„Windows Is Resetting Itself“ PUP – How to Remove it Completely

by Martin Beltov | March 21, 2018 | 0 Comments online advertisements, pop-ups, PUP, redirect, removal guide

Threat Summary „Windows Is Resetting Itself“ Ads – Methods of Distribution „Windows Is Resetting Itself“ Ads – Technical Information „Windows Is Resetting Itself“ Ads – Tracking and Data Collection Remove „Windows Is Resetting Itself“ Adware

This article will aid you to remove „Windows Is Resetting Itself“ messages. Follow the removal instructions for this adware scam given at the end.

The „Windows Is Resetting Itself“ pop-ups is a dangerous new scam scheme devised by computer hackers. It combines an intrusive pop-up with a technical support scam and its execution on the victim’s computer can also lead to information harvesting. Read more in our in-depth removal guide below.

Threat Summary

Name	Windows Is Resetting Itself
Type	Adware, PUP
Short Description	Advertisements generated from this scam can display on websites and redirect you.
Symptoms	You keep seeing adverts in your browsers, like pop-ups, surveys, full-page ads, etc. You can get redirected from ads and links pushed by the adware.
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 Windows Is Resetting Itself.

„Windows Is Resetting Itself“ Ads – Methods of Distribution

The “Windows Is Resetting Itself” Pop-Up messages are usually distributed using the most popular hacker tactics associated with this type of malware. One of the main ways to spread the annoying scam is to generate a network of counterfeit pages that may have domain names similar to legitimate well-known vendors and services. Ordinary computer users might not be able to distinguish between the real name and the counterfeit instance. Once the users visit the hacker-controlled domains a series of pop-up messages will be generated.

Another choice would be the use of infected software installers of famous free and trial versions of popular applications: utilities, creative applications and games. This is done by taking the legitimate installers from the official sits and modifying them to include the malware code. The pop-ups can pop-up as soon as the installer is started or after the application has been placed on the victim’s machine.

The pop-up code can also be integrated into malicious browser plugin instances, also known as browser hijackers. They are usually distributed on the official web browser extension repositories posing as useful additions. Usually the entries make use of elaborate descriptions, screenshots and videos that attempt to lure the users into installing the malware. The developers usually have fake credentials and post user reviews on their own.

Usually “Windows Is Resetting Itself” related domains operate as part of a network operated by a criminal collective. Such measures them to measure the associated campaign performance. They can create copies of the site using various domains in an automated way if they can make profit from the victims. This makes it very hard to detect the original source of the attacks. The criminals can also opt to include the “Windows Is Resetting Itself” during the execution process of viruses of all types.

„Windows Is Resetting Itself“ Ads – Technical Information

Once the users face the pop-up windows they will be a warning screen that reads the following message:

Due to repeated malware attack, windows is resetting itself.
You may loose your personal files on this computer

Your system data has been compromised. Hackers may track your financial activities and get access to your personal files on this system.

Please report this activity + 1-800-269-5942
[Ignore Alert]

Don’t turn off your computer

Depending on the site’s configuration it may launch several pop-up windows in order to fool the computer user that there is an actual issue with their computer. This is a classic scam that relies on two main components in order to succeed. The first is the impression that there is a serious computer problem. The criminals use text and logo images related to the Microsoft Windows family and attempt to cause a social engineering scam on the targets. The pop-ups are described as being generated due to a virus attack.

The second part of the campaign is a classic tech support scam. The hackers persuade the users into calling the listed phone number. The caller will find that on the end there is a user pretending to be a support engineer. They claim that the victim computer might have been infected by a computer threat (other than the pop-ups) and may request a large fee in return for “restore instructions”. The scam involves the entry of standard system information commands that showcase the running processes or hardware information. Their results are interpreted as “serious virus infections” and the victims are made to pay large amounts of money in return for the “professional help”.

The pop-ups themselves are generated using simple scripts and can also lead to the deployment of various types of malware:

Your Name
Your Email address
Information you provide

Trojans — If the pop-ups redirect to a hacker-controlled download page or link the pop-ups can genuinely lead to a virus infection. However this is usually the case in ads and banners that do not have the tech support scam element.
Browser Hijacker — In several related instances we have observed pop-ups that link to a malware browser extension that is offered as a way to restore the browsers.
Malware Software & Updates — These type of infections have the ability to redirect the computer users to malware software installers or updates that promise to remedy the issue.

The pop-ups may be placed on an unlimited number of domains and this is the reasons why security software have devised signatures specifically made for this threat. Some of the signatures that have been assigned to the “Windows Is Resetting Itself” pop-ups include the following:

Gen:Variant.Razy.6869
HEUR:Trojan.Script.Generic
HTML.Trojan-Ransom.TechSupportScam.R
HTML/Infected.WebPage.Gen2
HTML:Phishing-SF [Phish]
JS/FakeAlert.LY!tr
JS:Trojan.Cryxos.1294
SupportScam:JS/TechBrolo.AA
TROJ_GEN.R047C0DDC17
Trojan.Script.AgtLocker.enkjdo
a variant of MSIL/Kryptik.EAN
malicious_confidence_100% (D)

„Windows Is Resetting Itself“ Ads – Tracking and Data Collection

Pop-ups like this one have the ability to place tracking cookies into the victim browsers, as well as other types of web tracking technology. The reason for this is the generation of a unique user profile of every visitor. The collected data is gathered into databases that can be shared with partners or clients of the scammers in a manner that is very similar to traditional browser hijackers. There are two main types of data that is collected by these scripts:

Private Data — The tracking cookies and related means are configured in a way to search for strings related to the identity of the victims. The collected data is able reveal information such as the victim’s name, address, phone number, interests, passwords and account credentials.
Anonymous Metrics — This type of data usually consists of interaction information and metrics related to the used web browser which are for statistical purposes.

Remove „Windows Is Resetting Itself“ Adware

To remove „Windows Is Resetting Itself“ manually from your computer, follow the step-by-step instructions manual provided down here. If the manual removal does not get rid of the ads and shopping website from appearing, you should search for and remove any leftovers with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such a program can keep your computer secure in the future.

Martin Beltov

Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.

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

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

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Windows Is Resetting Itself

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 Windows Is Resetting Itself 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 Windows Is Resetting Itself 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 Windows Is Resetting Itself 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 Windows Is Resetting Itself 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 Windows Is Resetting Itself from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall Windows Is Resetting Itself 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 Windows Is Resetting Itself:

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 Windows Is Resetting Itself. 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 Windows Is Resetting Itself. 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 Windows Is Resetting Itself 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 Windows Is Resetting Itself. 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 Windows Is Resetting Itself files from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Windows Is Resetting Itself, 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 Windows Is Resetting Itself:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

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

Remove Windows Is Resetting Itself 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 Windows Is Resetting Itself 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 Windows Is Resetting Itself 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 Windows Is Resetting Itself 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 Is Resetting Itself 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 Windows Is Resetting Itself 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.