Remove “Error # WINDOWS-PORN-91” scam (Removal Instructions)

“Error # WINDOWS-PORN-91” scam is a social engineering-based hoax that is aimed as regular users

“Error # WINDOWS-PORN-91” scam is a fake error message that might show up on users' screens when browsing the web on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, MS Edge, or another web browser. This alert can be encountered on numerous malicious websites and is location-based, which means that all individuals see it in their native language.

Visitors are largely misled by various statements embedded within several components of the malicious page. Scammers claim that “Error # WINDOWS-PORN-91” has been detected on their computer and that it has been locked to “prevent further damage to the network.” Crooks then proceed with the claim that a virus and spyware was found on the PC and that credit card information, Facebook/email logins, and other important data are being stolen.

Allegedly, in order to resolve this situation, users have to call the alleged Microsoft tech support at 044 586 76 58 (this number may vary). Without a doubt, “Error # WINDOWS-PORN-91” is a technical support scam^[1] that should not be trusted, as it is operated by cybercriminals who seek to extort money from unsuspecting victims.

Name	“Error # WINDOWS-PORN-91” scam
Type	Tech support scam, fake alert, online hoax
Distribution	Can be encountered after clicking on a malicious link or accessing a suspicious site via a redirect. Also, rerouting tendencies can be a sign of adware infection
Claims	The message claims that a virus and spyware was found on the visitor's computer, hence the “Error # WINDOWS-PORN-91” notification is provided. Due to this, various personal information is being stolen by cybercriminals, and users are urged to call the provided tech support number to fix the situation
Dangers	Installation of malware, financial losses, identity theft
Contact number	044 586 76 58, although the number can vary
Solution	Never call the provided number, and leave the site immediately. Additionally, you should check your machine for adware – uninstall all suspicious programs either manually or automatically using security software
Further checks	If you contacted the fake tech support, you should immediately change all your passwords, scan your computer with anti-malware, and then fix possible virus damage with Fortect Intego or similar repair software

First of all, it is important to understand how the so-called “Error # WINDOWS-PORN-91” virus spreads (n fact, the notification is not actually an infection of any sort, but rather a malicious website that can lead to various negative consequences for their visitors). Users might land on a malicious website via two main methods:

after clicking on a malicious link on the suspicious website. In some cases, webpages are programmed to reroute users to other sites automatically;
due to adware^[2] infection. Ad-supported software is known to redirect users to malicious websites.

Upon entering a malicious site that seems to mimic the official Microsoft one, users will encounter several “Error # WINDOWS-PORN-91” popups scattered across the screen. The main popup message shows the following text:

Security alert:

** YOUR COMPUTER IS LOCKED **

Error # WIND0WS-P0RN-91

Please call us immediately: 044 586 76 58
This is an important warning …
Closing this page will give you access to your computer
disabled to prevent further damage to our network. Your computer has notified us that it has been infected with a virus and spyware. The following data is being stolen …

1. Facebook login
2. Credit card details
3. Email account data
4. Photos saved on this PC

You must contact us immediately so that our engineers can guide you through the removal process over the phone. Please call us within the next 5 minutes to avoid a complete malfunction of your computer.

Call Microsoft free of charge on 044 586 76 58

“Your computer is locked” is just one of many statements that are very prominent among these types of scams. Also, it is important to note that the error code, which attempts to imitate legitimate Microsoft codes (another social engineering trick),^[3] simply does not exist. Other examples of similar fake errors include “Error code # MS-6F0EXFE,” “Error 268D3,” and “TROJAN Error Code 0xdc2dgewc.”

You should not believe these claims and never call the provided contact number. To remove “Error # WINDOWS-PORN-91” from your screen, all you have to do is leave the tab the scam is shown on – simply close it by pressing “X.” Nonetheless, you might have a problem if you were tricked by the alert and contacted the crooks behind the fraud scheme.

If the “Error # WINDOWS-PORN-91” scam popup works and users believe it, they call the provided phone number for help after panicking. The malicious actors behind the scam often try to speak in complicated IT terms that most regular users are not familiar with, implying that they are real technicians and know what they are talking about. In reality, they don't – they are mere novices that know some basic computer operational principles.

Once users are convinced that the danger is allegedly real, they could be asked to provide remote access to their computer. During this time, crooks might steal sensitive information, install malware, or subscribe users to bogus software that serves no value. Finally, they will ask to pay for these “services” – payments sometimes reach thousands of dollars.

Thus, if you contacted criminals, “Error # WINDOWS-PORN-91” scam removal from your browser might be just one of the things you might have to do. We recommend you immediately scan the device with powerful SpyHunter Combo Cleaner, Malwarebytes Malwarebytes, or another anti-malware immediately. In case something was found – delete it immediately and then check the system with Fortect Intego repair for best results.

Ways to avoid being tricked by online scams

First of all, since redirects to scam sites might be a direct result of the adware infection, it is important to know how to avoid all types of potentially unwanted programs in the first place. In most cases, these apps are dispersed via freeware bundles that can be downloaded from third-party distribution sites. The site authors often compile installers that consist of several optional components and attempt to mask their presence by using pre-ticked checkboxes, fine print text, misplaced buttons, Recommended settings, and other tricks.

Thus, you should be extremely cautious when dealing with installers that bundle software. Always pick the Advanced settings if prompted, remove all ticks from checkboxes, read the fine print, decline all the offers, and never skip through steps.

You might also encounter an online scam by simply browsing the web, so it is important to recognize fake messages. In these schemes, crooks often try to imitate a well-known company, such as Microsoft, Apple, or Google – they use various attributes for that (logos, fonts, etc.). They often indicate that the computer has been infected and that personal information is being stolen (threat of a consequence).

Never believe such claims, as only robust security software installed on your computer can diagnose whether it is infected. All browser-based claims, regardless of how realistic they might look, are all fake. Bogus notifications also often include grammar, spelling, and other mistakes or inconsistencies that could indicate deception.

Ignore “Error # WINDOWS-PORN-91” popup and check your system with a security tool

As previously mentioned, “Error # WINDOWS-PORN-91” removal is not difficult as long as you don't call the persons behind it and never interact with buttons or links, if such are present. If you have called the provided number and allowed remote access to your PC, it might be infected with all types of malware. Therefore, you should immediately perform a full system scan with a security program to ensure that crooks did not install anything malicious.

After you scan your system, you should contact your bank and local authorities dealing with fraud – you might be able to return the money you were tricked into paying by scammers.

If you have no contacted criminals and never clicked on any suspicious links, you can remove “Error # WINDOWS-PORN-91” virus scam by closing down the web browser. However, if you notice that you often encounter redirects and ads, you should use the below-given instructions to look for those unwanted apps. Alternatively, a scan with anti-malware would also work.

Uninstall from Windows

Uninstall from Windows 10/8:

Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.

Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:

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

Remove the unwanted program:

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

Delete from macOS

Remove the unwanted application:

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

Delete leftover files and folders:

Select Go > Go to Folder.
Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.
Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.

Reset Internet Explorer

Remove dangerous add-ons:

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

Change your homepage if it was altered:

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

Delete temporary files:

Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
Under Browsing history, click Delete...
Select relevant fields and press Delete.

Reset Internet Explorer:

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

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 Remove.

Clear cookies and other browser data:

Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
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.

Restore new tab and homepage settings:

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

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.

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.
This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.

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 the unwanted extension and click Remove.

Reset the homepage:

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

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 and Temporary cached files and pages, then click 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

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 suspicious extensions 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 dangerous extensions:

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

Clear history and website data:

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

Reset Safari:

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

How to remove “Error # WINDOWS-PORN-91” scam

“Error # WINDOWS-PORN-91” scam is a social engineering-based hoax that is aimed as regular users

Ways to avoid being tricked by online scams