Smart HDD Rogue Software – Removal Manual - How to, Technology and PC Security Forum

by Berta Bilbao | December 17, 2014 | 0 Comments rogue antivirus program

What Is Smart HDD?What Does Smart HDD Rogue Security Software Do?How Is Smart HDD Rogue Security Software Distributed?How to Remove Smart HDD Rogue Software?

What Is Smart HDD?

Smart HDD is rogue security software, member of the Win32 / FakeSysdefdefragment group. Smart HDD pretends to be a legitimate program alerting you for different hard drive inefficiencies, and malware but what it actually does is damaging various features from your system. Although such scareware programs are circulating the virtual space since 2010, Smart HDD appears to have additional features built into it, and has changed its interface recently, becoming bigger threat these days. Smart HDD is considered to have a middle to high-risk level for your computer. The rogue software can block different applications on your machine, change your wallpaper, hijack your web browser and even turn off some security features of your Windows system.

What Does Smart HDD Rogue Security Software Do?

Smart HDD can be looked at as a clone to the some well-known rogue security software like Computer Fix, Data Repair, Disk OK, Disk Recovery, Disk Repair, Fast Disk, Good Memory, HDD Diagnostic, HDD Fix, HDD Low, HDD Plus, HDD Repair, HDD Rescue, HDD Tools, Memory Fixer, Memory Optimizer, PC Cleaner Pro 2012, Rogue.Data Recovery, Rogue.File Integrity Checker, Rogue.File Recovery, Rogue.File Restore, Rogue.PC Repair, Rogue.System Recovery, Rogue.Windows Error Recovery, Rogue.Windows Fix, Scanner, Smart Data Recovery, Smart Defragmenter, System Defragmenter, System Restore, Ultra Defragger, Win Disk, Win HDD, Windows Diagnostic, Windows Disk, Windows Fix Disk, Windows Restore, Windows Safemode, Windows Scan, Windows XP Fix, WindowsTool, Windows Repair, etc.

Similar to them, Smart HDD does not have diagnostic possibilities at all. It just pops up false message warnings for system threats.

Despite the rogue software similarities to other from its kind, Smart HDD is known to have two versions of its own. The earlier version contains several false functions like “System Status”, “System Diagnostics” and a defragmentation scanner, most of the rogue software interface being controlled by the visual aspects of this scanner exactly.

The newer version of Smart HDD however has a new, more professional looking interface and new false features as well – SMART fixes, self-observation function, analysis and reporting of the technology review, and others. There is an “Advanced” section, replacing the features that were once implemented in a “Smart HDD” button. All these features present false information and should be ignored completely. The newer versions also have an alert slogan reminding you to register them online, and pay for the service of course.

Both of the Smart HDD rogue security software can cause different troubles for your system, however. Below are the most common threats which might put your computer at risk:

Malware injection of standard Windows processes, so Smart HDD can automatically start upon system startup.
Jeopardizing browser security by encrypted connections and security certificates deactivation. Smart HDD can also spy on your personal data, having the ability to resign it to third-party softwares thus eventually being the reason for attacks.
System errors false alerts
Disabling or blocking applications, including Windows Task Manager, which is the tool helping you to remove Smart HDD from your computer actually.
Security settings changes, thus making your machine vulnerable to attacks. The changes can appear as different system behavior or anti-virus file scan deactivation.

All of the above clearly states that Smart HDD rogue security software can be of great danger to your system. It is highly advisable for you to remove it as quickly as possible. This may include having to turn it off before removal; otherwise it may prevent your system of doing so.

How Is Smart HDD Rogue Security Software Distributed?

Smart HDD scareware uses different misleading methods spreading under the cover of optimizing software in order to be installed from unsuspecting customers. Smart HDD tries to convince the users that their computer software or hardware is damaged or vulnerable so they can install Smart HDD on their machines. The most common ways it spreads out is through email spam campaigns, hijacked websites or Trojans.

How to Remove Smart HDD Rogue Software?

As said above, it is highly advisable to remove the rogue security software from your system as soon as possible. Here’s a guide for users:

Spy Hunter FREE scanner will only detect the threat. If you want the threat to be automatically removed, you need to purchase the full version of the malware tool.

1. Start Your PC in Safe Mode to Remove Smart HDD

1. Start Your PC in Safe Mode to Remove Smart HDD.

1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu.
2. Select one of the two options provided below:

– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.

– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.

3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account

While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.

2. Remove Smart HDD automatically with Spy Hunter Malware - Removal Tool.

2. Remove Smart HDD automatically with Spy Hunter Malware – Removal Tool.

To clean your computer with the award-winning software Spy Hunter –
It is highly recommended to run a FREE scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter.

Berta Bilbao

Berta is a dedicated malware researcher, dreaming for a more secure cyber space. Her fascination with IT security began a few years ago when a malware locked her out of her own computer.

Guide 1: How to Remove Smart HDD from Windows.
Guide 2: Get rid of Smart HDD on Mac OS X.
Guide 3: Remove Smart HDD in Google Chrome.

Guide 4: Erase Smart HDD from Mozilla Firefox.
Guide 5: Uninstall Smart HDD from Microsoft Edge.
Guide 6: Remove Smart HDD from Safari.
Guide 7: Eliminate Smart HDD from Internet Explorer.
Guide 8: Disable Smart HDD 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 Smart HDD from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Smart HDD

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 Smart HDD 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 Smart HDD 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 Smart HDD 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 Smart HDD 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 Smart HDD from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall Smart HDD 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 Smart HDD:

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 Smart HDD. 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 Smart HDD. 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 Smart HDD 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 Smart HDD. 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 Smart HDD files from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Smart HDD, 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 Smart HDD:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

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

Remove Smart HDD 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 Smart HDD 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 Smart HDD 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 Smart HDD 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 Smart HDD 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 Smart HDD 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.