Remove SMART Repair

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Written by: Stelian

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S.M.A.R.T Repair is a PC virus that will display fake alerts, claiming that several hard drive erros were detected on your computer.
S.M.A.R.T Repair and S.M.A.R.T Check are components of the Smart HDD rogue software.
In reality, none of the issues are real, and are only used to scare you into buying Smart HDD and stealing your personal financial informations.
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 can lead to identity theft.

If you’ve got a S.M.A.R.T Repair infection , you’ll be seeing this screens :
[Image: Smart-HDD.png]

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 S.M.A.R.T Repair

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 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.

  1. Start Internet Explorer [Image: Smart HDD- 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 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.

  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 Smart HDD.
    [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: Smart HDD 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 Smart HDD 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 Smart HDD 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

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.

  1. Please download Tweaking.com-UnhideNonSystemFiles.exe to unhide your files and folders.
    [Image: download-unhide.png]
  2. Double click on Tweaking.com-UnhideNonSystemFiles.exe and when the utility starts click on the ‘Start’ button to unhide your files.
    [Image: unhide-icon.png]

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.

  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!

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.
    [Image: viewhiddenfiles.png]

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.
[Image: Show hidden files, folders, and drives.png]

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

[Image: Show hidden files, folders, and drives.png]

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

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.

65 thoughts on “Remove SMART Repair”

  1. I followed all the instructions here, I ran everything in safe mode, things seem almost back to normal but the toolbar/system tray has no icons. Also the “Data Recovery” icon is still on my desktop, does that mean I still have the virus?

    • What operating system are you on?
      Apart from the missing icons , how’s your computer behaving?
      Did you remove all the infected objects detected?:)

      • Windows 7 home premium. Everything seems to be working fine, just missing icons and shortcuts, another weird thing is whenever I go to any website that has an email field, it automatically populates my email address in it as soon as I type the first letter, it never did that before. I did remove all infected objects, and then when I was all done with everything I restarted my computer and reran malwarbytes on a quick scan and nothing was detected. I sure appreciate your help!

      • Hey Jane,
        One more thing..What browser are you using?:)

        Ok….Try this steps:

        1. Open Computer, go to Organize tab and select Folder and search options, then in the window that appeared select View tab and choose the option Show hidden files, folders, and drives. Click Apply and OK.

        2.Go to C:\Users\Your User Name\AppData\Local\Temp and find the smtmp folder….In it , you’ll find 4 folders named : 1,2,3 and 4.
        Copy the content of this folder to this locations:

        1. %Temp%\smtmp\1 to C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu
        2. %Temp%\smtmp\2 to C:\Users\your username\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\
        3. %Temp%\smtmp\3 to C:\Users\your username\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\User Pinned\TaskBar
        4. %Temp%\smtmp\4 to C:\Users\Public\Desktop

      • I’m using Internet Explorer. I tried those steps but I only show folder 1 and 4, there’s no 2 and 3 which explains why I’m not showing everything, any suggestions? thank you!

      • I ended up doing a system restore to get everything back the way it was. I have heard of so many security issues with IE, I’m guilty of having been too lazy to learn to navigate with a new browser, but I will take no more chances, chrome it is! Thanks again for all your help!

  2. Thank you so much for posting this information in such easy and simple to follow steps – you guys / girls really have helped me out enormously and I am very very appreciative for your help and support. Have a great day! Thanks again. Craig

  3. Not sure why I do not get anything on the log after I run Rkill. I tried a few times but still nothing listed. I did run my antivirus right before I started this process. Do you think antivirus already removed all issues?

  5. I am so pleased that I found the above instructions to remove this horrible virus. Thank you all so much for the help shown – it took a while but saved me a lot of money. The only problem I have is I cannot get back my background /accessories file but am still following hints etc so hopefully soon it will be back.

  6. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That helped fix my problem. It took just under 5 hours but I got it all done. I wish I knew how this happened.

    • Please follow the guide , even if the serial doesn’t work anymore…That’s just an optional step:)

  8. This was very helpful thanks! I’m running windows xp. How do I restore the programs under “start” – “all programs”? In each case these are shown as empty.

      • Thanks…this works great for accessories and admin tools. I’m wondering how to do this for the many other items under “start” “all programs”. Like itunes, roxio, Microsoft office, real player, etc., etc., etc.

        Thank you again…the detailed instructions and solutions are most helpful.

      • Ok….Try this steps:

        1. Open “My Computer”, go to “Tools” tab and select “Folder Options”, then in the window that appeared select “View” tab and choose the option “Show hidden files and folders”. Click “Apply” and “OK”.

        2.Go to C:\DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS\Current User\LOCAL SETTINGS\Temp and find the smtmp folder….In it , you’ll find 4 folders named : 1,2,3 and 4.
        Copy the content of this folder to this locations:
        %Temp%\smtmp\1 to C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu
        %Temp%\smtmp\2 to C:\Documents and Settings\[your username]\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\
        %Temp%\smtmp\3 won’t be available on Windows XP.
        %Temp%\smtmp\4 to C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Desktop

      • I only had folders 1 and 2 in my smtmp folder. I copied them to the destinations, but after restart I still get the following after a reboot: Start – All Programs – Microsoft Office – Microsoft Office Tools – (empty)

        I was wondering if restoring my computer to an earlier date using “System Restore” might help, but I was worried about getting the SMART virus again after doing all this work to get rid of it.

      • No need to do a System Restore…..Apart from Start – All Programs – Microsoft Office – Microsoft Office Tools, all the other start menu items are back right?

  9. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That helped fix my problem. It took just under 5 hours but I got it all done. I wish I knew how this happened.

  10. FANTASTIC stuff guys, GREATLY appriciated. My start menu isn’t quite back to normal, but i’m sure it’ll sort itself out as i use my programs again. Thanks a bunch!

  13. Thank you for putting this together, it worked great and saved me a lot of money and hassle. Thank You again.

  14. Thanks so much. This worked for me. What a relief! My computer would not let me install Rogue Killer, but that is the only problem I encountered. Thanks again.

  17. Your article was a great help! I was unable to install Malwarebytes but I just needed to backup some files. Also, somehow all of the files on the computer were set as “hidden” (I couldn’t go into the documents folder or anywhere on the “c:” drive so you may have to open “My Computer” or “Computer” and hit the “Alt” key. Click on “Tools”, “Folder Options”. Then click on the “View” tab in the window that opens. Make sure there is a black selection dot on “Show hidden files, folders, and drives”. The you should be able to access all of your documents for backup. I personally would not continue to use the infected system after cleaning, but I realize some users may not be able to reformat their computers for whatever reasons.

    • One more thing… As all of the files you may back-up are set as hidden you will probably not be able to see them on your “fresh” Windows install unless you do the previously mentioned “show hidden files” proccess on the fresh windows install or right click on the folder that contains your backed up files and select “properties” and then select the box next to “Hidden” until there is no check mark and no blue square… The box should be empty. Then click ok or apply.

  18. Malware bytes said I have 8,056 bad files. Run avira daily, last time yesterday. Is program picking files that are ok? How would I know?

    • Malwarebytes usually has a very low false positive ratio so I doubt that this is a mistake…..Select as recommended action to Quarantine the files just in case….
      If you want you can post the log on our forums and we can help you!

  19. Thanks so much! It took some time, but following your removal guide worked. the only snag i had was with hitman pro when i tried to use it to remove the malicious software it detected. it said my trial version had expired. but all i had to do was remove it and install it again and it worked fine. the shortcuts on my desktop did not come back but that was easy enough to remedy. Thanks again!

  20. thanks for the help. I’m still having trouble fixing my background. It will only let me choose solid colors. Any tips? Thanks

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