Smart HDD is a malicious software that will display fake alerts, claiming that several hard drive errors were detected on your computer.The alerts are professional looking pop-ups and when you click on them, you’re advised to buy Smart HDD in order to fix this errors.
In reality, none of the reported issues are real, and are only used to scare you into buying Smart HDD and stealing your personal financial information.
If you’ve got a Smart HDD infection , you’ll be seeing this screens :

Registration codes for Smart HDD

As an optional step,you can use the following license key to register Smart HDD and stop the fake alerts.
15801587234612645205224631045976
Please keep in mind that entering the above registration code will NOT remove Smart HDD from your computer , instead it will just stop the fake alerts so that you’ll be able to complete our removal guide more easily.
We strongly advise you to follow our Smart HDD removal guide and ignore any alerts that this malicious software might generate.Under no circumstance should you buy this rogue security software as this could lead to identity theft.

Removal guide for Smart HDD

STEP 1 : Start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking

Remove all floppy disks, CDs, and DVDs from your computer, and then restart your computer.
Press and hold the F8 key as your computer restarts.Please keep in mind that you need to press the F8 key before the Windows start-up logo appears.
On the Advanced Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode with Networking , and then press ENTER.
Log on to your computer with a user account that has administrator rights

STEP 2: Remove Smart HDD malicious proxy server

Smart HDD may add a proxy server which prevents the user from accessing the internet,follow the below instructions to remove the proxy.

Start Internet Explorer and if you are using Internet Explorer 9 ,click on the gear icon (Tools for Internet Explorer 8 users) ,then select Internet Options.
Go to the tab Connections.At the bottom, click on LAN settings.
Uncheck the option Use a proxy server for your LAN. This should remove the malicious proxy server and allow you to use the internet again.

If you are a Firefox users, go to Firefox(upper left corner) → Options → Advanced tab → Network → Settings → Select No Proxy

STEP 3: Run RKill to terminate known malware processes associated with Smart HDD.

RKill is a program that attempts to terminate any malicious processes associated with Smart HDD ,so that your normal security software can then run and clean your computer of infections.

As RKill only terminates a program’s running process, and does not delete any files, after running it you should not reboot your computer as any malware processes that are configured to start automatically will just be started again.

While your computer is in Safe Mode with Networking ,please download the latest official version of RKill.
Double-click on the RKill iconin order to automatically attempt to stop any processes associated with Smart HDD.
RKill will now start working in the background, please be patient while the program looks for various malware programs and tries to terminate them.

IF you receive a message that RKill is an infection, that is a fake warning given by the rogue. As a possible solution we advise you to leave the warning on the screen and then try to run RKill again.Run RKill until the fake program is not visible but not more than ten times.
IF you continue having problems running RKill, you can download the other renamed versions of RKill from here.
When Rkill has completed its task, it will generate a log. You can then proceed with the rest of the guide.

WARNING: Do not reboot your computer after running RKill as the malware process will start again , preventing you from properly performing the next step.

STEP 4: Remove Smart HDD malicious files with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware FREE

Please download the latest official version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware FREE.
Install Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware by double clicking on mbam-setup.
When the installation begins, keep following the prompts in order to continue with the installation process. Do not make any changes to default settings and when the program has finished installing, make sure you leave both the Update Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware and Launch Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware checked. Then click on the Finishbutton. If Malwarebytes’ prompts you to reboot, please do not do so.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start and you’ll be prompted to start a trial period , please select ‘Decline‘ as we just want to use the on-demand scanner.
On the Scanner tab,please select Perform full scan and then click on the Scan button to start scanning your computer for any possible infections.
Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware will now start scanning your computer for Smart HDD malicious files as shown below.
When the scan is finished a message box will appear, click OK to continue.
You will now be presented with a screen showing you the malware infections that Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware has detected.Please note that the infections found may be different than what is shown in the image.Make sure that everything is Checked (ticked) and click on the Remove Selected button.
Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware will now start removing the malicious files.If during the removal process Malwarebytes will display a message stating that it needs to reboot, please allow this request.

STEP 5: Double check your system for any left over infections with HitmanPro

This step can be performed in Normal Mode ,so please download the latest official version of HitmanPro.
Double click on the previously downloaded file to start the HitmanPro installation.

NOTE : If you have problems starting HitmanPro, use the “Force Breach” mode. Hold down the left CTRL-key when you start HitmanPro and all non-essential processes are terminated, including the malware process. (How to start HitmanPro in Force Breach mode – Video)
Click on Next to install HitmanPro on your system.
The setup screen is displayed, from which you can decide whether you wish to install HitmanPro on your machine or just perform a one-time scan, select a option then click on Next to start a system scan.
HitmanPro will start scanning your system for malicious files. Depending on the size of your hard drive, and the performance of your computer, this step will take several minutes.
Once the scan is complete,a screen displaying all the malicious files that the program found will be shown as seen in the image below.After reviewing each malicious object click Next.
Click Activate free license to start the free 30 days trial and remove the malicious files.
HitmanPro will now start removing the infected objects, and in some instances, may suggest a reboot in order to completely remove the malware from your system. In this scenario, always confirm the reboot action to be on the safe side.

STEP 6: Unhide your files and folders

Smart HDD modifies your file system in such a way that all files and folders become hidden, to restore the default settings , you’ll need to run the below program.

Please download Tweaking.com-UnhideNonSystemFiles.exe to unhide your files and folders.
Double click on Tweaking.com-UnhideNonSystemFiles.exe and when the utility starts click on the ‘Start’ button to unhide your files.

STEP 7 : Restore your shortcuts and remove any left over malicious registry keys

Smart HDD has moved your shortcuts files in the Temporary Internet folder and added some malicious registry keys to your Windows installation , to restore your files we will need to perform a scan with RogueKiller.

Please download the latest official version of RogueKiller.
Double click on RogueKiller.exe to start this utility and then wait for the Prescan to complete.This should take only a few seconds and then you can click the Start button to perform a system scan.
After the scan has completed, press the Delete button to remove any malicious registry keys.
Next we will need to restore your shortcuts, so click on the ShortcutsFix button and allow the program to run.

STEP 8: Get your desktop look back!

Smart HDD changes your desktop background to a solid black color,to change it back to default one follow the below instruction.

Windows XP : Click on the Start button and then select Control Panel. When the Control Panel opens, please click on the Display icon. From this screen you can now change your Theme and desktop background.
Windows 7 and Vista : Click on the Start button and then select Control Panel. When the Control Panel opens, please click on the Appearance and Personalization category. Then select Change the Theme or Change Desktop Background to revert back to your original Theme and colors.

STEP 9: Restore your pinned task bar shortcuts , star menu items and other missing icons.

Smart HDD has moved your saved pinned task bar items and other shortcuts into the temporary internet folder, so now we will have to copy them back to their original location.
1. Enable on your system the ‘Show hidden files, folders, and drives’ option.

If you are using Windows 7 or Vista,go to Computer → Click on the Organize tab → select Folder and search options.
If you are using Windows XP,go to My Computer → Tools tab → select Folder Options.

In the new window that appeared select the View tab and choose the option Show hidden files, folders, and drives then click Apply and OK.

2.This rogue software has moved your shorcuts in a folder in the Temporary Internet files called smtmp, so now we will need to copy them back to their original locations.

Windows 7 and Vista users can find the smtmp folder in C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local\Temp
Windows XP users can find smtmp folder the in : C:\DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS\[Your Username]\LOCAL SETTINGS\Temp

The smtmp folder will contain 4 folders and you’ll need to copy the content of this folders back to their original locations.

Copy the content from %Temp%\smtmp\1\ to:
Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu
Windows Vista and Windows 7: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu
Copy the content from %Temp%\smtmp\2\ to:
Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\[your username]\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\
Windows Vista and Windows 7: C:\Users\[your username]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\
Copy the content from %Temp%\smtmp\3\ to:
Windows XP: It does not exist on Windows XP.
Windows Vista and Windows 7 C:\Users\[your username]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\User Pinned\TaskBar
Copy the content from %Temp%\smtmp\4\ to:
Windows XP : C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Desktop
Windows Vista and Windows 7: C:\Users\Public\Desktop

What’s next? Join our amazing community and build up your malware defenses !

10 Rules to Avoid Online Scams

Here are 10 practical safety rules to help you avoid malware, online shopping scams, crypto scams, and other online fraud. Each tip includes a quick “if you already got hit” action.

Stop and verify before you click, log in, download, or pay.

Most scams win by creating urgency. Verify using a trusted method: type the website address yourself, use the official app, or call a known number (not the one in the message).

If you already clicked: close the page, do not enter passwords, and run a malware scan.
Keep your operating system, browser, and apps updated.

Updates patch security holes used by malware and malicious ads. Turn on automatic updates where possible.

If you saw a scary “update now” pop-up: close it and update only through your device settings or the official app store.
Use layered protection: antivirus plus an ad blocker.

Antivirus helps block malware. An ad blocker reduces scam redirects, phishing pages, and malvertising.

If your browser is acting weird: remove unknown extensions, reset the browser, then run a full scan.
Install apps, software, and extensions only from official sources.

Avoid cracked software, “keygens,” and random downloads. During installs, choose Custom/Advanced and decline bundled offers you do not recognize.

If you already installed something suspicious: uninstall it, restart, and scan again.
Treat links and attachments as untrusted by default.

Phishing often impersonates delivery services, banks, and popular brands. If it is unexpected, do not open attachments or log in through the message.

If you entered credentials: change the password immediately and enable 2FA.
Shop safely: research the store, then pay with protection.

Be cautious with brand-new stores, “closing sale” stories, and prices that make no sense. Prefer credit cards or PayPal for dispute options. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, and crypto payments.

If you already paid: contact your card issuer or PayPal quickly to dispute the transaction.
Crypto rule: never pay a “fee” to withdraw or recover money.

Common patterns include fake profits, then “tax,” “gas,” or “verification” fees. Another is a “recovery agent” who demands upfront crypto.

If you already sent crypto: stop paying, save evidence (wallet addresses, TXIDs, chats), and report the scam to the platform used.
Secure your accounts with unique passwords and 2FA (start with email).

Use a password manager and unique passwords for every account. Enable 2FA using an authenticator app when possible.

If you suspect an account takeover: change passwords, sign out of all devices, and review recent logins and recovery settings.
Back up important files and keep one backup offline.

Backups protect you from ransomware and device failure. Keep at least one backup on an external drive that is not always connected.

If you suspect infection: do not connect backup drives until the system is clean.
If you think you are a victim: stop losses, document evidence, and escalate fast.

Move quickly. Speed matters for disputes, account recovery, and limiting damage.
- Stop payments and contact: do not send more money or respond to the scammer.
- Call your bank or card issuer: block transactions, replace the card if needed, and start a dispute or chargeback.
- Secure your email first: change the email password, enable 2FA, and remove unfamiliar recovery options.
- Secure other accounts: change passwords, enable 2FA, and log out of all sessions.
- Scan your device: remove suspicious apps or extensions, then run a full malware scan.
- Save evidence: screenshots, emails, order pages, tracking pages, wallet addresses, TXIDs, and chat logs.
- Report it: to the payment provider, marketplace, social platform, exchange, or wallet service involved.

These rules are intentionally simple. Most online losses happen when decisions are rushed. Slow down, verify independently, and use payment methods and account controls that give you recourse.

9 thoughts on “Uninstall Instructions for Smart HDD”

Zvjezdan Veselinovic

September 10, 2012 at 16:45

I have accidentally clicked the trial for malwarebytes. Will this have any effect on me removing this virus? I also cannot go online with my desktop. They disabled my internet and I cannot update malwarebytes since I cannot go online. Will this also affect anything if I try and disable it while running normally? Also, for the temp folders I only have folders 1 and 4. Is this a problem?

Thank You for looking at my questions. I really need the help.
- Stelian Pilici
  
  September 10, 2012 at 16:59
  Hello Zvjezdan,
  No,it’s not a problem that you’ve activated the Mawlarebytes trial… This will just add real-time protection to your machine…
  Now,as far as your Interent goes,the new version of Live Security Platinum will compromise your firewall so that you can’t connect to the Internet.Please disable the Interent (or use the License Key from the article), then restart your computer and then follow this guide:
  STEP 1: Run a scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware in Chameleon Mode in Norman mode:
  1. Download Malwarebytes Chameleon from here and extract it to a folder in a convenient location
  2. Make certain that your PC is connected to the internet and then open the folder where you extracted Chameleon to and double-click on the Chameleon help file and then follow the onscreen instructions to use it.
  3. If the Chameleon help file itself will not open, then double-click each file one by one until you find one that works, which will be indicated by a black DOS/command prompt window Note: Do not attempt to open mbam-killer as that is not a Chameleon executable and serves a different purpose)
  4. Follow the onscreen instructions to press a key to continue and Chameleon will proceed to download and install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for you
  5. Once it has done this, it will attempt to update Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, click OK when it says that the database was updated successful
  6. Next, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will automatically open and perform a Quick scan
  7. Upon completion of the scan, if anything has been detected, click on Show Result
  8. Have Malwarebytes Anti-Malware remove any threats that are detected and click Yes if prompted to reboot your computer to allow the removal process to complete
  9. After your computer restarts, open Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and perform a Full System scan to verify that there are no remaining threats
  STEP 2: Run a scan with RogueKiller
  1. Please download the latest official version of RogueKiller.
    RogueKiller Download Link (This link will automatically download RogueKiller on your computer)
  2. Double click on RogueKiller.exe to start this utility and then wait for the Prescan to complete.This should take only a few seconds and then you can click the Scan button to perform a system scan.
  3. After the scan has completed, press the Delete button to remove any malicious registry keys.
  4. Next we will need to restore your shortcuts, so click on the ShortcutsFix button and allow the program to run.
  STEP 3 Please perform a scan with HitmanPro as seen on the guide.
  If you are having problems starting this program please use the ForceBreach mode as described in the guide.
  
  STEP 4: Run a scan with ESET Online Scanner:
  1. Download ESET Online Scanner utility.
    ESET Online Scanner Download Link (This link will automatically download ESET Online Scanner on your computer.)
  2. Double click on the Eset installer program (esetsmartinstaller_enu.exe).
  3. Check Yes, I accept the Terms of Use
  4. Click the Start button.
  5. Check Scan archives
  6. Push the Start button.
  7. ESET will then download updates for itself, install itself, and begin scanning your computer. Please be patient as this can take some time.
  8. When the scan completes, push Finish
  Waiting for your reply to tell me how everything is running!
  Good luck…
  - Zvjezdan Veselinovic
    
    September 10, 2012 at 17:26
    
    But I can’t troubleshoot my internet while on safe mode. So how can I update Malwarebytes if I cannot go online?? I am using my laptop at the moment by the way.
  - Stelian Pilici
    
    September 10, 2012 at 17:31
    
    What firewall are you using?
  - Zvjezdan Veselinovic
    
    September 10, 2012 at 17:34
    
    Windows 7 firewall. It’s default. I only installed Norton and that’s it. Also, Visual Studios, but that is for my computer coding class.
  - Zvjezdan Veselinovic
    
    September 10, 2012 at 17:33
    
    So far I am doing the full system scan for malwarebytes and 308K files + and an hour later it finds only 1 object. In my temp folder, I have online the 1 and 4. Not 2 or 3. I had a similar problem with this kind of thing with my laptop, but I went on safe mode and full system scanned my laptop, removing the other rogue that I probably got from SPAM emails or watching too many streams. =( So with that past I did the same thing to my desktop. I ran Norton and it didn’t find anything. Since the person hid my files from me, I scanned my C and D manually. Alas, nothing. Now malwarebytes found one object, however, I am still in safe mode and I did networking, but I cannot connect to the internet because they disabled my lan.
Friederike

May 3, 2012 at 01:21

Help Please!

I’m in safe mode with networking. I want to remove malicious proxy but when I click on Internet explorer a message pops up “Internet Explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close. Send error report or dont send”. If I click either I do not get anywhere with this message. Can anyone help?
- Jack
  
  May 3, 2012 at 03:12
  
  Do you have any other browsers installed?If yes, then you can use another browser until you remove this infection.
  Please start a thread inn our Malware Remmoval Help forum.
miguel lopez

April 26, 2012 at 13:58

OHHHH MYYYY GAAWWWD I can’t believe how in depth this was simply amazing I am almost at a loss for words I have learned so much reading all this, I have learned about a couple new products that I WILL!! be donating to simply amazing bravo A+ in my book!! there was one thing though the last program in the list the rouge killer was flagged by Norton antivirus I will be removing it because I don’t like Norton I prefer avast at the moment unless you have some recommendations to a anti-virus program… top shelf none the less absolutely helpful.

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Uninstall Instructions for Smart HDD