📎 AI Summary:
The thread discusses a user's computer infected by a virus after downloading malicious software, which has caused Windows to ask for a product key and prevented normal access. Respondents suggest booting into safe mode by powering off and on multiple times, then disabling startup items to remove the malware. The overall tone emphasizes caution, warning that some suggested solutions might be scams or ineffective, and highlighting the importance of proper security measures.

Aaron R

New Member
Joined
Jun 21, 2016
Messages
1
Thread Author #1
An image from 'Windows 10 Asking for Product Key'. A computer screen prompts to enter a Windows product key with a customer service phone number displayed.
So I was downloading a video editing software today, but it turned out to be a fairly nasty virus. My computer blue screened numerous times as a result. And now, whenever I log in, Windows is asking me for the product key I was given when I purchased windows - but Windows was pre installed on my computer. I can't get into my computer at all. What do I need to do?
 

Last edited by a moderator:
Solution
That is probably part of the virus (not a real windows activation screen), turn the computer on and power it off three times and you should be able to get into safe mode. Go into the task manager and disable everything in start up and if you see any weird items, that is probably the virus.

Neemobeer

Windows Forum Team
Staff member
Joined
Jul 4, 2015
Messages
8,995
That is probably part of the virus (not a real windows activation screen), turn the computer on and power it off three times and you should be able to get into safe mode. Go into the task manager and disable everything in start up and if you see any weird items, that is probably the virus.
 

Solution

RichM

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 9, 2016
Messages
322
Yeah he is right and the phone number above that message proves it is a scam to sell you some useless repair. Once you get through this, time to look at worthless security you have that woudl let that in!