{"id":51261,"date":"2016-05-17T03:57:59","date_gmt":"2016-05-17T03:57:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/?p=51261"},"modified":"2016-07-22T03:05:59","modified_gmt":"2016-07-22T03:05:59","slug":"remove-windows-activation-pro-virus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/remove-windows-activation-pro-virus\/","title":{"rendered":"Remove &#8220;Windows Activation Pro&#8221; virus (Call for Support Scam)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>If your computer is locked, and you are seeing an \u201c<strong>Windows Activation Pro<\/strong>\u201d notification asking you to call a support number to fix it, then your machine is infected with a piece of malware known as <em>Rogue.Tech-Support.<\/em><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-51262\" title=\"Windows Activation Pro Support Scam\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Windows-Activation-Pro-Virus.png\" alt=\"Windows Activation Pro Virus\" width=\"1024\" height=\"531\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Windows-Activation-Pro-Virus.png 1024w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Windows-Activation-Pro-Virus-300x156.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><br \/>\nThis Rogue.Tech-Support malicious program displays a \u201cWindows Activation Pro\u201d lock screen when you start Windows that attempts to scare users into calling a remote tech support number (eg: +1-844-459-8882.<br \/>\nThese alerts are shown in such a way as to trick the user into thinking their computer has crashed or that a virus has been detected on the computer. It does this to try and scare the infected user into calling one of the listed numbers (1-844-208-3526) in order to receive support. In reality, though, they will only be greeted with people who are trying to sell them unneeded support contracts and services.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad1298638182\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309684--placement_360520\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3957935887\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<p>When the &#8220;Windows Activation Pro&#8221; malicious program is installed it will also change a variety of Windows settings. This allows it to display fake the BSOD alert, which overlaps your entire screen, without fear that you can terminate it. In this screen will also be buttons that open the TeamViewer, Supremo, and Logmein sites as well as a button called CMD that opens the command prompt.<\/p>\n<p>The text of the &#8220;Windows Activation Pro&#8221; crash that will be displayed is:<\/p><div id=\"mwtad2283179719\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381396-ad_309691-placement_360566\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1471373341\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<blockquote><p>Windows Activation Pro<br \/>\nProduct Key Customer Support: 1-844-459-8882<\/p>\n<p>Your computer is suspected of malicious software, for the purpose of verification enter your Windows Activation Pro. You will find your product key on the box that Windows Dvd came in or in the welcome email or on the certificate of authenticity stick. It looks similar to this: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>The &#8220;Windows Activation Pro&#8221; lock screen is a complete scam, and you should not purchase anything from numbers listed in these alerts. If you have already purchased services from them, I would advise you to dispute the charges on your credit card company or bank.<\/p>\n<div id=\"mwtad4177380488\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309746-ad_309691-placement_360521\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"4456629336\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"mt_title\">How to remove &#8220;Windows Activation Pro&#8221; lock screen (Removal Guide)<\/h2>\n<p>This page is a comprehensive guide which will remove the &#8220;Windows Activation Pro&#8221; malware from your computer. Please perform all the steps in the correct order. If you have any questions or doubt at any point,\u00a0<strong>STOP<\/strong>\u00a0and ask for our assistance.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#safemode\"><strong>STEP 1<\/strong>: Remove the &#8220;Windows Activation Pro&#8221; lock screen<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#malwarebytes\"><strong>STEP 2<\/strong>: Scan your computer with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#hitmanpro\"><strong>STEP 3<\/strong>: \u00a0Double-check for the malware with HitmanPro<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#zemana\"><strong>(OPTIONAL) STEP 4<\/strong>: Scan your computer with Zemana AntiMalware<\/a><\/p><div id=\"mwtad2474732676\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309686-ad_309691-placement_360569\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"6935453015\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 id=\"safemode\" class=\"mt_blue\">STEP 1 : Remove the &#8220;Windows Activation Pro&#8221; lock screen<\/h3>\n<p>In this first step we will remove the &#8220;Windows Activation Pro&#8221; lock screen from Windows. Because there are many versions of this malware, which behave differently, we have provided multiple options to remove the malicious lock screen.<\/p>\n<h4>OPTTION 1: Remove &#8220;Windows Activation Pro&#8221; lock screen using task manager<\/h4>\n<ol>\n<li>Open Task Manager by <strong>holding down simultaneously<\/strong> the <strong>CTRL + ALT + DEL<\/strong> keys on your keyboard.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-51254 alignnone\" title=\"Press CTRL + ALT + DEL to open Task Manager\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Task-Manager.png\" alt=\"Task Manager Windows 10\" width=\"342\" height=\"431\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Task-Manager.png 342w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Task-Manager-238x300.png 238w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 342px) 100vw, 342px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>Scroll through the list till you see the <strong>Productkeyupdate.exe<\/strong> or <strong>black.exe<\/strong> process and left-click on it once so it becomes highlighted. Once you have selected the browser&#8217;s process, click on the <strong>End Task<\/strong>\u00a0button as show in the picture below.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-51256 alignnone\" title=\"Kill the malicious process (Productkeyupdate.exe)\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/kill-malicious-process.jpg\" alt=\"Kill the malicious process (Productkeyupdate.exe)\" width=\"494\" height=\"390\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/kill-malicious-process.jpg 494w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/kill-malicious-process-300x237.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 494px) 100vw, 494px\" \/><br \/>\nIf you are using Windows 10 or Windows 8, you will need to click on the <em>More Details<\/em> button to see all the process. <strong>The malicious process may have a different name on your computer<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The Windows desktop should be visible, but if not, we will start the desktop from the Task Manager. To do this, in the Task Manager window, click on the &#8220;<strong>File<\/strong>&#8221; button then select &#8220;<strong>Run new task<\/strong>&#8220;. When the &#8220;Run new task&#8221; windows opens, type in &#8220;<em>explorer.exe<\/em>&#8221; to start the desktop.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-51257 alignnone\" title=\"Type explorer.exe in Task Manager to start Windows\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/explorer.exe-command.jpg\" alt=\"explorer.exe command\" width=\"508\" height=\"302\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/explorer.exe-command.jpg 508w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/explorer.exe-command-300x178.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 508px) 100vw, 508px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>We now need to download a batch file that will remove the Shell registry configuration that is loading the ProductKey malware. To do this, open your web browser and download the below batch file from BleepingComputer.com.<br \/>\n<strong><a href=\"http:\/\/download.bleepingcomputer.com\/bats\/clean-hkcushell.bat\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CLEAN-HKCUSHELL.BAT DOWNLOAD LINK<\/a> <\/strong><em>(This link download clean-hkcushell.bat from BleepingComputer.com)<\/em><br \/>\nWhen the clean-hkcushell.bat is saved on your machine, double-click on it to fix your machine. This will run a batch file that will clear the Shell configuration that loads the malware file instead of your desktop. When it prompts if you wish to delete the key, press <strong>Y<\/strong> and then enter on your keyboard.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-51258 alignnone\" title=\"Remove the malicious changes from Windows\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Delete-malicious-changes.jpg\" alt=\"Delete malicious changes\" width=\"539\" height=\"196\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Delete-malicious-changes.jpg 539w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Delete-malicious-changes-300x109.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 539px) 100vw, 539px\" \/><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h4>OPTTION 2: Remove &#8220;Windows Activation Pro&#8221; lock screen using Command Prompt<\/h4>\n<ol>\n<li>In the &#8220;Windows Activation Pro&#8221; lock screen screen click on the &#8220;CMD&#8221; button which will open a command prompt.<\/li>\n<li>In the command prompt type &#8220;<em>taskmgr<\/em>&#8221; and press &#8220;<strong>Enter<\/strong>&#8220;.<\/li>\n<li>In the list of processes select &#8220;<em>Productkeyupdate.exe<\/em>&#8221; or &#8220;<em>black.exe<\/em>&#8221; and click on &#8220;End Process&#8221;. <strong>The malicious process may have a different name on your computer.<\/strong><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-51321 alignnone\" title=\"Kill malicious process to remove lock screen\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/end-process.jpg\" alt=\"Kill malicious process to remove lock\" width=\"361\" height=\"217\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/end-process.jpg 361w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/end-process-300x180.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 361px) 100vw, 361px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>Close Taskmanager and in the command prompt type &#8220;explorer&#8221; and press &#8220;Enter&#8221;.<\/li>\n<li>In the resulting explorer window navigate to &#8220;<em>C:\\Program Files (x86)\\Productkeyupdate<\/em>&#8220;. Rightclick and delete &#8220;<strong>Productkeyupdate(.exe)<\/strong>&#8221;<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-51320 alignnone\" title=\"Delete malicious program from Windows\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/delete-malicious-program.jpg\" alt=\"Delete malicious program\" width=\"687\" height=\"187\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/delete-malicious-program.jpg 687w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/delete-malicious-program-300x82.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 687px) 100vw, 687px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>Close the explorer window and in the command prompt type &#8220;<em>shutdown -r<\/em>&#8220;.<\/li>\n<li>You should see a prompt that Windows will shut down within the next minute.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-51319 alignnone\" title=\"Type shutdown -r in Command Prompt to restart Windows\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/command-promopt-reboot.jpg\" alt=\"Type shutdown -r in Command Prompt\" width=\"704\" height=\"368\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/command-promopt-reboot.jpg 704w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/command-promopt-reboot-300x157.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 704px) 100vw, 704px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>Once your computer has rebooted normally, please follow the next step in this guide.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h4>OPTION 3: Start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking<\/h4>\n<p>If the above options did not work for your machine, then we will need to start the computer in Safe Mode with Networking to bypass the lock screen.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Immediately after the computer is powered on or restarted (usually after you hear your computer beep), tap the <strong>F8 key<\/strong> in 1 second intervals.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-51038 alignnone\" title=\"Press the F8 Key after you power on your computer\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/F8-Key.png\" alt=\"F8 Key\" width=\"410\" height=\"209\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/F8-Key.png 410w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/F8-Key-300x153.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 410px) 100vw, 410px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>After your computer displays hardware information and runs a memory test, the <strong>Advanced Boot Options<\/strong> menu will appear.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-51037 alignnone\" title=\"Advanced Boot Options screen\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/F8-Safe-Mode.png\" alt=\"F8 Safe Mode\" width=\"512\" height=\"384\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/F8-Safe-Mode.png 512w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/F8-Safe-Mode-300x225.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>Use the arrow keys to select <strong>Safe Mode with Networking<\/strong> and press <strong>ENTER<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>After you have started your machine in <em>Safe Mode with Networking<\/em>, <strong>run a system scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware<\/strong> as seen in the below step.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h4>OPTION 4: Remove the malicious lock screen with HitmanPro.Kickstart<\/h4>\n<p>HitmanPro.Kickstart is the solution against ransomware and other persistent malware that has taken your computer hostage or prevents normal computer use.<br \/>\nBecause this infection has locked you out of your computer, we will need to create a bootable USB drive that contains the HitmanPro.Kickstart program. We will then boot the infected machine with the HitmanPro.Kickstart USB drive, and use the program to clean the infection.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad3712628000\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381401-ad_309691-placement_360573\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"5315249587\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<ol>\n<li>Using a &#8220;clean&#8221; (non-infected) computer, please <strong>download HitmanPro<\/strong> from the below link.<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/downloads-hitmanpro\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> <strong>HITMANPRO DOWNLOAD LINK<\/strong><\/a> <em>(This link will open a new web page from where you can download &#8220;HitmanPro&#8221;)<\/em><\/li>\n<li>Once HitmanPro has been downloaded on the clean machine, <strong>insert an USB flash drive<\/strong> and <strong>double-click<\/strong> on the file named <strong>HitmanPro.exe<\/strong> (for 32-bit versions of Windows) or <strong>HitmanPro_x64.exe<\/strong> (for 64-bit versions of Windows).<br \/>\nTo create a bootable HitmanPro USB drive, please follow the instructions from this video:<br \/>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/aBS902Qr0oc?rel=0\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/li>\n<li>Once you have created the bootable <strong>HitmanPro.Kickstart USB drive<\/strong>, <strong>insert the USB into the computer infected with the &#8220;Windows Activation Pro&#8221; lock screen.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>After you have inserted the HitmanPro Kickstart USB drive, boot your machine from the HitmanPro.Kickstart USB as seen in the below video.<br \/>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/lUNHidkYsDQ?rel=0\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/li>\n<li>The malicious lock screen should be removed from your machine. It&#8217;s recommended that you perform a system scan with Malwarebytes and HitmanPro as see in the below steps.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 id=\"malwarebytes\" class=\"mt_blue\">STEP 2: Scan your computer with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware<\/h3>\n<p>Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free uses industry-leading technology to detect and remove all traces of malware, including worms, Trojans, rootkits, rogues, dialers, spyware, and more.<br \/>\nIt is important to note that Malwarebytes Anti-Malware works well and should run alongside antivirus software without conflicts.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>You can download <strong>download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware<\/strong>\u00a0from the below link.<br \/>\n<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/downloads-malwarebytes-for-windows\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">MALWAREBYTES ANTI-MALWARE DOWNLOAD LINK<\/a> <\/strong><em>(This link will open a new web page from where you can download &#8220;Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free&#8221;)<\/em><\/li>\n<li>Once downloaded, close all programs, then double-click on the icon on your desktop named &#8220;<em>mbam-setup&#8221;<\/em> to start the installation of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38277\" title=\"Double-click on the mbam-setup to install Malwarebytes\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Setup.jpg\" alt=\"Start Malwarebytes Anti-Malware setup\" width=\"107\" height=\"107\" \/><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-18096\" title=\"User Account Control icon\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/UAC-prompt.jpg\" alt=\"Picture of User Account Control\" width=\"13\" height=\"16\" \/> You may be presented with a User Account Control dialog asking you if you want to run this file. If this happens, you should click \u201c<em>Yes<\/em>\u201d to continue with the installation.<\/li>\n<li>When the installation begins, you will see the <em>Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Setup Wizard<\/em> which will guide you through the installation process.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38272\" title=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Setup Wizard\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Installer.jpg\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Installer\" width=\"550\" height=\"424\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Installer.jpg 550w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Installer-300x231.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px\" \/><br \/>\nTo install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware on your machine, <em>keep following the prompts<\/em> by clicking the &#8220;<strong>Next<\/strong>&#8221; button.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38271\" title=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Final Setup Screen\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Final-Screen.jpg\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware final screen\" width=\"544\" height=\"420\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Final-Screen.jpg 544w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Final-Screen-300x232.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 544px) 100vw, 544px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>Once installed, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will automatically start and you will see a message stating that you should update the program, and that a scan has never been run on your system. To start a system scan you can click on the &#8220;<strong>Scan\u00a0Now<\/strong>&#8221; button.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38275\" title=\"Click on the Scan Now button to scan with Malwarebytes\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Scan.jpg\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Scan Now\" width=\"661\" height=\"440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Scan.jpg 661w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Scan-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 661px) 100vw, 661px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start scanning your computer for malware. When Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is scanning it will look like the image below.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38276\" title=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware while performing a scan\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Scanning-For-Malware.jpg\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Scanning for Malware\" width=\"662\" height=\"444\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Scanning-For-Malware.jpg 662w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Scanning-For-Malware-300x201.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 662px) 100vw, 662px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>When the scan has completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes Anti-Malware has detected. To remove the malicious programs that Malwarebytes Anti-malware has found, click on the &#8220;<strong>Remove Selected<\/strong>&#8221; button.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38273\" title=\"Click on Remove Selected to remove malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Removing-Malware.jpg\" alt=\"Remove the malware that Malwarebytes Anti-Malware has detected\" width=\"648\" height=\"424\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Removing-Malware.jpg 648w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Removing-Malware-300x196.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 648px) 100vw, 648px\" \/><br \/>\nPlease note that the infections found may be different than what is shown in the image.<\/li>\n<li>Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now quarantine all the malicious files and registry keys that it has found. When removing the files, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware may require a reboot in order to remove some of them. If it displays a message stating that it needs to reboot your computer, please allow it to do so.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38274\" title=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware asking to restart PC\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Restart-PC.jpg\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware asking to restart PC\" width=\"639\" height=\"420\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Restart-PC.jpg 639w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Restart-PC-300x197.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 639px) 100vw, 639px\" \/><br \/>\nAfter your computer will restart, you should open Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and perform another &#8220;<em>Threat Scan<\/em>&#8221; scan to verify that there are no remaining threats<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 id=\"hitmanpro\" class=\"mt_blue\">STEP 3: Double-check for malware with HitmanPro<\/h3>\n<p>HitmanPro is a second opinion scanner, designed to rescue your computer from malware (viruses, trojans, rootkits, etc.) that have infected your computer despite all the security measures you have taken (such as anti-virus software, firewalls, etc.). HitmanPro is designed to work alongside existing security programs without any conflicts. It scans the computer quickly (less than 5 minutes) and does not slow down the computer.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>You can download <strong>HitmanPro<\/strong> from the below link:<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/downloads-hitmanpro\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> <strong>HITMANPRO DOWNLOAD LINK<\/strong><\/a> <em>(This link will open a new web page from where you can download &#8220;HitmanPro&#8221;)<\/em><\/li>\n<li>Double-click on the file named &#8220;<strong>HitmanPro.exe<\/strong>&#8221; (for 32-bit versions of Windows) or &#8220;<strong>HitmanPro_x64.exe<\/strong>&#8221; (for 64-bit versions of Windows). When the program starts you will be presented with the start screen as shown below.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38264\" title=\"HitmanPro startup screen\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Installer.jpg\" alt=\"HitmanPro Installer\" width=\"635\" height=\"501\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Installer.jpg 635w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Installer-300x237.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 635px) 100vw, 635px\" \/><br \/>\nClick on the &#8220;<strong>Next<\/strong>&#8221; button, to install HitmanPro on your computer.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38267\" title=\"itmanPro installation options (Click Next)\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Start-Scan.jpg\" alt=\"itmanPro while installing on PC\" width=\"641\" height=\"513\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Start-Scan.jpg 641w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Start-Scan-300x240.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 641px) 100vw, 641px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>HitmanPro will now begin to scan your computer for malicious files.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38265\" title=\"HitmanPro scanning for malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Scan.jpg\" alt=\"HitmanPro scanning\" width=\"636\" height=\"507\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Scan.jpg 636w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Scan-300x239.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 636px) 100vw, 636px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>When it has finished it will display a list of all the malware that the program found as shown in the image below. Click on the &#8220;<strong>Next<\/strong>&#8221; button, to remove malware.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38266\" title=\"HitmanPro scan results (Click Next)\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Scan-Results.jpg\" alt=\"HitmanPro detected malware\" width=\"642\" height=\"514\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Scan-Results.jpg 642w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Scan-Results-300x240.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 642px) 100vw, 642px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>Click on the &#8220;<strong>Activate free license<\/strong>&#8221; button to begin the <strong>free 30 days trial<\/strong>, and remove all the malicious files from your computer.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38263\" title=\"Click on the Activate free license button\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Activate-Free-License.jpg\" alt=\"Remove malware with HitmanPro\" width=\"631\" height=\"503\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Activate-Free-License.jpg 631w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Activate-Free-License-300x239.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 631px) 100vw, 631px\" \/><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 id=\"zemana\" class=\"mt_blue\">(OPTIONAL) STEP 4: Scan your computer with Zemana AntiMalware<\/h3>\n<p>Zemana AntiMalware is a powerful utility which will remove &#8220;Windows Activation Pro&#8221; malware.<br \/>\n<strong>This step should be performed only if your issues have not been solved by the previous steps.<\/strong><\/p><div id=\"mwtad941215433\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381404-ad_309691-placement_381406\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"8735619847\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<ol>\n<li>You can download <strong>Zemana AntiMalware<\/strong> from the below link:<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/download.zemana.com\/api\/products\/antimalware\/?PartnerID=189\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> <strong>ZEMANA ANTIMALWARE DOWNLOAD LINK<\/strong><\/a> <em>(This link will start the download of &#8220;Zemana AntiMalware&#8221;)<\/em><\/li>\n<li>Double-click on the file named &#8220;Zemana.AntiMalware.Setup.exe&#8221; to install Zemana AntiMalware on your computer. When the program starts you will be presented with the start screen as seen below.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\" size-full wp-image-41730 alignnone\" title=\"Zemana AntiMalware language setup\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Zenama-English.jpg\" alt=\"Zemana AntiMalware English Setup\" width=\"377\" height=\"199\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Zenama-English.jpg 377w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Zenama-English-300x158.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 377px) 100vw, 377px\" \/><br \/>\nClick on the &#8220;<strong>Next<\/strong>&#8221; button, to install Zemana AntiMalware on your computer.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\" size-full wp-image-41729 alignnone\" title=\"Zemana AntiMalware Setup screen\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Zemana-AntiMalware-Setup.jpg\" alt=\"Zemana AntiMalware Setup\" width=\"527\" height=\"411\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Zemana-AntiMalware-Setup.jpg 527w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Zemana-AntiMalware-Setup-300x234.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 527px) 100vw, 527px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>When Zemana AntiMalware will start, click on the &#8220;<strong>Scan<\/strong>&#8221; button.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-41728\" title=\"Start a Zemana AntiMalware Scan\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Zemana-AntiMalware-Scan.jpg\" alt=\"Zemana AntiMalware Scan\" width=\"755\" height=\"509\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Zemana-AntiMalware-Scan.jpg 755w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Zemana-AntiMalware-Scan-300x202.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 755px) 100vw, 755px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>Zemana AntiMalware will now scan computer for any malicious files. This process can take up to 10 minutes.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-41724\" title=\"Zemana AntiMalware scanning for malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Zemana-AntiMalware-Detection.jpg\" alt=\"Zemana AntiMalware Detecting malware\" width=\"749\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Zemana-AntiMalware-Detection.jpg 749w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Zemana-AntiMalware-Detection-300x205.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 749px) 100vw, 749px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>When Zemana AntiMalware has finished it will display a list of all the malware that the program found. Click on the &#8220;<strong>Next<\/strong>&#8221; button, to remove the malicious files from your computer.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-41727\" title=\"Click Next to remove malware found by Zemana AntiMalware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Zemana-AntiMalware-Removal.jpg\" alt=\"Zemana AntiMalware Removal\" width=\"747\" height=\"506\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Zemana-AntiMalware-Removal.jpg 747w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Zemana-AntiMalware-Removal-300x203.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 747px) 100vw, 747px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>Zemana AntiMalware will now remove all the detected malicious files, and at the end a system reboot may be required to remove all traces of malware.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-41726\" title=\"Click on the Reboot button to remove malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Zemana-AntiMalware-Reboot.jpg\" alt=\"Zemana AntiMalware Reboot\" width=\"749\" height=\"501\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Zemana-AntiMalware-Reboot.jpg 749w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/Zemana-AntiMalware-Reboot-300x201.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 749px) 100vw, 749px\" \/><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<hr \/>\n<p>Your computer should now be free of the Windows Activation Pro malware.<br \/>\nIf you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove Windows Activation Pro virus from your machine, please start a new thread in our<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If your computer is locked, and you are seeing an \u201cWindows Activation Pro\u201d notification asking you to call a support number to fix it, then your machine is infected with a piece of malware known &#8230; <\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more-container\"><a title=\"Remove &#8220;Windows Activation Pro&#8221; virus (Call for Support Scam)\" class=\"read-more button\" href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/remove-windows-activation-pro-virus\/#more-51261\" aria-label=\"Read more about Remove &#8220;Windows Activation Pro&#8221; virus (Call for Support Scam)\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":51262,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[49],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-51261","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-scam-reports","masonry-post","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-50","resize-featured-image"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51261","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=51261"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51261\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/51262"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=51261"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=51261"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=51261"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}