Fake Activation Support 1-877-784-7461 Removal Guide

Do you know what Fake Activation Support 1-877-784-7461 is?

It might be difficult to realize that you are targeted by the Fake Activation Support 1-877-784-7461 scam because it takes on the interface of a legitimate-looking Microsoft notification informing that you need to activate your Windows license. This notification is represented via a pop-up that cannot be closed, which is why you might feel forced into following the instructions. Well, even if you enter your Windows license key, your screen will remain locked. This does not mean that the scam is dysfunctional. On the contrary, the failure to unlock the screen yourself is meant to push you into calling the helpline number that is also represented via the pop-up notification. Calling this number is the worst thing you can, and we hope that you have not done that already. What you should do is delete Fake Activation Support 1-877-784-7461 components, as this is the only way to disable this scam.

Do you know how the malicious file representing the Fake Activation Support 1-877-784-7461 scam has entered your operating system? This file is called “Microsoft excel.exe” (a misleading name is used to divert you from removing it), and it can enter your PC in various different ways. It is possible that it was downloaded by infections already active on your operating system. It is also possible that it was hiding in a software bundle behind attractive programs. In both of these cases, it is likely that additional malware exists on your computer, and we suggest inspecting it with a reliable malware scanner to identify malicious threats. Note that the vulnerabilities in your virtual security could help cyber criminals expose you to Warning Call (844) 763-5838, Fake Windows Product Key Screen, and many other deceptive scams. Therefore, after you successfully get rid of the Fake Activation Support 1-877-784-7461 scam, you need to ensure that your operating system is protected securely, so that other malicious scams could not be introduced to you in the future.Fake Activation Support 1-877-784-7461 Removal GuideFake Activation Support 1-877-784-7461 screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions

The main objective behind the Fake Activation Support 1-877-784-7461 scam is to force you into calling the provided helpline number. Of course, this number is fictitious, and it is easy to figure this out by cross-checking it using your search engine. Unfortunately, because the interface of the notification is so misleading, many users do not even suspect a scam. If you call the number – and again, you should NOT do that – you will be in communication with a cyber criminal. You could be tricked into disclosing sensitive data, and that could lead to virtual identity theft. On top of that, you could be tricked into giving up your money or exposing your operating system to more malicious infections. If that was not enough, your phone company could charge a huge fee for this call. Overall, nothing good can happen out of you calling this fake helpline number, as this is the tool in schemers’ hands to scam you.

To disable the Fake Activation Support 1-877-784-7461 pop-up, you need to delete Microsoft excel.exe, and this task is not exactly straightforward. Although you should have no problem deleting this file, accessing it might be complicated due to the locking of the screen. In order to access this file, you need to restart your PC in Safe Mode, and you can use the instructions below to learn how to do that on different versions of the Windows operating system. Once you reboot into Safe Mode, you need to erase the malicious file. After you get back to normal mode, immediately scan your operating system. If you skip this step, you might remain unaware of dangerous infections, and this could lead to many security problems. Also, do not forget to protect your vulnerable operating system to ensure that malware does not slither in again.

Delete Fake Activation Support 1-877-784-7461

N.B. You need to reboot in Safe Mode before you can erase the malicious components.

Remove from Windows XP:

  1. Restart the PC, wait for BIOS to load, and immediately start tapping F8.
  2. Select Safe Mode (use arrow keys and tap Enter).
  3. Click Yes when the Windows is running in safe mode pop-up shows up.

Remove from Windows Vista or Windows 7:

  1. Restart the PC, wait for BIOS to load, and immediately start tapping F8.
  2. Select Safe Mode (use arrow keys and tap Enter).

Remove from Windows 8 or Windows 8.1

  1. Click the Power Options button (in Metro UI).
  2. Press and hold the Shift key and simultaneously click Restart.
  3. Select Advanced options (in the Troubleshoot menu) and choose Startup Settings.
  4. Select F4 to reboot your PC in Safe Mode.

Delete the malicious components

  1. Simultaneously tap Win+E to launch Explorer.
  2. Enter C:\Windows\Microsoft Excel\Microsoft Excel into the bat at the top.
  3. Delete the Microsoft Excel.exe file.
  4. Simultaneously tap Win+R to launch RUN.
  5. Enter regedit.exe into the Open box to access the Registry Editor.
  6. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run.
  7. Delete the key called Microsoft Excel.
  8. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run.
  9. Repeat step 7.
  10. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Wow6432Node\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
  11. Repeat step 7.

In non-techie terms:

You need to remove Fake Activation Support 1-877-784-7461-related malicious components from your operating system to get rid of the annoying pop-up corrupting your screen. According to our tests, the best way to go about this is rebooting the system in Safe Mode and then removing the malicious elements. As you can see, this threat can be easily removed manually. Now, other threats active on your PC might be much more complex, and we suggest employing automated malware removal software to get rid of them. If you install reliable software, you will also not need to worry about the security of your operating system, which, of course, is weak if a malicious executable has manager to slither in.