Your browser may display a "This browser has been locked" message if your computer has been infected with malware that spoofs the FBI. The malware will instruct the user to pay a fee to have their internet browser unlocked, but you can open a locked browser for free by resetting or logging out of the browser on Windows and Mac OS X.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Opening a Locked Browser in Windows
Step 1. Right-click on the Windows taskbar located on the desktop
Step 2. Click "Start Task Manager. " The Task Manager window will appear on the screen.
Step 3. Click on the Processes tab, then click Show processes from all users. "
Step 4. Click on the process that is being run by the internet browser
For example, if you are using Google Chrome, click "chrome.exe".
Step 5. Select "End Process" from the floating menu displayed on the screen
Step 6. Click "End Process" again when you are asked to give confirmation to end the process
Step 7. Click "Yes" to end the process
Furthermore if you launch the browser, the browser will not be locked anymore.
Method 2 of 3: Resetting the Browser on Mac OS X
Step 1. Click "Safari", then select "Reset Safari"
If you are using Firefox, click "Help > Troubleshooting Information > Reset Firefox."
Step 2. Make sure that all aspects in the Reset dialog box are checked, then click "Reset"
The browser will be returned to its default settings and will not be locked again.
Method 3 of 3: Force Close Browser on Mac OS X
Step 1. Press the Command, Option, and Escape keys simultaneously on a Mac computer
The Force Quit window will appear on the screen.
Step 2. Select the browser locked by the malware program, then click "Force Quit"
The browser will stop working, and will no longer be locked.
Tips
- Always run an updated antivirus and antimalware program on your computer to avoid attacks from harmful third parties. With antimalware software running behind the scenes, you can also limit your contact with viruses, malware, and ransomware.
- Scan your computer for viruses and malware using an updated antivirus or antimalware after completing the steps in this article to make sure that no other third-party software can harm your computer.
- You can also open a locked browser by blocking JavaScript in the browser settings. Malware programs that lock your browser require JavaScript, and they will stop working if you block JavaScript directly.
