'Internet_ExplorerPatch.hta' Pop-Ups

The 'Internet_ExplorerPatch.hta' pop-ups may appear on affected Web browsers and make it seem as if the computer user needs to download a patch for their Web browser. PC security researchers strongly advise against interacting with the 'Internet_ExplorerPatch.hta' pop-ups or downloading the content it advertises. The 'Internet_ExplorerPatch.hta' pop-ups are part of a known tactic that is used to trick inexperienced computer users into downloading and installing threats, adware, or other types of PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs).

The 'Internet_ExplorerPatch.hta' Pop-Ups are Part of a Well-Known Tactic

The 'Internet_ExplorerPatch.hta' pop-ups may look like legitimate messages from Windows or the PC user's Web browser, but are part of a well-known tactic. The full text of the 'Internet_ExplorerPatch.hta' pop-ups says:

Internet Explorer Security Warning
Performing network security scan . . . 100%
Browser version: Internet Explorer
IP address: 184.157.1.185
Location: Fordland, MO
Network segment: 184.157.*.*
Your update patch is ready.
Installation takes less than 30 seconds and gives you the latest upgrades and fixes.
Do you want to run or save Internet_ExplorerPatch.hta (557 bytes) from 45(dot)mpcofobjxfgr(dot)iebahomaniyat(dot)com

Computer users that download content advertised in the 'Internet_ExplorerPatch.hta' pop-ups may infect their computers with unwanted content. This may either be a PUP or more severe forms of threats. The 'Internet_ExplorerPatch.hta' pop-ups are part of a social engineering approach that has become increasingly common as a way of distributing unwanted content. Microsoft will never distribute patches for their software using these types of pop-up messages. Legitimate updates will be distributed using the Windows Update or other official sources.

What may Cause the 'Internet_ExplorerPatch.hta' Pop-Ups

If your Web browser is displaying the 'Internet_ExplorerPatch.hta' pop-ups, this may mean that you are either visiting a website with poorly regulated advertisement content or that a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) has been installed on your Web browser, forcing it to display the 'Internet_ExplorerPatch.hta' pop-ups and other types of unwanted content. It is relatively easy to know if the problem is being caused by your Web browser or if it is being caused by the website you are visiting. If the 'Internet_ExplorerPatch.hta' pop-ups appear only when you visit a particular URL, this may mean that the problem is related to that website's advertising content. However, if the 'Internet_ExplorerPatch.hta' pop-ups appear regardless of the content you are viewing online, this may mean that the problem is located on your Web browser, in the form of an unwanted Web browser extension or add-on.

Dealing with the 'Internet_ExplorerPatch.hta' Pop-Ups and Similar Unwanted Content

If you have determined that the cause of the 'Internet_ExplorerPatch.hta' pop-ups is a component installed on your Web browser, PC security researchers recommend that you use a reliable security application to remove this component as soon as possible. PUPs associated with the 'Internet_ExplorerPatch.hta' pop-ups may take the form of Web browser extensions or add-ons. However, they cannot be removed using the Web browser's extensions manager or similar components. Rather, it may be necessary to use the Control Panel to uninstall these types of components. Once they have been uninstalled, however, there is a high probability that they may come back if steps aren't taken to ensure otherwise. To do this, PC security researchers recommend that computer users scan their computers with the help of a reliable security application that is fully up-to-date.

PC security researchers also recommend that computer users make sure that unwanted changes haven't been made to the System Registry or other Windows settings. Finally, you should take steps to undo any unwanted changes made to the affected Web browser. For example, the PUP associated with the 'Internet_ExplorerPatch.hta' pop-ups may have changed the affected Web browser's homepage to the website associated with the 'Internet_ExplorerPatch.hta' pop-ups. Other changes may include the Web browser's default search engine, bookmarks and security settings. Also, make sure that no unwanted shortcuts or files have been dropped on the affected computer's hard drive or Desktop.