Do not proceed with anything! Quit or Force Quit your browser, or it it isn’t possible to quit, shut your machine off. Smart HDD is a scam – it is malware that mimics a legitimate repair or testing program – Usually starting from a Web page popup window, it shows you an alert that tells you you have serious problems with Windows, or you have “11 errors detected on your hard drive”, with convincing sounding names, and tells you you need to run the Smart HDD program to repair them.
If you go ahead and download and run the software, it will hide the data on your machine and blackmail you into paying $40 or more for the software to “fix” the problem. Do not download the software or run the software. If you have mistakenly run the ‘free’ or ‘trial’ version, do not pay (sending your charge card information is an invitation to identity theft or unauthorized charges). Instead, read these instructions how to eliminate the malware and get your files back.
Windows Recovery and family removal instructions
Windows Recovery, SmartHDD, HDD Repair, HDD Rescue — there are many other names that these fake system repair or hard drive repair utilities go under. They do not actually scan your machine or test for errors, the alerts are made up. Do not fall for the scam. The best way to avoid these in the first place is to turn off pop up windows in your Web browser.
Even better, switch to using Firefox, turn off pop up windows and install the NoScript add-on http://noscript.net/getit to prevent Javasripts from running without your permission.
Blocking popups – instructions vary a bit depending on the version of your browser
Firefox: Go to “Tools” or the “Firefox > Options” drop down menu, and choose “Options…” then in that window click the “Content” tab, then check the “Block pop-up windows” checkbox. support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/Pop-up%20blocker
New Internet Explorer: Go to the “Gear” or “Tools” menu icon (or hit Alt-X), choose “Internet Options”, then choose the “Privacy” tab, and check the “Turn on Pop-up Blocker” checkbox. windows.microsoft.com/en-US/Windows7/Internet-Explorer-Pop-up-Blocker-frequently-asked-questions
Older Internet Explorer: Go to “Tools,” then “Pop-up Blocker.” Click the “Turn On Pop-up Blocker” checkbox.
Older Internet Explorer in Win XP: support.microsoft.com/kb/843016
Safari: Choose the “Safari” tab at the top of the window. Click on “Block Pop-Up Windows.”
Chrome: Go to the “Chrome” or “Wrench” menu icon. Choose “Preferences” or “Options”. Click “Under the Hood.” Under the “Privacy” heading, click the “Content Settings” button. Click “Pop-ups,” found in the menu on the left side of the page. Click the second radio button under “Pop-Up Settings” or the “Do not allow any site to show popups” radio button. support.google.com/chrome/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=95472:
Some of the latest rogue and fake antispyware and utility malware names:
Windows First-Class Protector. Windows Trouble Taker Windows Debug Center Windows Defending Center Windows No-Risk Agent Windows Software Saver Windows AntiHazard Helper Windows AntiHazard Center Windows Process Director Windows Guardian Angel Windows Software Keeper Windows Problems Stopper Windows Health Keeper Windows No-Risk Center
More at Wikipedia list of rogue security software
About Browser Security:
Installing an Ad blocker in your Web browser or turning on the browsers anti-popup features is a first step, but it is not enough.
Many viruses that are launched from a poisoned Web page or banner ad rely on Java and/or Javascript running in your web browser software to execute their instructions. If you turn off Java entirely, or remove it from your Web browser, you will be safer. Turning off Javascript however is more problematic, because many of the legitimate sites you visit use Javascript for drop down menus, calendars, form filling, etc. and the sites won’t function without scripting. My recommended solution is to use Firefox as your Web browser, with the addition of NoScript plugin, which allows you to control which scripts that you allow to run, and blocks all others.
Adobe Flash is also used by some malware and poisoned websites. You can also use Adobe Flash Player’s privacy settings to block access to the Flash player by websites www.macromedia.com/support/documentation/en/flashplayer/help/help09.html