Windiskutility Scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is "Windiskutility"?
"Windiskutility" is a fake error message that locks computer screens, thereby preventing users from performing any further actions.
Note that the message is French, which is unusual - most of these viruses contain English text. In any case, it is safe to assume that developers of the "Windiskutility" scam either come from or target users who live in France. These errors are typically distributed together with potentially unwanted programs (PUPS), fake software cracks, infectious downloads, etc.
As mentioned above, "Windiskutility" locks the computer screen. Users are then presented with an error message stating that Microsoft has detected suspicious activity on the system and, for this reason, access has been disabled. To return the computer to its previous state, the user must enter a Windows activation code.
Bear in mind, however, that "Windiskutility" is a scam and entering a genuine key will not solve the problem. Cyber criminals attempt to scare and trick victims into contacting certified technicians via the telephone number ("+33 970 449 279") provided. These people then claim to provide technical support (which is not needed) in exchange for a certain fee.
In addition, cyber criminals often demand remote access to users' computers. This is to install malware and/or change system settings. They then claim to "detect" more errors and offer further help for an extra fee. In addition, these criminals often demand answers to various Yes/No questions.
They record the audio of "Yes" answers and use these as 'proof' that the victim agreed to submit various online payments, etc. (another scam model). Never trust these people or call the telephone number. This key unlocks the screen: "g6r-qrp6-h2". Therefore, there is no need to seek any help or contact these criminals.
| Name | "Windiskutility" 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 scam errors similar to "Windiskutility". The list of examples includes Product Key Has Expired, Buy Windows Defender Essentials, and All Access To This Device Has Been Revoked. All claim that the system is damaged, however, errors such as "Windiskutility" are designed only to extort money from unsuspecting users.
As mentioned above, "Windiskutility" typically is delivered with various potentially unwanted programs (PUPs). Research shows that most deliver intrusive advertisements (coupons, banners, pop-ups, etc.), gather personal information, and misuse system resources to run unnecessary processes (e.g., to mine cryptocurrencies).
How did potentially unwanted programs install on my computer?
Most PUPs are distributed using the aforementioned intrusive ads, and a deceptive marketing method called "bundling". Research shows that intrusive ads typically lead to malicious websites. Some even run scripts that stealthily download and install malware, whilst "bundling" is stealth installation of third party software together with regular (mostly free) apps.
Developers do not disclose these installations properly - they hide "bundled" programs within various sections (e.g., "Custom/Advanced" options) of the download or installation processes. Rushing the download/installation processes, skipping steps, and clicking various advertisements often leads to inadvertent installation of PUPs.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
The main reasons for computer infections are poor knowledge and careless behavior. The key to safety is caution. We strongly advise you to be cautious when downloading/installing software, and when browsing the Internet in general.
Select "Advanced/Custom" settings, carefully analyze each download/installation step, and cancel all additionally-included programs.
Note that criminals invest time and resources into intrusive ad design. In most cases, they appear legitimate, however, these ads redirect to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and other dubious sites. If you encounter such redirects, immediately eliminate all dubious apps and browser plug-ins.
"Windiskutility" error message:
Windows 10
Microsoft Windows a détecté des activités suspectes sur cet ordinateur.
En raison d'une vi lation de sécurité réseau, Microsoft Windows s'est désactivé
Pour activer s'il vous plaît entrer la clé de produit. Ne pas redémarrer votre système, il peut provoquer une défaillance du disque dur ou corrompu
Clé de produit non valide: -
Copyright 2017- Tous droits réservé & Information
Clé de produit non valide Ne pas essayer encore et encore, il provoque une défaillance du disque ou un support sans contact corrompu +33 970 449 279
Screenshot of fake Windows update screen, which is displayed after launching the malware:
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Quick menu:
- What is "Windiskutility"?
- STEP 1. "Windiskutility" virus removal using safe mode with networking.
- STEP 2. "Windiskutility" virus removal using System Restore.
"Windiskutility" 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 "Windiskutility" 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 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 "Windiskutility" 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 "Windiskutility" 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 "Windiskutility" 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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