Windows 7 Locked after scam call - SYSKEY

Anonymous
2014-07-09T06:15:35+00:00

I have had a couple for customers fall for the "This is So and So from Windows 7 Tech support, we have detected malicious software on you PC. The customers have given the scamers access to the PC and its now locked with What looks like the XP Syskey lock screen. There are reports the Password are 123 or 1234 or abcd. But that all failed. If you have this problem:

THIS IS FOR WINDOWS 7 ONLY, MAY WORK ON OTHER OS!!!!

I have repaired the syskey issue when created by scam call from “Windows 7 Tech Support” in windows 7. I repaired customers computers (1 32-bit and 1 64-bit) successfully, To remove following the steps below:

1.     Boot from windows 7 install cd.

2.     When the Install Windows page appears, click Repair your computer to access system recovery options.

3.     Run System Restore to last point before syskey password blocked access. (This will fail, but must be done). Click run system restore again (this will take you back to the options list)

4.     Open Command Prompt from the options list.

5.     Open Regedit (Type regedit into the command prompt). Regedit will open.

6.     Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa, and change 'SecureBoot' value to 0.

7.     HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \SAM\SAM\Domains\Account Change F value to 0000

8.     Reboot and Login

This has worked for me on two machines. After reboot I ran Super-anti Spyware, Ad-Aware and Hitman Pro to confirm, found 68 items on Super-Anti Spyware, 5 more on ad aware and no further detection's on Hitman Pro. The PC now runs fine with not Lockouts or Passwords.

Hope this helps everyone with this problem.

MICROSOFT / WINDOWS 7 SUPPORT WILL NEVER RING YOU UNLESS YOU HAVE REQUESTED THEM TO DO SO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Security and privacy

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Monkey57 3,535 Reputation points
    2017-02-20T22:46:15+00:00

    "We have a computer club"-> get to know Linux and become active in the computer forensics/security community.

    My question is, why remove the hard-drive and attempt to change the SAM, when other quicker alternatives may be available to copy your data, and clean install the device;  to return it to a safe, secure, stable state.  (Including a local technician) 

    One of the most common SysKey codes, scammers use, is in a video on the referenced link (maybe ask on his youtube-site the common codes).  Unfortunately, at this time I can not name it, and it may not work anyway.

    The system is not trustable, once you make the modification or guess the code, without a clean install.

    See Don's post regarding how to remove stubborn screws ("Vise grips.... bit is the proper size..."), check the laptop MFG website on what is required, to replace the Hard-drive.

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-02-20T21:41:34+00:00

    It is not a good idea to attempt to to evade security measures built into the software.  One bad key stroke, and/or using outdated info, or scratching a critical hardware component;  and you may never see your data again!

    See:

    https://www.youtube.com/user/LewissTech/videos

    Some of his videos show some of the common methods scammers use, in the initial phases of the scam;  consider posting/asking on his youtube channel.

    Look for the common syskey codes used by these malicious actors, in the large network of scammers.  Consider taking the computer/device to a local professional.

    I would like to know what makes you think I'm attempting to evade security measures built into the software? Go after the scammers that use it to block  the average  Joe that they are trying to take their hard earned way! My question was so I could get into the computer and remove the HD and put it in my external HD bay and save her some valuable files for her!!  I am a Tech and I use static protection! All I want to know is a way to get 4 really tight screws on the laptop case out. I don't normally do laptops!

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-02-20T18:01:20+00:00

    It is not a good idea to attempt to to evade security measures built into the software.  One bad key stroke, and/or using outdated info, or scratching a critical hardware component;  and you may never see your data again!

    In my capacity as an electronics engineer with decades of experience I have to add the "scratching a critical hardware component" is not an issue. Static discharge or a torn ribbon cable (e.g. when slipping with a screw driver) is a much greater danger. The hard disk is particularly robust in its metal case and its data can be read even if the motherboard is beyond repair - provided, of course, that the OP gets around the SysKey issue!

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