FileLocker ransomware virus. How to remove? (Uninstall guide)
FileLocker virus is yet another crypto-ransomware that wants to collect ransoms
Questions about FileLocker ransomware virus
FileLocker virus is yet another ransomware[1] virus that some malware analysts identify as Czech-o-Slovak ransomware, Czech/Slovak ransomware or UserFilesLocker ransomware virus. However, we will call this ransomware virus FileLocker because it displays such name on the ransom note, which launches after UserFilesLocker.exe encrypts files on the compromised system. We want to point out that this ransomware targets media files only, and corrupts records that have these file extensions:
.avi, .mp4, .mkv, .div, .xvid, .webm, .flv, .ogv, .ogg, .mng, .mov, .qt, .wmv, . yuv, .rm, .rmvb, . asf, .mpeg, and .mpg.
Select 'Safe Mode with Networking'
Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Networking'
Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next'
Select your restore point and click 'Next'
Click 'Yes' and start system restore
The virus reportedly uses AES-256[2] and RSA-2048 ciphers to damage victim’s files. Each encrypted file also gets .ENCR file extension (added after the original one, so for example, video.flv will become video.flv.ENCR). As a result, the files with .ENCR file extensions can no longer be opened. The ransomware then launches a program window called FileLocker, which provides information in Czech language. It says: “Vsechna vase osobni data byla nanesti pro vas kompletne zasifrovana,” which means “All your files were completely encrypted.” The ransomware explains that without having the decryption key, the victim shouldn’t even dream about the data recovery. The virus asks to transmit 0.8 BTC (approximately 960 USD) to the ransomware authors and promises to provide data recovery tools then. Just like any other ransomware virus, it wants to receive the payment via Bitcoin payment system[3], so it leaves a Bitcoin wallet address. As always, we do not recommend trusting cyber criminals and paying them – we know a lot of cases when they simply deceived the victim and never provided the decryption tool even if the ransom was paid[4]. FileLocker ransomware even gives a lesson for the victim (rough translation): “professional customer service is what makes the reputation in the market, so better do something to unlock your files sooner.” We do not recommend you to follow this advice if you do not want to risk losing your money just like you lost your files. Instead, remove FileLocker ransomware virus with malware removal tools such as Reimage.
How did I get infected with this ransom-demanding virus?
Your files were encrypted by ransomware because you either visited a compromised website, opened a malicious email attachment or installed some kind of illegal programs (pirated ones). If you know how you got infected with ransomware, make sure not to repeat the same mistake in the future. However, it is not only careless browsing that can make you end up with ransomware on the system. Malicious viruses can sneak into your system using various technologies that help to exploit software vulnerabilities[5], or you can become a victim of a social engineering attack, too. There is no versatile way to protect yourself from ever-evolving ransomware, but if you layer up with protection measures, you should be fine. To start with, we suggest creating backups and installing anti-malware software. Do not forget to update the anti-malware software, as well as all other programs you have on your PC.
How to remove FileLocker ransomware?
If your files were compromised by FileLocker virus, do not try to improve the situation by deleting virus’ files manually. We suggest you prepare your computer for FileLocker removal by booting the system in a Safe Mode with Networking first. Once you do that, run or install anti-malware software and let it scan the system thoroughly. It might take a while, but be patient. Once it finishes the scan, delete all malicious files at once. Below, you will find a step-by-step FileLocker removal guide that explains everything in-detail.
To remove FileLocker virus, follow these steps:
Remove FileLocker using Safe Mode with Networking
Restart your PC according to these guidelines. It helps to deactivate the virus and prepare the computer for ransomware removal. In other words, it creates a safe environment for your anti-malware program to do its work properly.
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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.
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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.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Networking in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Remove FileLocker
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 FileLocker removal.
If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.
Remove FileLocker 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.
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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 FileLocker. 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 FileLocker from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.If you do not have a data backup, you can use any of these methods. We do not guarantee that they will help you to restore lost files, but it is still worth trying them.
If your files are encrypted by FileLocker, you can use several methods to restore them:
Recover data using special tool
Data Recovery Pro typically helps to restore various kinds of data, and we believe that it can help you in this situation, too. Here’s how you should use it:
- 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 FileLocker ransomware;
- Restore them.
System Restore Point method
If you saved a system restore point in the past, this method will help you to bring your files back to life.
- 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”.
About the author
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References
- ^ Ransomware: Information and prevention. Sophos Community. Knowledge Base.
- ^ How safe is safe? AES 256 encryption and your data. Canadian Cloud Backup. Datacentres in Canada.
- ^ Dean Takahashi. Ransomware has exploded thanks to Bitcoin’s anonymity. VentureBeat. Tech News That Matters.
- ^ Aida Akl. Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Pay to Unlock Ransomware. VOA News. Voice of America Blogs.
- ^ Angler exploit kit rings in 2016 with CryptoWall ransomware. Naked Security. Computer security news, opinion, advice and research from anti-virus experts Sophos.