What Is Required video codec Scam?
“Required video codec is not installed on your computer” is the name of a scam message that may appear on your computer as a result of either visiting a suspicious website or if you have adware or some unwanted software that displays browser redirections too risky web pages like this one.
The main purpose of this scam is to convince you in a very clever manner that your computer has a very serious problem and that you must download what appears to be a rogue software which is nothing short of a scam. We have seen many types of messages like this one such as the “Your Computer Has Been Blocked” and they often advertise the download of a fake or a rogue anti-virus or fixer program that only asks you to purchase a full version which costs a ton of money and it may subscribe you to a licensing scheme. Another scenario is if the scam message has a phone number embedded in it in which the criminals or the scammers ask you to pay them a lot of money to fix a problem on your computer to doesn’t even exist. In case that you see the “Required video codec is not installed on your computer” screen do not fall for it and please read this article so that you can learn more about what it actually does and how you can get rid of it safely.
Required video codec Scam Summary
| Name | Required video codec is not installed on your computer |
| Type | Computer Scam |
| Short Description | Aims to modify the settings on your web browser in order to get it to cause browser redirects and display different advertisements. |
| Symptoms | Your web browser begins to display various types of online advertisements, which results in slowing down of your machine. |
| Distribution Method | Likely caused by a potentially unwanted software. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Required video codec is not installed on your computer. |
Required video codec is not installed on your computer Scam – What Does It Do?
The primary purpose of this message is very likely to get you to visit a website and call a fake tech support team. It may also get you to download a fake fixer program which may ask you to pay hundreds of dollars to remove any threats that may not even exist in the first place or to update your drivers or video codec as it says. The scammers this message asks you to call may convince you the same things only with the difference that they will be pretending to be official Microsoft employees that are from the tech support team. Be aware that there is no such thing as an official Microsoft tech support team that will be displaying messages to call them on an error page over the web. Also if you see such a blue screen somewhere on your browser this means automatically that this is a fake message because the blue screen messages only appear when you can no longer use your computer at this point and not in your browsers and over your web pages. These messages are not to be trusted because these scam artists may be only after one thing and that is your wallet.
The primary message that this fake blue screen of death made this play is the following:
Windows Media Player cannot play the file because the required video codec is not installed on your computer. To install it, click Download. If prompted, click Run or Save. If you choose Save, double-click the file to start the installation process.
Download
For more information about this issue and possible fixes, visit hxxp://windows.com/stopcode
If you call a support person, give them this info
Stop code: CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED
But having this message appear randomly is a sign that you may not only have visited a suspicious website but you may also have a very nasty adware installed. These are programs that aim to deliver different types of advertisements on your computer that may even track your information by using the following types of Technologies:
- Different types of tags.
- Cookies.
- Geo-locators.
- Pixels.
- LSOs (locally shared objects or Flash Cookies).
One way to spot if this message has originated from an adware application that may currently be playing your computer is if you see other forms of advertisements also appearing like banners, pop-ups and so on and if you have your new tab or default search pages changed to unfamiliar ones. The only way to actually make sure that your computer is safe is to read the following article and learn how you can remove any adware that may be in place and showing such scams.
Remove Required Video Codec Scam
In order to remove what may be causing this type of scam message to appear first thing you should do is detect it. One way to manually do that is to check your browsers and your computer for any suspicious extensions and software and make sure they are permanently gone by using the instructions below. Another way which is the most effective one and the fastest one to go for according to researchers’ advice is to download and run a scan of your computer with advanced anti malware software. This is a program that has been designed to not only detect any viruses but also detect any adware or any software that may be using different cookies to track you. Furthermore, having such software will make sure that your computer system is protected against such invasive applications or scam screens like the Required Video Codec scam in the future.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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How to Remove Required video codec is not installed on your computer from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Required video codec is not installed on your computer with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Required video codec is not installed on your computer 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 Required video codec is not installed on your computer 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 Required video codec is not installed on your computer 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 Required video codec is not installed on your computer (Windows).
Get rid of Required video codec is not installed on your computer from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Required video codec is not installed on your computer 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 Required video codec is not installed on your computer. 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 Required video codec is not installed on your computer 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 Required video codec is not installed on your computer files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Required video codec is not installed on your computer, 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 Required video codec is not installed on your computer (Mac)
Remove Required video codec is not installed on your computer 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 Required video codec is not installed on your computer 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 Required video codec is not installed on your computer 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 Required video codec is not installed on your computer 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 Required video codec is not installed on your computer will be removed.
Eliminate Required video codec is not installed on your computer 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".
Required video codec is not installed on your computer-FAQ
What Is Required video codec is not installed on your computer?
The Required video codec is not installed on your computer 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 Required video codec is not installed on your computer?
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 Required video codec is not installed on your computer?
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 Required video codec is not installed on your computer Work?
Once installed, Required video codec is not installed on your computer 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.
Required video codec is not installed on your computer 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 Required video codec is not installed on your computer 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 Required video codec is not installed on your computer Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Required video codec is not installed on your computer 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 Required video codec is not installed on your computer?
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 Required video codec is not installed on your computer threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.