PadCrypt ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
PadCrypt virus was spotted for the first time more than one year ago. No matter that it hasn't been very active crypto-malware, it has been changing steadily since then.
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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PadCrypt ransomware: summary
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
|---|---|
| Ransom note | RESTORE_FILES_NOW.html; the text of the note is not in our records |
| Contact | Not recorded in our earlier report |
| Encrypted file extension | .scr |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Distribution | Not recorded in the old report |
| 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 9 more facts
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
|---|---|
| Name | PadCrypt ransomware |
| Type | File-encrypting ransomware |
| Symptoms | Files renamed with a new extension and a ransom note left in folders |
| Evidence | 6 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Encrypted files | .scr |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026) |
| First seen | 13 April 2017 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
What to search your PC and browser for
- File extension:
.scr - Note file:
RESTORE_FILES_NOW.html
How PadCrypt ransomware behaves
From our report of Apr 2017 · not reviewed since
PadCrypt ransomware is the first to offer live chat support, adds a review system
PadCrypt virus was spotted for the first time more than one year ago.
No matter that it hasn't been very active crypto-malware, it has been changing steadily since then. If you receive a new email in your inbox, do not rush to open it or download the attached content, regardless of how important the information provided may seem.
This and other similar ransomware programs spread through spam emails via infectious files attached to them. Pad Crypt malware spreads in a form of a file that looks like PDF but, actually, it is a zip archive containing a dangerous executed file.
Once extracted, this file lets the malware into the system which starts encrypting user's files, including photos, videos, word documents and other, without wasting its time. PadCrypt ransomware uses AES-256 encryption algorithm to lock the files, so you can hardly decrypt them without a special key which is usually help by hackers.
After the encryption is over, the virus creates a new .txt file which informs the user about the encryption of the files and lets him/her know that there is an encryption key which needs to be bought in order to recover the files. Otherwise, these files can be lost forever.
The ransom which is usually asked by this ransomware is worth 0.8 Bitcoin which equals approximately $340 and must be paid through BitCoins, Ukash Voucher or Paysafecard. Usually, the required payments increase over time. The victim of PadCrypt ransomware is also given a 96-hour deadline to pay the ransom.
If the victim does not transfer the money within the estimated time, the decryption key may be destroyed. At least that's what is declared by its owners. However, no matter how convincing these claims seem, you should know that less than half of ransomware victims have managed to recover their data fully.
An interesting fact about this particular ransomware is that the encrypted data can be obtained free of charge in case the user waits six months and then contacts the virus' developers. What is more, this virus is the first ransomware virus that provides live chat support, which supposedly should let you contact the cyber criminals. Reportedly, they do not respond, so there is hardly any use from this chat.
Developers of this virus have been letting the infected computer users remove PadCrypt from their computers by providing a special uninstaller. However, even after you remove the malware from your computer, your files won't be decrypted after you finish this process. Also, to decrease victim's chances to recover the files for free, this crypto-malware deletes shadow volume copies as well.
The only way to protect your data from such dangerous viruses is to keep a backup of your records stored on an external drive. Actually, all the ransomware infections are essentially identical - they promise to decrypt your files if you pay the estimated amount of money. They differ only in encryption algorithms and the ransom size.
We do not advise you paying the ransom because it is very likely that you will be left robbed not only of your files but your money as well. You should remember that the PadCrypt removal will not return your data but merely deletes the virus and its contents from your computer. We advise using a powerful malware removal software like to remove the ransomware from your system for good.
Update 28 February 2017: Developers of the ransomware have upgraded their TOR payment website and added a section called "Reviews," where victims can post positive feedback and expect a refund from cyber criminals. However, current reviews seem to be filled with hate and frustration only.
Although this virus was the first one to provide live chat support to victims, now it seems that it seeks to copy the strategy of Spora ransomware, which provides quick responses to victims and also provides free decryption keys, extended deadlines, and discounts for the victims.
Pad Crypt's authors ask to write an "honest review" in order to get a refund; however, we cannot even imagine how victims should feel about praising the service of cybercriminals.
From our report of Apr 2017 · not reviewed since
Complete list of PadCrypt versions
At first, PadCrypt was considered to be a suspended ransomware project because when it first showed up, its Command & Control servers were quickly deactivated.
In spring of 2016, malware experts have spotted several versions of the virus that indicated that the author of the ransomware project is trying to renew it and start distributing it again. Currently, there are several modifications of the mysterious 2.0 version, known as 2.2.71.1, 2.2.86.1, and 2.2.97.0.
However, it seems that these versions had no significant changes and were sent out to tiny amount of computer users, considering the number of complaints received. However, in autumn of 2016, the third version has emerged, and it seems to be a more noticeably improved virus.
PadCrypt 3.0 ransomware virus. Malware analysts first noticed traits of this version at the end of September 2016, and clear examples were detected in November. The third version claims to be using AES 256-bit encryption key and demands a ransom from the victim in exchange for the data decryption tool.
Reportedly, PadCrypt 3.0 virus spreads as a Trojan in the form of a fake Visa Credit Card generator (Card Base 5.6.0.exe), also steals some information from server account from FileZilla, and it is being sold in the dark market for other criminals who want to contribute to its distribution.
It seems that scams have created an affiliate system and they share the revenue with people who help to distribute the virus. Finally, it has been discovered that this version claims it is the 3.1 version in its source code, although the ransom note still says it is the 3.0 version. Victims should quickly remove this virus in case it infects their systems.
PadCrypt 3.1.2 ransomware virus emerged on the web in the beginning of December 2016 and struck the users with more questions than answers. The program does not seem to have acquired any new features, at least the ones that are apparent.
We can only presume that the hackers behind the virus have patched up some problematic parts in the program's code and hope that these improvements have not made the parasite even more malicious. Perhaps a single interesting finding about this ransomware version so far is that it seems to be distributed by the well-known Artemis Trojan.
It is yet unknown whether the virus decrypts the locked files after six months as the original virus version, but we do not recommend waiting it out. During this time you probably will not be able to use your computer properly and the new files you create on the infected device will be encrypted once again. Thus, we strongly recommend you to remove this version of PadCrypt from your computer.
PadCrypt 3.2.2 ransomware virus is a malicious crypto-virus which was found to be a ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS). Interested parties (hackers, bad guys, etc.) can try to modify this malware according to their needs and then use it for encrypting people's files and collecting ransoms. Of course, the owner of 3.2.2 malware version gets some part of the collected fees in exchange for letting others use the virus.
According to the latest gossip, this version is another modification of the Razy ransomware which uses AES-265 and RSA encryption algorithms to encrypt the files of its victims. The amount of ransom varies from 0.5 to 1.5 Bitcoin what is equal to $1065. Please, do NOT even think about paying such ransom to the developers of this ransomware!
There is no guarantee that they will recover your files after receiving such amount of money. You need to remove PadCrypt 3.2.2 virus as soon as you find out that you are infected because this malware can also modify your process list and try to connect to hackers with the help of the remote C&C servers.
PadCrypt 3.4.4 ransomware virus is the latest version of the virus which showed up in the middle of March. No matter that it hasn't been very active, it can infect your computer using the same methods as previous versions. As soon as it infiltrates the system, it works on collecting specific information and transferring it to its owners.
It has been revealed that it tries to reveal computer's IP address, its geolocation, name, System Bios Version, etc. It uses C&C servers to transfer this data to its owners. The second stage of the functionality of PadCrypt 3.4.4 ransomware involves the encryption of victim's files.
Warning: Be careful with this malware and do NOT pay the ransom.
PadCrypt 3.5 ransomware virus. The latest ransomware variant was spotted in April 2017, and the first example spotted arrives in the form of two files: dpd_label_1ade8daf._pdf.scr and Adobe Reader.exe. As you can see, the first file has a double extension (the real one is .scr, not .pdf), and it pretends to be a document from DPD.
Therefore, we assume that this malicious virus is distributed using email spam. The ransomware encrypts all files adding extensions that match the virus' name and leave a ransom note behind. The virus leaves ransom note in three different files:
- +WANT_YOUR_FILES_BACK.html
- +WANT_YOUR_FILES_BACK.txt
- +RESTORE_FILES_NOW.html
With this version, the ransomware also upgrades its TOR site and adds a "Review" page, where victims can leave reviews and expect attackers to lower the ransom price for them.
From our report of Apr 2017 · not reviewed since
How is this ransomware distributed?
PadCrypt, CryptoWall, and other malware programs are commonly distributed through peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, like Torrents, malicious spam email attachments or bogus software updates and may enter your system as Trojans.
As we have already mentioned, it is essential to remove this malware from your PC immediately. If you do not want to use an automatic removal tool, please study a manual removal guide provided below the following paragraphs.
The PadCrypt ransomware note
The note is called RESTORE_FILES_NOW.html.
We did not record the full text of the ransom note in our report.
How to remove PadCrypt ransomware
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 PadCrypt ransomware 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
PadCrypt ransomware 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
RESTORE_FILES_NOW.htmland one or two files ending in.scrto 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 PadCrypt ransomware, 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 PadCrypt ransomware 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.
From our report of Apr 2017 · not reviewed since
Remove PadCrypt ransomware from the system
Unfortunately, it is impossible to remove PadCrypt virus and recover the encrypted files at the same time.
For that you need to have a special key which is usually help by hackers for as long as you decide to open your e-wallet and pay the ransom. You can, however, delete this virus and its components from your computer to prevent the further encryption of your files.
This procedure is also advisable when trying to find additional threats that might be lurking in your computer without your knowledge. We don't recommend you trying to perform a full PadCrypt removal procedure manually because there are lots of ransomware components that can hardly be found without a reputable anti-spyware/anti-malware program.
The best variants of such software are given below, so make sure you install one of them to fix your computer properly. To protect yourself from such malicious viruses in the future, make sure you keep the security software up-to-date, backup your important files constantly and stay away from spam.
[GI=method-1]If this virus is blocking your scanner, you should try rebooting your computer to Safe Mode with Networking first:
[GI=method-2]If Safe Mode with Networking failed to help you unlock your computer, you should try using System Restore:
It might help you to recover some of your files.
Use ShadowExplorer to recover files encrypted by this ransomware
If you are lucky enough to find out that PadCrypt ransomware did not remove the shadow volume copies of your files, you can use ShadowExplorer. Here are the steps that you should follow to use this tool properly:
Wait six months to get your data back
The described virus says that victims should not delete the encrypted data because there is a chance to recover them for free in case the victim has no money to pay the ransom. If your files are not that important and you do not need them urgently, you can wait and see what happens. Just remember that criminals are unpredictable and you can never count on them.
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.
Protect the files you restore
Restore only after the scans are clean and the PC no longer shows files that end in .scr and no longer open; otherwise the restored copies can be damaged again.
Then build a backup that survives the next infection:
- one copy in the cloud with version history
- one on an external drive that is disconnected between backups
- the working copy on the PC
Version history matters because a backup that syncs damaged files overwrites the good ones.
How to do this with the tools built into Windows: the 3-2-1 backup rule on Windows.
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 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 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. 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.
Questions about PadCrypt ransomware
Is there a decryptor for .scr files?
That depends on the family behind the .scr extension, which this guide cannot confirm yet from the reports alone. Check No More Ransom and ID Ransomware with your ransom note and one encrypted file; they list families with free tools.
If none exists today, keep the encrypted files and a copy of the note on a separate drive, because decryptors are sometimes published months later after flaws are found or servers are seized. Never buy a decryptor from a website that is not the security company that made it.
How do I open .scr files?
You cannot open them by renaming or by choosing another program. The .scr ending shows that PadCrypt ransomware 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 PadCrypt ransomware. Store the encrypted files on an external disk until then.
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 PadCrypt ransomware get on my computer?
The way PadCrypt ransomware 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 .scr 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.
Should I pay the ransom?
We advise against it, and so do the FBI, Europol and national cyber agencies. Payment does not guarantee a working tool: some attackers never reply, some tools damage files, and some variants have no decryptor at all. Paying also funds further attacks and can make you a target again.
Before considering payment, try every recovery option in this guide and report the attack. Companies must involve their legal adviser and insurer, because payments to sanctioned groups can be illegal. If files are truly irreplaceable, store the encrypted copies and wait; decryptors sometimes appear later.
Did PadCrypt ransomware steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by PadCrypt ransomware, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .scr 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 PadCrypt ransomware 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.
What does RESTORE_FILES_NOW.html tell me about the ransomware?
Quite a lot. The file name RESTORE_FILES_NOW.html, the wording, the contact addresses and the format of the personal ID are typical for each family. Uploading the note together with one encrypted file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom's Crypto Sheriff usually names the family within seconds.
That name decides your options: some families have free decryptors, some can be partially recovered, and some cannot be decrypted at all. The note's claims about stolen data should be taken seriously but not at face value.
My files got .scr overnight. What happened?
Ransomware often runs at night or when the PC is idle, so the encryption finishes before anyone notices. It usually entered earlier through a cracked program, a fake installer, an e-mail attachment or remote desktop with a weak password.
The .scr extension marks every file it reached. Start by disconnecting the PC from the network, then identify the family from the ransom note and one encrypted file, check for a decryptor, and look for copies in backups and OneDrive before you consider anything else.
Will Fortect remove PadCrypt ransomware?
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 PadCrypt ransomware, 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, the free encyclopedia: Advanced Encryption Standard (read October 7, 2026)
- 2spyware: What is ransomware and how to remove it (read October 7, 2026)
- Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: Shadow Copy (read October 7, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 7, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 7, 2026)