Microsoft Windows Got De-Activated Scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is "Microsoft Windows Got De-Activated"?
Discovered by malware security researcher, Lawrence Abrams, "Microsoft Windows Got De-Activated" is a fake error similar to Product Key Has Expired, Windows Health Is Critical, and many others.
These scams are often proliferated by malicious programs (such as software cracks, fake downloads, etc.) Once infiltrated, "Microsoft Windows Got De-Activated" locks the computer screen, thereby preventing any further actions.
"Microsoft Windows Got De-Activated" error states that the system has been infected, and due to suspicious activity, the Windows Operating System has been de-activated. Therefore, users are prompted to re-enter a product key. If this does not work, they are encouraged to contact 'technicians' via a telephone number ("1-866-324-2085") provided.
In fact, "Microsoft Windows Got De-Activated" is a scam and has nothing to do with Microsoft. Entering a genuine product key will never remove the screen lock. Cyber criminals aim to generate revenue by claiming to be certified technicians and to monetize their "services" (that are not needed or effective) and selling fake Windows activation keys.
The malware does not exist. Therefore, never attempt to contact these people, since you will be in danger of being scammed. Fortunately, Lawrence Abrams has analyzed this malware and procured a number of keys ("g6r-qrp6-h2" and "yt-mq-6w") that can be used to unlock the computer screen.
| Name | "Microsoft Windows Got De-Activated" virus |
| Threat Type | Ransomware, Crypto Virus, Files locker |
| Symptoms | Can't open files stored on your computer, previously functional files now have a different extension, for example my.docx.locked. A ransom demanding message is displayed on your desktop. Cyber criminals are asking to pay a ransom (usually in bitcoins) to unlock your files. |
| Distribution methods | Infected email attachments (macros), torrent websites, malicious ads. |
| Damage | All files are encrypted and cannot be opened without paying a ransom. Additional password stealing trojans and malware infections can be installed together with a ransomware infection. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
There are dozens of fake errors similar to "Microsoft Windows Got De-Activated". Most (including Unable to Locate Windows License Key, Microsoft Warning Alert, Warning: Hyper-V Manager, etc.) are displayed by malicious websites.
All claim that the system is infected, missing files or damaged in other similar ways, however, these false claims are merely attempts to scare and trick victims into calling and paying for technical support services that are not required. Furthermore, developers of fake errors usually demand remote access to the caller's computer.
After gaining access, they install malware and/or change system settings (such as passwords). They claim to "find" even more issues and offer their assistance for additional fees.
How did potentially unwanted programs install on my computer?
As mentioned above, errors such as "Microsoft Windows Got De-Activated" are distributed together with various potentially unwanted programs (PUPs). Cyber criminals proliferate these programs in various ways, however, the most common methods are "bundling" and malvertising ads. Bundling is stealth installation of third party programs together with regular software/apps.
Developers hide bundled programs within various sections (usually the "Custom/Advanced" settings) of the download/installation processes. Malicious ads (such as banners, pop-ups, etc.) often lead to deceptive websites that contain malicious content. In addition, these ads might execute scripts that download and install potentially unwanted programs (malware).
Rushing the download/installation processes, skipping steps, and clicking ads often leads to inadvertent installation of rogue programs. This exposes systems to risk of various infections and compromises users' privacy.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Lack of knowledge and careless behavior are the main reasons for computer infections. The key to computer safety is caution. Therefore, be very careful when downloading/installing software and browsing the Internet in general.
Carefully analyze each step of the download/installation processes (using the "Custom/Advanced" settings) and opt-out of all additionally-included programs. Note that third party download/installation tools are monetized using the bundling method - they promote third party software.
Therefore, it is very risky to use these tools - download your applications from official sources only and, if possible, using a direct download link. Cyber criminals put a great deal of time and money into designing malicious ads. Most appear genuine, and thus determining if they originate from the visited (legitimate) website is virtually impossible.
Most lead to adult dating, pornography, gambling, survey, and other suspicious sites. If you encounter such ads and sites, uninstall all suspicious applications and browser plug-ins.
"Microsoft Windows Got De-Activated" error message:
Microsoft Windows has detected some suspicious activities on this computer. Due to having a Network Security Breach your Microsoft Windows got de-activated, to activate please enter the product key.
Error Code: 0x00AEM001489
Support: Call 1-866-324-2085
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 "Microsoft Windows Got De-Activated"?
- STEP 1. "Microsoft Windows Got De-Activated" virus removal using safe mode with networking.
- STEP 2. "Microsoft Windows Got De-Activated" virus removal using System Restore.
"Microsoft Windows Got De-Activated" virus removal:
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 starting process press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until you see the Windows Advanced Option menu, then select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Video showing how to start Windows 7 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 8 users: Go to the Windows 8 Start Screen, type Advanced, in the search results select Settings. Click on Advanced Startup options, in the opened "General PC Settings" window select Advanced Startup. Click on the "Restart now" button. Your computer will now restart into "Advanced Startup options menu".
Click on the "Troubleshoot" button, then click on "Advanced options" button. In the advanced option screen click on "Startup settings". Click on the "Restart" button. Your PC will restart into the Startup Settings screen. Press "5" to boot in Safe Mode with Networking Prompt.
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 "Microsoft Windows Got De-Activated" 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 viruses using "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" and "System Restore":
1. During your computer starting 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 "Microsoft Windows Got De-Activated" 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 remnants of the "Microsoft Windows Got De-Activated" virus.
If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking (or with Command Prompt), boot your computer using a rescue disk.
Some viruses disable Safe Mode making it's removal complicated. For this step, you require access to another computer. After removing "Microsoft Windows Got De-Activated" virus from your PC, restart your computer and scan it with legitimate anti-spyware software to remove any possible remnants of this security infection.
Other tools known to remove this scam:
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