.ecc File Extension virus. How to remove? (Uninstall guide)
.ecc File Extension is known as a version of Teslacrypt ransomware, which is a very dangerous virus. It belongs to the ‘malware’ category, and it is a very specific virus that works in a sneaky and disastrous way. This computer threat must be removed immediately!
How does .ecc File Extension virus work?
Questions about .ecc File Extension virus
.ecc File Extension virus can enter your computer just like any other Trojan viruses do. Once it does that, it basically takes your personal files (including audio, video, image, text files) as hostages and asks you to pay to get them back. What this program does is that launches a malicious process that searches for your personal files that have such extensions:
7z, .rar, .m4a, .wma, .avi, .wmv, .jpe, .jpg, .cdr, .indd, .pdf, .pdd, .psd, .flv, .js, .css, .rb, .png, .jpeg, .txt, .odc, .odm, .odp, .ods, .docm, .docx, .doc, .mddata, .itl, .itdb, .icxs, .hvpl, and many many more others.
When it finds these particular file types, it encrypts them. It removes the original file copy and leaves the modified version in its place. Teslacrypt virus tends to add such file extensions: .ecc, .exx, .ezz, .aaa, .abc, .ccc, .xyz. Keep in mind that you cannot open the file without the decryption key.
How to recover the files?
When this malicious virus encrypts the files so you cannot access them anymore, it drops a message note in every folder that holds the infected files. Usually, such note is entitled as HELP_RESTORE_FILES or HELP_TO_DECRYPT_YOUR_FILES. These notes can be saved as .txt or .bmp files. The note contains information what has happened to your computer and what do you need to do in order to fix the mess. Basically, the cyber-criminals will ask you to pay a ransom to get your files back. They will ask you to download and use Tor browser and to pay the ransom via Bitcoin currency.
You should not pay the ransom because the chances that cyber criminals are going to help you to recover your personal files are very doubtful. Plus, you should not support cyber criminals by paying money for them. To recover the files, you have a few options. A 100% working method is to import the files from an external drive. If you had the backup copies of your files, you should not worry. Just delete the virus first (we recommend using a professional malware removal tool, for example, Reimage), then plug the drive in, and recover your files by importing them into your computer. If you do not have such copy, you can try one of the following tools to decrypt your files: Kaspersky virus-fighting utilities, R-Studio, Photorec.
How did .ecc File Extension ransomware infect my PC?
There are several different methods how ransomware is spread:
- Ransomware viruses are spread as e-mail attachments. Make sure you never open e-mails from unknown senders, no matter how tempting they look.
- Avoid clicking on random links on high-risk websites. Avoid clicking on banners in gambling or x-content websites. Sometimes, they can redirect you to malicious websites or even automatically start a download of a potential computer threat.
- It might be attached to other doubtful programs. When you are looking for a software to download, look for the download link on secure websites. Install software using Advanced or Custom option – it lets you configure the software installation and opt out the particular components of it.
To learn how to delete this virus from your system read the instructions on page 2.
How to remove this hazardous virus?
Computer security experts recommend using an automatic removal tool to get rid of this malicious computer infection. Install the anti-malware program, and run a system scan to find all malicious Teslacrypt ransomware elements and remove them. If you are an inexperienced PC user, you should not deal with this virus on your own. If you still wish to remove it manually, follow the .ecc File Extension removal instructions below:
To remove .ecc File Extension virus, follow these steps:
Remove .ecc File Extension using Safe Mode with Networking
-
Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Networking
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 Safe Mode with Networking 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.
-
Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Networking in Startup Settings window.
-
Step 2: Remove .ecc File Extension
Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete .ecc File Extension removal.
If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.
Remove .ecc File Extension using System Restore
-
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.
-
Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
-
Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
-
Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
-
Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
-
When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of .ecc File Extension. After doing that, click Next.
-
Now click Yes to start system restore.
-
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 .ecc File Extension and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or Malwarebytes Malwarebytes
About the author
If this free removal guide helped you and you are satisfied with our service, please consider making a donation to keep this service alive. Even a smallest amount will be appreciated.
January 22nd, 2016 at 8:03 am
One stupid idiot that I have met in a chatroom online said he can send me some game cheat codes, and he sent me a malicious file that had this virus attached to it!!! I am so disappointed all my data is lost!
January 22nd, 2016 at 8:04 am
This has happened to my mum, she has no idea what e-mails are safe and which ones are obviously malicious. I have to clean her computer from this virus now. Meh.
January 22nd, 2016 at 8:05 am
Why the hell no one catches these bastards who create these viruses? Cannot the police track them via their bank account, when victims pay the ransoms?!