The ArialText Font Was Not Found Scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is The ArialText Font Was Not Found?
Discovered by malware security researcher, Malware Breakdown, "The ArialText Font Was Not Found" is a fake error message displayed by a malicious website.
Users are redirected to this website by intrusive advertisements or potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), which infiltrate systems without consent (the "bundling" method). "The ArialText Font Was Not Found" is very similar to a previously-discovered fake pop-up: The HoeflerText Font Wasn't Found.
The aforementioned pop-up contains a long, unreadable text message and displays a pop-up stating that the computer is missing a font called "ArialText". The next pop-up message encourages victims to download a font file and install it on the system. In fact, this message is fake - "The ArialText Font Was Not Found" does not allow download of any font.
It simply proliferates ransomware-type viruses (including Crypt0L0cker, Cerber, etc.), trojans and adware. Ransomware viruses encrypt victims' personal data and demand large ransom payments in exchange for decryption. The cost usually fluctuates between the equivalent of $500 and $1500 in Bitcoins.
Paying does not guarantee that files will ever be decrypted, since criminals often ignore victims once payments are submitted. Therefore, you should never trust "The ArialText Font Was Not Found" pop-up. This message can be removed simply by closing the web browser.
Furthermore, PUPs that cause redirects also deliver intrusive advertisements (using a "virtual layer") and record information relating to browsing activity. The virtual layer enables placement of third party graphical content on any site.
Therefore, the resultant displayed ads often conceal underlying content of visited websites, thereby significantly diminishing the browsing experience. In addition, they often lead to malicious websites and clicking them can result in high-risk adware or malware infections.
PUPs continually record various user-system information that might be personally identifiable information (including, for example, IP addresses, URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries, etc.) The data is shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse it to generate revenue.
Therefore, the presence of data-tracking apps on your system can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. For these reasons, PUPs must be uninstalled immediately.
There are many fake errors similar to "The ArialText Font Was Not Found". The list of examples includes (but is not limited to) Access To Your Computer has Been Restricted, Windows Security Alert, Your Computer Is In Blocked State, and Enter A Product Key.
Unlike "The ArialText Font Was Not Found", however, most fake pop-ups do not proliferate malware. All state that the system is damaged in some way. The only purpose of this rogue software is to scare and trick victims into calling a telephone number (provided) and paying for technical support that is not required.
Screenshot of "The ArialText Font Was Not Found" scam second pop-up:
Text presented within this pop-up:
The web page you are trying to load is displayed incorrectly, as it uses the “ArialText” font. To fix the error and display the text, you have to upload the “Microsoft Font Pack”.
Manufacturer: Microsoft Corporation.
Current version: Microsoft Font Pack 11.0.3001.24
Latest version: Microsoft Font Pack 52.0.2924.44
Screenshot of "The ArialText Font Was Not Found" scam third pop-up:
Text presented within this pop-up:
The “ArialText” font was not found.
To install “ArialText” font for your PC:
1. Download the installer file.
2. If prompted, click Run and Save
3. If you chose Save, double-click the installer file to start the installation process. We will automatically import your home page settings and browser history for you.
4. Reboot Microsoft:
Windows 7: A Microsoft window opens once everything is set up.
Windows 8 and 8.1: A welcome dialogue appears, click Next to select your default browser.
Windows 10: A Microsoft windows opens once everything is set up. You can then make Microsoft your default browser.
If your computer has been infected with a ransomware-type malware follow the instructions below.
Ransomware removal:
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:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is The ArialText Font Was Not Found?
- STEP 1. Virus removal using safe mode with networking.
- STEP 2. Ransomware removal using System Restore.
Step 1
Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Start your computer in Safe Mode. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart, click OK. During your computer start process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until you see the Windows Advanced Option menu, and then select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Video showing how to start Windows 7 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 8 users: Start Windows 8 is Safe Mode with Networking - Go to Windows 8 Start Screen, type Advanced, in the search results select Settings. Click Advanced startup options, in the opened "General PC Settings" window, select Advanced startup. Click the "Restart now" button.
Your computer will now restart into the "Advanced Startup options menu". Click the "Troubleshoot" button, and then click the "Advanced options" button. In the advanced option screen, click "Startup settings". Click the "Restart" button. Your PC will restart into the Startup Settings screen. Press F5 to boot in Safe Mode with Networking.
Video showing how to start Windows 8 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 10 users: Click the Windows logo and select the Power icon. In the opened menu click "Restart" while holding "Shift" button on your keyboard. In the "choose an option" window click on the "Troubleshoot", next select "Advanced options". In the advanced options menu select "Startup Settings" and click on the "Restart" button.
In the following window you should click the "F5" button on your keyboard. This will restart your operating system in safe mode with networking.
Video showing how to start Windows 10 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Step 2
Log in to the account infected with the virus. Start your Internet browser and download a legitimate anti-spyware program. Update the anti-spyware software and start a full system scan. Remove all entries detected.
If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking, try performing a System Restore.
Video showing how to remove ransomware virus using "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" and "System Restore":
1. During your computer start process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until the Windows Advanced Options menu appears, and then select Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list and press ENTER.
2. When Command Prompt mode loads, enter the following line: cd restore and press ENTER.
3. Next, type this line: rstrui.exe and press ENTER.
4. In the opened window, click "Next".
5. Select one of the available Restore Points and click "Next" (this will restore your computer system to an earlier time and date, prior to the ransomware virus infiltrating your PC).
6. In the opened window, click "Yes".
7. After restoring your computer to a previous date, download and scan your PC with recommended malware removal software to eliminate any remaining ransomware files.
To restore individual files encrypted by this ransomware, try using Windows Previous Versions feature. This method is only effective if the System Restore function was enabled on an infected operating system. Note that some variants of ransomware are known to remove Shadow Volume Copies of the files, so this method may not work on all computers.
To restore a file, right-click over it, go into Properties, and select the Previous Versions tab. If the relevant file has a Restore Point, select it and click the "Restore" button.
If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking (or with Command Prompt), boot your computer using a rescue disk. Some variants of ransomware disable Safe Mode making its removal complicated. For this step, you require access to another computer.
To regain control of the files encrypted by ransomware, you can also try using a program called Shadow Explorer. More information on how to use this program is available here.
To protect your computer from file encryption ransomware such as this, use reputable antivirus and anti-spyware programs. As an extra protection method, you can use programs called HitmanPro.Alert and EasySync CryptoMonitor, which artificially implant group policy objects into the registry to block rogue programs.
HitmanPro.Alert CryptoGuard - detects encryption of files and neutralises any attempts without need for user-intervention:
Malwarebytes Anti-Ransomware Beta uses advanced proactive technology that monitors ransomware activity and terminates it immediately - before reaching users' files:
- The best way to avoid damage from ransomware infections is to maintain regular up-to-date backups. More information on online backup solutions and data recovery software Here.
Other tools known to remove ransomware infections:
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion