How to remove Microsoft ransomware and decrypt files

Steps to delete Microsoft ransomware

Microsoft ransomware is a crypto-virus belongs to Xorist ransomware family. Like other viruses of this type, it encrypts files, renames them and creates a ransom note. While encrypting, it renames affected files by adding “.Microsoft” extension to the end of every filenames. A file named 1.jpg after getting encrypted will be renamed as 1.jpg.Microsoft. Following to this, the ransomware creates a ransom note in text file format named КАК РАСШИФРОВАТЬ ФАЙЛЫ.txt and displays another ransom note with the same text in a pop-up window.

The created text file and pop-up window was written in Russian language, the device is running an unlicensed copy of windows. In order to prevent data loss from being damaged, users are instructed to purchase the license key within 12 hours by paying 750 rubles to the provided WebMoney purse number. Once payment is done, users will be provided decryption key in order to access their files. Users are also advised to pay money as soon as possible in order to receive such key.

It is common that cyber criminals behind Microsoft ransomware do not send decryption key once payments are submitted. Simply, we can say that users who pay money to them often get scammed. The ransomware is designed for the only motive to extort ransom payment from novice users. Therefore, it is strongly recommended not to trust on the cyber criminals behind this malware and not pay money to them. To prevent all this, it is important to remove this ransomware infection soon from the PC.

Text presented in Microsoft ransomware’s text file:

Обнаружена нелицензионная копия Windows!
Доподлинно известно, что ОС Windows на данном компьютере является нелицензионной, что является прямым нарушением закона о защите авторских и смежных прав. также, в Российской Федерации.
использование контрафактных копий программ является уголовно наказуемым деянием. Для того чтобы избежать порчи своих данных, Вам необходимо в течение установленного срока оплатить лицензионный сбор.
Вам необходимо пополнить кошелек “WebMoney” номер R949214918189 на сумму 750 рублей. После оплаты на фискальном чеке терминала Вы найдете код разблокировки, его нужно ввести в нижней части этого окна.
В случае отказа от оплаты, все данные на Вашем персональном компьютере будут безвозвратно уничтожены в течение 12 часов.
Попытка удалить активатор или переустановить систему приведёт к уничтожению всей информации на жёстком диске.

Its rough translation to English:

An unlicensed copy of Windows found!
It is known for certain that the Windows operating system on this computer is unlicensed, which is a direct violation of the law on the protection of copyright and related rights. also, in the Russian Federation.
using counterfeit copies of programs is a criminal offense. In order to avoid damage to your data, you need to pay the license fee within the specified period.
You need to top up the “WebMoney” purse number R949214918189 for the amount of 750 rubles. After payment, you will find the unlock code on the terminal’s fiscal receipt, it must be entered at the bottom of this window.
In case of refusal to pay, all data on your personal computer will be irrevocably destroyed within 12 hours.
An attempt to remove the activator or reinstall the system will destroy all information on the hard drive.

How to recover locked files without paying money?

In order to get back the lost files, users are instructed first of all to remove Microsoft ransomware completely from the system using the reliable antivirus removal tool. To do so, they can use Spyhunter or other removal tool. Once PC gets cleaned successfully, victims can easily and effectively recover their files using backup (if one has created earlier before encryption). Apart from using backup files, users can also use third party data recovery tool or software.

How did ransomware intrude?

Ransomware type viruses are mainly spread through spam campaigns, Trojans, fake software updater, untrustworthy downloading channels and cracking tools. As you know, Trojans are malicious applications designed to download and install other malware. Spam campaigns are used to send emails that have some malicious attachments or links in them. Their main goal is to trick user into executing malicious file that are specifically designed to install malware. Fake software updater and unofficial activation tools infect system by supposedly updating or activating software. Furthermore, unreliable software downloads sources like freeware download websites, p2p sharing networks etc can be used to distribute malicious programs too. They simply get installed when victims download and open malicious files.

Remove Microsoft ransomware

To keep your PC safe and secure from other ransomware attacks then you are recommended to delete Microsoft ransomware virus as soon as possible from the infected computer. Some more removal instructions have been described below by using both manual and automatic process that will help you to remove dubious ransomware virus automatically from the infected device.

Short description

Name: Microsoft ransomware

 Type: Crypto-malware, file-locker, Crypto-virus

Encrypted Files Extension: .Microsoft

Ransom Demanding Message: Pop-up window, КАК РАСШИФРОВАТЬ ФАЙЛЫ.txt

Ransom Amount: 750 Rubles

WebMoney Purse Number: R949214918189

Symptoms: Unusual extensions are added in the personal files and data stored in PC hard disk. A ransom note demanding money appears on the screen when you try to access them.

Distribution methods: spam email campaigns, harmful links and ads, peer to peer file sharing such as torrent, hidden attachment with freeware and shareware

Removal and Data Recovery: Advised to immediately scan the PC with strong anti-malware tool. Once malware gets removed, you can use the backup files for recovery.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

Step 1: Remove Microsoft ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

Step 2: Delete Microsoft ransomware using “System Restore”

Step 1: Remove Microsoft ransomware 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 Microsoft ransomware using “System Restore”

Log-in to the account infected with Microsoft ransomware. 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 Microsoft ransomware 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 Microsoft ransomware 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 Microsoft ransomware 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 Microsoft ransomware, 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 Microsoft ransomware.

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 Microsoft ransomware?

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 Microsoft ransomware 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 Microsoft ransomware 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.