Remove Data Recovery,S.M.A.R.T HDD,Repair and Check virus

Photo of author

Written by: Stelian

Published on:

If you are seeing a Serious Disk Error Writing Drive C:\ alert on your computer screen,then as you probably already suspect you’re computer has been infected with a rogue software.
The malicious software is known as Smart HDD,Data Recovery,S.M.A.R.T Virus or S.M.A.R.T Check and has changed your desktop background,hidden your files and shortcuts and it’s causing browsing redirects.
In addition the S.M.A.R.T Virus will display fake alerts, claiming that several hard drive errors were detected on your computer.In reality, none of the reported issues are real, and are only used to scare you into buying S.M.A.R.T Virus and stealing your personal financial information.
We strongly advise you to follow our S.M.A.R.T Virus 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.
If you’ve got a S.M.A.R.T Virus infection , you’ll be seeing this screens :
[Image: Smart-HDD.png]

[Image: Smart-HDD.png]

[Image: Smart-HDD.png]

Registration codes for S.M.A.R.T Virus

As an optional step,you can use the following license key to register S.M.A.R.T Virus and stop the fake alerts.
Data Recovery Rogue: 08869246386344953972969146034087
SMART HDD Rogue: 15801587234612645205224631045976
Please keep in mind that entering the above registration code will NOT remove S.M.A.R.T Virus from your computer , instead it will just stop the fake alerts so that you’ll be able to complete our removal guide more easily.

Removal guide for S.M.A.R.T Virus

STEP 1 : Start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking

  1. Remove all floppy disks, CDs, and DVDs from your computer, and then restart your computer.
  2. 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.
  3. On the Advanced Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode with Networking , and then press ENTER.
    [Image: Safemode.jpg]
  4. Log on to your computer with a user account that has administrator rights

STEP 2: Remove S.M.A.R.T Virus malicious proxy server

S.M.A.R.T Virus may add a proxy server which prevents the user from accessing the internet,follow the below instructions to remove the proxy.

  1. Start Internet Explorer [Image: S.M.A.R.T Virus- IE] and if you are using Internet Explorer 9 ,click on the gear icon   [Image: IE gear icon] (Tools for Internet Explorer 8 users) ,then select Internet Options.
    [Image: Internet-options-IE.png]
  2. Go to the tab Connections.At the bottom, click on LAN settings.
    [Image: Remove-proxy-server2.png]
  3. 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.
    [Image: Remove-proxy-server3.png]

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 S.M.A.R.T Virus.

RKill is a program that attempts to terminate any malicious processes associated with S.M.A.R.T Virus ,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.

  1. While your computer is in Safe Mode with Networking ,please download the latest official version of RKill.
    [Image: download-rkill.png
  2. Double-click on the RKill iconin order to automatically attempt to stop any processes associated with S.M.A.R.T Virus.
    [Image: run-rkill-1.png]
  3. RKill will now start working in the background, please be patient while the program looks for various malware programs and tries to terminate them.
    [Image: run-rkill-2.png]
    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.
  4. When Rkill has completed its task, it will generate a log. You can then proceed with the rest of the guide.
    [Image: S.M.A.R.T Virus rkill3.jpg]

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 S.M.A.R.T Virus malicious files with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware FREE

  1. Please download the latest official version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware FREE.
    download Malwarebytes
  2. Install Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware by double clicking on mbam-setup.
    [Image: malwarebytes-installer.png]
  3. 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.
    [Image: install-malwarebytes.png]
  4. 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.
    [Image: decline-trial-malwarebytes.png]
  5. 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.
    [Image: malwarebytes-full-system-scan.png]
  6. Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware will now start scanning your computer for S.M.A.R.T Virus malicious files as shown below.
    [Image: malwarebytes-scanning.png]
  7. When the scan is finished a message box will appear, click OK to continue.
    [Image: malwarebytes-scan-finish.png]
  8. 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.
    [Image: malwarebytes-scan-results.png]
  9. 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.
    [Image: malwarebytes-reboot-prompt.png]

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

  1. This step can be performed in Normal Mode ,so please download the latest official version of HitmanPro.
    [Image: Download Hitman Pro]
  2. Double click on the previously downloaded file to start the HitmanPro installation.
    [Image: hitmanpro-icon.png]
    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)
  3. Click on Next to install HitmanPro on your system.
    [Image: installing-hitmanpro.png]
  4. 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.
    [Image: hitmanpro-setup-options.png]
  5. 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.
    [Image: hitmanpro-scanning.png]
  6. 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.
    [Image: hitmanpro-scan-results.png]
  7. Click Activate free license to start the free 30 days trial and remove the malicious files.
    [Image: hitmanpro-activation.png]
  8. 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

S.M.A.R.T Virus 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.

  1. Download Unhide.exe, to unhide your files and folders.
    Download Unhide.exe
  2. Double-click on the Unhide.exe icon on your desktop and allow the program to run.The whole process should not take more than 5 minutes to complete,and at the end this utility will generate a report.
    Unhide files utility

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

S.M.A.R.T Virus 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.

  1. Please download the latest official version of RogueKiller.
    download RogueKiller
  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 Start button to perform a system scan.
    [Image: roguekiller-1.png]
  3. After the scan has completed, press the Delete button to remove any malicious registry keys.
    [Image: roguekiller-2.png]
  4. Next we will need to restore your shortcuts, so click on the ShortcutsFix button and allow the program to run.
    [Image: roguekiller-1.png]

STEP 8: Get your desktop look back!

S.M.A.R.T Virus 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.

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.

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

    warning sign

    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.

  2. Keep your operating system, browser, and apps updated.

    updates guide

    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.

  3. Use layered protection: antivirus plus an ad blocker.

    shield guide

    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.

  4. Install apps, software, and extensions only from official sources.

    install guide

    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.

  5. Treat links and attachments as untrusted by default.

    cursor sign

    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.

  6. Shop safely: research the store, then pay with protection.

    trojan horse

    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.

  7. Crypto rule: never pay a “fee” to withdraw or recover money.

    lock sign

    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.

  8. Secure your accounts with unique passwords and 2FA (start with email).

    lock sign

    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.

  9. Back up important files and keep one backup offline.

    backup sign

    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.

  10. If you think you are a victim: stop losses, document evidence, and escalate fast.

    warning sign

    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.

236 thoughts on “Remove Data Recovery,S.M.A.R.T HDD,Repair and Check virus”

  1. Hola cool that you’re a Barce fan :) I was infected by the file restore virus I then got a programme on line that said it would kill it pctools spyware they told me to rename it then delete it and it has relaunched itself as hidden it stops me from using my various email accounts makes browsing very tricky and previously I tried to save my data on a usb stick and windows wouldn’t upload it’s a cyber nightmare real messy and it seems no way out of this cyber maze . I went to the registry but was uncertain of what to delete there any help at all would you be so much appreciated . I have downloaded malaware but not sure if that works either !

    • Hello lullu,
      Please follow the instructions from this article,it should remove the infection and restore your files!

  2. Thank you so much for the help in getting my computer files back again. I followed instructions however I cannot turn on the Firewall or access any Windows updates. I have McAfee Security on the system. I have read the comments about the fix for Windows 7 please could you let me know if there is a fix for Vista?

  3. Thank you for providing this information. I almost fell into the identity theft trap until I read your blog. And the repair instructions were perfect and easy to follow. Thanks!!!!!!

  4. I have malware which has completely wiped my desktop leaving a window instructing me that my computer is locked and to pay to have it unlocked. I have tried to implement your instructions but within a couple of seconds starting in safe mode reverts to normal mode leaving me back in square one, so I cannot access the internet or anything else. How can I overcome this, can you help?

      • Thank you very much for your advice but I’m afraid it’s beaten me. I succeeded in burning kav_10 and used it to boot but when I try to prompt ‘windowsunlocker’ (via ‘Terminal’) I receive ‘Command not found’. The Scan/Update window is already there and the Update takes about 10 minutes but scan does not progress beyond 0%, takes only a few seconds, and finds nothing (it appears not to work – is the virus blocking it?). After 2 or 3 attempts the program will advance no further than the licence agreement as it will no longer allow me to accept it. My PC now will not even allow me to choose between SAFE or NORMAL mode as the very first screen stops halfway for about 3 minutes, then askes me to change the disk (it requires a CD ROM). Is this all the virus, or do I now have a hardware fault? I am a pensioner using the PC for my projects and am not at all computer literate, I was actually proud of myself for having got this far which is a testimony to your instructions.

      • Lets see if we can fix this John.
        Please see: http://support.kaspersky.com/viruses/rescuedisk/all?page=1&qid=208286101

        Using Kaspersky Registry Editor, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
        – userinit parameter is supposed to be C:\Windows\system32\userinit.exe,
        -shell parameter is supposed to be Explorer.exe

        Please make a note of the malware parameters and then post the malware parameters and then change the parameters to the correct.Reboot you machine.

        If still no go, using Kaspersky Registry Editor, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run and
        HKEY_USERS\<name of the problem user>\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
        and post back with anythig that looks abnormal (entries with random letters or numbers…etc).

  5. Thank Lord Jesus first of all a trillion times for your great brain, kind heart, mind and hardworking … Please give all glory to Him… you or me is nothing on earth… and finally thanks for your precious time for all of us here…with similar kind of issues. Before getting your site here, I had installed malwarebytes as soon as I saw all files n fldrs disappearing on my desktop. Hence had started scanning as well, before your detailed instructions. After that I removed all virus by checking all boxes in the result. next in a hurry I just tried to unhide files from folder settings, so in a sense I have recovered files on my desktop, but few issues still remain, like I cannot see system restore button in start menu, progs, accesories, sys tools. I thought of doing sys restore, since there are few changes after this virus attack. And few programme files still show that its empty, means all are not unhidden still that means. And I see a shortcut icon on desktop saying file restore, which I dont know how it came, had’nt seen it before I guess. And in your 8 steps, I have done only 1 that is installed malwarebytes and scanned my system. Is it imp for me to do other steps, if yes which I should. And as I use snaggit for official work, shortcut key to capture snagit is missing although snagit is there right now. so please hurry to answer my last question atleast since I’m in a hurry to do my official work as of now.

    • Hello SMITA,
      1.Can you please follow the instructions from this guide: http://malwaretips.com/Thread-Files-still-hidden-after-smart-hdd-removal-and-unhide-exe?pid=55462#pid55462
      2.Please perform the following scans:
      STEP 1: Run a scan with Emsisoft Emergency Kit.

      1. Please download the latest official version of Emsisoft Emergency Kit.
        EMSISOFT EMERGENCY KIT DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open a download page in a new window from where you can download Emsisoft Emergency Kit)
      2. After the download process will finish , you’ll need to unpack EmsisoftEmergencyKit.zip and then double click on EmergencyKitScanner.bat
      3. A pop-up will prompt you to update Emsisoft Emergency Kit , please click the “Yes” button.After the Update process has completed , put the mouse cursor over the “Menu” tab on the left and click-on “Scan PC“.
      4. Select “Smart scan” and click-on the below “SCAN” button.When the scan will be completed , you will be presented with a screen showing you the malware infections that Emsisoft Emergency Kit has detected.Make sure that everything is Checked (ticked) and click on the ‘Quarantine selected objects‘ button.

      STEP 2: 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

  7. Hi Stelian,

    Thank you so much for this it worked wonderfully the only thing is I still have a file on my computer called data recovery which when clicked on is the S.M.A.R.T checker that came up originally with all the pop up boxes. I’ve run malware bytes and my anti virus mcafee and it says there is no risk, is this the case? I’ve also tried to uninstall it but it does not show up there. Please help, I’m scared to use my computer still.

    Thank you

    • Hello Anna,
      That should be just an left over file from this infection.Right click on it and select delete to get rid of it.
      NEXT,for your peace of mind, please perform the following scans:
      STEP 1: Run a scan with Emsisoft Emergency Kit.

      1. Please download the latest official version of Emsisoft Emergency Kit.
        EMSISOFT EMERGENCY KIT DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open a download page in a new window from where you can download Emsisoft Emergency Kit)
      2. After the download process will finish , you’ll need to unpack EmsisoftEmergencyKit.zip and then double click on EmergencyKitScanner.bat
      3. A pop-up will prompt you to update Emsisoft Emergency Kit , please click the “Yes” button.After the Update process has completed , put the mouse cursor over the “Menu” tab on the left and click-on “Scan PC“.
      4. Select “Smart scan” and click-on the below “SCAN” button.When the scan will be completed , you will be presented with a screen showing you the malware infections that Emsisoft Emergency Kit has detected.Make sure that everything is Checked (ticked) and click on the ‘Quarantine selected objects‘ button.

      STEP 2: 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

      • Thank you so much Stelian! I had tried to delete this leftover file a number of times and it just kept coming back but following these last instructions it has gone completely. It’s a great to know there is somewhere to come if this happens as I was ready to just buy a new computer. I have told all my friends about this site and you. Thank you again.

  9. I followed your instructions and removed the SMART virus from my computer about 2 months ago. However, I seem to have the virus again on my computer (actually on two of my computers… grrrrrrrrrrr.) The virus seems to have changed. It is not called the SMART virus but it most of the windows look the same.

    I am unable to get connection to the internet. I did use a thumb drive to run malwarebytes. However, I cannot run hitman pro, because it asks for an internet connection. Malwarebytes is unable to remove the virus by itself. Any suggestions? Thanks! Jason

    • Hello Jason,
      Can you please run a scan with Combofix and Complete Internet Repairso that I can get an idea on what’s going on :
      STEP 1 : Run a scan with Combofix
      Download ComboFix from one of the following locations:
      COMBOFIX DOWNLOAD LINK #1 (This link will automatically download Combofix on your computer)
      COMBOFIX DOWNLOAD LINK #2  (This link will automatically download Combofix on your computer)
      VERY IMPORTANT !!! Save as Combo-Fix.exe during the download.ComboFix must be renamed before you download to your Desktop

      • Close any open browsers.
      • Very Important!: Temporarily disable your anti-virus, script blocking and any anti-malware real-time protection beforeperforming a scan. They can interfere with ComboFix or remove some of its embedded files which may cause “unpredictable results”.
      • WARNING: Combofix will disconnect your machine from the Internet as soon as it starts
      • Please do not attempt to re-connect your machine back to the Internet until Combofix has completely finished.
      • If there is no internet connection after running Combofix, then restart your computer to restore back your connection.
      1. Double click on ComboFix.exe & follow the prompts.
      2. Accept the disclaimer and allow to update if it asks
      3. When finished, it shall produce a log for you.

      Notes:

      1. Do not mouse-click Combofix’s window while it is running. That may cause it to stall.
      2. Do not “re-run” Combofix. If you have a problem, reply back for further instructions.
      3. If after the reboot you get errors about programms being marked for deletion then reboot, that will cure it.

      STEP 2: Run a scan with Complete Internet Repair utility

      1. Download Complete Internet Repair utilityto your desktop
      2. Unzip all the files to their own folder on the desktop
      3. Within the folder double click CIntRep
      4. Select the following items,then press the GO button.
        • Reset Interent Protocol (TCP/IP)
        • Repair Winsock (Reset Catalog)
        • Renew Internet Connection
        • Flush DNS Resolver Cache
        • Reset Windows Firewall Configuration
        • Reset the default hosts fie

      Waiting for your reply to tell me if your machine is ok and the logs from this utilities.

  10. Hello Stelian, You saved My Bacon. I have executed all steps. I have a dual boot system. Both drives were compromised. (A.) Drive Start Menu shows folders with prog. names. When clicked on programs do not run. When right clicked folders show as empty. (B.) Drive Start Menu show programs as icons with name of prog. left sigle click opens prog. right click will not expose sub folders. What is to be done next ? Once again you Rock. I wil be donating as well as liking you and singing your praises .

  11. Wow : I`ve been working at a distance w/my Tech. He suggested a search which turned up _U_ YOU ROCK ! Detailed accurate easy to follow advice. I am on IT at this moment. It is looking less bleak thanks to you.

  12. I had all these same things pop up as you have stated thru the article but when I start my computer I get nothing but a black screen with a blinking cursor!!! I can press F2 for system setup but that is all if i try & do anything else it says keyboard failure!! Please HELP!!!!

Comments are closed.

Next

How to Remove Windows Safeguard Upgrade virus