Edge Frozen with Virus Warning Popup

Anonymous

After navigating to a web page, a popup hijacked the Edge browser.

The popup is a false virus warning, with audio, that repeats endlessly.

I used Task Manager to close Edge browser, but after re-opening, it returns to the hijacked page. There is no time to open another tab, or reach settings. How can this be cleared.

First I tried searching for /user/appdata for Edge entries, and only found a couple, deleted them, but no effect.

I launched msconfig, and set to boot to Safe Mode, minimal. I tried launching Edge in Safe, but you get a warning saying Edge will not launch using the built in administrator account. IE still ran, but no network (as you might expect). I cleared history in IE. But then was unable to relaunch msconfig! Pressing Start flashed a start menu but it disappeared. Selecting the search box wound not search. I ended up launching Control Panel using win+x, and finding System Configuration that way.

When I returned to normal Windows, Edge was set back to its home page.

Clearly this is not a good work around. I can't imagine explaining it to my little niece or grandmother.

Please suggest something more rational.

[Moved from Windows]

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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Anonymous

When this happened to me, I closed Microsoft Edge using the Task Manager.

Then in the search bar next to the Windows 10 logo on the bottom off the screen (I call it the "Cortana Search"), I typed in google.com and hit enter.

Microsoft Edge opened up with a new tab for Google. You can see the offending site still opens in a tab that doesn't have focus. Click the "X" to close Edge. Do not click on the offending site tab or it will get focus again.

When Edge closes nicely, I won't "Restore" the sessions and the offending site tab will be gone.

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Anonymous

This did not work. It closed the offending page, but when I re-opened Edge it popped back up again.

It's a common scam. Click the OK button at the bottom of the popup. You should then see a box Do not allow this site to create new messages. Check it and then close the window.

If that doesn't work, for Edge, follow the instructions by Scott_Ki here:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/forum/protect_other-protect_scanning/edge-frozen-with-virus-warning-popup/7212a393-90ad-48d0-ab55-4ffe1f21a554?page=2&msgId=7618ae67-bf16-4155-bf90-d8a7405ee199

For all other browsers, use the Task Manager to exit the browser. Reboot and see if the pop-up goes away.

How to Use the New Task Manager.

http://www.wikihow.com/Open-Windows-Task-Manager

If the problem persists, for any browser:

Remove Tech Support Scam pop-up (Call For Support Scam)

http://malwaretips.com/blogs/remove-tech-support-scam-popups/

Please read:

PSA: Tech Support Scams Pop-Ups on the Rise

https://blog.malwarebytes.org/fraud-scam/2014/11/psa-tech-support-scams-pop-ups-on-the-rise/

Breaking down a notably sophisticated tech support scam M.O.

https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/mmpc/2017/03/02/breaking-down-a-notably-sophisticated-tech-support-scam-m-o/

For more information, see this post by GreginMich

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/forum/protect_other-protect_scanning/1-888-2361-scam/0990122e-61a9-431b-947e-a904c202fa7c?msgId=8d26f1a8-041a-4351-9c24-a222fb305cbd

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195 additional answers

Anonymous

2015-08-12T15:59:18+00:00

I finally got it off my system without having to completely reinstall everything, or at least I hope so. I had to run all the recommended fixes. I then downloaded and installed an Antivirus program. According to my web searching it was suppose to be the very best on the market at this time for virus blocking and most important hijacking and spam attacks. We shall see if it does. I have always used this program before but was hoping that windows 10 had the power and strength to do this work without having to install a third party software. Well that didn't work so here we are with the third party program doing the work that I think Microsoft 10 should have done. While I certainly like the new Windows version I'm displeased with the failure of its security system. I understand the dynamics of trying to block every possible attack but a company with that kind of power and folks that have IQ's so far up there I couldn't begin to understand their abilities. However as the end user it would be far better for Microsoft to have the best system all around vice having to rely on third parties to protect their system.
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Anonymous

2015-08-12T01:54:57+00:00

I just got the same issue with my system. I'm running the recommended scans above to try and get rid of the issue. I will know soon if it has worked.

I went so far as to call the phone number they indicated to call and I got someone that said they were from Microsoft and he said they could fix the issue if they could log into my computer remotely. Naturally that sure as the heck wasn't going to happen. So I think Microsoft has a hole in their system already that is bleeding out peoples computers (metaphorically that is). I will gladly return to Windows 7 so I can install all my own antivirus software to prevent this from happening again. I have never seen this happen before but I have heard of it happening.
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Anonymous

2015-08-12T00:15:32+00:00

I Have the same issue. First I ran a complete scan with windows defender. Then I tried the SFC/Scannow. After that I did a complete scan with the Microsoft Safety Scanner. With them all finding nothing! So I still have the same issue. If I do a complete restore it claims I will not be able to go back to my old Windows System also I will lose a lot of my apps. I hope someone has an answer for this one. At this point Microsoft Edge is still frozen with the virus warning and can only be shut down with Task manager. Please Help
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