How to remove 16x Ransomware (+ recover encrypted files)

Easy guide to delete 16x Ransomware and decrypt locked data

16x Ransomware is a huge risk ransomware infection. It is designed to encrypt stored files, modifies their filenames and then creates ransom note to put ransom demands for alleged data recovery instruction. The encrypted files by this malware will receive “.16x” extension. For example, a file 1.jpg would become 1.jpg.16x and 2.jpg become 2.jpg.16x and so on.

The ransomware will encrypt the files such as audios, videos, documents, presentations, pictures, backups, banking data and other personal user files found on the compromised host computer. Once the files encryption process is done, users can’t access to them until using the right decryption tool. The 16x Ransomware authors come with the alleged instruction on how to allegedly receive this tool through a ransom note that is displayed inside a GUI interface window.

 The ransom note contains [34758577010qq com] email address which is likely to be used for the communication purpose. However, if you take our opinion, you should just ignore the instruction provided on the pop-up page. This is just an attempt by the crooks behind it to extort ransom money from you. Once the payment is received, the crooks disappear, leaving the victims without their files. The best if you use some reputable antivirus tool and remove 16x Ransomware and then use backups you have to restore the encrypted files.

In case, you have no existing backups available, you should once check whether the Volume Shadow Copies are deleted by the ransomware or not. If this option presents, you will have other data recovery option. Shadow Copies are automatically created backups for short time. While some viruses encrypt or delete this backup by running certain commands, there are many that leave it untouched during the system infection and files encryption done. Data recovery tools can even be used for the files recovery purpose. So, without thinking much of about the files restoration, firstly remove 16x Ransomware and then use the aforementioned methods to attempt to recover the encrypted files.

The note states the following:

`——–`Hello, my friend, it’s nice to meet you, don’t ask me who I am, I’m not a hacker, the first time I met you brought trouble, I’m sorry! Because your programming source file is encrypted by me! Without my password, your source files will not be unlocked, do not try to crack, otherwise your source files will be automatically deleted!

Please send your code to: [34758577010qq com]

Your Order Number: [redacted]

Password:

How did 16x Ransomware intrude in?

In most cases, ransomware and other malicious malware are distributed through scam campaigns, untrustworthy downloading channels, Trojans, fake software updaters and unofficial software activation tools. Scam campaigns are used to design and deliver spam emails by thousands. These letters have some infectious files or links within, if clicked- the malware download/ installation process is triggered. The examples of files included as attachments are malicious Microsoft office Documents, PDFs, archives, JavaScript, executables and so on.

Untrustworthy downloading channels such as p2p networks, free file hosting sites, third party downloaders/ installers and etc often spread malware by presenting it as legit software. Trojans are malicious malware, especially designed to download/ install other malicious malware. Fake software updaters exploit bugs/flaws of outdated software or directly download malware instead of providing updates. At last, unofficial software activation tools infect computers by supposedly bypassing activation keys for paid software.

How to prevent ransomware infection?

Software download should always be done using official websites and direct links. All aforementioned untrustworthy downloading channels should never be used. Installed applications should be updated/ activated using tools/ functions from official software developers’ tools/ functions. It is neither legal nor safe to use any third party, unofficial activators for licensed programs and installers for pirated software. Files or links within irrelevant emails whose senders’ addresses seem suspicious, unknown should never be clicked. Finally, have a reputable antivirus tool always installed on your device. Also, keep its virus detection database updates and use it for regular systems scan and to remove any detected threats.

 16x Ransomware removal and files recovery guide

Below, you find complete step by step guide to remove 16x Ransomware and recover the files encrypted by it. Follow it so that you can easily complete the ransomware removal and files restoration process on your system.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

Step 1: Remove 16x Ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

Step 2: Delete 16x Ransomware using “System Restore”

Step 1: Remove 16x 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 16x Ransomware using “System Restore”

Log-in to the account infected with 16x 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 16x 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 16x 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 16x 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 16x 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 16x 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 16x 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 16x 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 16x 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.