How to remove Pcqq ransomware and recover files

Complete tips to delete Pcqq ransomware and decrypt files

Ransomware type malware monetizes through getting paid for decryption tool or key. It performs files encryption and developers any such key which is needed for their decryption. Obviously, the crooks are the only people who have the right decryption tool. They store it on some remote server that only they can access to it. They take the advantage of this to put ransom in front of users.

The Pcqq ransomware is one of such ransomware threats. It encrypts and renames files- it appends the filenames of each of the encrypted files with .pcqq extension. For example, it renames the file 1.jpg as 1.jpg.pcqq, 2.jpg as 2.jpg.pcqq and so on. For the ransom demands, it creates _readme.txt file, which can be found on each folder containing encrypted files. The malware belongs to infamous DJVU ransomware group.

In most cases, ransomware type viruses generate ransom note to provide victims the details like email address that they have to use to contact the crooks, the price of the decryption tool, cryptocurrency wallet and some other information. The ransom note from Pcqq ransomware informs the users that all important documents, images, databases, etc are encrypted using some strong cipher algorithm and unique key. The only way to decrypt them the encrypted files is to use the unique decryption tool that can be purchased from the crooks behind it.

Those who interested in the tool can purchase it from crooks for just $980. As per the note, they have the opportunity to purchase this tool half of this sum, i.e., in just $490 – for this, they are asked to contact the crooks within 3 days or 72 hours of the encryption. To receive the instruction of how to pay demanded sum, the victims are asked to write an email to [email protected] and [email protected]. The full text provided in _readme.txt file created by Pcqq ransomware is given below:

ATTENTION!

Don’t worry, you can return all your files!

All your files like pictures, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.

The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.

This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.

What guarantees you have?

You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.

But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.

You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:

hxxps://we.tl/t-TVrnNufMGq

Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.

Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that’s price for you is $490.

Please note that you’ll never restore your data without payment.

Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours.

To get this software you need write on our e-mail:

[email protected]

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:

[email protected]

Your personal ID:

–

Usually, the files decryption requires the involvement of the crooks. It is not possible to decode the files without using the unique characters that they know. The problem is that these people are untrustworthy – they often provide no decryption tool, even if all their demands are met. In such a case, you require avoid paying/ contact them and think of some alternatives for the files recovery. The best way is to remove Pcqq ransomware and recover the files using existing backups. The malware removal is necessary to prevent further files encryption and avoid possible PC damages.

For complete Pcqq ransomware removal, follow our guide provided below the post. After successfully removing the threat, use the backup and restore the encrypted files. If there is no backup available, once check if Shadow Copies exist- these are automatically created backups from OS for short time. The malware may leave it untouched during the system attack and files encryption process. Another data recovery option for you is to use third party data recovery tool. Below the post, there is a separate data recovery section for you to perform the data recovery process in stepwise manner.

How did Pcqq ransomware intrude in my system?

Quite often, users install malware after opening malicious attachments or files downloaded via links in received emails. Crooks use such emails as channels to deliver malware by sending malicious Microsoft Office documents, PDFs, Archives, JavaScript, Executables and etc. it is important to mention that these emails often appear to be from reputable companies. Furthermore, users may infect their systems when they use cracking tools to activate licensed software. It is very common that these tools are designed to cause malware infection.

Another way to distribute malware is to use Trojans that cause chain infections. Furthermore, users often install malware when they open malicious files downloaded from unreliable channels such as  Peer-to-Peer networks (e.g., torrent clients, eMule), third-party downloaders, freeware download websites, free file hosting websites. Typically, these channels disguise malicious files as legit ones. One more way to accidentally install malware is by using fake software updaters to install updates, fixes for installed programs. They infect system by exploiting bugs/ flaws of outdated software or by installing malicious software.

How to prevent ransomware intrusion?

It is advised not to trust on any irrelevant emails that have some files attached to them or include a website link, especially when the emails are sent from unknown, suspicious addresses. It is common that crooks send them with a purpose to trick people into installing malware on system. Also, it is recommended not to download or install any programs using third party downloaders or other sources of this kind. Software should always be downloaded from official websites and direct links. Installed software should have to be updated and activated using tools/ functions from official software developers. Both third party updaters and activation tools tend to be used to trick people into download/ install malware.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

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

Step 2: Delete Pcqq ransomware using “System Restore”

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

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