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'Windows Activation Error Code: 0x44578' Lock Screen

Posted: August 22, 2016

The 'Windows Activation Error Code: 0x44578' lock screen is a Trojan that hijacks the Windows startup process, blocks the PC's operator from using other programs, and loads a pop-up recommending a fake technical support number. Calling these numbers may put your PC in danger of other attacks, and malware experts recommend ignoring all security information and advice from a 'Windows Activation Error Code: 0x44578' lock screen. Use the anti-malware techniques and software suggested in this article to remove 'Windows Activation Error Code: 0x44578' lock screen and restore Windows.

When Your Operating System Crashes at the Starting Line

The majority of technical support scams seen by malware analysts use pop-up formats that circulate through a variety of Web advertising networks. However, not all technical tactics implement themselves in a 'hands off' fashion that refrains from compromising your PC. The 'Windows Activation Error Code: 0x44578' lock screen is a recently detected Trojan that, after installing itself, hijacks the Windows startup routine to make its pop-up tactic the only accessible content.

Confirmation of the 'Windows Activation Error Code: 0x44578' lock screen's campaign being in distribution came in early August of this year, with the Trojan infecting PCs running Windows 10. For now, malware experts associate the 'Windows Activation Error Code: 0x44578' lock screen's infection vectors with threatening software downloads, which can include mislabeled download links and threat installers bundling themselves with third-party products. Some versions of the 'Windows Activation Error Code: 0x44578' lock screen also may install themselves with other threats, such as adware.

The 'Windows Activation Error Code: 0x44578' lock screen inserts itself into the Startup settings for Windows and reboots your computer automatically. After the reboot, the 'Windows Activation Error Code: 0x44578' lock screen loads in the form of a borderless pop-up with an accompanying audio clip. The 'Windows Activation Error Code: 0x44578' lock screen blocks your access to other programs and Windows features while asking you to call a phone number for information on regaining access to your copy of Windows.

Unlike some threats of this type, malware experts did verify that the 'Windows Activation Error Code: 0x44578' lock screen still maintains its system persistence within Safe Mode.

Activating an Escape Hatch from a Screen Locker Trojan

While the 'Windows Activation Error Code: 0x44578' lock screen uses manual downloads for distributing itself, these infection methods all require the consent of the PC user for initiating the download. Malware experts find no evidence of any drive-by-downloads or exploit kit-based attacks that could place a 'Windows Activation Error Code: 0x44578' lock screen on your computer automatically. Scanning all your incoming downloads and avoiding suspicious download sites can provide some protection from this campaign.

PC users already affected by a 'Windows Activation Error Code: 0x44578' lock screen will need to regain access to Windows and their security software before taking any other steps. Restart your PC through a recovery drive or use the 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt' option to launch Windows while also bypassing the 'Windows Activation Error Code: 0x44578' lock screen's startup exploit. Malware experts also verified that the 'Windows Activation Error Code: 0x44578' lock screen does not erase System Restore data, although using dedicated anti-malware software is still recommended for removing 'Windows Activation Error Code: 0x44578' lock screen.

The 'Windows Activation Error Code: 0x44578' lock screen isn't a sophisticated threat like a rootkit, and requires social engineering and deception to trick a victim into facilitating its tactic. Dealing with hoaxes, whether they're Trojan-delivered or advertisement-delivered, is always something most easily stopped by educating yourself about the basics of PC security, such as the difference between an authentic error code and a fake one.

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