How to remove Root ransomware and recover files

Complete guide to delete Root ransomware and restore data

Root ransomware is a rogue piece of software, belongs to Dharma ransomware group. The malware is designed to encrypt stored files and then demand ransom payment for the decryption. During the encryption process, it appends the filenames of encrypted files with .root extension plus victims’ ID number and crooks’ email address assigned to it. For example, a file 1.jpg would become “1.jpg.id-C279F237.[[email protected]].root” – following encryption. Once the files encryption process is complete, the ransomware creates a ransom note within FILES ENCRYPTED.txt and also drops a pop-up window.

The FILES ENCRYPTED.txt file states that the victims’ data have been locked and instructs them to write an email to the provided email address to recover them. The message in the pop-up window provides slightly more information. It clarifies about the system infection and files encryption. It states the communication must be established with the crooks via the email. If no response is received within 12 hours, the victims are to use the secondary email address. The note concludes with a warning not to rename and decrypt the files using third party tools or otherwise, the files will be permanently deleted.

Unfortunately, in most cases with ransomware infections, without the crooks’ involvement – the decryption is not possible. It might be when the ransomware is in initial stage or has some bugs/ flaws in it. Whatever the case, it is strongly recommended not to contact/ pay to the crooks under any circumstances. Since, despite paying, victims receive no decryption tool. Hence, they suffer financial loss and their files remain encrypted. To prevent further files encryption, Root ransomware removal is necessary. However, this process does not decrypt already encrypted files. For this, use the existing backup you have, take the help of Shadow Copies (created by Windows OS) or use third party data recovery tools.

How did Root ransomware infiltrate in?

Ransomware and other malicious malware are often distributed using wide range of techniques. The malicious program could be disguised as or pre-packed with ordinary software. They can be distributed via untrustworthy downloading channels like unofficial and free file hosting sites, p2p networks and other third-party downloaders. Illegal activation tools and fake software updaters are prime example of malware-proliferating content. Cracking tools infect systems instead of activating licensed software. Illegal software updaters cause system infections by exploit flaws of outdated software or by installing malicious malware.

Malware can be distributed through spam campaigns –mass scale operations during which thousands of spam emails are designed and delivered. These letters are usually presented as official, urgent, priority, important and similar. These emails have infectious files or links for such files inside them. The malicious files are in any forms from archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), executables (.exe, .run, etc.), Microsoft Office and PDF documents, JavaScript, and so forth. When these files are executed, run or otherwise opened – the infection process is initiated.

Text presented in Root ransomware‘s pop-up window:

YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED

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

If you want to restore them, follow this link:email [email protected] YOUR ID –

If you have not been answered via the link within 12 hours, write to us by e-mail:[email protected]

Attention!

Do not rename encrypted files.

Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.

Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.

Text presented in FILES ENCRYPTED.txt text file:

all your data has been locked us

You want to return?

write email [email protected] or [email protected]

How to avoid ransomware infection?

It is advised to download only from official websites and direct links. Additionally, all programs should have to be updated and activated using tools/ functions from legitimate developers. Furthermore, suspicious and irrelevant emails must never be opened- especially any attachments or website links in them. To ensure the device integrity and personal safety, have a reputable antivirus tool installed and updated. Also, use this tool for regular system scans and to remove any detected threats and issues. If the system is already infected with Root ransomware, we recommend you use some reputable antivirus tool to remove it automatically from system.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

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

Step 2: Delete Root ransomware using “System Restore”

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

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