R00t ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
R00t ransomware is considered to be a very dangerous malware form that aims to encrypt all data that is found on the infected Windows computer system. Belonging to Paradise ransomware, this parasite uses unique ciphers to encrypt each file and document.
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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R00t ransomware: summary
| Name | R00t ransomware |
|---|---|
| Type | Ransomware virus/malware |
| Appendix | The dangerous malware locks all files and documents that are found on the targeted computer system by using a unique cipher. Afterward, the ransomware adds the ._r00t_{random string}.njkwe appendix to each filename |
| Ransom note | The criminals provide all required details in the —==%$$$OPEN_ME_UP$$$==—; the text is quoted in full below |
| Ransom price | Even though there are no particular details about the ransom demands, the price can vary anywhere between $50 and $200 or more. The crooks are also very likely to urge for some type of cryptocurrency (mostly Bitcoin) as these types of transfers grant anonymity |
| Processes | Once the ransomware virus ends up on the Windows computer, it can start running bogus processes in the Windows Task Manager section, inject questionable entries into the Windows Registry, etc. This way the malware is able to scan the system for encryptable components, enable itself within each startup process, disable some antimalware protection, delete Shadow Copies, damage the hosts file, and many more |
| 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
| Danger level | Very high. This cyber threat holds a highly-increased danger level as it locks all files and documents that are found on the infected Windows computer, can cause severe damage, and install additional malware |
|---|---|
| Family | This malware string is known to come from the Paradise ransomware family |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Contact | Not recorded in our earlier report |
| Encrypted file extension | Not recorded in our earlier report |
| 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 | An unknown program in Installed apps and a ransom note left in folders |
| Evidence | 5 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026) |
| First seen | 29 December 2019 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
- Note file:
the ransom note
From our report of Dec 2019 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on R00t ransomware
- These people urge to get involved in some type of online chat and claim that this is the only way to restore locked data
- If you have spotted some damage on your Windows computer system, you can try fixing it with
How R00t ransomware behaves
From our report of Dec 2019 · not reviewed since
R00t ransomware - a malicious threat that resides from the Paradise ransomware family
R00t ransomware is considered to be a very dangerous malware form that aims to encrypt all data that is found on the infected Windows computer system.
Belonging to Paradise ransomware, this parasite uses unique ciphers to encrypt each file and document. Afterward, the ._r00t_{random string}.njkwe appendix is attached to each filename and the ---==%$$$OPEN_ME_UP$$$==---.txt ransom note is dropped on the computer's desktop.
The rogue message claims that all files have been encrypted due to some security problems and the only way to restore them is to include yourself in some type of online chat. The criminals provide the direct link to the chat and encourage users to enter their IDs and emails there.
R00t ransomware will try to scare you to convince you to purchase a decryption tool from the hackers. Even though there are no particular details stated about the ransom price, it is very likely to be an inadequate one that can come up to $2000 or more.
R00t ransomware is a dangerous cyber threat that can bring damage to your Windows computer and files. Even though the main purpose of this infection is to lock up files and demand money for their release, there can be other things that the malware is capable of. For example, infiltrating other computer viruses.
R00t virus makes your computer vulnerable to other infections and can bring various malicious material to the system. It might clear the path for trojans, spyware, worms, and other parasites. This way you might experience serious system damage, private data exposure, monetary losses, software struggles, overheating CPU, etc.
According to VirusTotal, R00t ransomware has been spotted by 23 AV engines out of the total 71. In some cases, ransomware viruses can launch specific modules that allow them to evade antimalware detection. This way the infection can appear on the computer unnoticed and stay silent for a while.
However, you will definitely spot that something is odd when you see encrypted documents on your desktop. R00t ransomware targets any types of images, audios, videos, databases, excel sheets, and other files. It leaves them with a rogue appendix and the user is no longer capable of accessing the components properly.
Afterward, R00t ransomware demands that the victims include themselves in online chatting and discuss all the details about the ransom. In addition to that, the criminals provide various threats like not to use antimalware software, not to decrypt data by using third-party tools as it will result in permanent data loss:
We want to assure you that R00t ransomware developers are keen on only their own benefits and do not care about your well-being. Following their commands does not necessarily mean that you would be provided with decryption software and everything will be okay. This people are very likely to scam gullible victims.
Rather than paying inadequate amounts of money and getting lured in other scams, you should perform the R00t ransomware removal by using automatical software. Afterward, you can try some other data recovery software that might be helpful. Find the equipment and their descriptions at the end of this article.
There are plenty of reasons to remove R00t ransomware from your machine. First, you will not be able to restore data without eliminating the parasite.
Second, it can bring other infections to your computer. Third, you can experience various system damage. If any corruption has occurred, try fixing it with .
Nevertheless, R00t ransomware might be capable of various other activities. Due to its complex module, encrypting files might only be one thing that the malware is able to do. In order to support this process and make it easier, the parasite can:
- Damage the Windows hosts file and prevent users from accessing security-related forums.
- Delete the Shadow Volume Copies of encrypted data and decrease the users' chances of recovering their files.
- Enable itself within every Windows computer startup process.
- Scan the system for encryptable data in repeated time intervals.
- Inject other bogus processes and entries into the Task Manager and Registry.
From our report of Dec 2019 · not reviewed since
Distribution tactics of ransomware infections
Security experts from NoVirus.uk state that ransomware viruses are most commonly distributed through email spam.
The criminals drop messages that are pretended to be from reputable healthcare, banking, or shipping organizations such as FedEx, DHL and encourage users to open some type of clipped attachment or inserted hyperlink.
Our recommendation would be to always carefully look through your emails, especially those that fall in the "Spam" section. If you were not expecting anything important to receive at the moment, you should better delete all the bogus emails as a reputable company would manage to contact you via mobile phone later.
Also, always try to identify the sender, check if the message is coming from a normally-looking address. Continuously, do not open any attached files that look suspicious to you or without scanning them with antivirus software.
In addition, ransomware infections can get delivered through cracked software that comes from piracy networks such as The Pirate Bay, BitTorrent, eMule, and others. If you are looking for a program or service to download, better select original sources or get the product/service straight from the official developer.
Last but not least, it is important not to click on every ad and hyperlink that you see. Do not fall for suspicious software upgrades that might approach you while browsing. Always make sure that your antivirus is turned and properly updated. This way you will have automatical protection and be notified when something malicious tries to invade your PC.
The R00t ransomware note
WHAT HAPPENED!
Your important files produced on this computer have been encrypted due a security problem.
If you want to restore then write to the online chat.
Contact!
Online chat: hxxps://prt-recovery.support/chat/30-r00t
Your operator: r00t
Your personal ID: pJFM2q
Enter your ID and e-mail in the chat that you would immediately answered.
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Do not attempt to use the antivirus or uninstall the program.
This will lead to your data loss and unrecoverable.
Decoders of other users is not suitable to decrypt your files - encryption key is unique.
How to remove R00t 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 R00t 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
Unplug the network cable or turn off Wi-Fi, and disconnect USB drives, external disks and network shares, so R00t ransomware cannot reach more files. Pause OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox sync, because synced folders upload the encrypted copies over the good ones.
Leave the PC on but offline while you read the next steps, since a restart can let the ransomware run again. This applies to Windows 11 and Windows 10 alike.
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 identify the family
The name of the family decides whether a free decryptor can help. Copy the ransom note and two small encrypted files to a USB stick, and check them on another device with ID Ransomware or Crypto Sheriff.
Note the extension added to the files, the contact address and the victim ID shown in the note. Keep the originals on the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC untouched.
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
Our last check found that for R00t ransomware, no free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026). Look again yourself in the No More Ransom list and the free decryptor pages of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, which add new families every year.
A decryptor needs the ransomware gone first, or it encrypts the files again. Keep at least one copy of the encrypted files on an external drive, even if no tool works yet.
Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt
Removing R00t ransomware does not bring the files back, but it has to come first. Start with Defender's Full scan, then the offline scan from the same Scan options page, which checks the disk before Windows loads.
If the scan cannot start, use Safe Mode with Networking. Delete the ransom notes only after you have saved a copy, because removal tools sometimes leave them behind on Windows 11 and 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
Windows keeps shadow copies for restore points and backups, and some ransomware fails to delete them.
vssadmin list shadowsin an administrator Command Prompt tells you at once whether any exist.If they do, right-click the folder that held your files, open Properties > Previous Versions, select a version from before the attack, and click Open to check it before you Restore or copy the files out. Windows 11 and Windows 10 both have the tab.
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
A backup made before the attack is the surest way back. Connect it only once the PC is clean, then restore from File History, Windows Backup, OneDrive's Restore your OneDrive or your own external copies.
Without a backup, try file recovery: the originals that R00t ransomware deleted may still be on the disk until something overwrites them. Install nothing new on the drive you want to recover from on the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
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 Dec 2019 · not reviewed since
R00t ransomware removal guidelines (automatical)
R00t ransomware can be removed only by employing automatical software, otherwise, you might not succeed in the process.
This malware is a complex one and needs proper elimination. If you do not clean your entire Windows computer system from malicious and bogus content, the ransomware virus can easily return.
If you are still having a hard time to take care of the R00t ransomware removal, there might be some malicious processes stopping you from deleting this cyber threat. What you can do is diminish various malicious activities by applying Safe Mode with Networking or System Restore when restarting your Windows computer.
Now, remove R00t ransomware properly by launching your AV tool. After the program finishes its job, it is time to search for possible damage with software such as or .
[GI=method-1]To disable malicious changes on your Windows computer, apply the following guiding steps and boot your machine in Safe Mode with Networking.
[GI=method-2]To deactivate the malware, you should opt for the System Restore feature. You can accomplish such a task by completing the below-provided guidelines.
Use this software if you have been looking for equipment that might help you to bring some valuable files back to their primary positions.
Use Windows Previous Versions feature and recover some data.
Employ this type of software if you are looking for a way to recover lost items. However, you should have booted your Windows machine in System Restore if you want this method to work properly.
Using Shadow Explorer might help with data recovery.
If the ransomware virus did not touch the Shadow Volume Copies of your encrypted data, you should give this method a try as it might unlock some files of yours.
Currently, the cybersecurity specialists are working on the decryption tool.
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 R00t ransomware in the list of installed apps; 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.
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 R00t ransomware
Is there a free R00t ransomware decryptor?
We last checked on 7 October 2026, and for R00t ransomware 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 "R00t ransomware 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.
How did R00t ransomware get on my computer?
The way R00t 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 R00t ransomware in the list of installed apps, 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.
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.
Did R00t ransomware steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by R00t ransomware, but the only confirmed sign is R00t ransomware in the list of installed apps, 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 R00t 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 the ransom note tell me about the ransomware?
Quite a lot. The file name the ransom note, 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.
How do I open my .docx, .jpg and other files locked by R00t?
You cannot open locked files normally while they stay encrypted, and renaming them will not help. Our earlier report did not record the extension that R00t adds, so check one locked file name and the ransom note for it.
No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates. Do not rename the files, change the extension or edit them, because that can make recovery harder. Copy the locked files to an external drive before you clean the system, so a decryptor released later still has them.
Will Fortect remove R00t 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 R00t 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
- Techopedia: Central Processing Unit (CPU) (read October 7, 2026)
- Virus Total: 23 engines detected this file (read October 7, 2026)
- Wikipedia: Shadow Copy (read October 7, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 7, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 7, 2026)