.xyz File Extension virus. How to remove? (Uninstall guide)
.xyz File Extension ransomware is yet another version of Teslacrypt virus. This malicious software is also known as .ecc File Extension virus, .ttt File Extension virus, .vvv File Extension virus, .xxx File Extension virus, or .micro File Extension virus.
.xyz File Extension virus – what happens when it infects the computer?
When this malicious Teslacrypt variation enters the computer, it goes through your system, scanning files and folders, and finds your personal records. It aims to find images, music files, videos, text documents, and other file types. Once it detects such files, it immediately encrypts them. You cannot open an encrypted file. This virus usually makes the victim panic – it is scary to turn the computer on and not be able to access necessary files. Moreover, when this ransomware locks the data, it alters the file names by adding a .xyz extension to them. For example, a file named picture.jpg will be renamed as picture.jpg.xyz.
This virus leaves a message from the cyber criminals after it finishes to encrypt the data. The message looks like this: 
Questions about .xyz File Extension virus
To shorten the long story, we want to say that the Teslacrypt criminals demand you to pay a ransom via Bitcoin system in order to get a decryption key. This key is supposed to help you to decrypt the files. Computer security experts advise NOT to pay the ransom. You should not trust cyber criminals; it is very unlikely that they are going to spend any time or put any efforts to help you get your files back.
What to do if this virus attacks a computer?
If you have noticed that some of your files have become inaccessible, you should immediately search for particular components of this virus on your computer and get rid of them as soon as possible. The fastest and safest way to remove this virus is to use an anti-malware program; you can use Reimage (Windows) or Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus (Mac) for that. If you want to uninstall this virus manually, you can find a manual removal guide on the second page of this article.
How to restore the files?
First of all, you should always keep backup copies of your files stored on an external drive. If you have such drive, you can fully recover your system. Before plugging the drive in, make sure you completely remove .xyz File Extension ransomware first.
If you do not keep copies of your files stored on the external drive, it might be very hard or nearly impossible to recover your files, or at least now. Computer specialists are working every day to create decryption tools to retrieve the files locked by ransomware viruses. There are several tools that you can try to get your files back – R-Studio, Kaspersky virus-fighting utilities or Photorec.
How to avoid .xyz File Extension ransomware attack?
- Malicious viruses work like Trojan horses. These viruses are usually masqueraded as simple files, for example, .txt or .doc files. Such malicious files are spread via e-mails. To avoid installing .xyz File Extension malware, you should never open e-mail letters that come from unknown sources.
- Moreover, stay away from suspicious and insecure web domains. You should never try to explore links on high-risk pages (various pornographic, gambling websites, and so on).
- Avoid suspicious proposals to update software, especially the ones that appear in pop-up windows or banners that are inserted to the websites that you visit. These suggestions are usually fake.
How to remove this virus?
We highly recommend deleting malware with a professional removal program, because you are dealing with a RUINOUS virus. You can use one of the anti-malware programs that we recommend. If you still prefer removing this virus manually, follow the steps below:
To remove .xyz File Extension virus, follow these steps:
Remove .xyz File Extension using Safe Mode with Networking
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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 .xyz File Extension
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 .xyz File Extension removal.
If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.
Remove .xyz File Extension 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 .xyz File Extension. 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.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from .xyz File Extension and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or Malwarebytes Malwarebytes
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January 22nd, 2016 at 8:23 am
jesus. I gotta backup my files. just in case!
January 22nd, 2016 at 8:24 am
so does having an anti-virus program stop the infection if user opens such e-mail??
January 25th, 2016 at 9:49 am
I WAS INFECTED! CANNOT RECOVER MY FILES! removed virus manually, but I am not sure whether the virus is entirely gone, I will install anti-malware to scan my pc just in case theres something malicious left!