How To Remove Smart HDD Virus – Fake/Rogue Diagnostic Report Tool S.M.A.R.T. Repair Removal Instructions

What is Smart HDD (Smart HDD virus, S.M.A.R.T. Repair)?

Smart HDD (Smart HDD virus, S.M.A.R.T. Repair) is a fake diagnostic tool and rogue software (categorized as Scareware) used by cyber criminals to scare computer users into believing their computers are infected with malware and viruses or facing critical errors, such as hard drive boot sector reading errors. The purpose Smart HDD does this is in attempt to persuade the computer user into purchasing an extended license of the fake diagnostic software.

Please note, activating and purchasing the license for fake software such as Smart HDD (S.M.A.R.T. Repair) is dangerous and will not fix or remove issues and symptoms caused by the Smart HDD virus. NEVER give your credit card information to cyber criminals.

Even though the main threat of the Smart HDD virus is to act as Scareware, Smart HDD can also remain invisible on a system in order to operate malicious tasks which may involve tracking computer activity and keystrokes.

Smart HDD – S.M.A.R.T. Repair Infection Process

• The Smart HDD virus is contracted through Trojans that allow the malware to override proper system functions and can block legitimate Antivirus software from operating properly, in order to remain on the system and stop the use of other programs and tools.
• The rogue Smart HDD diagnostic software also performs fake scans, displays fake issues, followed by fake notifications, and other alert style messages stating the computer isbeing negatively affected by malware such as spyware, adware, and Trojans and/or the common Smart HDD errors detailed below:

Hard drive boot sector reading error
DUring I/O system initilization the boot device driver might have failed to initiliaze the boot device. File system initilization might have failed because it did not recofnice the data on the boot device.

Windows detected a hard drive problem.
A hard drive error occurred while starting the application.

System blocks were not found
This has most likely occurred because of hard disk failure.
This may also lead to potential loss of data.

Critical Error!
Damaged hard drive clusters detected. Private data is at risk.

Critical Error
Hard Drive not found. Missing hard drive.

Critical Error
RAM memory usage is critically high. RAM memory failure.

• The Smart HDD virus finally prompts a screen and/or messages persuading the computer user to purchase the fake Smart HDD diagnostis program.

If Smart HDD and malware that may have infected your computer alongside Smart HDD are not removed from your computer, you are at risk of falling victim to severe cyber crime involving credit and identity theft. Such parasites can also destroy complete computer functionality.

How can I get infected with the Smart HDD virus?

Smart HDD infects computer systems by using Trojan horses via freeware and shareware such as audio and video codecs, software update popups, and other potentially-malicious downloads including torrents and browser add-ons. A computer user may have also fallen victim to phishing, such as spam emails and telephone scams causing the computer to contract the unwanted Smart HDD virus.

1. Antivirus & Anti-Malware Sofware

In order to remove the Smart HDD virus we recommend running a full system scan with a reputable Antivirus or Anti-Malware program. In particular,Malwarebytes – the most recommended Antivirus/Anti-Malware software used to scan, detect, and remove malware including rogue software and scareware. View other Antivirus recommendations.

2. System Restore

Perform a system restore to an automatic restore point created by Window’s each week or during system updates, including installments of new software. System restore is a great way to remove malware and unwanted programs that may have infected your system without permission.

• View complete system restore instructions

3. Uninstall/Manually Remove Smart HDD

Uninstall Rogue Smart HDD From Control Panel

If possible, you might be able to uninstall Smart HDD using Window’s Uninstaller. Believe it or not, many Scareware programs attempt to mimic legitimate installation tactics.

• Start > Settings > Control Panel > Uninstall a Program or Add/Remove Programs. To uninstall Smart HDD, doube click the program on the list or select it and click the Uninstall button.

Kill Rogue Smart HDD Process

Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc on your keyboard and kil the Smart HDD process under the processes tab.

[random].exe processes are random for smart HDD, you should see strings like: 235633.exe, tetikdwwq.exe

Delete Rogue Smart HDD Plus Files And Folders

This list is a collection of files and folders related to Smart HDD. If any of these files or folders are found on our system remove them immediately. Please note, the files and folders described may not be found on your system.

%Temp%\\[random].exe
%Temp%\\[random].dll
%Temp%\\dfrg
%Temp%\\dfrgr
%Temp%\\.exe
%UserProfile%\\Desktop\\Smart HDD.lnk
%UserProfile%\\Start Menu\\Programs\\Smart HDD\\
%UserProfile%\\Start Menu\\Programs\\Smart HDD\\Smart HDD.lnk
%UserProfile%\\Start Menu\\Programs\\Smart HDD\\Uninstall Smart HDD.lnk

Un-register Rogue Smart HDD DLLs

[random].dll DLLs are random for smart HDD, you should see strings like: 995827.dll, nwwoeldr.dll

Delete Rogue Smart HDD Registry Entries

To access Window’s Registry Editor access Window’s Start Menu and type regedit into the search field followed by pressing Enter.

If located, remove these Smart HDD registry entries and values. *This list will receive updates.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run "[random]"
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run "[random].exe"

4. Safe Mode With Networking (Troubleshoot)

Safe mode with networking is great for victims that need to access the Internet or their networks they use but can’t due to the affects of the Smart HDD virus. Safe mode with networking will also bypass any issues where legitimate Antivirus or Anti Malware applications have been noneffective or malfunctioning.

1. Reboot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. As the computer is booting (when it reaches the manufacture’s logo) tap the F8 key continuously to reach the correct menu.

2. On the Advanced Boot Options screen, use your keyboard to navigate to “Safe Mode with Networking” and press Enter.

The screen may appear black with the words “safe mode” in all four corners. Click your mouse where windows start menu is to bring up necessary browsing.

3. If you are able to, access the internet, install software such as Malwarebytes and to scan and remove Smart HDD malware.

4. If you still can’t access the Internet after restarting in safe mode, try resetting your Internet Explorer proxy settings.

How To Reset Internet Explorer Proxy Settings

• Option 1

In Windows 7 click the Start button . In the search box type run and in the list of results click Run.
-or-
In Windows Vista click the Start button and then click Run.
-or-
In Windows XP click Start and then click Run.

Copy and paste or type the following text in the Open box in the Run dialog box and click OK:

reg add “HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings” /v ProxyEnable /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

In Windows 7 click the Start button. In the search box type run and  in the list of results click Run.
-or-
In Windows Vista click the Start button and then click Run.
-or-
In Windows XP click Start and then click Run.

Copy and paste or type the following text in the Open box in the Run dialog box and click OK:

reg delete “HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings” /v ProxyServer /f

Restart Internet Explorer and then follow the steps listed previously to run the scanner

• Option 2

Launch Internet Explorer. In Internet Explorer go to: Tools >Internet Options >Connections tab.
Click Lan Settings button and uncheck the checkbox labeled Use a proxy server for your LAN. Click OK.

4. It is now recommended to download Malwarebytes (free or paid version, or other software) and run a full system scan to remove Smart HDD and any malware, viruses, and Trojans negatively affecting your system.