ZScreenLocker ransomware / virus (Improved Instructions)
zScreenLocker virus Removal Guide
What is zScreenLocker ransomware virus?
How dangerous is zScreenLocker ransomware?
zScreenLocker virus replenishes the number of ransomware threats which work as screen locking viruses. The most interesting aspect of this malware is that it displays the message of a political origin – “ban Islam.” What is more, the background picture obviously resembles the flag of Brazil. Consequently, the developer of this ransomware is annoyed with the religious community in this country. However, whether you are a Muslim yourself or have nothing to do with any religion at all – you can still get infected with this threat. Luckily, the ransomware is not of particular complexity, so it is not difficult to remove zScreenLocker from the device. You can do it with the help of an anti-spyware application, such as FortectIntego. More information about this virus and zScreenLocker removal peculiarities is presented below the article.
The majority of ransomware market is occupied with the threats which encrypt personal files and append certain extensions. However, there has been a growing tendency of lock screen threats. Some of the examples are FileIce lockscreen virus; Your Windows Has Been banned, etc. Rarely, lock screen threats encrypt valuable documents though there have been cases. However, the locked screen is a no less irritating phenomenon. Such state prevents you from downloading any tools or accessing Command Prompt. Fortunately, IT specialists suspect that zScreenLocker ransomware is not significantly destructive. Thus, it should not be difficult to eradicate it completely. The instructions below the article will instruct you how to regain the access to the computer. All in all, even if the virus does not threaten to lock valuable data, you should not hesitate to start the elimination process. Frequently, less dangerous threats might leave long-lasting effects. In other words, they might create system vulnerabilities and invite more serious threats into the system.
When did zScreenLocker malware get into the device?
Similar threats, whether they are ransomware or lock screen threats, spread via spam messages or file-sharing domains. The latter often happens to infect torrent distribution web pages. Few users pay attention to what kind of file they download along with a cracked game version or another illegally obtained software. In addition, crooks have manifested their mastery in creating persuasive notifications about fake delivery packages or invoices. They even fraud the logos. As a result, zScreenLocker hijack occurs in a moment. There is also a probability to get infected with a virus if you downloaded a corrupted software. Some examples of this category spread via the outdated or abandoned software. In order to reduce the risk of the infection, install a proper security program.
How can I get rid of the ransomware?
Even if this threat is not a highly elaborate cyber threat, you should not delay its elimination process. In order to boost it, install FortectIntego or Malwarebytes. Either of these tools will help you complete zScreenLocker removal. However, you may face the obstacles due to the lock screen. In that case, follow the instructions to recover the access. After that, you can remove zScreenLocker virus. In addition, we provide additional instructions on file recovery. zScreen Locker does not encode the data, but the recommendations might come in handy in the future. Besides, we would like you to encourage to exercise more caution while surfing the web. Pay attention to what programs you download from the web. Aggressive viruses might disguise in legitimate websites as well.
Getting rid of zScreenLocker virus. Follow these steps
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.
Remove zScreenLocker 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 zScreenLocker. 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 zScreenLocker 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 zScreenLocker, you can use several methods to restore them:
How practical is Data Recovery Pro?
This application helps restore the damaged and missing files after a system crash. It might also come in handy recovering the encoded files after a ransomware attack. Keep in mind this utility in case a file-encrypting malware infiltrates the device. Set automatic backups as well.
- Download Data Recovery Pro;
- Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
- Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by zScreenLocker ransomware;
- Restore them.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from zScreenLocker and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.
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