Remove S.M.A.R.T Check and Repair virus

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Written by: Stelian

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If you are seeing a fake alert from S.M.A.R.T Check or S.M.A.R.T Repair then you’re probably reading this article so you can understand how to get rid of it.Thankfully we’ve got the instructions to help you get rid of this virus.

First off all , you should know that , S.M.A.R.T Check and S.M.A.R.T Repair are both fake components of Data Recovery or Smart HDD malicious software, this infections 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.
The infections has changed your desktop background to a black scren, has hidden your files and shortcuts and it’s causing browsing redirects.

If you’ve got a S.M.A.R.T virus infection , you’ll be seeing this screens :

[Image: Smart Check.png]

[Image: Smart Repair.png]

[Image: Smart alert.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.

If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove Smart HDD from your machine, please start a new thread in our Malware Removal Assistance forum.

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.

138 thoughts on “Remove S.M.A.R.T Check and Repair virus”

  2. I didn’t do them in any order but I think it worked i still have yet to turn it off and restart it I’m scared to do it how do i keep all that malware away from my computer? Should i scan with any product monthly any suggestions? Thank you so much

  3. Thank you SO MUCH! I went through each step and it worked like a charm. I really appreciate the help.

  4. Thank you so much for this guide. It was easy to follow, comprehensive and allowed me to restore my system in under two hours. Brilliant!

  5. Thank you so much for taking the time to write this brilliant and comprehensive. Printed off and followed the guide to the letter, little or no confusion following it. Job was done in under 2 hours and PC has been fine and back to normal since then…no more opening emails from DHL about tracking numbers for me.
    Thank you again, your hard-work was a real life saver.

  6. About 10 years ago, I just knew my computer was infected with the worst ever, malware, adware and virus all in one. It took me a month to track it down, then to uninstall. However, I was wrong, Smart HDD was 100 times more evil and distructive. Now, it is gone. Had I not found this site, it would have been off the the computer repair, and who knows what might or might not have been saved. Or what it would have cost me for the computer tech to do the steps you so clearly laid out. Thnk You, Thank You and again Thank You

  8. Your site is amazing! I was able to remove the virus. Thanks so much for the time and effort:)

  9. Thank you so much!! I am a computer moron, with your great directions, I fixed it on my own!! Thanks!!!

  10. I can not download the MalwareBytes setup. I go through the process and at the end of the download i get a box that says access denied. Help, what else can I try, or how do i get access? I tried it with both internet explorer and firefox, same results on both. I tried to rename the file, no good. I downloaded the file on another computer to a thumb drive, still no good.

    • Did you run RKILL before attempting to download Malwarebytes??
      STEP 1 : Try to download HitmanPro and then start this program in ForceBreach Mode
      1.Here are the direct download links for HitmanPro,
      – http://dl.surfright.nl/HitmanPro36.exe (For 32bit)
      – http://dl.surfright.nl/HitmanPro36_x64.exe (For 64bit)
      2.Hold down the left CTRL-key when you start HitmanPro and all non-essential processes are terminated, including the Smart HDD malicious process
      Here is a video that explains with graphic details how to do this : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6eRWTv2STk
      3. If it start ,let it scan and remove all the detected threats , after that run the RKILL scan and then try to scan with Malwarebytes!

      STEP 2: Next , perform a system scan with Emsisoft Emergency Kit:

      1. Download the latest official version of Emsisoft Emergency Kit
      2. After the download process will has comleted, you’ll need to unpack EmsisoftEmergencyKit.zip
        [Image: ekk1.png]
      3. Open the Emsisoft Emergency Kit Folder and double click EmergencyKitScanner.bat
        [Image: ekk2.png]
      4. A pop-up will prompt you to update Emsisoft Emergency Kit , please click the “Yes” button.

        [Image: ekk3.png]

        [Image: ekk4.png]

      5. After the Update process has completed , put the mouse cursor over the “Menu” tab on the left and click-on “Scan PC”.

        [Image: ekk5.png]

      6. Select “Smart scan” and click-on the below “SCAN” button.

        [Image: ekk6.png]

      7. Emsisoft Emergency Kit will now start scanning your computer for malicious files as shown below.

        [Image: ekk7.png]

      8. When the scan will be completed , you will be presented with a screen showing you the malware infections that Emsisoft Emergency Kit 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 ‘Quarantine selected objects’ button.
        [Image: ekk8.png]
      9. Emsisoft Emergency Kit will now start removing the malicious files.
        If during the removal process Emsisoft will display a message stating that it needs to reboot, please allow this request.

      If you are still experiencing problems , start a thread in our Malware Removal Support forum : http://malwaretips.com/Forum-Help-my-PC-is-infected

  12. Thanks guys thought i was up Sh!t street your walk through fix it no problem thanks again

  13. HitmanPro 3.6.0 Build 153 (from your link) does not have a one-time free activation option.

      • Please perform a system Scan with Emsisoft:

        Download and scan with Emsisoft Emergency Kit

        1. Please download the latest official version of Emsisoft Emergency Kit.

        2. After the download process will finish , you’ll need to unpack EmsisoftEmergencyKit.zip
          [Image: ekk1.png]
        3. Open the Emsisoft Emergency Kit Folder and double click EmergencyKitScanner.bat
          [Image: ekk2.png]
        4. A pop-up will prompt you to update Emsisoft Emergency Kit , please click the “Yes” button.

          [Image: ekk3.png]

          [Image: ekk4.png]

        5. After the Update process has completed , put the mouse cursor over the “Menu” tab on the left and click-on “Scan PC”.

          [Image: ekk5.png]

        6. Select “Smart scan” and click-on the below “SCAN” button.

          [Image: ekk6.png]

        7. Emsisoft Emergency Kit will now start scanning your computer for malicious files as shown below.

          [Image: ekk7.png]

        8. When the scan will be completed , you will be presented with a screen showing you the malware infections that Emsisoft Emergency Kit 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 ‘Quarantine selected objects’ button.
          [Image: ekk8.png]
        9. Emsisoft Emergency Kit will now start removing the malicious files.
          If during the removal process Emsisoft will display a message stating that it needs to reboot, please allow this request.

      • Tarrbot:
        There is a “one time scan” option. You have to start the install to get to it.

  14. I did everything listed on this website to remove the S.M.A.R.T. virus from my computer. No luck. whenever I reboot my computer it is still there. If I do a system restore to an earlier date when I got this problem, will it remove this issue? I have used Rkill, Malware Bytes, HotmanPro, Tweaking.com Unhide.exe, and RogueKiller. Not working. In addition this also comes up as Data Recovery. very irritating.

    Any input is appreciated.

    Thank You.

    • Hello John,
      Did you remove all the detected threats? Please try to perform another Full System Scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware..and remove all the detected threats.
      Next , perform a system scan with Emsisoft Emergency Kit:

      You can also try to make a scan with Emsisoft Emergency Kit… just to make sure everything is clean… :)

      Download and scan with Emsisoft Emergency Kit

      1. Please download the latest official version of Emsisoft Emergency Kit.

      2. After the download process will finish , you’ll need to unpack EmsisoftEmergencyKit.zip
        [Image: ekk1.png]
      3. Open the Emsisoft Emergency Kit Folder and double click EmergencyKitScanner.bat
        [Image: ekk2.png]
      4. A pop-up will prompt you to update Emsisoft Emergency Kit , please click the “Yes” button.

        [Image: ekk3.png]

        [Image: ekk4.png]

      5. After the Update process has completed , put the mouse cursor over the “Menu” tab on the left and click-on “Scan PC”.

        [Image: ekk5.png]

      6. Select “Smart scan” and click-on the below “SCAN” button.

        [Image: ekk6.png]

      7. Emsisoft Emergency Kit will now start scanning your computer for malicious files as shown below.

        [Image: ekk7.png]

      8. When the scan will be completed , you will be presented with a screen showing you the malware infections that Emsisoft Emergency Kit 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 ‘Quarantine selected objects’ button.
        [Image: ekk8.png]
      9. Emsisoft Emergency Kit will now start removing the malicious files.
        If during the removal process Emsisoft will display a message stating that it needs to reboot, please allow this request.

      If you are still experiencing problems , please start a thread in our Malware Removal Forum : http://malwaretips.com/Forum-Help-my-PC-is-infected

  17. HI there just wanted to say I had received an supposedd email from the USPS saying that my package was not delivered due to a wrong address. Well it just so happened that i was supposed to receive a package from USPS that very week. Like a dummy, I opened it up and opened up the shipping label that was attached. In doing so, I opened up a virus that took me 4 hours to wipe off my computer. Thankfully I was able to remove it effectively. So far no problems but will keep my fingers crossed. Thanks so much to this site for giving me all the info I needed and steps required to get rid of this horrid thing! I was so upset last night when I thought I had lost everything! What a sicko to come up with such a thing to scare people into identity theft. Freaking idiots! I’m just so thankful I got all my info back! Thanks so much for this!!

  18. Thanks for your very clear and easy to follow instructions which work perfectly. Highly recommended to all.

  20. thank you!you’re aweome!I’ve manage to remove this virus!thank you agaiN!!!

    • Nice work!! Seems to have done the job.
      Anyone following…. For me, when back in normal mode to run Hitman Pro, the virus was still active… Just ignore it (and all it’s warnings and windows etc.) and it will get killed off as you move through.
      Thanks again :-)

      • I got infected with the SMART HDD virus. When I got the symptoms I also got a UAC box asking if appdata/local/temp/aolupdate.exe should be allowed to update something. Running just malware bytes was not sufficient. After restarting, I was immediately re-infected. I then deleted imvuclient re-ran malwarebytes (found 3 viruses). Then ran ESET online scan, which found 9 viruses. I checked and the aolupdate.exe was still there, so I manually renamed and moved to another folder. I still have it so I could upload it so scanners can start checking for it. So far I haven’t been reinfected. Running secunia now. I suspect the IMVU client was the culprit, though I’m not certain. Couldn’t get secunia to scan in safe mode.

      • Thank you! I had removed the virus and unhid my files but I couldn’t get my favorites back, etc. I followed your directions and SUCCESS. Thanks again.

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