FilesLocker ransomware v2.0 (Removal Instructions) - Decryption Steps Included

FilesLocker virus v2.0 Removal Guide

What is FilesLocker ransomware v2.0?

FilesLocker ransomware v2.0 is a cryptovirus that encodes your data and then demands payment in two ransom notes

FilesLocker ransomware v2.0FilesLocker ransomware v2.0 virus is a ransom demanding cyber threat that appends encoded files with .[fileslocker@pm.me].

FilesLocker v2.0 is a ransomware virus that belongs to a family of identical threats known since October 2018. The family is known as FilesLocker due to its straight and simple name. It focuses on data encryption and uses the AES encryption algorithm for this process. The particular version came out in early December and now marks encrypted files using .[fileslocker@pm.me] extension. Ransomware then displays a ransom note known as #DECRYPT MY FILES#.txt and #解密我的文件#.txt which states about the ransom amount and payment methods. These files haven't changed since the first attack a few months ago. The virus also changes the desktop picture and displays a short message in English and Chinese languages which suggests reading the ransom note and contacting cybercriminals responsible for this malware. However, we do not recommend doing so because of the possible danger.[1]

Name FilesLocker ransomware v2.0
Type Cryptovirus
Related FilesLocker
File marker .[fileslocker@pm.me]
Ransom notes #DECRYPT MY FILES#.txt and #解密我的文件#.txt
Ransom amount 0.15 Bitcoin
Encryption method AES
Contact email fileslocker@pm.me
Fix Use FortectIntego for FilesLocker ransomware v2.0 removal

FilesLocker ransomware v2.0 virus is a cryptovirus that belongs to a notorious ransomware family. Because of this fact, it has various features that are not changing from version to version. For example, the first version and this new threat both use the same AES encryption algorithm for the data-locking process.[2]

During this encoding, your files get locked because the original code is changed. Photos, videos, documents, and even archives get locked and marked with a file extension .[fileslocker@pm.me]. When your data is useless, and you cannot open any of these files, your Desktop wallpaper gets changed, and two ransom files #DECRYPT MY FILES#.txt and #解密我的文件#.txt gets placed on the system in various folders containing encrypted files.

Then FilesLocker ransomware v2.0 instructs people contacting them and paying the ransom in the message which reads the following(English version):

FilesLocker RANSOMWARE v2.0
###########################################
All your important files(database,documents,images,videos,music,etc.)have been encrypted!and only we can decrypt!
To decrypt your files,follow these steps:
1.Buy 0.15 Bitcoin
2.Send 0.15 Bitcoin to the payment address
3.Email your ID to us,after verification,we will create a decryption tool for you.

Email:fileslocker@pm.me
Your ID:

FilesLocker ransomware v2.0 also displays a pop-up window that contains more instructions on the payment methods and offers test decryption when you can email three files to get them recovered. However, experts[3] do not recommend even contacting people behind threats like this.

The ransom amount for FilesLocker ransomware v2.0 locked files is 0.15 Bitcoin that equals to 578 at the time of writing. The amount has decreased since the first version because before the demanded amount was 0.18 BTC. However, paying the ransom cannot guarantee the decryption.

There is no reason to trust these hackers, and the better solution than paying is FilesLocker ransomware v2.0 removal. You can eliminate the virus from your system and then restore your encoded files with copies from the file backup on external device or cloud service.

Based on the detection rate,[4] FilesLocker ransomware v2.0 is a persistent threat. However, various anti-malware programs can indicate this virus ant its main executable file INSTALLER.EXE as malicious and dangerous. Remember that detection results may be falsely positive, so use a few different tools to make sure.

We can recommend using FortectIntego to remove FilesLocker ransomware v2.0 and scanning the system entirely to get rid of all potential threats related to this ransomware and other possible cyber infections. You need to clean your machine thoroughly if you want to recover your data from a backup or use data recovery software.

FilesLocker v2.0 ransomwareFilesLocker ransomware v2.0 is a computer infection designed to make victims' data unusable.

Ransomware-type virus distributed via spam email

Most of the cybercriminals use email spam campaigns to spread such infections as trojans, malware, and the notorious ransomware. These campaigns distribute emails widely all over the world and spread macro-filled files as email attachments.

Microsoft Word or Excel documents contain a malicious script that gets loaded on the system the minute user downloads and opens the attachment. Unfortunately, malicious actors misuse names of well-known companies and services to fake legitimacy.

You can avoid these infections by scanning the document before opening on the system and deleting emails from questionable senders before opening or downloading. Pay more attention to emails you get because malicious emails may be found on the regular email box instead of the spam email.

Terminate FilesLocker ransomware v2.0 and clean the system using trustworthy tools

To get rid of FilesLocker ransomware v2.0 virus, you need to pay more attention to processes happening on the system. Ransomware alter registry keys and other system files to make sure the infection is persistent, so you need a full malware removal and virus damage fix.

To remove FilesLocker ransomware v2.0 from the system completely, employ reputable anti-malware tool like FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes and scan the machine thoroughly. Then, follow suggested options and delete all threats that your program indicates as malicious. The double check if the system is clear and restore your files.

After FilesLocker ransomware v2.0 removal and ensuring that the system is malware free, employ data recovery software or file backups. You may need to enter the Safe Mode to terminate the virus completely. Then you can try data recovery methods listed down below and recover encoded files.

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Compatible with Microsoft Windows Compatible with macOS
What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.

Getting rid of FilesLocker virus v2.0. Follow these steps

Manual removal using Safe Mode

Reboot your machine in the Safe Mode with Networking for best results of FilesLocker ransomware v2.0 removal:

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
  1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
  2. 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.
  3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list. Windows 7/XP
Windows 10 / Windows 8
  1. Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
    Settings
  2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
    Update and security
  3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
  4. Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
  5. Click Restart now.
    Reboot
  6. Select Troubleshoot. Choose an option
  7. Go to Advanced options. Advanced options
  8. Select Startup Settings. Startup settings
  9. Press Restart.
  10. Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking. Enable safe mode

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:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details.
    Open task manager
  3. Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
  4. Right-click and select Open file location.
    Open file location
  5. Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
    End task
  6. Delete the contents of the malicious folder.

Step 3. Check program Startup

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Go to Startup tab.
  3. Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
    Startup

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:

  1. Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
    Disk cleanup
  2. 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).
  3. Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:

    Temporary Internet Files
    Downloads
    Recycle Bin
    Temporary files

  4. Pick Clean up system files.
    Delete temp files
  5. 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 FilesLocker virus v2.0 using System Restore

Since the virus causes various changes on the system, you can try System Restore feature, and this way eliminate FilesLocker ransomware v2.0 virus damage:

  • Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
    Windows 7 / Vista / XP
    1. Click Start Shutdown Restart OK.
    2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
    3. Select Command Prompt from the list Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'

    Windows 10 / Windows 8
    1. Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
    2. Now select Troubleshoot Advanced options Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
    3. Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window. Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
  • Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
    1. Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter. Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    2. Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again.. Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    3. When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of FilesLocker virus v2.0. After doing that, click Next. When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next' Select your restore point and click 'Next'
    4. Now click Yes to start system restore. Click 'Yes' and start system restore
    Once you restore your system to a previous date, download and scan your computer with FortectIntego and make sure that FilesLocker virus v2.0 removal is performed successfully.

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove FilesLocker virus v2.0 from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.

If your files are encrypted by FilesLocker virus v2.0, you can use several methods to restore them:

Data Recovery Pro is a great alternative for file backups

When data backups are not up-to-date, you can try the alternative software designed for file recovery. Data Recovery Pro also helps with accidentally deleted files

  • 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 FilesLocker virus v2.0 ransomware;
  • Restore them.

Windows Previous Versions feature recovers your files after FilesLocker ransomware v2.0

If you successfully removed the virus and enabled System Restore feature, Windows Previous Versions feature helps with lost data

  • 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”.

You should try ShadowExplorer after FilesLocker ransomware v2.0 removal

When ransomware leaves Shadow Volume Copies untouched, ShadowExplorer can work as data recovery method

  • 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.

Decryption tool is not available

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from FilesLocker virus v2.0 and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes

How to prevent from getting ransomware

Protect your privacy – employ a VPN

There are several ways how to make your online time more private – you can access an incognito tab. However, there is no secret that even in this mode, you are tracked for advertising purposes. There is a way to add an extra layer of protection and create a completely anonymous web browsing practice with the help of Private Internet Access VPN. This software reroutes traffic through different servers, thus leaving your IP address and geolocation in disguise. Besides, it is based on a strict no-log policy, meaning that no data will be recorded, leaked, and available for both first and third parties. The combination of a secure web browser and Private Internet Access VPN will let you browse the Internet without a feeling of being spied or targeted by criminals. 

No backups? No problem. Use a data recovery tool

If you wonder how data loss can occur, you should not look any further for answers – human errors, malware attacks, hardware failures, power cuts, natural disasters, or even simple negligence. In some cases, lost files are extremely important, and many straight out panic when such an unfortunate course of events happen. Due to this, you should always ensure that you prepare proper data backups on a regular basis.

If you were caught by surprise and did not have any backups to restore your files from, not everything is lost. Data Recovery Pro is one of the leading file recovery solutions you can find on the market – it is likely to restore even lost emails or data located on an external device.

About the author
Julie Splinters
Julie Splinters - Anti-malware specialist

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