ERROR 0xC004FC03 (Activation Warning Alert) Scam

Threat Summary ERROR 0xC004FC03 (Activation Warning Alert) Scam In Detail How to Remove ERROR 0xC004FC03 Scam

What is ERROR 0xC004FC03? How to remove the software that keeps causing ERROR 0xC004FC03 scam messages to pop-up on your computer?

The ERROR 0xC004FC03 is yet another scam message that urges online users to call Microsoft Windows Support. The scam’s main idea is to get victims to call the number +1-833-292-1252. In addition, fraudsters attempt to steal Windows login credentials. Beware that a call to the presented number will neither be free nor will fix the detected “issues”. At worst, scammers will trick you into granting them access to your device and paying them a hefty amount of money.

Our research indicates that the scam is still active in February 2020, resulting in users landing on pages promoting the fake support number. If you want to remove the ERROR 0xC004FC03 tech support scam as well as the software that could be causing it to appear on your computer, then we recommend that you read the following article.

Threat Summary

Name	ERROR 0xC004FC03 scam
Type	Tech Support Scam
Short Description	A tech support scam that is trying to scare you that you have a legitimate alert generated by Microsoft Windows Support about a virus found on your PC. You are provided with a phone number to a supposed Microsoft tech support team.
Symptoms	The message may lock your screen. Pop-up boxes, messages, and redirects appear in your browser.
Distribution Method	Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages
Detection Tool	See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join Our Forum to Discuss ERROR 0xC004FC03 scam.

ERROR 0xC004FC03 (Activation Warning Alert) Scam In Detail

Online users’ reports regarding Microsoft and Windows-related tech support scams continue to appear across the web. Users are complaining about seeing scareware messages regarding viruses on their Windows systems. Some fake tech support scam websites are taken down, but others quickly appear in their place, and the cycle of fake tech support scams goes on and on.

Another example of such a scam exploiting Microsoft’s name is the so-called Activation Warning Alert ERROR 0xC004FC03 message. Similar to Internet Security Alert! Code: 055BCCAC9FEC, the scareware message will try to make you call a phone number – +1-833-292-1252. Note that various domain addresses and other numbers may be used as well.

The ERROR 0xC004FC03 scam message displays the logo and name of Windows but of course, it has nothing to do with it. When the scam message loads in your browser you are likely to see a web page with a pop-up like the one show below:

According to this message, you need to call Microsoft Windows Support due to some suspicious activities that were detected on your PC. Here is a copy of its text:

Windows Security

Microsoft Edge

The server *** is asking for your user name and password.

That server also reports: “Suspicious activity detected due to harmful virus installed in your computer. Call Microsoft Toll Free now @ +1-833-292-1252 for any assistance. Your data is at a serious risk. There is a system file missing due to a harmful virus error, causing system failure. Please contact technicians at Microsoft Toll Free Helpline at @ +1-833-292-1252. PLEASE DO NOT SHUT DOWN OR RESTART YOUR COMPUTER, DOING THAT MAY LEAD TO DATA LOSS AND FAILURE OF OPERATING SYSTEM, HENCE NON BOOTABLE SITUATION RESULTING IN COMPLETE DATA LOSS. CONTACT MICROSOFT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE ON TOLL FREE NUMBER: +1-833-292-1252”.

Don’t be tricked by anything such scareware messages say, no matter how alerting they sound, as this is just another well-crafted tech support scam. You should know that Microsoft is a company that does not provide technical support by phone. So the presented number is neither free nor helpful. Contrary to the statement “toll-free” a call at this number could cost you next to a small fortune.

Furthermore, as fraudsters often present themselves as Microsoft employees or similar experts or even partners, they can try to acquire personal information and financial data from you. That information can be sold, and you could get into more problems, such as identity theft, financial losses, etc. That’s why you should ignore the content of Activation Warning Alert ERROR 0xC004FC03 Pop-up and regard it as a hoax.

Beware of a lot more nefarious websites that are lurking across the web in search for their victims. Their messages sound quite the same – Windows Warning Alert, Microsoft System Security Alert, etc. They all aim to obtain sensitive details and eventually steal your money. To prevent falling victim of these scam messages you should recognize their common traits among which are:

The names of legitimate organizations like Microsoft
Technical support phone numbers stated to be toll free
Urgent warnings about critical security issues

How to Remove ERROR 0xC004FC03 Scam

Before actually getting to the point of removal of the unwanted software that may be causing pop-ups, like ERROR 0xC004FC03, you will need to close your browser first, which cannot be done conventionally. This is why you will need to do the following:

Step 1: Press CTRL+ALT+DEL.
Step 2: Open Task Manager.
Step 3: Right-Click on Google Chrome (chrome.exe) and click on End Process. If this doesn’t work, right-click again and click on End Process Tree.

After you have done this, you should follow the removal instructions underneath and remove the unwanted program either manually or automatically. As recommended by security experts you should download and scan your computer, using an advanced anti-malware program if you want to secure it and keep it protected in the future. Such a program will fully remove any intrusive programs and malware that may currently be residing on your PC.

Gergana Ivanova

Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.

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Guide 1: How to Remove ERROR 0xC004FC03 scam from Windows.
Guide 2: Get rid of ERROR 0xC004FC03 scam on Mac OS X.
Guide 3: Remove ERROR 0xC004FC03 scam in Google Chrome.

Guide 4: Erase ERROR 0xC004FC03 scam from Mozilla Firefox.
Guide 5: Uninstall ERROR 0xC004FC03 scam from Microsoft Edge.
Guide 6: Remove ERROR 0xC004FC03 scam from Safari.
Guide 7: Eliminate ERROR 0xC004FC03 scam from Internet Explorer.
Guide 8: Disable ERROR 0xC004FC03 scam Push Notifications in Your Browsers.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

How to Remove ERROR 0xC004FC03 scam from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove ERROR 0xC004FC03 scam

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

1. Hold Windows key() + R

2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".

Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.

4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.

5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

Step 2: Uninstall ERROR 0xC004FC03 scam and related software from Windows

Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:

1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"

Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.

Step 3: Clean any registries, created by ERROR 0xC004FC03 scam on your computer.

The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce

You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by ERROR 0xC004FC03 scam there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.

Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.

IMPORTANT!
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.

Step 4: Scan for ERROR 0xC004FC03 scam with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.

2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Get rid of ERROR 0xC004FC03 scam from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall ERROR 0xC004FC03 scam and remove related files and objects

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy

1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:

2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to ERROR 0xC004FC03 scam:

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.

5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to ERROR 0xC004FC03 scam. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

6: Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to ERROR 0xC004FC03 scam. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.

7: Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:

Go to Finder.
In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.

In case you cannot remove ERROR 0xC004FC03 scam via Step 1 above:

In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:

2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:

3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as ERROR 0xC004FC03 scam. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.

You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:

→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons

Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.

Step 2: Scan for and remove ERROR 0xC004FC03 scam files from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as ERROR 0xC004FC03 scam, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.

Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for ERROR 0xC004FC03 scam:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Remove ERROR 0xC004FC03 scam from Google Chrome.

Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu

Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"

Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.

Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Erase ERROR 0xC004FC03 scam from Mozilla Firefox.

Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window

Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.

Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"

Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Uninstall ERROR 0xC004FC03 scam from Microsoft Edge.

Step 1: Start Edge browser.

Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.

Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".

Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.

Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Remove ERROR 0xC004FC03 scam from Safari.

Step 1: Start the Safari app.

Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.

Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".

Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.

Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.

Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.

A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the ERROR 0xC004FC03 scam will be removed.

How to Reset Safari
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Safari make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.

Start Safari and then click on the gear leaver icon.

Click the Reset Safari button and you will reset the browser.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Eliminate ERROR 0xC004FC03 scam from Internet Explorer.

Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.

Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'

Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.

Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.

Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.