“Dextop is Locked” ransomware / virus (Easy Removal Guide) - Recovery Instructions Included
“Dextop is Locked” virus Removal Guide
What is “Dextop is Locked” ransomware virus?
Beware of a new phony ransomware, known as The Dextop Is Locked virus
Dextop Is Locked virus is a hideous screenlocker-type[1] ransomware, which seems to be targeting citizens of Great Britain. The virus is disseminated in the form of a malicious Facebook Update.exe file, which, as you can see, is an executive file. When it gets executed, it roots into the system and then launches a notice that covers the entire computer screen and prevents the victim from accessing his/hers own PC. The message says:
THE DEXTOP IS LOCKED
Dear GB citizen, your dextop computer has been locked for committing multiple crimes that violate GB law.
Offences:
–P0rnography of a disturbing nature
-Cyber crime
-Breaking copyright law
-Using 9GAG.com
This “ransom note” is full of details that indicate the message does not come from a legitimate source. For example, probably no one knows since when using 9gag.com became illegal. The rest of the message is also an absolute nonsense. According to virus’ authors, due to broken laws, victim’s “files will be ceased when the designated time is over unless an appeal licence key from the Metropolitan Police is gained.” On the right side of the note, there is an “Unlocking” section, which commands the victim to visit “the appeal website.” We assume that criminals want the victim to pay a ransom[2] or disclose credit card details in exchange for the “unlock key.” You shouldn’t go to the “appeal website” because the unlock code won’t help. To remove Dextop Is Locked virus, run a system scan with FortectIntego or similar software. Your files won’t be encrypted[3], so all you need to worry about is “Dextop Is Locked” removal.
How did I get infected with this nasty ransomware?
According to the latest data, Dextop Is Locked ransomware spreads in the form of the file named Facebook Update.exe. If someone attempts to send you this file – doesn’t matter how and who – do not launch it! It is believed that this pesky virus is also distributed via massive email spam campaigns, so be careful if someone you do not know sends you an email including several attachments. Opening those can cause big problems to you – in case someone sends you a different ransomware virus, for instance, Cerber, you will not be able to access data stored on the computer ever again (unless you pay a ransom or use a backup). We advise you to stay away from shady content while browsing the Internet, have a proper anti-malware program, and create a data backup if you want to be prepared to block malware attacks.
How can I remove Dextop Is Locked virus?
You won’t find an easier way to remove Dextop Is Locked virus than to restart your PC in a Safe Mode with Networking and run a PC scan with anti-malware software. If you never tried to do a similar thing in the past, use these Dextop Is Locked removal guidelines:
Getting rid of “Dextop is Locked” virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
First of all, carefully read these instructions and do exactly as they say. You have to reboot your PC in the described mode to uninstall the ransomware successfully.
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
Remove “Dextop is Locked” using System Restore
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
-
Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
-
Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
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When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of “Dextop is Locked”. After doing that, click Next.
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Now click Yes to start system restore.
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from “Dextop is Locked” and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.
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- ^ Ransomware facts. Microsoft Malware Protection Center. Cybersecurity related information.
- ^ Haley Sweetland Edwards. A Devastating Type of Hack Is Costing People Big Money. TIME. Current and Breaking News, National and World Updates.
- ^ Rick Correa. How Fast Does Ransomware Encrypt Files? Faster than You Think. Barkly Endpoint Security Blog. Latest Endpoint Security News.