How to remove WELL ransomware + Decrypt .WELL files

Simple steps to delete WELL ransomware from system

WELL ransomware is ransomware type programs that encrypts stored files and demand ransom payment for their allegedly recover. The main targeted files are images, audios, videos, databases, backups and banking credentials. It is one of the malicious programs that belong to the part of Dharma ransomware family. The main intention behind the creation of such nasty malware is to locks down available data, change name of all their filenames, display a pop-up window with ransom note and creates another ransom note in text files. The encrypted files will be renamed with victim’s ID, developers email address and by adding “.WELL” extensions.

Details about WELL ransomware

Soon after that the ransomware creates text file named “FILES ENCRYPTED.txt” and drops it on your desktop to notify you about encryption. The created text file contain brief message that states the victims need to contact cyber criminals behind the ransomware through [email protected] , if they want their files in the original accessible condition. The email should contain a unique ID provided to each victim and the domain of the computer. Additionally, ransomware type viruses are designed to extort money from novice users. The price of decryption key is not specified, generally if depends upon the victims how fast they contact to the cyber criminals. Users are also warned not to rename encrypted files or try to decrypt them using third party tool/software otherwise users may suffered from permanent data loss.

Typically, the payment is asked to be paid in Bitcoin or other form of cryptocurrency. The cyber criminals offer discount and also provide free trial as a proof that they can be trusted. It will also provide you some time to pay ransom money otherwise all your files will be permanently deleted. However, we highly recommend you not to trust on these people in any situation. Once the payment is done, they will leave you without your files. You are highly advised not to follow the request of submitting ransom fee and contacting the people behind the threat on the ransom note. It will also disable your antivirus and firewall programs due to which you will not be able to remove this infection completely from the system.

Short summary

Name: WELL ransomware

Extension used: .WELL

Type: Crypto-virus, Ransomware

Ransom note: FILES ENCRYPTED.txt and pop-up window

Symptoms: add .WELL extension name to every files that it encrypt

Damage: locks and damage the users file and makes it inaccessible.

Distribution methods: peer to peer sharing network, spam email attachments and unsafe hyperlinks.

Removal: Scan the PC with powerful anti-malware removal tool.

Data Recovery: use the backup files if you have otherwise you can use data recovery software.

Shall I pay money to access the files?

Most of the users think that after paying money they can access their data. But in reality it is wrong doing so may not return your files but simply you will get scammed. So, it is very worst idea to pay money to them because their intention is not to unlock your files. So, in such situation you should not be worry to recover all your encrypted files, firstly you have to remove WELL ransomware completely from your computer. After that you can recover all your files using backup or any other data recovery software.

How WELL ransomware infect computer?

Most common ransomware intrusion sources are scam campaigns, untrustworthy software downloading sources, Trojans and fake software updaters. As we know, scam campaigns are used to send spam emails that contain malicious attachments or files. These attachments include exe files, MS Office documents, JavaScript files and so on. Once you open such infectious files, it may cause installation of malware. Trojans are malicious applications that download/install other malware. Fake software updater infect computer by supposedly updating/activating software. Last but not the least untrustworthy software downloads sources spread malware by presenting it as legit software.

How to prevent intruding ransomware infection?

Untrustworthy software download sources mentioned above should not be trusted. Use always official websites and direct links for any software download. Similar way, only use official developers provided tools and implemented functions for any software updates. Cracking tools are illegal to use and often cause computer infection and so should be avoided. Further, it is important not to open any attachments provided on any emails whose senders address seem suspicious. At present, since your PC has already been infected with WELL ransomware then you must run a scan with Spyhunter to automatically remove it from the infected system.

Text presented in the 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.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

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

Step 2: Delete WELL ransomware using “System Restore”

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

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