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Can’t Remove BACKGROUND_FAULT virus? This page includes detailed BACKGROUND_FAULT Removal instructions!
The BACKGROUND_FAULT is problematic. Not only does this pest get installed in silence but it also exposes you to threats constantly. Are you stuck with the BACKGROUND_FAULT virus? Probably. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be reading removal guides right now. Today’s article is all about this irritating adware-type infection. Also classified as a PUP (potentially unwanted program), the virus must be uninstalled ASAP. In case it spends enough time on your once safe computer, things will get ugly. Keep in mind that adware and PUPs are extremely sneaky and secretive. They make modifications in your browser settings behind your back. In other words, BACKGROUND_FAULT causes you damage without you knowing it. This nuisance installs a browser extension or an add-on. By doing so, it injects your trusty browsers with pop-ups. All sorts of pop-ups. All the time. Consider surfing the Internet no longer fun now that your machine is infected. At the least, you will have to waste time avoiding irritating, absolutely worthless ads. Why is it so important that you avoid these pop-ups? For one thing, they get generated by a cyber infection. Remember, BACKGROUND_FAULT was created by hackers to serve their purposes. As soon as this program changes your default browser settings, it brings along sponsored ads. You see, crooks use the pay-per-click mechanism to gain revenue at your expense. All that hackers have to do is cover your PC screen with tailored, sponsored pop-up ads. You do the rest by clicking the ads open. Keep in mind that clicking turns you into a sponsor of hackers’ business. In addition, you end up jeopardizing your safety because the ads could lead you to various pages. Not all websites you will land on are necessarily safe. That means you’re one click away from malware as long as this infection is on your machine. Stay away from all deceptive commercials BACKGROUND_FAULT might display. Being sponsored, these advertisements are unreliable and potentially harmful. As mentioned, they are also super annoying and obnoxious. The adware/PUP could begin to redirect you to random pages as well. Last but not least, your private details online aren’t private anymore as this program steals data. It sends your sensitive details straight into the hands of hackers. Needless to say why this is dangerous, right?
How did I get infected with?
Infections travel the Web via stealth. Thus, you don’t need to give your permission to such a program. It relies on your distraction and haste online. To prevent malware infiltration in the future, keep an eye out for viruses. Think in advance and be cautious. For instance, avoid opening spam email-attachments or messages from unknown senders. Those could be hiding a whole bunch of infections. Also, stay away from illegitimate software. One particularly big threat are the freeware/shareware bundles. Unfortunately, every time you download bundled programs, you cannot afford to skip any steps. Opt for the Custom option in the Setup Wizard and go through all programs one by one. No, this isn’t the most fun activity online. However, its purpose isn’t to be entertaining. Make sure you’re completely aware what programs you’re about to give green light to. If you spot some potential intruder, deselect it instead of rushing. Otherwise, you might easily compromise your own device. Another rule of advice is to check out the Terms and Conditions or EULA (End User License Agreement) of what you install. It’s your call whether your PC will remain infection-free or not. Make the right choice and put your security first.
Why is this dangerous?
Your browsing experience is no longer up to you. Thanks to the virus, hackers now take advantage of your browsers to make money. As mentioned already, BACKGROUND_FAULT adds a browser plugin. It works with Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer. As you could imagine, this program causes a real mess. It displays a parade of pop-ups on a daily basis, it also redirects you and leads to a poor PC performance. As if that wasn’t enough, the adware/PUP might cause you some serious privacy issues as well. Hackers now have free access to your browsing-related details (browsing history, search queries, usernames, passwords). It goes without saying that crooks are willing to sell your data to third parties. To prevent further harm, tackle the infection now. You will find our detailed manual removal guide down below.
How to Remove BACKGROUND_FAULT virus
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The BACKGROUND_FAULT infection is specifically designed to make money to its creators one way or another. The specialists from various antivirus companies like Bitdefender, Kaspersky, Norton, Avast, ESET, etc. advise that there is no harmless virus.
If you perform exactly the steps below you should be able to remove the BACKGROUND_FAULT infection. Please, follow the procedures in the exact order. Please, consider to print this guide or have another computer at your disposal. You will NOT need any USB sticks or CDs.
Please, keep in mind that SpyHunter’s scanner tool is free. To remove the BACKGROUND_FAULT infection, you need to purchase its full version.
STEP 1: Track down BACKGROUND_FAULT in the computer memory
STEP 2: Locate BACKGROUND_FAULT startup location
STEP 3: Delete BACKGROUND_FAULT traces from Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer
STEP 4: Undo the damage done by the virus
STEP 1: Track down BACKGROUND_FAULT in the computer memory
- Open your Task Manager by pressing CTRL+SHIFT+ESC keys simultaneously
- Carefully review all processes and stop the suspicious ones.
- Write down the file location for later reference.
Step 2: Locate BACKGROUND_FAULT startup location
Reveal Hidden Files
- Open any folder
- Click on “Organize” button
- Choose “Folder and Search Options”
- Select the “View” tab
- Select “Show hidden files and folders” option
- Uncheck “Hide protected operating system files”
- Click “Apply” and “OK” button
Clean BACKGROUND_FAULT virus from the windows registry
- Once the operating system loads press simultaneously the Windows Logo Button and the R key.
- A dialog box should open. Type “Regedit”
- WARNING! be very careful when editing the Microsoft Windows Registry as this may render the system broken.
Depending on your OS (x86 or x64) navigate to:
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
- and delete the display Name: [RANDOM]
- Then open your explorer and navigate to: %appdata% folder and delete the malicious executable.
Clean your HOSTS file to avoid unwanted browser redirection
Navigate to %windir%/system32/Drivers/etc/host
If you are hacked, there will be foreign IPs addresses connected to you at the bottom. Take a look below:
STEP 3 : Clean BACKGROUND_FAULT traces from Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer
-
Open Google Chrome
- In the Main Menu, select Tools then Extensions
- Remove the BACKGROUND_FAULT by clicking on the little recycle bin
- Reset Google Chrome by Deleting the current user to make sure nothing is left behind
-
Open Mozilla Firefox
- Press simultaneously Ctrl+Shift+A
- Disable the unwanted Extension
- Go to Help
- Then Troubleshoot information
- Click on Reset Firefox
-
Open Internet Explorer
- On the Upper Right Corner Click on the Gear Icon
- Click on Internet options
- go to Toolbars and Extensions and disable the unknown extensions
- Select the Advanced tab and click on Reset
- Restart Internet Explorer
Step 4: Undo the damage done by BACKGROUND_FAULT
This particular Virus may alter your DNS settings.
Attention! this can break your internet connection. Before you change your DNS settings to use Google Public DNS for BACKGROUND_FAULT, be sure to write down the current server addresses on a piece of paper.
To fix the damage done by the virus you need to do the following.
- Click the Windows Start button to open the Start Menu, type control panel in the search box and select Control Panel in the results displayed above.
- go to Network and Internet
- then Network and Sharing Center
- then Change Adapter Settings
- Right-click on your active internet connection and click properties. Under the Networking tab, find Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). Left click on it and then click on properties. Both options should be automatic! By default it should be set to “Obtain an IP address automatically” and the second one to “Obtain DNS server address automatically!” If they are not just change them, however if you are part of a domain network you should contact your Domain Administrator to set these settings, otherwise the internet connection will break!!!
You must clean all your browser shortcuts as well. To do that you need to
- Right click on the shortcut of your favorite browser and then select properties.
- in the target field remove BACKGROUND_FAULT argument and then apply the changes.
- Repeat that with the shortcuts of your other browsers.
- Check your scheduled tasks to make sure the virus will not download itself again.
How to Permanently Remove BACKGROUND_FAULT Virus (automatic) Removal Guide
Please, have in mind that once you are infected with a single virus, it compromises your system and let all doors wide open for many other infections. To make sure manual removal is successful, we recommend to use a free scanner of any professional antimalware program to identify possible registry leftovers or temporary files.