Fake Activation Support 1-877-784-7461

Do not fall for the Fake Activation Support 1-877-784-7461 scam that was designed by devious cyber criminals who are trying to take advantage of your gullibility. This scam is in the same group of malware that we associate with “Your Windows (Microsoft) Computer has been blocked,” “Warning Call (844) 763-5838,” and “Fake Windows Product Key Screen” scams. All of them are based on fake technical support numbers that you are pushed to contact to receive “help.” In reality, if you call the number provided by schemers, you could be tricked into disclosing private information and possibility downloading or paying for unreliable or fake software. Removing Fake Activation Support 1-877-784-7461 scam from your operating system is not very easy, and we have created a comprehensive guide that will help you delete it without much trouble. If you want to learn more about this scam, please continue reading.

The Fake Activation Support 1-877-784-7461 scam is officially known as Malware.FakeMsMessage (different antivirus tools might use different names), and it is identified using the malicious “Microsoft excel.exe” file that hides in the C:\Windows\Microsoft Excel\Microsoft Excel directory. This file is responsible for locking down your screen with a window that cannot be closed (the “X” option does not work). This window represents a message that suggests you need to activate your Windows product key or call the helpline. The interface of this window is highly misleading, and it is easy to mistake it for a legitimate Microsoft notification. If you enter your Windows product key into the allocated box, the window will keep locking your screen, which is meant to push you into taking the next step, which is calling the fake support number, 1-877-784-7461. Note that this number could be changed if this threat gets updated. Obviously, we do not recommend calling this number.

If you contact schemers, they are likely to ask you to identify yourself. You might need to recite your Windows license key and share such private information as full name or home address. In the worst case scenario, you will also be asked to share credit card information. Whenever you are asked to do this via the phone or online, you have to step back and think if you are safe. The schemers behind Fake Activation Support 1-877-784-7461 scam could steal your virtual identity using the information you share, and this could be used to perform illicit transactions and use your name in other scams. On top of that, if, for example, you share your email address, cyber criminals could leak it along with your name to help other schemers expose you to other scams. If you have already disclosed personal information, make sure you be aware of potential scams. In case you have disclosed sensitive banking information, contact your bank for further instructions.

The fake support number linked to the Fake Activation Support 1-877-784-7461 scam is a dead giveaway that you are being scammed. All you need to do is run “1-877-784-7461” through a reliable search tool, and you will quickly have the information confirming or denying its credibility. As a matter of fact, the official technical support number representing Microsoft in the US is 1-877-696-7786. Of course, you do not need to memorize this number, but it should not be difficult for you compare the two numbers – the fake one and the original one – to see if you are being scammed. Obviously, if you recognize the scam, the last thing you should do is follow any instructions presented by cyber criminals.

You need to remove the malicious file (Microsoft excel.exe) to get rid of the Fake Activation Support 1-877-784-7461 scam and stop it from locking your screen. Although it might seem impossible with this threat paralyzing you, we found a way that will help you set your operating system free. First, you need to reboot your Windows operating system in Safe Mode, which you can do using the first removal step below. Next, you need to erase the malicious file and the registry keys accompanying it. After this, you can reboot your PC in Normal Mode, and you should find it running normally. One more thing we need to say before you jump to the removal process is that your virtual protection is weak if this malware has found its way into your operating system. Whether your preferred security tool is outdated or it does not exist at all, we suggest you reinforce your virtual protection before other threats attack, if they are not active already.

Removal Step I: Safe Mode

Windows XP/Windows Vista/Windows 7

1. Restart the computer and wait for the BIOS screen to load.
2. Immediately start tapping F8 key to access the boot options menu.
3. Using arrow keys select Safe Mode with Networking and then tap Enter.
4. Move to the Removal Step II.

Windows 8 and Windows 8.1:

1. In the Metro UI mode click the Power Options button.
2. Simultaneously press the Shift key and select Restart.
3. When the Troubleshooting menu appears, select Advanced options.
4. Choose Startup Settings and then click the Restart button.
5. Choose the F4 option to reboot your PC in Safe Mode.
6. Move to the Removal Step II.

Windows 10:

1. Click the Windows logo on the left of the Taskbar and select Power.
2. Simultaneously press the Shift key and select Restart.
3. In the Troubleshooting menu select Advanced options and then Startup Settings.
4. Choose the F4 option to reboot your PC in Safe Mode.
5. Move to the Removal Step II.

Removal Step II: malicious file

1. Launch Explorer by simultaneously tapping Win+R keys.
2. Type C:\Windows\Microsoft Excel\Microsoft Excel into the bar at the top and tap Enter.
3. Right-click and Delete the file called Microsoft excel.exe and delete the folder holding this file.
4. Launch RUN by simultaneously tapping Win+E keys
5. Right-click and Delete the key called Microsoft Excel in these paths:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Wow6432Node\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run.
6. Exit Registry Editor and reboot your PC back to normal mode.