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Microsoft Office Activation Wizard Tech Support Scam Removal Guide
- Mon, 26 Dec 2016 20:38:31 EST
- Read 48 times
The Microsoft Office Activation Wizard Tech Support Scam is a Trojan from the Trojan.Tech-Support-Scam family that displays a fake Microsoft Office activation wizard that states that office is not properly activated and then prompts you to do so. This activation wizard will overlay and stay on top of any running appications, which makes it difficult to properly use the computer. This is done to try and trick the user into calling the listed remote tech support number in order to sell them unnecessary software and services.
The text of this fake Microsoft Office Activation Wizard is:
Microsoft Office Home and Student 2016
Activation Wizard
Thank you for installing Microsoft Office Home and Student 2016. Activation is required to
authenticate this copy of Microsoft Office. This wizard will guide you through the
Activation process.
How do you want to activate your software?
* I want to activate the software over the Internet. (recommended)
* I want to activate the software by telephone.
Toll-Free : 1 800 935 6918
If you choose not to activate at this time, you may run the software for 29 more days before
the product becames unlicensed. Click Help for more information.
When you try and activation the program you will be shown another screen that prompts you to enter a product key. The text of this screen is:
Enter your product key
Your product key is 25 characters and is typically found in your
product packaging . Toll-Free : 1 800 935 6918
See product key examples
Sign in with an active account instead
Attempt to automatically activate my product online.
The good news is that this tech support scam comes with a build in passcode that you can enter to close the screen and scan your computer with a an anti-malware program. To close the screen you can enter THTY4-89LK6-RTI23-XZTOP-05ERY as the product key. Once the screen is closed you can then scan your computer to remove the infection.
How did the fake Microsoft Office Activation Wizard get on my computer?
It is important to note that this Trojan is installed by other programs that did not adequately disclose that other software would be installed along with it. Therefore, it is important that you pay attention to the license agreements and installation screens when installing anything off of the Internet. If an installation screen offers you Custom or Advanced installation options, it is a good idea to select these as they will typically disclose what other 3rd party software will also be installed. Furthermore, If the license agreement or installation screens state that they are going to install a toolbar or other unwanted adware, it is advised that you cancel the install and not use the free software.
Without a doubt, this scam was created to trick you into calling the listed number so that the developers can try and convince you into purchasing unnecessary services or software. For no reason should you call this number, and if you have already have purchased services, I advise you to dispute the charges with your credit card company. To remove this Trojan and any related software for free, please use the removal guide below.
MS Office Activation.exe
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\ "MS Office Activation" = "MS Office Activation.exe"