How to remove Arch Ransomware and recover encrypted files

Complete tips to delete Arch Ransomware and restore locked data

Arch Ransomware is a malware belongs to Makop ransomware family. The malware is designed to encrypt stored files and then demand ransom payment for the decryption. During encryption process, it appends the filenames of each of the encrypted files with .arch extension, plus a string of randomly generated letters and numbers, the [email protected] email address attached to them. For an instance, a file 1.jpg would appear something similar to “1.jpg.[9B83AE23].[[email protected]].arch”, “2.jpg” to “2.jpg.[9B83AE23].[[email protected]].arch”, and so on.

Rightly after the files encryption process is done, the ransomware creates text files named readme-warning.txt and drops it on each folder containing encrypted data. The ransom note states that the files have been locked and instructs the only possible way to get them in earlier usable condition is to unlock them using the decryption tool from the crooks behind the ransomware. Arch’s ransom note contains two email addresses [email protected] or [email protected] for the victims to establish contact to the crooks.

Once the contact is done, the Arch Ransomware’s crooks will likely to provide further instructions such as the price of the decryption key and BTC wallet address that has to be used to make the payment. The victims are offered free decryption of two encrypted files to provide a proof that the decryption tool that is being offered can be trusted. Additionally, the ransom note warns the users not to try decrypting the files using any third party software or modify the filenames of the encrypted files as this may cause major damages.

 Usually, the only way to get the files that got victimized due to ransomware attack is to decrypt them using the only, unique decryption tool that the developers have. However, these people are not reliable. You can’t trust them – they might disappear leaving you without your files even if you fulfill all their demands. In some cases, security researchers successfully crack the code used for the files decryption and so the users can get the files for free. Unfortunately, there are no such tools available at present that can decrypt files encrypted by Arch Ransomware.

In this case, you require relying on backup you have. Firstly, remove Arch Ransomware from the system so that it will not interfere during files recovery process. For the virus removal, refer our manual guide provided below. However, best is to use some professional tools. By that, there will be no risk that any traces of the cyber infection left behind the system due to which the malware reinstall itself the moment you reboot the system. Up next, after successfully removing the threat, simply use the backup you have and restore the encrypted files.

In case, you have no such backups that you created before the files encryption and stored somewhere else during the ransomware attack, you would require checking if Shadow Copies are available. These are automatically created backups available for short time. You will find complete guide below the post on how to perform this action and also how to recover the files using Shadow Copies. In some cases, ransomware delete shadow copies by running certain commands such as PowerShell commands. If this so, this option is no longer valuable for you. Then, you have to rely on some data recovery tool till the official decryption tool being developed.

How did Arch Ransomware infiltrate my computer?

Cyber-criminals distribute ransomware type malware usually via phishing emails, Trojans, untrustworthy sources for downloading programs, software cracking tools and fake software updaters. Phishing emails contain malicious website links or attachments. Crooks send the emails containing malicious Microsoft Office document, PDF Document, RAR, ZIP or other archive files, executable files like .exe. JavaScript files. The main aim of the crooks is to trick people into clicking the attachment file or website link presented on it. If this is done and permission of the executable files to run their scripts is granted, the malware download/ installation process is triggered. Trojans are malicious malware especially designed to cause chain infections.

Another popular way to distribute malware is through free file hosting sites, freeware download websites, p2p networks, third party downloaders or other unreliable sources for downloading files, programs. Users infect systems when they open the malicious files downloaded from such sources. They are not aware about the downloaded files as malicious as the crooks disguise them as regular. Various cracking tools can cause system infection. Such tools are supposed to bypass the activation of licensed software. However, it is common that these tools contain malicious code in them and cause malware download/ installation. Fake software updating tools exploits bugs/ flaws of outdated software or cause direct download of malware instead of providing update.

How to prevent ransomware infection?

It is important you use official websites and direct links for any software download. Avoid all aforementioned untrustworthy downloading channels. Similarly, for any software update/ activation, refer the tools/ functions from official software developers only. Third party tools are often designed to download/ install malware. Also, it is not legal to use such tools to activate licensed programs or use any pirated software installers. To avoid infection through spam emails, you require avoid clicking on any emails whose senders’ addresses seem questionable, unknown. Never click on provided attachments on them – spam emails cause system infection often through this way. An additional recommendation is to use reputable antivirus tool or run system scans on regular basis.

Full text presented in readme-warning.txt file:

::: Greetings :::

Little FAQ:

.1.

Q: Whats Happen?

A: Your files have been encrypted and now have the “arch” extension. The file structure was not damaged, we did everything possible so that this could not happen.

.2.

Q: How to recover files?

A: If you wish to decrypt your files you will need to pay in bitcoins.

.3.

Q: What about guarantees?

A: Its just a business. We absolutely do not care about you and your deals, except getting benefits. If we do not do our work and liabilities – nobody will cooperate with us. Its not in our interests.

To check the ability of returning files, you can send to us any 2 files with SIMPLE extensions(jpg,xls,doc, etc… not databases!) and low sizes(max 1 mb), we will decrypt them and send back to you. That is our guarantee.

.4.

Q: How to contact with you?

A: You can write us to our mailbox: [email protected] or [email protected]

.5.

Q: How will the decryption process proceed after payment?

A: After payment we will send to you our scanner-decoder program and detailed instructions for use. With this program you will be able to decrypt all your encrypted files.

.6.

Q: If I don’t want to pay bad people like you?

A: If you will not cooperate with our service – for us, its does not matter. But you will lose your time and data, cause only we have the private key. In practice – time is much more valuable than money.

:::BEWARE:::

DON’T try to change encrypted files by yourself!

If you will try to use any third party software for restoring your data or antivirus solutions – please make a backup for all encrypted files!

Any changes in encrypted files may entail damage of the private key and, as result, the loss all data.

Guide to remove Arch Ransomware and recover files

 Below the post, you will find complete guide to remove Arch Ransomware from the system. Choose automatic malware removal option as this option is more effective one over the manual approach of performing the removal process. After successfully removing the threat, use the backup you have or other alternatives aforementioned to recover the encrypted data in earlier accessible condition.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

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

Step 2: Delete Arch Ransomware using “System Restore”

Step 1: Remove Arch 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 Arch Ransomware using “System Restore”

Log-in to the account infected with Arch 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 Arch 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 Arch 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 Arch 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 Arch 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 Arch 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 Arch 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 Arch 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 Arch 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.