Remove Microsoft Help Desk Tech support scam (Simple Removal Guide) - updated Dec 2019
Microsoft Help Desk Tech Support scam is a screen-locker that urges victims calling fake Windows specialists
Microsoft Help Desk Tech Support is a fake message that is shown of Windows desktop users after they get infected with a trojan. The bogus error message is displayed as a Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) and does not allow victims to access their desktop or use applications installed. Unfortunately, a PC restart does not prove to be useful either, and users are shown the same locked screen again. As typical for tech support scams, the fake error states about some troubles (in this case, bad actors claim that there is a problem with gv3.sys files), prompting users to call a toll-free number presented in order to fix their machines. However, Microsoft Help Desk Tech Support authors should not be trusted, as this merely a scam.[1]
SUMMARY | |
Name | Microsoft Help Desk Tech Support |
Type | Trojan |
Sub-type | Tech support scam |
Propagation | Spam emails, malicious sites, file-sharing domains, fake updates, etc. |
Symptoms | A locked screen displaying a fake BSoD; Inability to access desktop |
Detection and elimination | Use anti-spyware program to remove malware, then use Reimage Reimage Cleaner to make sure Windows is repaired |
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 use reputable anti-malware software that would detect and remove Microsoft Help Desk virus from your computer promptly. However, since the access to the PC is denied, you will have to access Safe Mode with Networking in order to be able to enable security software.
Fake Microsoft Security Essentials window informs that the application has detected malicious 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. Furthermore, genuine notifications of a reputable anti-virus program 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. Rebooting the device might accelerate a 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
Microsoft Help Desk Tech Support notification also provides technical information to convince of the legitimacy of such claims. It states that some errors occurred related to gv3.sys file. Initially, the original file is a legitimate component of Windows OS files. Such a maneuver tries to cover tracks of the malware.
Microsoft Help Desk virus is a fake alert that urges users to call the fake Windows technicians
What happens if you call the given number in an attempt to contact Microsoft Help Desk Tech Support fake technicians? 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 the “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. As soon as the elimination is completed and the normal operation of the operating system is regained, you should make use of Reimage Reimage Cleaner software as it can fix all the damage done by the Microsoft Help Desk Tech Support malware.
Malware transmission methods
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 on a malware-ridden website and install a trojan without even realizing it.
Such infections might also fish for new users via exploit kits when users visit hacked or malicious site, where JavaScript scans the machine for certain vulnerabilities that could be exploited. Evading them without a proper security shield is quite complicated [5]. Therefore, we recommend using a powerful anti-malware tool with the real-time protection feature.
Additionally, 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.
Ways to remove Microsoft Help Desk Tech Support scam
While most scams show up on browsers like Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Sari, or others, Microsoft Help Desk Tech Support virus appears as a screen-locker, which prevents users from accessing the machine. Essentially, the scam is a trojan that tries to convince users about the seriousness of the situation.
To remove Microsoft Help Desk Tech Support scam, you should employ reputable security software that is capable of detecting and getting rid of it. But before that, you need to access Safe Mode with Networking, as accessing the desktop is impossible in the normal mode.
As soon as Microsoft Help Desk Tech Support removal is complete, you should run a complementary software like Reimage Reimage Cleaner . It will fully fix the damage done by malware and recover broken Windows files.
To remove Microsoft Help Desk Tech support scam, follow these steps:
Remove Microsoft Help Desk Tech support scam using Safe Mode with Networking
To be able to remove Microsoft Help Desk scam, enter Safe Mode with Networking the following way:
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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 Reimage Cleaner 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
You can also try to eliminate the trojan by 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 Reimage Cleaner , SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
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..
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