Remove F0x ransomware [Data Recovery Solution]

Easy methods to delete F0x ransomware

F0x ransomware is a highly vicious virus which considered as a ransomware that means it demand ransom money. It is really very harmful threat for the computer system. It is able to attack all versions of Windows system including the latest version Windows 10. It is created by the group of cyber criminals which aimed to make illegal profit by cheating innocent online users. It will silently runs into the system background without your knowledge.

More about F0x ransomware

Once infiltrated, F0x ransomware will scan your hard disk for files and runs to encryption algorithm to encrypt all useful files such as audios, videos, games, apps, Word, Excel and so on. After successful encryption, it will add “.f0x” extension to the end of your files. It will also leave ransom notes that are created in a pop-up window, desktop wallpaper and “HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt” and dropped it into each and every folder that contain encrypted files.

The created text file contain short message which states victims that all their files and data are encrypted and can only be accessed by using decryption key which can only be purchased from the cyber criminals or ransomware developers behind this threat by contacting them through email or Telegram messenger. Furthermore, the note also warns victims that they have only five tries to enter the correct decryption code, exceeding the tries results in permanent data loss.

Quick Glance

Name: F0x ransomware

Type: Ransomware, Cryptovirus, File locking virus

Encrypted file extension: .f0x

Symptoms: Files are renamed, their icons turn blank, they cannot be opened. Each affected file folder contains a ransom note that demands contacting the criminals and paying the ransom, otherwise data will be lost forever.

Ransom demanding message: Text presented in the pop-up window and desktop wallpaper as well as HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt     

Distribution methods: torrent websites, spam emails, email attachments, malicious ads, bundles of free software programs and many more.

Cyber Criminal Contact: [email protected] and @The_F_0_X (Telegram)

Damage: causes permanent data loss and can also drop other pernicious infections onto the compromised computer.

Removal: In order to remove F0x ransomware, you are advised to go through given below removal process or you can use some reliable anti-malware removal tool. Once PC gets cleaned, you can recover your files using existing backup

How F0x ransomware virus will come across to PC?

F0x ransomware virus usually gets installed inside the marked computer by getting bundled and downloaded with some third parties freeware as well as shareware programs. Bundling process is a complete online software marketing process to introduce malicious programs to the users. Through this method, programs can get installed with their supportive files inside PC in order to enhance computing experience.

However, some cyber criminals were also use this method as tool to inject their malicious creation or malware inside particular device. Some other distribution methods of ransomware and other malware are spam email attachments, suspicious websites, harmful links, pirated software, fake software updating tools, Trojans, untrustworthy software download channels, and many more.

How to deal with F0x ransomware?

In these conditions, most of the users generally get panic when they get ransom notification and pay this vermin money in order to get back files. However, it is highly recommended not to do so. Paying money to get decryption key can be fraud to victims. Cyber criminals can decline to give you decryption key even after getting payment.

Hence, there is high risk in paying money, you can end up as deceiving yourself. Therefore, it is highly recommended not to take interest into this vermin’s malicious conspiracies as it demands. Instead of, it is highly suggested to use strong anti-malware tool to remove F0x ransomware completely from the system and then recover the files.

Process to remove F0x ransomware & recover your data:

F0x ransomware is a very hard to detect and eliminate from the system. The only way to delete this virus and all useful files is to just completely remove F0x ransomware infection from the computer. Paying a ransom is not a good idea, it is a risky steps. You are highly suggested to follow the given below removal guide to delete this virus immediately from machine. Just after that you can restore all useful data by using recovery toolbars.

Text presented in F0x’s ransom note (pop-up, wallpaper, “HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt”):

Attention! All your files are encrypted!
To restore your files and access them,
send an email to [email protected]
telegram @The_F_0_X

 

You have 5 attempts to enter the code.
When that number has been exceeded,
all the data irreversibly is destroyed.
Be careful when you enter the code!

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

Step 1: Remove F0x ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

Step 2: Delete F0x ransomware using “System Restore”

Step 1: Remove F0x 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 F0x ransomware using “System Restore”

Log-in to the account infected with F0x 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 F0x 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 F0x 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 F0x 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 F0x 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 F0x 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 F0x 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 F0x 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 F0x 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.