DoNotChange ransomware / virus (Decryption Methods Included) - Easy Removal Guide
DoNotChange virus Removal Guide
What is DoNotChange ransomware virus?
What should you know about DoNotChange ransomware virus?
DoNotChange ransomware (also known as .Do_not_change_the_file_name.cryp file virus) is a brand crypto-malware that demands to pay 400 USD for data recovery. After infiltration, this cyber threat might make modifications in Windows Registry[1] in order launch itself every time the users turn on the infected computer. What is more, the virus might also delete Shadow Volume Copies[2] in order to make data recovery nearly impossible. Thus, in this way authors of the DoNotChange malware expect to receive more ransoms. Once the virus finishes encoding targeted documents, audio, video, image, text, and many other files, all of them have .Do_not_change_the_file_name.cryp file extension. In order to get back access to their personal files, victims are expected to follow the instructions provided in the bilingual “how_to_decode_files!!!.txt” ransom note. However, if you get infected with this piece of malware, you should not do that. All ransomware viruses must be treated similarly.[3] You need to remove DoNotChange virus from the device immediately. FortectIntego or other professional malware removal program will help you to get rid of the infection safely.
DoNotChange ransom note is written in the Russian and English languages. The examples of them are posted on Pastebin.[4] The ransom note warns that changing file names will make data recovery impossible. Thus, victims are supposed to email their unique ID number to robert.swat@qip.ru address. Within 10 hours they should receive the answer with detailed instructions what they have to do next. There’s no doubt that they will receive particular Bitcoin wallet address where they need to transfer the ransom. However, authors of the DoNotChange ransomware virus also suggest emailing them again if victims do not receive the answer after 10 hours. Keep in mind that there’s always a risk that cybercriminals won’t contact you back. File-encrypting viruses are an illegal money making projects that are interested in profits only. Thus, you might lose both, your files and 400 dollars. Obviously, we want to discourage you from taking this risk and want to suggest performing the DoNotChange removal. You might be able to restore at least some of your files using additional recovery methods.
How can I get infected with ransomware?
All ransomware viruses spread similarly. Hence, DoNotChange ransomware might also use a combination of the main distribution strategies,[5] such as malicious email attachments, malvertising, exploit kits, bogus software updates and unsafe downloads. Thus, there are many ways how you can get infected with a file-encrypting virus. A malicious payload might be delivered straight to your inbox, or you might install it along with a fake update. What is more, clicking on interesting ads or browsing through insecure websites might also increase the chances to encounter ransomware. However, if you follow security tips and backup your files, you don’t need to worry about anything. In order to avoid DoNotChange hijack and other malware, you should behave carefully when browsing the Internet. Always double-check the information before opening email attachments, do not browse through gaming, gambling, adult-themed and other potentially dangerous websites, avoid clicking ads and links received on various communication channels. To maximize computer’s security level, you should install reliable anti-virus software too.
What should I do after DoNotChange ransomware attack?
If you ever get infected with the DoNotChange virus, you should focus on its removal immediately. Ransomware viruses belong to the hazardous group of cyber infections. Apart from damaging your files, they might also cause other computer-related problems. For instance, it might open the backdoor for other malware that can continue decrypting files or try to steal your personal information. Thus, it’s better to rush with DoNotChange removal. Elimination procedure requires installing reliable anti-malware program, such as FortectIntego or Malwarebytes. Of course, you can choose your preferred tool as well. However, don’t forget to update it before running a system scan! Besides, you may also need to reboot the device to the Safe Mode in order to disable the virus first. Below you will find an explanation how to do it. Once you remove DoNotChange virus automatically, you can look up for data recovery solutions. Check our suggestions below.
Getting rid of DoNotChange virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Ransomware viruses tend to block access to the security tools. Thus, in order to remove DoNotChange virus automatically, you need to disable the virus first. Follow the steps below and run a full system scan with reputable malware removal program.
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 DoNotChange using System Restore
System Restore method also helps to disable the malware. Follow these steps in order to install or access malware removal program.
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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.
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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 DoNotChange. 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.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove DoNotChange from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.At the moment the only safe and reliable method to recover your files is using data backups. However, if you do not have them, you have two options – wait for the free decryptor or try additional data recovery methods. We believe you should go for the latter option. The methods presented below might help to recover at least some of your files now.
If your files are encrypted by DoNotChange, you can use several methods to restore them:
Data Recovery Pro might help to restore files encrypted by DoNotChange ransomware automatically
This professional tool is designed to restore corrupted, deleted and encrypted files. Developers often update this program in order to help victims of ransomware. We cannot assure that it will restore all your files; however, some of them should be rescued.
- Download Data Recovery Pro;
- Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
- Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by DoNotChange ransomware;
- Restore them.
Take advantage of Windows Previous Versions feature to restore files encrypted by DoNotChange malware
This feature allows traveling back in computer’s time. Thus, if System Restore function has been enabled before the DoNotChange attack, follow the steps to copy previously saved versions of the encrypted files. Otherwise, this method is not helpful for you.
- Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
- Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
- Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.
ShadowExplorer might help to recover files encrypted by DoNotChange virus
DoNotChange might delete Shadow Volume Copies that are crucial in order to apply this method. However, sometimes ransomware fail and leave shadow copies. In this case, ShadowExplorer will help you.
- Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
- Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
- Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
- Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.
DoNotChange decryptor
The official DoNotChange decryption program hasn’t been released yet.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from DoNotChange and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
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 Private Internet Access 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 Data Recovery Pro can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
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- ^ What is the Windows registry? Why is it so important?. Little Apps. The website includes various PC tools and information on computers.
- ^ Clay Levering. What is Volume Shadow Copy (VSS)?. NovaBACKUP Blog. Backup Software for Windows Servers.
- ^ Brianna Gammons. What to Do When You've Been Hit With Ransomware. Barkly Blog. The latest endpoint security news, tips, and actionable insights.
- ^ Pastebin. Computer Hope. Free computer help and information.
- ^ How Ransomware Spreads and Works. Combofix. The official website of the freeware.