Restorehelp@qq.com ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
Restorehelp@qq.com virus is a dangerous ransomware-type infection that is a version of Dharma/CrySis malware family. It is designed to lock files with .[restorehelp@qq.com].java extension and ask to make a ransom payment in Bitcoins.
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.
Automatic
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Fortect finds malware, unwanted programs and the Windows damage they leave behind, and repairs it in one pass.
A free scan checks for the encryptor still on the PC; it does not decrypt .java files.
Do it yourself · free Remove Restorehelp@qq.com ransomware yourself 6 steps, about 18 minutes, no software needed.
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Restorehelp@qq.com ransomware: summary
| Name | Restorehelp@qq.com ransomware |
|---|---|
| Type | File-encrypting virus |
| Extension | .java or .[restorehelp@qq.com].java |
| Similar versions | Decrypthelp@qq.com ransomware; .java ransomware; |
| Symptoms | Starts encrypting data with a sophisticated algorithm and appends the file extension. Later, drops the ransom note and demands to pay the ransom by contacting the hackers via restorehelp@qq.com email address |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| 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 11 more facts
| Ransom note | A message left on the computer; the text is quoted in full below |
|---|---|
| Contact | Restorehelp@qq.com, restorehelp@qq.com, Restorehelp2@qq.com |
| Encrypted file extension | .java |
| 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 |
| Evidence | 4 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Encrypted files | .java |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026) |
| First seen | 27 March 2018 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
- File extension:
.java - Note file:
the ransom note
From our report of Mar 2018 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Restorehelp@qq.com ransomware
- The only way to uninstall Restorehelp@qq.com ransomware is automatically, will speed up the process
The Restorehelp@qq.com ransomware note
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your pc. If you want to restore them, write to us to the e-mail Restorehelp@qq.com
Write this ID in the title of your message
In case no answer in 24 hours write us to theese e-mails: Restorehelp2@qq.com
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.
How to remove Restorehelp@qq.com 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 Restorehelp@qq.com 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
Restorehelp@qq.com 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
the ransom noteand one or two files ending in.javato 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 Restorehelp@qq.com 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 Restorehelp@qq.com 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 Mar 2018 · not reviewed since
Restorehelp@qq.com ransomware is a file-locking cyber threat which demands to pay the ransom
Restorehelp@qq.com virus is a dangerous ransomware-type infection that is a version of Dharma/CrySis malware family.
It is designed to lock files with .[restorehelp@qq.com].java extension and ask to make a ransom payment in Bitcoins. Victims receive a message explaining what happened to their computers and urging to contact the criminals via the given email address.
Ransom note by Restorehelp@qq.com ransomware states the following:
Despite how convincing criminals might look, there are no guarantees that you will receive Restorehelp@qq.com decryptor after agreeing to pay the ransom. Crooks can promise their victims anything to gain illegal profits from novice computer users. Likewise, experts do not recommend relying on their empty promises.
Instead, you should remove Restorehelp@qq.com ransomware and try alternative ways to get back the access to your files. For the elimination procedure, you should get or another robust antivirus to help you. Note that ransomware-type infections are the most dangerous ones, so you should not hesitate!
After Restorehelp@qq.com ransomware removal, check the decryption solutions given below. There are multiple ones to help our readers find the best solution for data recovery after ransomware attack.

From our report of Mar 2018 · not reviewed since
Hackers use deceptive techniques to spread cyber infections
There are a few most common attack vectors which are employed by cybercriminals all across the world.
People are usually tricked to download ransomware via spam emails or as fake software updates. Likewise, we have listed several precautionary measures indicated by Semvirus.pt to help you protect your system from file-encrypting viruses:
- Keep backups of your data;
- Do not open unexpected emails or letters from unknown senders;
- Never click on the attachment in the email if you are not sure that it is safe ;
- Avoid visiting suspicious websites and clicking on ads online;
- Download software and their updates only from official sites.
From our report of Mar 2018 · not reviewed since
Restorehelp@qq.com ransomware elimination explained
Unfortunately, there is only one way to remove Restorehelp@qq.com ransomware from the infected system.
For that, you will need to download a professional anti-malware software and run a full system scan. Due to the complexity of this cyber threat, users cannot uninstall it from their systems manually.
We have listed the best antivirus programs for Restorehelp@qq.com ransomware removal — , , . You should download them using a direct link. If you are unable to get it, there is a risk that the file-encrypting virus is blocking the installation of the security software.
Additionally, do not forget to try alternative data recovery methods after the elimination.
[GI=method-1]If you are unable to get a robust antivirus software, the ransomware might be blocking the installation of the software. Likewise, you must boot your system into Safe Mode like shown below.
IT professionals suggest you try this software after ransomware attack. Event though its primary purpose is to help people get back the lost files after system crash, it might be useful after cyber infection as well.
Use Windows Previous Versions Feature to travel back in time
People are advised to use the in-built feature on Windows if they have previously enabled System Restore function. This recovery method allows ransomware victims to use the copies of the files made before data encryption.
Try ShadowExplorer after ransomware attack
If you have managed to eliminate the malware before it has damaged or completely corrupted Shadow Volume Copies, there is a chance that you might recover files using this software.
Experts are still working on Restorehelp@qq.com decryptor.
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 .java 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.
Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are
There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity.
While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.
Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.
Data backups are important - recover your lost files
Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data.
Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.
While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
Questions about Restorehelp@qq.com ransomware
How do I open .java files?
You cannot open them by renaming or with another program, because the content of files ending in .java 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.
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.
Is there a free Restorehelp@qq.com ransomware decryptor?
We last checked on 7 October 2026, and for Restorehelp@qq.com 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 "Restorehelp@qq.com 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 Restorehelp@qq.com ransomware get on my computer?
The way Restorehelp@qq.com 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 .java 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.
Did Restorehelp@qq.com ransomware steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Restorehelp@qq.com ransomware, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .java 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 Restorehelp@qq.com 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.
Can I delete the ransom note?
Yes, the note itself is harmless text and deleting it does not affect your files. Keep at least one copy first, outside the infected PC. the ransom note contains your personal ID and the attackers' contact details, which identification services use to tell which family encrypted your files, and which a decryptor may need later.
Police reports also ask for it. Once you have saved a copy, you can remove the notes from every folder after the ransomware program has been removed and your files are restored or backed up.
Should I reinstall Windows after the .java attack?
Reinstalling removes the ransomware but not the encryption: your files ending in .java stay encrypted afterwards. So first copy the encrypted files and the ransom note to a separate drive, in case a decryptor appears later. Then decide:
- a clean-up with an offline scan is often enough for home PCs
- while a full reset is safer if remote access was involved
- scans keep finding new items
Restore your backups only after the PC is clean, and change passwords from another device.
Will Fortect remove Restorehelp@qq.com 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 Restorehelp@qq.com 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
- Semvirus: Semvirus (read October 7, 2026)
- MakeUseOf: How To Spot A Dangerous Email Attachment (read October 7, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 7, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 7, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 7, 2026)