Windows frozen

[Matt2matt2002]

Hi folks.
Any idea how to proceed?
Attached message on my screen not allowing me to do anything.
Help.

[mickeg]

If I ever got a nasty screen like that and it told me to call a specific phone number, my first thought is it is a scam.  Call someone else.

Can you shut down and do a cold boot?  Perhaps holding the power switch off for 15 to 20 seconds can cause a shut down.  But I am not a computer pro, so maybe that would be the last time you ever shut that computer off?

[Matt2matt2002]

If I ever got a nasty screen like that and it told me to call a specific phone number, my first thought is it is a scam.  Call someone else.

Can you shut down and do a cold boot?  Perhaps holding the power switch off for 15 to 20 seconds can cause a shut down.  But I am not a computer pro, so maybe that would be the last time you ever shut that computer off?

Thanks. I agree, a scam and I certainly won't be calling any number.
I checking out options but would be very pleased to hear from anyone here, the best way to proceed.
Thanks

[Danneaux]

Yes, Matt, a now old scam. For a way out, look at AWs answer here...
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_other-security-winsec/blocked-computer/06df1f60-dc92-43e0-92c0-49243e1da2df?messageId=d1fd0e19-a71b-4ec1-8b07-7d51330d8241

Best, Dan.

[Matt2matt2002]

Thanks Dan
Good advice.

I appear to have progressed.

Many thanks

Matt