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  • Active
  • Severity: Medium
  • Adware
  • Windows, Mac
  • Verified · Mar 2019

How to remove Fehler # AP7MQ79

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

Fehler # AP7MQ79 is a scam that targets victims in Germany with fake MacOS error messages

Fehler # AP7MQ79

Fehler # AP7MQ79 is the technical support scam campaign which delivers notifications encouraging to call a support number that leads to cybercriminals. The alert mostly appears on Apple devices and targets Germany with these fake security errors, but Windows users also should be aware that the phone number provided on the error message is not a legitimate support team number and calling may lead to more severe damage. The malicious message is designed to redirect users' browser and scaring them into contacting people who focus on getting valuable information from victims or tricking them into paying for the alleged technical help. There is nothing wrong with your device, and you need to focus on exiting the website as soon as possible.

Name Fehler # AP7MQ79
Also known as ERROR # AP7MQ79
Type Scam
Purpose To trick people into calling fake support number or purchasing fake software
Symptoms Displays pop-up alerts about issues with the device, provides phone number stating it belongs to technical support team members
Main danger Can lead to privacy issues or more severe damage to the machine, stolen money
Distribution Deceptive websites, software bundling
Elimination Exit the browser and clean the system using FortectIntego
Affected system This scam mostly targets MacOS devices
Targeted country In most cases, it appears affecting victims in Germany

The particular Fehler # AP7MQ79 scam is delivering pop-up messages on the browser and then redirects to other fake error pages that encourage calling the fake tech security number 040-87-40-94-19. This type of scam focuses on scaring people and making them believe that a device is either infected with malware or crashes due to virus activity.[1] 

The main purpose of Fehler # AP7MQ79 virus is to get into contact with a victim because this way criminals can lure money directly from them or ask to give the remote access to the affected system. Then additional scripts can be launched, or keystroke loggers and similar malware infiltrated to collect valuable information for later use.[2]

Error #AP7MQ79 is a scam known all over the world, but the more recent activities appeared in Germany and targeting devices that support Mac operating systems withFehler # AP7MQ79 message. However, Windows users shouldn't feel safe because various other technical support scams spread all over the world regardless of the OS. 

The alert displayed by Fehler # AP7MQ79 scam shows the following message for English-speaking victims:

*** ERROR # AP7MQ79. ***

Windows was blocked due to suspicious activity

The following information may be lost:

1. Passwords
2. Browsing history
3. Sensitive information (credit cards)
4. Files on the hard disk

Do not ignore this critical warning. Closing this page will disable your computer access to prevent further damage to our network

Please call: + 1-800-865-097

Contact us immediately so that our technicians can guide you through the process of removing the phone. Please call us within 5 minutes to prevent your computer from being disabled.

An almost identical alert appears on Germany-based victims of Fehler #AP7MQ79 scam, the only difference is the language and OS that gets affected. This error is caused by adware-type cyber infection, so there is no real risk for your data or the system since the message stating about malware damage is only there to scare you. 

The scam that targets Germany and MacOS users in particular – Fehler # AP7MQ79 is created as a typical pop-up scam to make people think their computer need s help from technical support and that the number provided belongs to the team who can give this service.

Unfortunately, technicians are not going to help you since there is nothing to fix. Scammers want to make people pay up by sending Fehler # AP7MQ79 alerts. Typically these people try to get remote access to victims' computer and pretend to give a particular service and help to make the device perform better.

However, when fake technicians behind Fehler # AP7MQ79 virus get on your machine, they ask for a payment transfer or personal information. When people have access to your device, they can install malware which is later on collecting information you enter during the online banking login and payment process. 

Fehler # AP7MQ79 scam

You need to remove Fehler #AP7MQ79 because information about your device, personal details or even credit card or banking information can be used in other scams, later on, lead to privacy issues. Experts[3] always note how dangerous is revealing your information, since this data about various online users is very valuable on the Dark Web.

Fehler # AP7MQ79 removal is not that difficult as it may seem. The main program which causes these alerts is the adware that hides on the system. You can find it and delete it using the anti-malware program. Tools like FortectIntego scan the system entirely and indicate all possible intruders, clean them off the computer thoroughly.

Avoid potentially unwanted programs and cyber threat infiltration

Adware, browser hijackers and other potentially unwanted programs are mostly known for delivering commercial content and intrusive advertisers' behavior. However, a bigger issue with these cyber infections is the activity causing more than the unwanted behavior because adware-type threats create scam messages and fake alerts.

These programs come to the system during an insecure freeware installation or from the deceptive website where you get programs or updates without paying close attention. When you choose Advanced or Custom options during the installation, you get the opportunity to de-select additional applications from the list.

Choose your freeware providers wisely and get program updates or tools from official developers or providers only. Going for reputable sources can help avoid cyber infections like PUP infiltration. 

Make sure to scan the system entirely to remove Fehler # AP7MQ79 virus alongside related programs

For the best Fehler # AP7MQ79 removal results, you need to get help from professional anti-malware tools. It is not enough to exit the window or redirect, alert message. You only avoid additional redirects or pop-up messages, but the main adware is still on the machine.

To remove Fehler # AP7MQ79 itself and completely from the affected device, get a reputable anti-malware program and scan your computer entirely. This full system check helps to find all potential threats and delete them so that you can forget about these fake alerts. 

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

Delete from macOS

Remove the unwanted application:

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

Delete leftover files and folders:

  1. Select Go > Go to Folder.
  2. Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
  3. Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.Delete leftover files from Mac
  4. Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.

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

Delete from Safari

Remove dangerous extensions:

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

Clear history and website data:

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

Reset Safari:

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

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