Uninstall Smart HDD

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Written by: Stelian

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

[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 Smart HDD

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. 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

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.

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.

364 thoughts on “Uninstall Smart HDD”

  1. How long is each scan suppose to take?? I am scanning using the Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and it has already been 6 hours with 18 detected. Is this normal??
    P.S. Whoever does these hacks needs to get a life :(

    • All it depends on the sizes of your hard drive and your PC speed but usually around 1 hour,however because this is an infected PC it can take longer………. Let the scan complete and then move on with the next steps, which will be a lot faster.

      • Thanks, all good now. Can I uninstall/ delete the downloaded programs from above after I am done?

      • Yes, you can uninstall all of them if that’s what you want.. :)
        Stay safe!

  3. Wow thanks!! All done and then like a dummy went into history and trued to delete site and clicked in Firefox “forget it” but somehow it launched :( Reran and back in business. THANKS!! I guess I will just leave it in history. Do you all have any recommendations as to what is good software to run so these stupid things get caught before they infect? My Free Malware version does not and my Mcaffee (paid) is worthless (grrrr).

  4. One stupid act spoiled my week and you saved me! Mucho gracious. Very nice step by step instruction.

  5. Internet Explorer is no where to be found on my computer. No icon. Did a search for it and nothing came up. Any ideas?

  8. I got a wicked virus and for the most part have cleaned it off. but now internet explorer 9 starts to open then closes, it won’t run and neither would google chrome. Games like league of legends and skype wont work either. I tried to re-install skype and it opens but you cant see anything other then the background. any suggestions???

    • Did you scan with Malwarebytes and HitmanPro and remove the detected threats??
      If yes,please try to scan again….

      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

  9. Your instructions have been wonderful and helped me re-gain control of my computer after the smart virus. The main problem I’m having now is, each time my computer gets turned off (ie: storm) all my icons are missing and I have to re-run Rogue Killer. Is there a fix for this? Also, one other thing … I am no longer able to see a preview in my pictures folder. Thanks a bunch!!

    • Lets try to run Unhide.exe and run it.

      1. Download Unhide.exe.
      2. Double-click on the Unhide.exe icon on your desktop and allow the program to run.When it has completed its task it will generate a report.

      • Thanks a bunch for the answer but when I run unhide.exe the black screen comes up and gets to the Processing the c drive but doesn’t go any further.

      • Lets check with Emsisoft Emergency Kit to see if there are any active infection :

        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.

      • Thanks very much for the help … I ran the program and it found 11 malicious files, which I deleted. Still, when I restart the computer, all the icons are missing.

  11. Thanks so much! Very easy to follow instructions… got rid of that horrible program very quickly :-)

  12. I followed these directions and everything seems to be working correctly except for on thing. We cannot get the desktop items to show on the desktop. Folder #4 was not in the smtmp folder and when I checked the desktop folders, both in all users and the user folder for the current user, the shortcuts were still there. However, they will not show on the desktop. I am unable to copy and paste anything onto the desktop either. Any ideas?

    Great directions, BTW!! Thanks so much!

  13. this stinkin’ piece of crap malware is like Frankenstein, it rises from the dead over and over and the nerds best software can’t stop it, the Turds that created this “SMART” Monster must be better Nerds!!! Anyone ever wonder if this whole “Malware” problem is just like the Mafia, they create a problem and offer you the solution for a Price $$$ !?! The so-called law is sleeping when it comes to on-line extortion from all these Malwares…. the people that make Malwares should be lined up and shot on Pay-Per-View and millions would pay to see their Slaughter! Muhahahahaaa…

  15. I’m having trouble with step 9. I’m in the temporary files, but I can’t find the smtmp files. could they be named something else? I’m using windows 7. Everything else has worked like a champ. Thank you so much.

  16. Not only did it work, it removed another virus I had & fixed a program that kept crashing. The steps laid out here were perfect & I consider myself a beginner when it comes to this kind of stuff. The SMART virus was the 1st virus I’ve ever had. Thank you for posting this page. It’s the only one I found that clearly laid out all the steps & it was easy to follow.

    • I got my MalwareBytes back after I ran every anti-malware program I could find, I’ll give it to em’, the Turds that made the SMART malware made one heck of a rabid nightmare, Malwarebytes had kept me safe for 8 months and I picked that SMART fawker up in a boxing message board, I’d like to KTFO the Turd that hid it in his postings but it dis-abled my Malwarebytes and started hiding everything on my computer which has 1 GB of pics and videos saved, I had back-ups but I hate to re-install my computer due to one idiots malware, so I tried it all and it took a cocktail of various programs to finally work… guess I need to keep all these anti-malware programs on my computer at all times… thanks alot Malware-Turds, I know you Fawkers browse here to admire your work!!!

  18. Thanks guys! You saved my life today.

    Thanks so much for the excellent step by step guide.

  19. YAY!! It worked!!Thank you so much! I wish I had found this 7 hours sooner. Worth every minute and I can’t thank you enough!!!

  20. Hi Jack, I’m stuck on Step 3 (Run RKill). I downloaded RKill from the “Download Now” button in this guide, but the RKill icon doesn’t appear. I tried downloading the other renamed versions of RKill from the “here” button in this guide:

    •RKill.com Download Link
    •RKill.exe Download Link
    •RKill.scr Download Link
    •eXplorer.exe Download Link
    •iExplore.exe Download Link
    •uSeRiNiT.exe Download Link
    •WiNlOgOn.exe Download Link

    but still no icon appears, therefore I haven’t been able to run RKill, and therefore no log has been generated.

    What should I do next?

    • Hello Lindsey,

      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 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

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