Microsoft Help Desk Tech support scam. How to remove? (Uninstall guide)
Analysis of Microsoft Help Desk Tech support scam
Microsoft Help Desk virus alarms users with their computer being infected but, in reality, it is just another tech suport scam. Later on, a BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) appears stating that an error has occurred resulting in a system shutdown. As common for this type of viruses, the malware presents the toll number for victims to solve the supposed errors [1]. Though this time the crooks did their best by devising an elaborate scam, some features reveal the true nature of such malware. Therefore, we urge you to remove Microsoft Help Desk right away before it fully entangles your operating system. You can do it with the assistance of Reimage. More information about the elimination process is provided below. Fake Microsoft Security Essentials window informs that the application has detected malevolent files on the system. It also includes the number of a supposed technician number. However, if you do not have this application installed on your device, such alerts look more than fishy. What is more, genuine notifications of anti-virus programs never suggest you call any number.
Despite increasing public awareness, tech support scams are on the rise [2]. Recently, the emerging versions of support scams have been improved up to the point that they contain elements of ransomware as well. In relation to this, Microsoft Help Desk Tech also asks you to restart the computer to prevent further damage. Do not comply with hackers suggestions. Restarting the device might accelerate a further process of infection with Microsoft Help Desk Tech hijack. Interestingly, that there has been a rise of file-encrypting malware which impersonates tech support scams [3].
Microsoft Security Essentials detected 5 potential threats that might compromise your privacy or damage your computer. Microsoft Security Essentials wasn’t able to block the virus. Helpline: +1-888-828-6971
The notification also provides technical information to convince of the legitimacy of such email. It states that some errors occurred related to gv3.sys file. Initially, the original file is a legitimate component of Windows OS files. Such maneuver tries to cover tracks of the malware.
What happens if you call the given number? There are several outcomes. In the first case, a felon might lead you through a series of steps which, later on, grant the crooks remote access to your computer. Secondly, due to “Microsoft Help Desk Tech” redirect, you might be misguided to a domain which contains a bunch of severe cyber infection. As a matter of fact, the very malware is regarded to be a trojan [4]. In any case, we encourage you to start “Microsoft Help Desk” removal. Before that, it is necessary to point some key channels where such scams are distributed.
The transmission ways of the malware
If you tend to visit questionable and file-sharing domains, the risk to encounter a virus boosts up. By clicking the corrupted link or the ad you might end up getting infected with “Microsoft Help Desk” tech support scam. Such infections might also fish for new users via exploit kits. Evading them without a proper security shield is quite complicated [5]. Therefore, we recommend you to install a reputable anti-spyware application, such as Reimage and run the scan. In addition, beware of phishing and scam emails. They impersonate official institutions to convince users into opening the infected attachments. You never know what kind of malware might hide there.
How quickly can I remove the cyber infection?
Since this malware is not a mere PUP, do not waste time and remove Microsoft Help Desk virus automatically. For that purpose, anti-spyware tools, such as Reimage or Malwarebytes Anti Malware, come in handy dealing with this malware. If you cannot get through the lock screen or due to another artificially generated system errors and complete “Microsoft Help Desk” removal, follow our recommendations shown below. Lastly, do not forget to remain cautious while surfing the vast spaces of the virtual world.
Manual Microsoft Help Desk Tech support scam Removal Guide:
Remove Microsoft Help Desk Tech support scam using Safe Mode with Networking
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Networking
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
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Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Networking in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Remove Microsoft Help Desk Tech support scam
Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete Microsoft Help Desk Tech support scam removal.
If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.
Remove Microsoft Help Desk Tech support scam using System Restore
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
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Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
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Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
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When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Microsoft Help Desk Tech support scam. After doing that, click Next.
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Now click Yes to start system restore.
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Microsoft Help Desk Tech support scam and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage, Plumbytes Anti-MalwareWebroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus or Malwarebytes Anti Malware
About the author
References
- ^ Christian Cawley. What Should You Do About the Windows Tech Support Scam?. MakeUseOf. We teach technology.
- ^ Jerome R. Stockfisc. Tech support, ransom computer scams are making the rounds again. The Ledger. News site..
- ^ Malwarebytes rolls out free decryption tool for VindowsLocker ransomware victims. Windowsreport. Windows 10 and Microsoft News, How-to-Tips.
- ^ John Fuller . How Trojan Horses Work. HowStuffWorksTech. Award-winning source of unbiased IT explanations.
- ^ Surging Tech Support Scams and How to Avoid Them. TrenMicro. Securing your Journey to the Cloud..