‘BSOD: DllRegisterServer failed with the error code 0×80040201′ Pop-Ups

The 'BSOD: DllRegisterServer failed with the error code 0x80040201' pop-ups are fraudulent Windows Defender alerts for promoting technical support tactics or fraudulent software. Because these pop-ups may have strong ties with hoaxes that involve fraudsters portraying themselves as being Windows repair technicians, Windows users should pay particular attention to the symptoms of these fake warnings and differentiate them from all legitimate, Windows-based error messages. Removing the 'BSOD: DllRegisterServer failed with the error code 0x80040201' pop-ups should be done with the usual anti-malware tools and tactics you would use against any browser-based threat.

When Error Codes can be Discounted Safely

Although the infamous lore around the Windows 'Blue Screen of Death' lives on, modern versions of Windows have had improvements in stability to make legitimate BSODs much rarer than in previous editions. However, con artists still continue using the BSOD format for many online hoaxes, as can be seen in the modern phishing campaign for the 'BSOD: DllRegisterServer failed with the error code 0x80040201' pop-ups. Unlike real Blue Screens of Death, these pop-ups are loaded through your default browser's window, although they may be borderless.

The 'BSOD: DllRegisterServer failed with the error code 0x80040201' pop-ups use multiple, overlapping security threats for promoting their fake support hotline. Some of these alerts may include claiming to have failed to block a 'virus,' being unable to open default Windows apps like Windows Defender, and warning the viewer that the operating system's health is at a 'critical' level. The majority of these fake warnings are non-entities in any legitimate BSOD message and exist strictly for promoting the con artists' hotline.

Calling the phone number associated with phishing attacks like the 'BSOD: DllRegisterServer failed with the error code 0x80040201' pop-ups may create other security issues unrelated to your browser pop-ups. Standard examples of these as seen by malware analysts may include requests for information, attempts to sell scamware to the computer user or requests to gain remote access to your machine. In extreme cases, system changes that may have been made on behalf of fraudulent Microsoft support technicians may give third parties the equivalent of backdoor access to the PC, which may let them collect information, monitor your activities or change other settings at will.

Serving Yourself a Getaway from the 'BSOD: DllRegisterServer failed with the error code 0x80040201' pop-ups

Many characteristics of the 'BSOD: DllRegisterServer failed with the error code 0x80040201' pop-ups may be used to identify them as being fraudulent, inaccurate or threatening. However, malware analysts also found some evidence of this browser attack campaign supporting itself with threatening, in-browser scripts. These scripts may prevent you from terminating the pop-up windows or even opening your default security programs.

PC users suffering from recurring instances of these attacks should reboot their computer with Safe Mode. If the 'BSOD: DllRegisterServer failed with the error code 0x80040201' pop-ups continue loading in that state, you may need to launch Windows from a recovery device, such as a USB drive. Scan your PC with the anti-malware product of your choice and reset your Web browser's cache (techniques for the latter are specific to each brand of browser).

Naturally, malware analysts also recommend all Windows owners having a basic understanding of the standard format for legitimate Windows BSODs, which they can then identify and sort from copycat attacks like the 'BSOD: DllRegisterServer failed with the error code 0x80040201' pop-ups.