“Please don’t restart your computer” Tech Support scam virus (Chrome, Firefox, IE, Edge) - 2021 update
“Please don’t restart your computer” Tech Support scam virus Removal Guide
What is “Please don’t restart your computer” Tech Support scam virus?
“Please don’t restart your computer” – a scam that affects the machine
“Please don’t restart your computer” is a fake error that is triggered by malicious content. If BSOD (“blue screen of death”) screen suddenly emerged asking you not to reboot your device, you can be sure that the virus settled on your computer. On the one hand, there is no need to panic as it is simply a tech support scam triggered by the PUP. Usually, scammers pretend to be Microsoft specialists [1].
In this case, they also try to deceive users into calling a specific number to solve computer issues. What is more, they threaten users with Zeus virus which supposedly intends to wreak havoc on the system [2]. First of all, you should remove “Please don’t restart your computer” scam.
For that, you will need to install an anti-spyware application, e.g. Malwarebytes. More information on how to perform “Please don’t restart your computer” removal is provided below. Scams comprise one of the largest groups of all computer viruses, so machines can get even more damaged by other threats.
They vary in their operation modes and designs. Some of them lock your computer while others simply display irritating messages suggesting to remove viruses from the device [3]. It is not difficult to look through the deception as all tech support scams provide a tech support number.
Even it is counterfeited Windows log-in window or error message, it includes the number. In original cases, Microsoft never asks you to call any number. What is more, the majority of this kind of malware includes other features which help you to realize it is a scam[4]. Even when you notice issues with the machine run FortectIntego to make sure that the system is not corrupted.
For example, you may notice that the background picture slightly differs from the original variant. What is more, crooks often leave grammar and typos when creating tech support scams. Keep the system clear and make sure to pay attention to details since this habit can help avoid cyber infections.
When the “Please don’t restart your computer” alert pops up, credulous users might get terrified by the alert of Zeus malware. Indeed, this virus is a complex computer infection that rampaged on the Web quite recently. What is more, virus researchers detected a rise in the number of this virtual threat. Nonetheless, it is a common technique to exert psychological pressure on victims.
If you dial the respective number, you will be connected to a supposed technical support specialist. Then he will guide you through a series of steps that supposedly removes the infection from your device. He might also offer you to install altered versions of Team Viewer or Supremo.
In short, by acquiring access to your computer, the scammer might access confidential personal information. Eventually, he might just remove the very “Please don’t restart your computer” malware with an ordinary anti-virus tool but send the bill of several hundred of dollars.
Alternatively, he might ask you to purchase a costly questionable rogue anti-spyware program which actually is futile in combating serious viruses. Beware of Please don’t restart your computer redirect as well since you might be directed to corrupted domains.
Malware spreads via malicious files
“Please don’t restart your computer” might occur if you prefer downloading content from file-sharing domains. Usually, they contain a series of elaborate and annoying malware. Such domains may also disguise exploit kits that facilitate ransomware infiltration [5].
In addition, tech support scams might disguise in optional applications attach to freeware. “Bundling” is often employed in distributing browser hijackers and adware. In order to spot such infections before they settle on the system, opt for “Custom” settings when installing any program. Afterward, unmark all questionable add-ons. Likewise, you will be able to escape more serious threats.
“Please don’t restart your computer” termination steps
If you prefer a fast and effective solution, install an anti-spyware application. Either of these programs helps you get rid of this scam and all its components quickly. Do not forget to update before starting the elimination process. Then you can properly remove “Please don’t restart your computer”. Keeping such tools and security software updated can help in the future.
In case, you cannot complete “Please don’t restart your computer” removal because your device is non-responding, follow the guidelines indicated below. Usually, such threats are not as complex as, for example, trojans or file-encrypting infections. Therefore, you should not take too long to remove the virus from the device.
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 “Please don’t restart your computer” Tech Support scam virus. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
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.
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
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.
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 “Please don’t restart your computer” Tech Support scam 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
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online. One of the basic means to add a layer of security – choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features. However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN – it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.
Lost your files? Use data recovery software
While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable. Family photos, work documents, school projects – these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur: power cuts, Blue Screen of Death errors, hardware failures, crypto-malware attack, or even accidental deletion.
To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, Data Recovery Pro can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.
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- ^ Neal McNamara. Renton Police Warn Of 'Tech Support' Scam. Renton Patch. An innovative way to find out about, and participate in, what's going on near you.
- ^ Michael Cooney. Cisco Talos: Zeus spawn “Floki bot” malware gaining use, cyber-underworld notoriety. Network World. Premier provider of information, intelligence and insight for Network and IT Executives.
- ^ Jerome Segura. Tech support scams as a service: From browser to computer lockers. SC Magazine. The cybersecurity source.
- ^ Mark Belcher. The top 5 scams you need to know about this holiday season. The Denver Channel. Latest news.
- ^ Jerome Segura. Exploit Kits: Where are they now?. SC Magazine. The cybersecurity source.