How to avoid scams like "Don’t Restart Your Computer"
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Don’t Restart Your Computer?
"Don't Restart Your Computer" is a deceptive pop-up error displayed by a rogue website. Users are redirected to this website by unwanted programs that usually infiltrate systems without users' consent ("bundling" method).
As well as causing unwanted redirects, potentially unwanted programs also deliver intrusive online advertisements and continually gather various user/system data.
More about the "Don’t Restart Your Computer" scam
According to the "Don't Restart Your Computer" pop-up, a specific infection was found within the system downloads folder, and this malware must be removed immediately. To do this, victims are encouraged to contact certified technicians via a toll-free telephone number ("+1-855-459-6660") provided and will then supposedly receive help in removing the virus.
Research shows, however, that the "Don't Restart Your Computer" error is fake - the infection simply does not exist. This pop-up is merely an attempt to scare and trick victims into calling and paying for services that are not required. Therefore, you should ignore it and never attempt to contact these people.
Potentially unwanted programs employ a 'virtual layer' to generate various ads (for example, pop-up, coupon, banner, etc.) This enables placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, displayed ads often conceal underlying content, thereby significantly diminishing the Internet browsing experience.
In addition, some redirect to malicious websites and, thus, even accidental clicks can result in high-risk computer infections. Another downside is data tracking. Research shows that rogue apps can gather IP addresses, search queries, URLs visited, and other similar browsing-related information.
This collected information might contain personal data that developers share with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse private details to generate revenue. The presence of data-tracking apps on your system can result in serious privacy issues or even identity theft. Therefore, uninstall all unwanted applications immediately.
| Name | Don’t Restart Your Computer virus |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
| Fake Claim | An error has occured due to computer infection |
| Disguise | Error alert/virus warning from the system |
| Tech Support Scammer Phone Number | +1-855-459-6660 |
| Symptoms | Fake error messages, fake system warnings, pop-up errors, hoax computer scan. |
| Distribution methods | Compromised websites, rogue online pop-up ads, potentially unwanted applications. |
| Damage | Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss, identity theft, possible malware infections. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Similar scams in general
There dozens of fake error messages virtually identical to "Don't Restart Your Computer" including System Blocked For Security Reasons, Critical Error, and Windows Security Alert - these are just some examples from many. Note that all claim that the system is damaged in certain ways, however, as with "Don't Restart Your Computer", all of these pop-ups are false.
Their only purpose is to generate revenue for the developers. Unwanted programs also have an identical purpose. By offering various 'useful features', they attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, but rather than providing the functionality promised, they collect personally identifiable information, deliver intrusive ads, and cause unwanted redirects.
How did adware install on my computer?
As mentioned above, potentially unwanted programs are distributed using the "bundling" method - stealth installation of third party software with regular (usually free) apps.
Developers know that users often rush the download/installation processes and skip most/all steps. Therefore, bundled software is hidden within the "Custom/Advanced" settings. Skipping this section often leads to inadvertent installation of potentially unwanted programs.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
To prevent this situation be cautious during the download/installation processes. Closely analyze each download/installation step using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings. Furthermore, decline offers to download/install additional applications.
Text presented within "Don't Restart Your Computer" error:
**** Don’t Restart Your Computer ****
The Following information was found on this error:
Code: 00x04C08
Description:
An unsupported or invalid partition type was detected. The infections detected, indicate some recent downloads on the computer which in turn has created problems on the computer. Call technical support +1-855-459-6660 and share this code BS2957E to the Agent to Fix this.
Text presented within the second pop-up (Authentication Required):
A username and password are being requested by ******************. The site says: "0x80070424 Warning: Internet Security Damaged !!! User Access Suspended !! Call Microsoft Help Desk: +1-855-459-6660(TOLL-FREE) for Free Checkup"
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
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Quick menu:
- What is Don’t Restart Your Computer?
- STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove adware from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue extension from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Adware removal:
Windows 11 users:
Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.
Windows 10 users:
Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.
Windows 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.
macOS (OSX) users:
Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
In the uninstall programs window, look for any suspicious/recently-installed applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted program, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:
Click the "gear" icon 
(at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for any recently-installed suspicious browser extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the don’t restart your computer virus, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.
Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.
In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.
Click the Reset button.
Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, select these entries and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the don’t restart your computer virus, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with don’t restart your computer virus removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.
Optional method:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge menu icon 
(at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the don’t restart your computer virus, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
Commonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a technical support scam?
It is a fraudulent scheme where scammers impersonate technical support representatives from reputable companies to deceive users into believing their computer is infected or has some other problem.
What is the purpose of a technical support scam scam?
As a rule, scammers use such scams to distribute malware (e.g., they try to trick users into granting them permission to access their computers remotely or download malicious programs/files) and steal sensitive information or money.
Why do I encounter scams?
Scam websites are often encountered after clicking misleading ads or other pop-ups (e.g., fake warnings), notifications from dubious websites, or ads displayed by adware. Also, such scams can be encountered while visiting torrent sites, illegal movie streaming pages, or similar platforms often associated with rogue advertising networks.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from pop-up scams?
Combo Cleaner is designed to scan every website you visit and can detect malicious ones. This includes sites intended to deliver pop-up scams, so you will receive immediate warnings, and access to these sites will be restricted.
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