
- Select Clear now.
Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- On the left side, pick Reset settings.
- Select Restore settings to their default values.
- Confirm with Reset.
Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
- Select Add-ons.
- In here, select unwanted plugin and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Options.
- Under Home options, enter your preferred site that will open every time you newly open the Mozilla Firefox.
Clear cookies and site data:
- Click Menu and pick Settings.
- Go to Privacy & Security section.
- Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
- Click on Clear Data…
- Select Cookies and Site Data, as well as Cached Web Content and press Clear.
Reset Mozilla Firefox
If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
- Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.
- Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox…
- Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.
Remove from Google Chrome
Clean Chrome if you discovered adware or malware on your system:
Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
- 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.
Clear cache and web data from Chrome:
- Click on Menu and pick Settings.
- Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
- Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
- Click Clear data.
Change your homepage:
- Click menu and choose Settings.
- Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
- 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:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
- Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
- Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Confirm with Reset settings.
Delete from Safari
Remove unwanted extensions from Safari:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- In the new window, pick Extensions.
- Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.
Clear cookies and other website data from Safari:
- Click Safari > Clear History…
- From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
- Confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari if the above-mentioned steps did not help you:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- Go to Advanced tab.
- Tick the Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop, and then select Empty Caches.
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 ERROR # 0xuaO-0x156m(3) 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
Protect your privacy – employ a VPN
There are several ways how to make your online time more private – you can access an incognito tab. However, there is no secret that even in this mode, you are tracked for advertising purposes. There is a way to add an extra layer of protection and create a completely anonymous web browsing practice with the help of Private Internet Access VPN. This software reroutes traffic through different servers, thus leaving your IP address and geolocation in disguise. Besides, it is based on a strict no-log policy, meaning that no data will be recorded, leaked, and available for both first and third parties. The combination of a secure web browser and Private Internet Access VPN will let you browse the Internet without a feeling of being spied or targeted by criminals.
No backups? No problem. Use a data recovery tool
If you wonder how data loss can occur, you should not look any further for answers – human errors, malware attacks, hardware failures, power cuts, natural disasters, or even simple negligence. In some cases, lost files are extremely important, and many straight out panic when such an unfortunate course of events happen. Due to this, you should always ensure that you prepare proper data backups on a regular basis.
If you were caught by surprise and did not have any backups to restore your files from, not everything is lost. Data Recovery Pro is one of the leading file recovery solutions you can find on the market – it is likely to restore even lost emails or data located on an external device.
- ^ Technical support scam. Wikipedia. The free encyclopedia.
- ^ Social Engineering. Imperva. Cybersecurity solutions.
- ^ Lesvirus. Lesvirus. Cybersecurity advice and malware insights.
- ^ Website spoofing. Webopedia. Online Tech Dictionary for Students, Educators and IT Professionals.