Qual virus: what it is and how to remove it
Qual ransomware poses a significant threat in the cyber realm due to its powerful encryption techniques, which are notorious for making files completely inaccessible. Belonging to the Djvu malware family, this virus appends ".qual" to the filenames it encrypts, using the robust RSA encryption method.
Facts checked October 6, 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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Qual virus: summary
| Name | Qual virus |
|---|---|
| Type | Ransomware, file-locking malware |
| File extension | .qual extension appended to all personal files, rendering them useless |
| Family | Djvu |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt dropped at every location where encrypted files are located |
| Contact | support@freshingmail.top and datarestorehelpyou@airmail.cc |
| 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 13 more facts
| File Recovery | There is no guaranteed way to recover locked files without backups. Other options include paying cybercriminals (not recommended, might also lose the paid money), using Emisoft's decryptor (works for a limited number of victims), or using third-party recovery software |
|---|---|
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Encrypted file extension | .qual |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Distribution | Not recorded in the old report |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Symptoms | Files renamed with a new extension and a ransom note left in folders |
| Evidence | One write-up by a security site; no sample analysed yet |
| Encrypted files | .qual |
| Attacker contacts | support@freshingmail.top |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026) |
| First seen | 15 July 2024 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
- File extension:
.qual - Note file:
readme.txt - Contact:
support@freshingmail.top
From our report of Jul 2024 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Qual virus
- After disconnecting the computer from the network and the internet, do a complete system scan using the security program
- Upon installation, malware can cause severe damage to system files, resulting in instability issues such as crashes and errors.
- However, PC repair can automatically fix any such damage
How Qual virus behaves
From our report of Jul 2024 · not reviewed since
The ransom note
When victims fall prey to a ransomware attack, they are often faced with a communication known as a ransom note.
This note typically contains instructions on how the victim can send a ransom to the attackers in exchange for decrypting their data, which has been locked by the ransomware.
The note may include a deadline for the ransom payment, along with threats of further harm or data destruction if the payment is not made promptly. However, Djvu variants take a different approach, opting for a more professional tone.
These ransom notes can appear as text files, images, or web pages on the victim's device. In the case of Qual ransomware, the ransom note appears immediately after the files are encrypted, stating the following message.
Cybercriminals commonly employ various strategies to build trust with their victims, such as offering discounts on decryption tools or providing a "complimentary" test decryption service. However, these tactics are deceptive maneuvers designed to lure victims into a false sense of security and cooperation.
Despite the seemingly considerate gestures, it is crucial to remember that such offers do not guarantee any reliable or ethical conduct from these attackers.
Specifically, in the case of Qual ransomware, there is no concrete assurance that the perpetrators will uphold their promises and deliver the necessary recovery tool after payment is made. These hackers operate within an illegal framework, and their primary goal is personal gain, making their assurances highly unreliable.
From our report of Jul 2024 · not reviewed since
Qual ransomware - a dangerous Windows virus that can lock you out of accessing your files
Qual ransomware poses a significant threat in the cyber realm due to its powerful encryption techniques, which are notorious for making files completely inaccessible.
Belonging to the Djvu malware family, this virus appends ".qual" to the filenames it encrypts, using the robust RSA encryption method. Upon infiltrating a system, it promptly initiates the encryption process, preventing users from accessing their data. Subsequently, the malware leaves a "readme.txt" note in the affected directories, detailing the attackers' demands for a $999 ransom in exchange for a decryption tool to recover the encrypted files.
In an apparent effort to prompt swift communication, the note also provides a 50% discount, reducing the ransom to $499 if victims reach out within a specified time frame. The ransom note includes contact details (support@freshingmail.top and datarestorehelpyou@airmail.cc) through two email addresses provided for initiating communication.
This method of extortion brings significant distress to affected users and indicates a troubling trend in cyber threats. Further information on the Qual ransomware, including advice on removal and data recovery options, can be found in the following sections.
The Qual virus ransom note
ATTENTION!
Don't worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like pictures, databases, documents and other important are encrypted
with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
Do not ask assistants from youtube and recovery data sites for help in recovering your data.
They can use your free decryption quota and scam you.
Our contact is emails in this text document only.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://wetransfer.com/downloads/a832401adcd58098c699f768ffea4f1720240305114308/7e601a
Price of private key and decrypt software is $999.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $499.
Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.
To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
support@freshingmail.top
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
datarestorehelpyou@airmail.cc
Your personal ID:
How to remove Qual virus
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 Qual virus 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
Qual virus 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
readme.txtand one or two files ending in.qualto 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 Qual virus, no free decryptor is known (checked 6 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 Qual virus 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
From our report of Jul 2024 · not reviewed since
Remove the virus from the system and attempt to recover files
Misconceptions often cloud the understanding of ransomware's encryption process and malware functionality.
Many believe that running a full system scan or renaming files can easily restore encrypted data, but the reality is far more intricate. Ransomware employs a complex alphanumeric sequence to lock data within files, making it nearly impossible to decrypt. This poses a serious threat, potentially resulting in irreversible data loss.
Despairing will not be beneficial, as there is still a chance for data recovery. Although it may not happen right away, there remains a possibility in the future. To start the recovery process, it is crucial to first remove Qual ransomware completely using reliable security software such as or .
If the malware persists in causing issues, transitioning to Safe Mode and performing the removal from there could be a viable solution (instructions for this can be found at the conclusion of this article).
Upon successful removal of the malware, you can proceed to concentrate on data recovery. It is advised to start with Emsisoft's decryption tool, which has shown effectiveness in decrypting files encrypted by Djvu variants in specific instances. Please be aware that there might be a delay before this recovery method is accessible to you.
From here, there are three available outcomes:
You could always resort to specialized data recovery software if this method is unsuccessful.
- After pressing Download button, a small pop-up at the bottom, titled decrypt_STOPDjvu.exe should show up - click it.
- If User Account Control (UAC) message shows up, press Yes.
- Agree to License Terms by pressing Yes.
- After Disclaimer shows up, press OK.
- The tool should automatically populate the affected folders, although you can also do it by pressing Add folder at the bottom.
- Press Decrypt.
- "Decrypted!" will be shown under files that were decrypted successfully - they are now usable again.
- "Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID:" means that the keys for this version of the virus have not yet been retrieved, so you should try later.
- "This ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible" - you are unable to decrypt files with this tool.
- Download .
- Double-click the installer to launch it.
- Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
- As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
- Select Everything or pick individual folders which you want the files to be recovered from.
- Press Next.
- At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
- Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
- You can now pick which folders/files to recover - don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
- Press Recover to retrieve your files.
From our report of Jul 2024 · not reviewed since
Additional tips
Qual ransomware is capable of altering your "hosts" file, which can block your access to security-focused websites.
To overcome this obstacle, you should delete the compromised file. After deletion, Windows will generate a new hosts file, thereby removing the restrictions on specific website access. Follow the steps below to resolve the issue:
Addressing system damages caused by malware promptly is crucial. is a robust software tool designed to combat the effects of malicious software. By performing a detailed scan of your computer, it detects corrupted or missing files and restores them with operational versions. This process helps alleviate the harmful impacts of malware, such as changes to the Windows Registry or the loss of essential system files.
- Ensure that "Hidden files" are configured to be displayed.
- Navigate to the following location: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc.
- Locate the "hosts" file and remove it by pressing Shift + Del on your keyboard.
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.
Make the next attack harmless
Qual virus could only hurt the files that had no second copy, and the signs (files that end in .qual and no longer open) showed exactly which ones those were.
The 3-2-1 rule fixes that:
- three copies
- two media
- one disconnected
A practical version for a home PC: OneDrive or another cloud backup with version history, plus an external disk that you plug in once a week for File History and then unplug. Test a restore now and then by opening a few files from the backup on another device.
Details, schedules and what not to back up are in our 3-2-1 backup guide for Windows.
Access your website securely from any location
When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address.
If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for the server or network manager that needs to monitor connections and activities. VPN software providers like can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world.
Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks
While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various reasons, malware is one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files.
More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, and images get encrypted. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them.
Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system. In some cases, can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection.
Questions about Qual virus
How do I open .qual files?
You cannot open them by renaming or with another program, because the content of files ending in .qual has been encrypted. The only ways back are a working decryptor for the family, or clean copies from elsewhere:
- OneDrive versions
- File History
- an offline backup drive
- Previous Versions if the ransomware did not delete them
Identify the family first by uploading the ransom note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom. Avoid websites and programs that promise to open any encrypted file; they do not work and some are scams.
How did Qual virus get on my computer?
The way Qual virus 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 .qual 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.
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.
Is there a free Qual virus decryptor?
We last checked on 6 October 2026, and for Qual virus no free decryptor is known. We check No More Ransom, which collects free tools from police and security companies, and the decryptor pages of the major antivirus vendors. A working decryptor exists only when the encryption has a flaw or the keys were leaked or seized.
Ignore sites and videos that offer a "Qual virus decryptor" for download or for a fee: these are usually scams or malware. Real decryptors are free and come from known security companies or law enforcement. Keep the encrypted files in case a tool appears later.
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 Qual virus steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Qual virus, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .qual 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 Qual virus 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 readme.txt tell me about the ransomware?
Quite a lot. The file name readme.txt, 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 .qual 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 .qual 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 Qual virus?
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 Qual virus, 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
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 6, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 6, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 6, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Defender Offline (read October 6, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: How Microsoft names malware (read October 6, 2026)