Tech support scams promoting suspicious toll free numbers are nothing new but yet they continue to affect and fool many users. One of the reasons for their success is that such scams always apply the name of Microsoft or another well-known company (like Dell) to achieve authenticity.
However authentic such scams may appear at first glance, calling the provided numbers is a very bad idea. One of the latest such scams involves the 888-793-9250 phone numbers, a fake BSOD screen and a Windows Defender Error code 0x80073afc. Continue reading to learn more about the scam and how to prevent it from appearing in the future.
| Name | Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc |
| Type | Fake Tech Support, Fake BSOD |
| Short Description | A pop-up is displayed prompting the user to call a fake tech support number. |
| Symptoms | An intrusive pop-up, a fake BSOD, unusual browser behavior. |
| Distribution Method | Via PUPs, installed by bundling, by visiting suspicious third-party sites. |
| Detection Tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware |
| User Experience | Join our forum to discuss Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc. |
888-793-9250 Windows Defender Error Code 0x80073afc Pop-Up Description
Once affected by this particular fake tech support scam, the user will witness the following message and a fake blue screen of death shortly after:
This is what the message reads:
Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc
0x000000CE DRIVER_UNLOADED_WITHOUT_CANCELLING_PENDING_OPERATIONS
Error Code 0x800705b4 when Starting Windows Defender
Windows Defender Time Out Error code 0x8007005b4
Error code 0x800705b4 when trying to open Windows Defender
Windows health is CRITICAL!
Please Contact Help Desk: +1-866-261-2971 (Toll-Free)
Needless to say, any of the displayed information concerning Windows Defender is untrue. The displayed phone number is definitely not toll-free and will likely overcharge the user multiple times.
888-793-9250 Windows Defender Error code 0x80073afc Pop-Up Distribution
In terms of distribution, tech support scams are not much different from ad-supported applications. As a matter of fact, such pop-ups prompting the user to call 88-793-9250 or a similar number are most likely generated by an ad-supported extension for Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer.
Typically, such pop-ups don’t provide the option to be closed the normal way (via the X in the upper right corner). In addition, the pop-ups may be quite intrusive and may continue re-appearing. Even though such unusual behavior from your browser is definitely unpleasant, users shouldn’t panic. This behavior is a result of aggressive scareware tactics used by crooks to rush users into calling their fake tech support numbers.
Calling the 888-793-9250 will not solve any issues – you won’t be speaking to a Microsoft certified technician on the other side of the line but to a crook. The crook may try and trick you into giving away personal details, credit card data, etc.
Fraudster attempts generally include:
- Asking users for personal information.
- Obtaining financial credentials.
- Requesingt users to download actual malware on their computers.
- Charging users by the minute for the phone call under the pretext the call is “Toll-Free”.
- Subscribing the phone number of the user to an expensive and automatic SMS service.
888-793-9250 Windows Defender Error Code 0x80073afc Pop-Up Removal Options
To rid your system of this pop-up, you need to take unorthodox measures. First, you should stop the browser process by entering Task Manager and ending the browser as a task. Then, you may proceed with removing the actual program that is causing this pop-up via following our instructions.
1. Remove Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc from your browser and restart it.
First, close your browser from the Windows Task Manager by pressing and X together and choosing Task manager. After that locate your browser, right click it from the list and click on End Task. After that open your browser in private/incognito mode and follow this manual to remove Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc:
Remove a toolbar from Mozilla Firefox and reset it
Remove a toolbar from Google Chrome and reset it.
Remove an add-on from Internet Explorer and reset it.
Remove an extension from Safari and reset it.Step 1:Remove Firefox Add-ons
Start Mozilla Firefox Open the menu window
Select the “Add-ons” icon from the menu
Select Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc and click “Remove“
After Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red “X” in the top right corner and start it again.
Step 2: Reset Firefox
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Firefox make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.
Right-click on Firefox on its icon in the taskbar and click New Private Window to enter private browsing.
Type about:support in your address bar.
Click on the ‘Refresh Firefox’ and accept any prompts from Firefox to save your old data before resetting.
Step 1: Remoove Google Chrome Extensions
Step 2: Reset Google Chrome
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Google Chrome make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.
Right-click on the Chrome taskbar icon and then choose ‘New Incognito Window’. This will start Chrome without any home pages.
Type chrome://settings/resetProfileSettings and then click on the ‘Reset’ button.
Step 1: Remove add-ons from Internet Explorer
Start Internet Explorer:
Select Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc to remove, and then click ‘Disable’. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected toolbar, and some additional toolbars might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click ‘Disable’.
After Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red ‘X’ in the top right corner and start it again.
Step 2: Reset Internet Explorer
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Internet Explorer make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.
Right-click on Internet Explorer’s icon and choose Start In-Private Browsing.
Click the gear leaver icon in the top right side of IE and choose Internet Options from the drop-down menu.
Click on the Advanced Tab after which click the ‘Reset’ button. Wait a little for the ticks to complete and you should be fine.
Step 1: Remove Safari extensions
Start Safari
Open the drop menu by clicking on the sprocket icon in the top right corner.
From the drop menu select ‘Preferences’
In the new window select ‘Extensions’
Click once on Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc
Click ‘Uninstall’
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc. Select ‘Uninstall’ again, and the Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc will be removed.
Step 2: 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.
2. Remove Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc.3. Scan with SpyHunter to Detect and Remove Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc.Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to automatically update.
Step1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Scan Computer Now’ button.
Step2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc files, click on the ‘Fix Threats’ button to remove them automatically and permanently.
Step3: Once the intrusions on your PC have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart it.
Remove Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc Using Other Alternative Tools
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
STOPZilla Anti MalwareStep 1: Download Malwarebytes by clicking here.
Step 2: A pop-up window will appear. Click on the ‘Save File’ button. If it does not, click on the Download button and save it afterwards.
Step 3: After you have downloaded the setup, simply open it.
Step 4: The installer should appear. Click on the ‘Next’ button.
Step 5: Check the ‘I accept the agreement’ check circle if not checked if you accept it and click the ‘Next’ button once again.
Step 6: Review and click on ‘Next’ on the following 4 steps that will appear afterwards and after that click on the ‘Install’ button.
Step 7: After the installation process has completed click on the ‘Finish’ button and check the ‘Launch MalwareBytes AntiMalware’ check box.
2. Scan your PC with MalwareBytes to remove all Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc associated files automatically.
Step 1: Launch MalwareBytes if you havent launched it after install.
Step 2: Wait for the software to update and then click on the blue ‘Scan Now’ button. If it doesnt start updating automatically, click on the blue ‘Update Now’ highlighted text.
Step 3: At this point, after clicking the ‘Scan Now’ button, the system should start scanning your PC. It may take a while but be patient – it is worth it.
Step 4: After the scan has been complete and all of the threats have been identified, click on the ‘Remove Selected’ button to delete them permanently.
Step 5: Once the scan has completed, MalwareBytes will prompt you to restart your computer. It is recommended to save all your data you are working on before restarting.
Step 1: Download STOPZilla by clicking here.
Step 2: A pop-up window will appear. Click on the ‘Save File’ button. If it does not, click on the Download button and save it afterwards.
Step 3: After you have downloaded the setup, simply open it.
Step 4: The installer should appear. Click on the ‘Next’ button.
Step 5: Check the ‘I accept the agreement’ check circle if not checked if you accept it and click the ‘Next’ button once again.
Step 6: Review and click on the ‘Install’ button.
Step 7: After the installation process has completed click on the ‘Finish’ button.
2. Scan your PC with STOPZilla Anti Malware to remove all Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc associated files completely.
Step 1: Launch STOPZilla if you haven’t launched it after install.
Step 2: Wait for the software to automatically scan and then click on the ‘Repair Now’ button. If it does not scan automatically, click on the ‘Scan Now’ button.
Step 3: After the removal of all threats and associated objects, you should Restart your PC.
Milena Dimitrova
An inspired writer and content manager who has been with SensorsTechForum since the project started. A professional with 10+ years of experience in creating engaging content. Focused on user privacy and malware development, she strongly believes in a world where cybersecurity plays a central role. If common sense makes no sense, she will be there to take notes. Those notes may later turn into articles! Follow Milena @Milenyim
Follow Me:
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc and related software from Windows
Uninstall Steps for Windows 11
Uninstall Steps for Windows 10 and Older Versions
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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc on Your PC.
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 Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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.
Video Removal Guide for Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc (Windows).
Get rid of Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc and remove related files and objects
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 Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
- 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 Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc 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:
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 Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc, 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.
Video Removal Guide for Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc (Mac)
Remove Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc 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.
Erase Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc 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.
Uninstall Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc 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.
Remove Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc 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 Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc will be removed.
Eliminate Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc 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.
Remove Push Notifications from Your Browsers
Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome
To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.
Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:
Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:
Step 4: Open “Notifications”:
Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:
Remove Push Notifications on Firefox
Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":
Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”
Stop Push Notifications on Opera
Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.
Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.
Step 3: Open Notifications:
Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):
Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.
Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".
Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc-FAQ
What Is Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc?
The Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc threat is adware or browser redirect virus.
It may slow your computer down significantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.
What Are the Symptoms of Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and have poor performance in general.
Symptom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts recommend that you check your computer for viruses.
What Types of Unwanted Programs Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your device can be rogue antivirus software, adware, browser hijackers, clickers, fake optimizers and any forms of PUPs.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your email passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activities with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these recommendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
How Does Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc Work?
Once installed, Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc can collect data using trackers. This data is about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. It is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information and show risky ads, that may redirect to virus sites or scams.
Is Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc Malware?
The truth is that PUPs (adware, browser hijackers) are not viruses, but may be just as dangerous since they may show you and redirect you to malware websites and scam pages.
Many security experts classify potentially unwanted programs as malware. This is because of the unwanted effects that PUPs can cause, such as displaying intrusive ads and collecting user data without the user’s knowledge or consent.
About the Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.
How did we conduct the research on Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc?
Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Windows Defender Error Code: 0x80073afc threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.