XXLecXx ransomware virus. How to remove? (Uninstall guide)
xXLecXx screenlocker ransomware prank asks victims to pay 150 dollars for data recovery
xXLecXx virus is yet another deceptive malware which uses lockscreen to imitate ransomware [1] infection. The virus demands victims to pay 150 dollars for the supposed data decryption code and imply that there is no other way to decrypt the files other than by paying the ransom. That is, of course, a lie because the lock screen window can be easily terminated by pressing the quick command Alt+F4 on the keyboard. Luckily, the virus does not actually affect files stored on the computer in any way, so when the lock screen is closed, you can go straight to the xXLecXx removal. The most important thing when eliminating this screen locker from the system is locating and deleting the virus executable xXLecXx.exe. You can carry out this procedure with professionals software such as Reimage or Malwarebytes MalwarebytesCombo Cleaner to prevent any errors. You should also employ some specialized tool to go through your Windows Registry and clean up potentially corrupted entries.
Though xXLecXx is a merely a prank-like virus, less experienced users may find it convincing. That’s primarily because malware creator has applied social engineering tricks [2] to compile a legitimate-looking ransom note. This message is brief but perfectly reflects the signature style of the actual ransomware:
Your files are encrypted with xXLecXx Ransomware
Your files have been encrypted by xXLecXx Ransomware.
You cannot access your PC right now. You have 2 options
1. We delete all your files
2. You pay us $150 USD and we decrypt all your files
The choice is yours. If you choose option 2, click the button below, (What to Do) and pay us $150 USD and get a decrypt code
button [What to Do]
Have your decrypt code? Submit it here.
button [Submit]
The “What To Do” button will show additional text asking the victims to send 150-dollar-worth of ransom to an indicated Bitcoin wallet account along with the email address to which they want to receive the decryption key. The software is still under development, so the payment system may not even be set up properly yet. However, you should remove xXLecXx in case it receives some updates in the future and becomes undecryptable.
Select 'Safe Mode with Networking'
Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Networking'
Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next'
Select your restore point and click 'Next'
Click 'Yes' and start system restore
You may receive the virus executable from a friend
xXLecXx is currently in a very low stage of distribution because it can only be transmitted from one PC to another directly. The virus creator has posted malware’s download link on his Youtube channel, so anyone can download or resend it to others. Nevertheless, while the intentions of the original virus author may not be malicious, some fraudulent third-parties can quickly pick up the ransomware code, modify it and start distributing the virus for actual money making purposes. Be careful and keep away from xXLecXx executable if you find it on your PC.
Principles of xXLecXx removal:
In theory, it should be possible to remove xXLecXx virus from the computer manually. Nevertheless, a single mistake can lead to some really bad turn of events and corrupt your PC. Thus, we highly suggest choosing the antivirus software-driven xXLecXx removal instead. All that’s needed is updating your antivirus to the latest version and running a thorough system scan with it.
To remove xXLecXx virus, follow these steps:
Remove xXLecXx using Safe Mode with Networking
You will exit the xXLecXx lockscreen by pressing Alt+F4 or by rebooting your PC. Don't forget to remove the virus once you quit the lock screen window.
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Networking
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
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Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Networking in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Remove xXLecXx
Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete xXLecXx removal.
If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.
Remove xXLecXx using System Restore
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
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Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
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Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
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When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of xXLecXx. After doing that, click Next.
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Now click Yes to start system restore.
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove xXLecXx from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.If your files are encrypted by xXLecXx, you can use several methods to restore them:
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from xXLecXx and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage, Malwarebytes MalwarebytesCombo Cleaner or Plumbytes Anti-MalwareMalwarebytes Malwarebytes
About the author
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References
- ^ Julian Bhardwaj. Techniques in ransomware explained. Nakedsecurity. Computer security news, opinion, advice and research from anti-virus experts Sophos.
- ^ Why ransomware works: the psychology and methods used to distribute, infect, and extort. Trendmicro. Security News.