S.M.A.R.T Check Rogue Removal Instructions

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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If you’ve got S.M.A.R.T Check alert on your computer,then as you probably already suspect you’re computer has been infected with a rogue software.
S.M.A.R.T Check has changed your desktop background,hidden your files and shortcuts and it’s causing browsing redirects.T

S.M.A.R.T Check is a malicious software that 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 Check and stealing your personal financial information.
This rogue software has changed your desktop background,hidden your files and shortcuts and it’s causing browsing redirects.
We strongly advise you to follow our S.M.A.R.T Check 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 Check 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 Check

As an optional step,you can use the following license key to register S.M.A.R.T Check and stop the fake alerts.
08869246386344953972969146034087
Please keep in mind that entering the above registration code will NOT remove S.M.A.R.T Check 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 Check

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 Check malicious proxy server

S.M.A.R.T Check 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 Check- 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 Check.

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

Data Recovery 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 S.M.A.R.T Check 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 !

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

48 thoughts on “S.M.A.R.T Check Rogue Removal Instructions”

  3. I want to thank you for this. We had panicked thinking we had lost our data. We were lucky and had access to another computer and was able to Google and find this. One thing I did by mistake but it worked, I did a system restore ( I have Windows 7 ) after running Malwarebytes. It allowed me to access the internet which allowed me to get Hitman. I was having trouble getting Hitman and downloading. After this everything was a breeze and I got everything back. THANK YOU!!!!

  4. I had to be very patient. Follow the instructions and wait. Things do happen as is said on this page eventually. It sometimes can take an hour or two, especially when waiting for windows to start in safe mode.

    Now thanks to the author of this article. It is amazing to think that even though we have vermon (even this is a complement to such rubbish) in the world who creates and spreads malaware and virusses that there are enough smart and able people that can beat these excuses for human beings and are kind enough to sacrifice their time to combat this evil.

    It will be good if there can be international courts / tribunals that can take up cases of prosecuting individuals that spread these virusses and remove them from our society for a good long time.

  5. Hi mate, I was battling a malware rootkit that took control of IE and stopped downloads completing and all anti spyware programs from running I found Rogue Killer on my own and managed to download it through safari, it was the only program to stop it dead and allow me control back but when I’d re-boot it would be back again…… anyway followed your step by step guide and you are a genius my friend “awesome work” saved me a lot of grief backing everything and going back to factory setting… cheers mate!!

    Message to all… be patient and follow the steps exactly don’t cut corners it will cost you more time in the long run!!!

  6. Thank you for putting time into posting this solution. You are awesome, my friend. I almost formatted and reinstalled Win7 on a computer with years of work that would have been lost. This put everything back to normal

  7. Thank you so much for the detailed process to eradicate the virus. Prior to finding your article, I was able to eliminate the virus by running hijackthis, then reinstalling malwarebytes but there were still remnants of the virus. Thanks again.

  8. All seems ok now. I ran everything as you said. The only problem I had was RKill would not work at all.
    However,
    Malwarebytes Worked fine without running Rkill, as the Smart check windows and pop ups wern’t comming back after a system restore anyway. Hitman pro came up with no results in it’s search, but the others came up with 4 to 5 threats. All seems to work fine now. You are a legend! Thankyou so much! Most helpful guy on the net by far! Thanks again.

  10. Before I went to be I did a system restore and opened in safe mode.
    I was able to stop the smart check from starting up in normal mode by dropping PGH from the start up list.
    I still couldn’t get on the net. but was able to get my desk top back with folders, but no pictures etc. I did the unhide files and folders and got all the icons back.
    Thismorning I started the computer and I am now able to get back on the net. I will go through all the steps again and let you all know how it works out. Thankyou heaps for your time!

  11. Lets try to fix this problem:

    Download Complete Internet Repair to your desktop

    Unzip all the files to their own folder on the desktop
    Within the folder double click CIntRep
    The programme will then run
    Select the items I have highlighted
    Press go
    Let me know if it is able to conduct the repair, there is a log at the bottom

    Posted Image

  12. i am unable to download any programs, there is no internet connection. The computer is telling me there is already a connection, but there isnt. I am able to get programes to my computer via SD card, but many require updates to run. I just did a system restore with a reboot in safe mode and now get error 711 when trying to connect. sorry for the trouble.

  13. Hello,
    Please follow the below steps:
    Download Windows Repair by Tweaking.com to your desktop.  Use the direct download link for the Portable version of Windows Repair by Tweaking.com

    1. Double-click tweaking.com_windows_repair_aio.zip and extract the Tweaking.com – Windows Repair folder to your desktop.
    2. Now open this folder and double-click Repair_Windows.exe.
    3. Click the Start Repairs tab on the far right.
    4. Click the Start button (bottom right)
      Note: When asked if you would like to create a restore point. It is recommended just in-case something does not go as planned.
    5. Click Unselect All
    6. Put a checkmark in the following items:
      • Repair Windows Firewall
      • Repair Hosts File
      • Repair Temp Files
      • Remove Policies Set By Infections
      • Set Windows Services To Default Startup

      Note: Leave everything else unchecked

    7. Put a checkmark in Restart System When Finished
    8. Now click the Start button (bottom right)

    Let me know how it worked:)

  16. Im having issues with getting on the net, use a proxy server was not ticked. I can`t run any programes with no internet connection. :C You have been so helpful and fixed many problems and i`m sorry to put this on you also. I get opening port error 813 ststing i already have a connection. i have ran the disconnect commoands etc to no avail. do you have any tips?

  18. Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately for me this didnt work. When I entered the command I got a pop-up that says “Firefox is already running but is not responding. To open a new window you must first close the existing Firefox process or restart your system”. Obviously the system has been restarted multiple times, and I even went through the individual programs to shut down anything that could be running.

    I tried to do the IE thing again, and tried using IE in front of the commands instead of Firefox but that also failed. No windows come up when IE is initiated.

    Finally I attempted a system restore to 5 days ago before all this started again. The system restore failed so I was able to make no further progress. :(

  21. Firstly, thank you so much for this guide. At step 5 though the HitmanPro program has deleted the malicious files, but can’t delete some tracking cookies, it says that ”delete failed”. Is this gonna be a problem and can I do something about it? Thank you very much.

  22. Hold down the WINDOWS key and press the R key,this should brind up the Run box…. In it, please type the below content…

    firefox.exe http://download.bleepingcomputer.com/grinler/WiNlOgOn.exe

    Let the program run,until a log its produced (5 – 10 minutes max)

    Next, hold down the WINDOWS key and press the R key,this should brind up the Run box…. In it, please type the below content…

    firefox.exe http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam-download-exe.php

    Update and Run a full system scan with Malwarebytes as seen on the above guide.

    Let me know how everything goes…

  23. This is the 2nd time in 3 weeks I’ve been hit with this virus despite a firewall and McAffee virus “protection”. It destroyed everything last time. I’m following your directions exactly but after the IE.bat file is opened, I get an IE error message (wont open) and the RKill runs. It seems the virus has been modified to make it more difficult to get online. Also as an FYI, I typically use Firefox exclusively. It’s possible IE is no longer installed on my system. Any recommendations to get me past this sticking point? Much appreciated.

  24. Hello :);
    The scans time depend on your computer speed and the ammount of data on your hard drive , below you can see some average times for all the scans..
    RKILL Scan – 3-5 minutes.
    Malwarebytes Scan – 1-2 hours
    HitmanPro scan – 5-10 minutes

  26. Please follow this steps to start Internet Explorer:

    1. Create a new Notepad file on the desktop. To do this right click on the desk top, go to “create new” and click on the Notepad icon.
    2. Open the Notepad file and type the following (or copy and paste it):
      @echo off
      START /max iexplore.exe
    3. Click “Save As” under File.
    4. Save the file as “Internet Explorer.bat”.
    5. Be sure to scroll at the bottom of the save screen to select “All Files” or else it will save it as a Notepad file/Text document.
    6. lso make sure to end the file with .bat or this will not work.
    7. Exit the file.
    8. An icon on your desktop should say “Internet Explorer.bat” and it will look like a box with a gear inside of it. Double click on this icon to run Internet Explorer.

  27. Trying your steps, but can’t get past Step 2 because I cannot access any web browser at all, and the fake access key requires an e-mail now, and no matter what I put in, it refuses access.

  28. Windows 7 Ultimate. I do that, and find that it switched from my wallpapers folder to solid colors on its own every once in a while. All scans come up clean and no other signs of the virus is left.

  29. What operating system are you using?
    Go to Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Personalization\Desktop Background and chech what the desktop is , and what settings are used.. :)

  31. Got rid of the virus and all, thanks to your fantastic guide, but the desktop background still goes black after 10 minutes or so after changing it. Can’t figure out why.

  33. Rkill will just kill the process to help you with the removal… however if you already manage to run Mawlarebytes then it’s not need it…..
    Just follow the rest of the guide and at the end post back if you PC is clean or not!:)

    Good lucK!

  34. done hitman and running malwarebyte. done reboot after malwarebyte. should we try all the rkill options again now, or will the virus be gone? Thank you ever so much for your help

  36. Hi. My dad has this virus and we can’t get rKill to download. We have run hitman in forcebreach mode and malwarebytes but still can’t get rKill to download. Any suggestions?
    Thanks

  37. After a day of frustration I found your instructions. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

  39. Follow the instruction they give you here. Be exact. The symptoms you are talking about is from that Malware. You data is not gone, it is just hidden.

  40. I think I have another virus and/or malware on my computer. The S.M.A.R.T HDD Malware is gone. How I got so infected I do not know.
    So I will continue to follow your instructions.

    Thanks

  44. Did you run RKILL?If yes,then try to run it again,please note that when RKILL has completed its task it will generate a log…….If it doesn’t work use another renamed version of RKILL.

    STEP 1 : 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. Let it scan and remove all the detected threats , after that run the RKILL scan and then try to scan with Malwarebytes!

    STEP 2: Run RKILL (wait until a log its generated) and then run a scan with Malawrebytes

    STEP 3: 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

  47. This is great if I had found it about an hour ago. I got this virus and now have no Internet access and have restarted my computer so many times that the SMART check scan doesn’t come up anymore. The “All Programs” tab is empty. The desktop is blue. The only thing that will run is a McAfee scan. And safe mode doesn’t allow any options either. Is there anything that I can do?

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