System Failure Warning Virus

Posted by Max Lehmann on March 13, 2013

What is System Failure Warning Virus?

System Failure Warning Virus is a ransomware infection that terrorizes users in Great Britain. It appears on your screen like a system failure message from EUROPOL (European law enforcement agency) and it might seem that you have really committed all those crimes that System Failure Warning Virus accuses you of. However, even if you do know that you are absolutely innocent, that is not much of a comfort, because the infection will not leave your computer unless you remove it for good. Even though System Failure Warning Virus claims that your files are encrypted, it is not true, and you should not fear for your files and other sensitive data - although System Failure Warning Virus locks you out of your computer, it cannot delete your files. It also does not block your internet connection, because the malware needs the Internet to receive the ransom fee transfer.

Where does System Failure Warning Virus come from?

This infection is just another localized variant of Ukash Virus. It is distributed by Uremtoo botnet, and it has many ways to enter your system behind your back. According to the way System Failure Warning Virus behaves, it is closely related to a whole lot of other ransomware programs, including Policía Nacional de Uruguay Virus, Malta Police Association Virus, Homeland Security Virus and many more. Naturally, since this program is a hoax, the notification displayed on your screen is not real as well:

You PC is blocked due to at least one of the reasons specified below.

You have been viewing or distributing prohibited Pornographic contents: (Child Porno/Zoophilia and etc), terrorist materials. Thus violating article 202 of the Criminal Code of Great Britain, Article 202 of the Criminal Code provides for a deprivation of liberty for four to twelve years.

Please note: Fine may only be paid within 48 hours. As soon as 48 hours elapse, the possibility to pay the fine expires, and the criminal case will be initiated against you automatically within the next 48 hours!

System Failure Warning Virus wants you to transfer 100 pounds via Ukash or PaySafeCard alternative payment systems within 48 hours. It makes it seem as though all of your data will be deleted and a criminal case will be initiated against you if you do not do so. However, all these threats are groundless and the infection does not have the power to do anything.

How to remove System Failure Warning Virus?

In order to remove System Failure Warning Virus, you have to restore your desktop access and then acquire a powerful antimalware program that will delete not only the ransomware application but all the other infections that could possibly be hiding inside your system. Follow the instructions below to get rid of System Failure Warning Virus.

How to unlock your PC

For Windows Vista & Windows 7

Restart your computer and tap F8 repeatedly once BIOS loads.
If Windows logo appears, reboot the PC and try again.
When Advanced Boot Options menu appears, use arrow keys to navigate and select Safe Mode with Networking. Hit Enter.
Access http://www.anti-spyware-101.com/download-sph and download SpyHunter.
Install the program and run a full system scan.

For Windows XP

Follow the steps above from 1 to 3.
Click Yes on confirmation dialog box.
Download SpyHunter.
Open Start Menu and launch Run.
Enter "msconfig" and click OK.
Select Startup tab on System Configuration Utility.
Click Disable all and click OK to save changes.
Reboot the PC in Normal Mode.
Install SpyHunter and perform a full system scan to detect System Failure Warning Virus.

For Windows 8

Press Windows key. Metro Start Menu will show up.
Click the built-in Internet Explorer tile on the menu.
Enter http://www.anti-spyware-101.com/download-sph into the address bar and press Enter.
Click Run when a download dialog box appears.
Download, install and run SpyHunter to perform a full system scan.