How to remove cryptolocker

Process to delete cryptolocker from computer

cryptolocker is a type of malware that has the ability to encrypt files stored on Windows computer. In order to restore it they demand a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. Simply said, it is file locking virus that was active from September 2013. This ransomware virus was created by cyber criminals with an intention to make illegal online profit by manipulating innocent users. When activated, the malware encrypted certain types of files stored on desktop using RSA public key cryptography.

What is cryptolocker?

After that, this malware displayed a message which offered to decrypt the data if the payment was done on the given time. They demand payment of 300 USD or 300 Euro ransom in order to unblock the computer and decrypt the files. Cyber criminals behind this order user to pay ransom by using MoneyPak, Bitcoin, Ukash or cashU. Remember that paying this fine is equivalent to sending your money to the cyber criminals. There was no any guarantee that payment would release the encrypted content.

The displayed ransom note also explains that victims only have 72 hours to recover their files. If the ransom is not paid during the given time then all your files will be deleted permanently. They will also warn users not to rename encrypted files or try to decrypt them using third party software otherwise it may lead to permanent data loss. As a proof that decryption key is really working, they offer free decryption test of one encrypted file. Unfortunately, in many cases of ransomware infections decryption is impossible without the involvement of cyber criminals.

Where cryptolocker does comes from?

This virus gets distributed in the system by using spam email campaign. Cyber criminals behind this send messages typically contain malicious attachments which carry the payload of the ransomware. once the user is tricked into opening it, this virus infiltrates into the targeted device.

Another way to get computer infected with this malware is through malicious programs called Trojans. Trojans are programs that are mainly designed to cause chain infection or it can install some other malicious software.

Unreliable software downloads channels like third party downloader, unofficial pages, p2p sharing networks etc can be used to proliferate malware. When users open malicious files that were downloaded through such channels, they cause installation of malicious software.

Software cracking tools are programs that supposed to illegally bypass the activation of licensed software or operating system. However, instead of activating such software they often infect PC with malware.

How to decrypt files encrypted by cryptolocker?

If you have been affected by cryptolocker then you won’t get any benefit from the decryptor tools. Instead and as discussed above the best option to recover files is to remove cryptolocker completely from the system. remember that removal will not recover all compromised files but it will prevent it from further encryptions. After that, you can restore your files from backup. In case, backup files are not available you can see whether “Shadow Volume Copies” (temporary backup created by OS for a short period of time) are available or also has been deleted. If both of the given options are not available, then the last way is to use powerful data recovery tool that has strong scanning algorithm and advanced programming logics.

How to prevent cryptolocker ransomware?

It is recommended to ignore irrelevant emails that contain attachments especially if such emails are sent from suspicious addresses. also, it is advised not to download software from third party downloaders or any other tools of this kind. All programs and files should only be downloaded by using official websites and direct links. Installed software should be updated and activated by using tools or implemented functions that are provided by official software developers. Further, it is not legal to activate licensed programs with various cracking tools. Additionally, it is recommended to install reputable antivirus software on the OS and scan it for threats regularly.

Remove cryptolocker

In order to keep computer harmless and secured, you are advised to remove cryptolocker as soon as possible by using both manual as well as automatic process. However, manual process is tricky and time-consuming as it requires lots of time to detect and delete this nasty threat. So, we suggest you to use some reliable antimalware removal tool that can remove this malware soon from the machine.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

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Step 1: Remove cryptolocker through “Safe Mode with Networking”

Step 2: Delete cryptolocker using “System Restore”

Step 1: Remove cryptolocker through “Safe Mode with Networking”

For Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Boot the PC in “Safe Mode”. Click on “Start” option and continuously press on F8 during the start process until the “Windows Advanced Option” menu appears on the screen. Choose “Safe Mode with Networking” from the list.

Now, a windows homescreen appears on the desktop and work-station is now working on “Safe mode with networking”.

For Windows 8 Users: Go to the “Start Screen”. In the search results select settings, type “Advanced”. In the “General PC Settings” option, choose “Advanced startup” option. Again, click on the “Restart Now” option. The work-station boots to “Advanced Startup Option Menu”. Press on “Troubleshoot” and then “Advanced options” button.  In the “Advanced Option Screen”, press on “Startup Settings”. Again, click on “Restart” button. The work-station will now restart in to the “Startup Setting” screen. Next is to press F5 to boot in Safe Mode in Networking.

For Windows 10 Users: Press on Windows logo and on the “Power” icon. In the newly opened menu, choose “Restart” while continuously holding “Shift” button on the keyboard. In the new open “Choose an option” window, click on “Troubleshoot” and then on the “Advanced Options”. Select “Startup Settings” and press on “Restart”. In the next window, click on “F5” button on the key-board.

Step 2: Delete cryptolocker using “System Restore”

Log-in to the account infected with cryptolocker. Open the browser and download a legitimate anti-malware tool. Do a full System scanning. Remove all the malicious detected entries.

In case if you cannot start the PC in “Safe Mode with Networking”, Try using “System Restore”

• During the “Startup”, continuously press on F8 key until the “Advanced Option” menu appears. From the list, choose “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” and then press “Enter”

• In the new opened command prompt, enter “cd restore” and then press “Enter”.

• Type: rstrui.exe and Press “ENTER”

• Click “Next” on the new windows

• Choose any of the “Restore Points” and click on “Next”. (This step will restore the work-station to its earlier time and date prior to cryptolocker infiltration in the PC.

• In the newly opened windows, press on “Yes”.

Once your PC gets restored to its previous date and time, download the recommended anti-malware tool and perform a deep scanning in order to remove cryptolocker files if they left in the work-station.

In order to restore the each (separate) file by this ransomware, use “Windows Previous Version” feature. This method is effective when “System Restore Function” is enabled in the work-station.

Important Note: Some variants of cryptolocker delete the “Shadow Volume Copies” as well hence this feature may not work all the time and is applicable for selective computers only.

How to Restore Individual Encrypted File:

In order to restore a single file, right click on it and go to “Properties”. Select “Previous Version” tab. Select a “Restore Point” and click on “Restore” option.

In order to access the files encrypted by cryptolocker, you can also try using “Shadow Explorer”. In order to get more information on this application, press here.

Important: Data Encryption Ransomware are highly dangerous and it is always better that you take precautions to avoid its attack on your work-station. It is advised to use a powerful anti-malware tool in order to get protection in real-time. With this help of “SpyHunter”, “group policy objects” are implanted in the registries in order to block harmful infections like cryptolocker.

Also, In Windows 10, you get a very unique feature called “Fall Creators Update” that offer “Controlled Folder Access” feature in order to block any kind of encryption to the files. With the help of this feature, any files stored in the locations such as “Documents”, “Pictures”, “Music”, “Videos”, “Favorites” and “Desktop” folders are safe by default.

It is very important that you install this “Windows 10 Fall Creators Update” in your PC to protect your important files and data from ransomware encryption. The more information on how to get this update and add an additional protection form rnasomware attack has been discussed here.

How to Recover the Files Encrypted by cryptolocker?

Till now, you would have understood that what had happed to your personal files that got encrypted and how you can remove the scripts and payloads associated with cryptolocker in order to protect your personal files that has not been damaged or encrypted until now. In order to retrieve the locked files, the depth information related to “System Restore” and “Shadow Volume Copies” has already been discussed earlier. However, in case if you are still unable to access the encrypted files then you can try using a data recovery tool.

Use of Data Recovery Tool

This step is for all those victims who have already tries all the above mentioned process but didn’t find any solution. Also it is important that you are able to access the PC and can install any software. The data recovery tool works on the basis of System scanning and recovery algorithm. It searches the System partitions in order to locate the original files which were deleted, corrupted or damaged by the malware. Remember that you must not re-install the Windows OS otherwise the “previous” copies will get deleted permanently. You have to clean the work-station at first and remove cryptolocker infection. Leave the locked files as it is and follow the steps mentioned below.

Step1: Download the software in the work-station by clicking on the “Download” button below.

Step2: Execute the installer by clicking on downloaded files.

Step3: A license agreement page appears on the screen. Click on “Accept” to agree with its terms and use. Follow the on-screen instruction as mentioned and click on “Finish” button.

Step4: Once the installation gets completed, the program gets executed automatically. In the newly opened interface, select the file types that you want to recover and click on “Next”.

Step5: You can select the “Drives” on which you want the software to run and execute the recovery process. Next is to click on the “Scan” button.

Step6: Based on drive you select for scanning, the restore process begins. The whole process may take time depending on the volume of the selected drive and number of files. Once the process gets completed, a data explorer appears on the screen with preview of that data that is to be recovered. Select the files that you want to restore.

Step7. Next is to locate the location where you want to saver the recovered files.