CRYPTEDPAY virus: what it is and how to remove it
CRYPTEDPAY ransomware is a dangerous blackmail-based virus that uses encryption software and attacks various devices to affect files and get money directly from victims. This virus can lock files quickly because it uses the powerful AES-256 algorithm, which allows the threat to damage commonly used files and demand the $280 in Monero cryptocurrency.
Facts checked October 7, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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CRYPTEDPAY virus: summary
| Distribution | Macro virus[2] method is used, and files with the payload get spread using spam email attachments, malicious sites, torrent platforms |
|---|---|
| Name | CRYPTEDPAY virus |
| Type | Cryptovirus, file-locker, ransomware |
| File marker | .CRYPTEDPAY appendix gets added to locked data |
| Ransom note | README.txt – appears in various folders and on the desktop; the text of the note is not in our records |
| Ransom amount | $280 in XMR – Monero cryptocurrency |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 13 more facts
| Contact information | ranshelp@tutanota.com |
|---|---|
| Is decryption possible? | No official decryption software |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Encrypted file extension | .cryptedpay |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Symptoms | Files renamed with a new extension and a ransom note left in folders |
| Evidence | 4 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Encrypted files | .cryptedpay |
| Attacker contacts | ranshelp@tutanota.com |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026) |
| First seen | 7 September 2021 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
- File extension:
.cryptedpay - Note file:
README.txt - Contact:
ranshelp@tutanota.com
From our report of Sep 2021 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on CRYPTEDPAY virus
- You can and should remove the virus using anti-malware programs and a full system scan
- The system is affected by such threats significantly, so you need to run or a similar tool to clear any damage and virus leftovers
How CRYPTEDPAY virus behaves
From our report of Sep 2021 · not reviewed since
CRYPTEDPAY ransomware is a virus that focuses on file-locking, so the ransom in Monero can be demanded
CRYPTEDPAY ransomware is a dangerous blackmail-based virus that uses encryption software and attacks various devices to affect files and get money directly from victims.
This virus can lock files quickly because it uses the powerful AES-256 algorithm, which allows the threat to damage commonly used files and demand the $280 in Monero cryptocurrency. The ransom should be paid in the first 62 hours after the attack because criminals promise to get rid of the data after this time period.
Once the machine is infected and files encoded, the affected pictures, documents, video, audio files get the .CRYPTEDPAY marker, you can be sure that the malicious procedures are done for the most part.
The desktop gets changed to a short message that indicates encryption, and the text file appears placed on the desktop in other folders with the encrypted files. This README.txt document is a lengthy message from criminals with a guide on what to do next.
The ransom message is direct money demand and the file purposefully scaring people into paying the asked amount. However, people behind the CRYPTEDPAY virus are nothing but cybercriminals, so you need to ignore these encouragements and make sure to remove the threat fully, recover your files using proper backups and repair any issues caused by the virus damage.
Since the infection is new and not belonging to any known threat families, it is not decryptable. There are no tools specifically designed to decrypt files affected by this infection, so official solutions are limited.
Warning: However, we can offer helpful tips for when the machine is affected by this threat, and the first one is DO NOT PAY.
Try to use your AV tools to remove the threat and file backups for the thorough file recovery instead. Paying is never a good option because you may get your files locked further or not recovered even if you transfer funds to the wallet of these criminals.
CRYPTEDPAY file virus is making all the changes on the machine right after the infiltration. Unfortunately, the infection can access the computer easily due to the deceptive techniques and help from other threat actors. The infection can be quick because malicious macro viruses get added to Word, Excel, PDF files and distributed as attachments on spam emails.
The user only needs to open such attachments, don't the machine, and enable macros with one click of a button, and the payload is activated. The same procedure happens when the torrent platform, pirating services get used as a source for software or cheats, cracks, other files. EXE files often get installed without your knowledge, and the malware starts its attack.
The CRYPTEDPAY virus ransom note
The note is called README.txt.
We did not record the full text of the ransom note in our report.
How to remove CRYPTEDPAY virus
Tools you'll need
All of these are free except where noted. Download them on a clean device if the infected PC is offline.
- A USB stick: to keep the ransom note, two or three encrypted files and screenshots off the infected PC.
- Microsoft Defender Offline: built into Windows 11 and Windows 10; scans before Windows starts, so running malware cannot hide.
- Microsoft Safety Scanner: a second, portable scanner with current signatures; each download works for 10 days.
- ID Ransomware: identifies the family from the note and one encrypted file and says whether a decryptor exists.
- No More Ransom: the free decryptors from police and security companies; check it again every few months.
- Fortect (optional): scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. The free scan is in the box above.
How to remove CRYPTEDPAY virus and get your files back
Work in this order.
Disconnecting comes first, removal comes before any restore, and nothing here asks you to contact the attackers.
Step 1: Disconnect the PC and unplug backup drives
CRYPTEDPAY virus encrypts everything it can reach, including drives and shares you connect later. Cut the network first: cable out, or Wi-Fi off from the taskbar.
Then unplug every USB stick and backup disk and pause cloud sync, so the encrypted versions do not replace your online copies. Do not reconnect any of them until the ransomware is removed from the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
Windows 11: turn off Wi-Fi to take the PC offline. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 2: Save the ransom note and confirm the family
Copy
README.txtand one or two files ending in.cryptedpayto a USB stick, and leave the originals where they are.From another device, upload the note and a sample file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom's Crypto Sheriff, which name the family from the note, the extension and the file structure.
Write down the contact address and your personal ID from the note, because a decryptor or the police may ask for them.
Warning: Never contact the attackers from the infected Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
Windows 11: the ransom note and encrypted files to copy for identification. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 3: Check for a free decryptor
For CRYPTEDPAY virus, no free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026). Search the family name in the No More Ransom decryption tools list and in the free decryptors of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, because new tools appear years after an attack.
Important: Keep the encrypted files even if nothing works today, and do not pay before every free option is ruled out: payment does not guarantee a working key.
Decryptors run on Windows 11 and Windows 10, but only after the ransomware itself is removed.
Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt
Restoring or decrypting files while CRYPTEDPAY virus still runs lets it encrypt them again. Run a Full scan in Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, then the Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan).
If the ransomware blocks Windows Security, start Safe Mode with Networking and scan from there. Some families install a password stealer as well, so let both scans finish on Windows 11 or Windows 10.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Step 5: Look for shadow copies of the files
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run
vssadmin list shadows. If it lists copies dated before the attack, right-click a folder with encrypted files in File Explorer, choose Properties > Previous Versions, and open or restore a version from before that date.ShadowExplorer, a free tool, shows the same copies when the tab is empty or hidden. Most current families delete shadow copies, so an empty list is normal, but the check takes two minutes on Windows 11 or Windows 10.
Windows 11: vssadmin list shadows shows whether shadow copies exist. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 6: Restore the files from a backup or recover deleted originals
Restore from an external backup, File History or OneDrive's version history, choosing a date before the attack. Connect the backup drive only after the scans are clean, or the ransomware encrypts it too.
If there is no backup, file recovery software can sometimes find the deleted originals, because some ransomware writes an encrypted copy and deletes the original file.
Stop writing to the drive and try recovery on Windows 11 or Windows 10 before new files overwrite the space.
Full procedure with screenshots: Recover deleted files (Recycle Bin, backups, OneDrive) On uGetFix
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
Manual removal using Safe Mode
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.
Find a working decryptor for your files
File encryption is a process that is similar to applying a password to a particular file or folder. However, from a technical point of view, encryption is fundamentally different due to its complexity. By using encryption, threat actors use a unique set of alphanumeric characters as a password that can not easily be deciphered if the process is performed correctly.
There are several algorithms that can be used to lock data (whether for good or bad reasons); for example, AES uses the symmetric method of encryption, meaning that the key used to lock and unlock files is the same. Unfortunately, it is only accessible to the attackers who hold it on a remote server - they ask for a payment in exchange for it. This simple principle is what allows ransomware authors to prosper in this illegal business.
While many high-profile ransomware strains such as Djvu or Dharma use immaculate encryption methods, there are plenty of failures that can be observed within the code of some novice malware developers. For example, the keys could be stored locally, which would allow users to regain access to their files without paying. In some cases, ransomware does not even encrypt files due to bugs, although victims might believe the opposite due to the ransom note that shows up right after the infection and data encryption is completed.
Therefore, regardless of which crypto-malware affects your files, you should try to find the relevant decryptor if such exists. Security researchers are in a constant battle against cybercriminals. In some cases, they manage to create a working decryption tool that would allow victims to recover files for free.
Once you have identified which ransomware you are affected by, you should check the following links for a decryptor:
- No More Ransom Project
- Free Ransomware Decryptors by Kaspersky
- Free Ransomware Decryption Tools from Emsisoft
- Avast decryptors
If you can't find a decryptor that works for you, you should try the alternative methods we list below. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that it sometimes takes years for a working decryption tool to be developed, so there are always hopes for the future.
Create data backups to avoid file loss in the future
Isolate the infected computer
Some ransomware strains aim to infect not only one computer but hijack the entire network. As soon as one of the machines is infected, malware can spread via the network and encrypt files everywhere else, including Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices. NAS devices are commonly compromised via reused administrator credentials and remote access services, and attackers may also delete existing snapshots. If your computer is connected to a network, it is important to isolate it to prevent re-infection after ransomware removal is complete.
In modern environments, ransomware often spreads using stolen credentials, remote management tools, VPN connections, and cloud synchronization services, not only through shared network drives.
The easiest way to disconnect a PC from everything is simply to plug out the ethernet cable. This does not disconnect wireless networks, VPN connections, or cloud services, which must also be disabled separately. However, in the corporate environment, this might be extremely difficult to do (also would take a long time). In many organizations, devices are centrally managed, and network isolation is typically performed by IT or security teams using endpoint security or device management tools. The method below will disconnect from all the networks, including local and the internet, isolating each of the machines involved.
On modern Windows systems, network connections can also be disabled through the Settings app or automatically isolated using endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools.
- Type in Control Panel in Windows search and press Enter
- Go to Network and Internet
- Click Network and Sharing Center
- On the left, pick Change adapter settings
- Right-click on your connection (for example, Ethernet), and select Disable
- Confirm with Yes.
If you are using some type of cloud storage you are connected to, you should disconnect from it immediately. It is also advisable to disconnect all the external devices, such as USB flash sticks, external HDDs, etc. Once the malware elimination process is finished, you can connect your computers to the network and internet, as explained above, but by pressing Enable instead. Before reconnecting, credentials should be reset, persistence mechanisms checked, and backups verified to ensure reinfection does not occur.
From our report of Sep 2021 · not reviewed since
Steps of the infection and how to recover after that
The infection is not starting with the encryption, but the subtle changes on the PC do not cause any symptoms at first, but after that, CRYPTEDPAY ransomware moves on to encryption. This is the worst process because your files get locked, encoded, and changed from the original format. The particular file extension is indicating the name of this virus.
However, even though this is a file encryption threat, the virus is not only damaging your common files. The malware can access and corrupt data in system folders and directories, so the threat is more persistent and that any additional activities are not interrupted. It also can disable tools like anti-malware, but those are extremely important to the removal process.
These anti-malware programs are based on threat detection, and the functionality allows to find and terminate any files related to the CRYPTEDPAY file locker. Tools like or are the best in the malware elimination department because of the higher possible detection rate. You might find it difficult to run the app, so rely on the guide below the article that shows how to enter the Safe Mode with networking.
However, this encoding of the common files is not the only issue. The infected computer system is changed to operate differently too. The infection can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup, and other sections, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software cannot do anything about it, leaving it just the way it is.
Not only can it fix virus damage after the infection, but it is also capable of removing malware that has already broken into the system thanks to several engines used by the program. Besides, the application can also fix various Windows-related issues that are not caused by malware infections, for example, Blue Screen errors, freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc.
- Download the application by clicking on the link above
- Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
- If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
- Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
- The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
- Once complete, check the results - they will be listed in the Summary
- You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
From our report of Sep 2021 · not reviewed since
Removal of the CRYPTEDPAY ransomware is not the same as file recovery
CRYPTEDPAY ransomware virus delivers a long message in the README.txt file about the infection and encryption consequences, but the only option listed on the ransom message is paying the $280 in Monero within 62 hours. Criminals "helpfully" list all the steps you need to take to obtain the currency and state that you will lose everything if you do not meet their requirements.
It is possible because criminals may encrypt files again and make them permanently damaged or delete any remaining data from the machine. These people do not care about your belongings, so we do not recommend contacting criminals in any circumstances. Ignore any scary messages and make sure to remove the virus as soon as possible to avoid damage and data or financial losses.
However, the recovery options for the CRYPTEDPAY ransomware are limited because decryption tools take a long time to develop, and we do not have any other universal decryptor to offer. If you remove the virus and make sure to recover the system fully after, you can rely on your backups or other software. AV applications are not helping with decryption or any data restoring functions.
Since many users do not prepare proper data backups before being attacked by ransomware, they might often lose access to their files permanently. Paying criminals is also very risky, as they might not fulfill the promises and never send back the required decryption tool.
While this might sound terrible, not all is lost - data recovery software might be able to help you in some situations (it highly depends on the encryption algorithm used, whether ransomware managed to complete the programmed tasks, etc.). Since there are thousands of different ransomware strains, it is immediately impossible to tell whether third-party software will work for you.
Therefore, we suggest trying regardless of which ransomware attacked your computer. Before you begin, several pointers are important while dealing with this situation:
Install data recovery software
CRYPTEDPAY ransomware can also infect the computer using the help of other threats like trojans and malware. Those pieces can add the payload of the ransomware without causing any issues and additionally run on the machine affecting the speed and performance behind your back.
All these possibilities are endless, so you need to run anti-malware tools like or to clear any infections that can affect the ransomware's persistence, help keep it running, or affect the different system functions. ANy leftovers and possibly malicious programs can be terminated, so the machine is no longer infected, and you can use it again.
Of course, before you rely on the machine again, you need to repair damaged pieces and clear the system corruption. The removal of the CRYPTEDPAY virus is not the only process that victims need to take. System repair with or a similar application can improve the data recovery process.
You can sometimes save some of the files related to the infection and wait for the decryption tool to be made. That is not very reliable, but possible. Keep those anti-malware tools up to date, so you can ensure that the computer is malware-free and secure.
- Since the encrypted data on your computer might permanently be damaged by security or data recovery software, you should first make backups of it - use a USB flash drive or another storage.
- Only attempt to recover your files using this method after you perform a scan with anti-malware software.
- Download .
- Double-click the installer to launch it.
- Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
- As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
- Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
- Press Next.
- At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
- Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
- You can now pick which folders/files to recover - don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
- Press Recover to retrieve your files.
Report it and recover your files
Report it
Report the attack even if you do not expect the files back: insurers and banks ask for the report number, and police use the contacts in the note to link cases.
- United States
- FBI IC3 · FTC ReportFraud
- United Kingdom
- Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud) · NCSC
- Australia
- ReportCyber (ASD)
- EU countries
- Europol: national reporting sites
Give the victim ID, the note and the date the files were encrypted. A business that holds personal data may also have to notify its data protection authority, in the EU within 72 hours.
Make the next attack harmless
CRYPTEDPAY virus could only hurt the files that had no second copy, and the signs (files that end in .cryptedpay and no longer open) showed exactly which ones those were.
The 3-2-1 rule fixes that:
- three copies
- two media
- one disconnected
A practical version for a home PC: OneDrive or another cloud backup with version history, plus an external disk that you plug in once a week for File History and then unplug. Test a restore now and then by opening a few files from the backup on another device.
Details, schedules and what not to back up are in our 3-2-1 backup guide for Windows.
Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are
There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity.
While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.
Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.
Data backups are important - recover your lost files
Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data.
Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.
While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
Questions about CRYPTEDPAY virus
Should I pay the ransom in README.txt?
Not before you have tried everything else. Identify the family from README.txt and one encrypted file, check No More Ransom for a free decryptor, and look for clean copies in OneDrive, backups and Previous Versions.
Paying funds further attacks, may be illegal if the group is sanctioned, and is no promise of a working key: many victims get partial or broken decryption. If you consider paying for business-critical data, involve the police and a professional incident responder first, and never pay through intermediaries who promise their own decryption.
How do I open .cryptedpay files?
You cannot open them by renaming or by choosing another program. The .cryptedpay ending shows that CRYPTEDPAY virus encrypted the content, and only the matching key can reverse it. Renaming a file back to .docx or .jpg changes nothing except the icon, and it can confuse a future decryptor, so leave the names as they are.
To get the content back, use a backup, an unencrypted copy elsewhere, or a decryptor listed on No More Ransom if one exists for CRYPTEDPAY virus. Store the encrypted files on an external disk until then.
Is there a free CRYPTEDPAY virus decryptor?
We last checked on 7 October 2026, and for CRYPTEDPAY virus no free decryptor is known. We check No More Ransom, which collects free tools from police and security companies, and the decryptor pages of the major antivirus vendors. A working decryptor exists only when the encryption has a flaw or the keys were leaked or seized.
Ignore sites and videos that offer a "CRYPTEDPAY virus decryptor" for download or for a fee: these are usually scams or malware. Real decryptors are free and come from known security companies or law enforcement. Keep the encrypted files in case a tool appears later.
Can a data-recovery company decrypt my files for a fee?
Only if a decryptor already exists or the company pays the attackers for you. Some "ransomware recovery" services advertise that they can decrypt families with no known flaw; in practice they negotiate with the attackers and add their own fee. Others use the same free tools listed on No More Ransom.
Before you hire anyone, ask in writing how they will recover the files, whether they will contact the attackers and what happens if they fail. A legitimate service answers clearly. If a free decryptor exists for your family, you can run it yourself.
How did CRYPTEDPAY virus get on my computer?
The way CRYPTEDPAY virus spreads has not been documented yet, so look at your own recent activity. On home PCs, ransomware most often comes with cracked programs, game cheats, key generators and fake updates, or with an e-mail attachment that was opened. On business networks, attackers usually log in through Remote Desktop with a stolen or guessed password.
Think back to what was downloaded or installed in the days before files that end in .cryptedpay and no longer open, and check the Downloads folder and Installed apps sorted by date. Keep anything suspicious for your report, but do not run it again.
Did CRYPTEDPAY virus steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by CRYPTEDPAY virus, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .cryptedpay and no longer open, which says nothing about what happened before. Many current ransomware attacks copy files or run a password stealer first, so it is wise to act as if they did.
From a clean device, change the passwords that were saved in the browsers on this PC, starting with e-mail and banking, sign out of all sessions and turn on two-step verification. Watch bank statements and account activity for the next few weeks.
Is CRYPTEDPAY virus the same as other ransomware with a similar name?
Not necessarily. Ransomware names come from the file extension, the note or a word in the code, so unrelated families often end up with similar names, and one family can appear under several names. The difference matters: a decryptor or advice for one family does not fit another and can damage files.
Compare the ending added to your files and the exact name of the note with the summary table at the top of this guide, then upload the note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware from a clean device. If the result names another family, follow the guide for that family instead.
Can I just remove .cryptedpay from the file names?
You can try it on a copy, but for real ransomware it will not help. The .cryptedpay extension is only a label; the file content has been scrambled with a key the attackers hold.
If a renamed copy opens normally, the malware only renamed files, which happens with some fake ransomware, and you can rename the rest back. If it does not open, leave the files as they are. Renaming encrypted files can confuse a decryptor later, so always work on copies.
Can I delete README.txt?
Yes, the note itself is harmless text and deleting it does not affect your files. Keep at least one copy first, outside the infected PC. README.txt contains your personal ID and the attackers' contact details, which identification services use to tell which family encrypted your files, and which a decryptor may need later.
Police reports also ask for it. Once you have saved a copy, you can remove the notes from every folder after the ransomware program has been removed and your files are restored or backed up.
Will Fortect remove CRYPTEDPAY virus?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For CRYPTEDPAY virus, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Encryption (read October 7, 2026)
- TechTarget: macro virus (read October 7, 2026)
- VirusTotal: Virus detection rate (read October 7, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 7, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 7, 2026)