How to Remove HDD Tools (Uninstall Guide)

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HDD Tools is a rogue disk defragmenter that performs a fake hard disk scan and gives false reports of hard disk and Windows registry errors on the computer. Then the rogue program prompts the user to activate HDD Tools in order to fix the errors. If the user chooses to purchase the fake program, he will be redirected a predefined Web page to perform a payment transaction. Once payment is completed, HDD Tools will state that your computer is clean. Without a doubt, you shouldn't purchase HDDTools malware. This program is a scam. It reports non-existent problems to make you think that your computer is infected. If you are reading this article then your computer is probably infected with this rogue program. To remove HDD Tools from your computer, please follow the removal instructions below.

HDD Tools is a copy of Smart HDD, HDD Plus and some other rogues from the same family. These misleading applications are being promoted through the use of fake online scanners, browser hijackers, trojans and other malware. While HDD Tools is running, it will block other programs in your computer saying that they are infected and etc. You will see a fake error message when you attempt to open a program.

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

Furthermore, the rogue program will display fake warnings saying that there are numerous critical registry and hard drive errors. The text of some of the alerts you may see include:

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

Critical Error
Hard Drive not found. Missing hard drive.

Critical Error
A critical error has occurred while indexing data stored on hard drive. System restart required.

After the fake scan, HDD Tools reports 11 critical errors. It doesn't matter if it's a new laptop or an old PC. The rogue program will find the same errors on both computers.

Drive C initializing error
Hard drive doesn't respond to system commands
Data Safety Problem. System integrity is at risk.
Registry Error - Critical Error

Be advised, HDD Tools may come bundled with other malware, usually rootkits. That's why we strongly recommend you to scan your computer with anti-malware software. Also, you should use the Secunia Personal Software Inspector to scan your software for vulnerabilities. If you have purchased HDD Tools then please contact your credit card provider and dispute the charges. Then please follow the instructions in the guide below. If you have any questions about this malware or additional information that may help other users, please leave a comment. Good luck and be safe online!

HDD Tools removal instructions:

1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Alt+Delete) or use Process Explorer.
2. Click on the Processes tab.
3. End HDD Tools processes, e.g. 15485473.exe and hF34GdfrTge.exe.

4. Download TDSSKiller (free utility from Kaspersky Lab) and run it. Remove TDSS rootkit if exist.

5. Download free anti-malware software from the list below and run a full system scan.

NOTE: in some cases the rogue program may block anti-malware software. Before saving the selected program onto your computer, you may have to rename the installer to iexplore.exe or winlogon.exe With all of these tools, if running Windows 7 or Vista they MUST be run as administrator. Launch the program and follow the prompts. Don't forget to update the installed program before scanning.

6. New threats appear every day. In order to protect your PC from such (new) infections we strongly recommend you to use ESET Smart Security.

HDD Tools removal instructions (in Safe Mode with Networking):

1. Reboot your computer is "Safe Mode with Networking". As the computer is booting tap the "F8 key" continuously which should bring up the "Windows Advanced Options Menu" as shown below. Use your arrow keys to move to "Safe Mode with Networking" and press Enter key. Read more detailed instructions here: http://www.computerhope.com/issues/chsafe.htm

NOTE: Login as the same user you were previously logged in with in the normal Windows mode.

2. Download free anti-malware software from the list below and run a full system scan.

NOTE: in some cases the rogue program may block anti-malware software. Before saving the selected program onto your computer, you may have to rename the installer to iexplore.exe or winlogon.exe With all of these tools, if running Windows 7 or Vista they MUST be run as administrator. Launch the program and follow the prompts. Don't forget to update the installed program before scanning.

3. New threats appear every day. In order to protect your PC from such (new) infections we strongly recommend you to use ESET Smart Security.

HDD Tools associated files and registry values:

Files:

%Temp%\[SET OF RANDOM NUMBERS]
%Temp%\[SET OF RANDOM NUMBERS].exe
%Temp%\[SET OF RANDOM CHARACTERS].exe
%Temp%\dfrg
%Temp%\dfrgr
%Temp%\[SET OF RANDOM CHARACTERS].dll
%UserProfile%\[SET OF RANDOM CHARACTERS].DAT
C:\WINDOWS\nwcacm.dll
%UserProfile%\Desktop\HDD Tools.lnk
%UserProfile%\Start Menu\Programs\HDD Tools\
%UserProfile%\Start Menu\Programs\HDD Tools\HDD Tools.lnk
%UserProfile%\Start Menu\Programs\HDD Tools\Uninstall HDD Tools.lnk

%Temp% refers to:
C:\Documents and Settings\[UserName]\Local Settings\Temp (in Windows 2000/XP)
C:\Users\[UserName]\AppData\Local\Temp (in Windows Vista & Windows 7)

%UserProfile% refers to:
C:\Documents and Settings\[UserName]\ (in Windows 2000/XP)
C:\Users\[UserName]\ (in Windows Vista & Windows 7)

Registry values:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run "[SET OF RANDOM NUMBERS]"
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run "[SET OF RANDOM NUMBERS].exe"

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