7h9r Ransomware - How to remove

7h9r ransomware uses sophisticated asymmetric (RSA and AES) encryption algorithm to encrypt the files of the targeted victim. It is regarded to be a derivative of the both Nemucod ransomware and Xorist ransomware by some security experts. On the whole, there is a mutual agreement between experts and users who have suffered a ransomware attack that the worst thing can happen to one’s computer is the ransomware virus infection.

About 7h9r Ransomware

This ransomware (like many other) bears its name form the filename extension it ads to the filename extensions of the encrypted files, which is .7h9r. For example, image.bmp is rendered into image.bmp.7h9r. This cryptomalware easily encrypts more than 70 file types. Though it does not replace your desktop wallpaper like other ransomware threats, 7h9r cryptomalware does drop README_.txt file on your desktop and in all folders of encrypted files. This text file embodies the ransom note which contains [email protected] e-mail address to be used to contact the cyber crooks. The size of the ransom demanded is 100 USD at the moment, which is to be paid in bitcoins.

How is 7h9r Ransomware Distributed?

7h9r trojan ransomware employs spam e-mails and their attachments to infect the victim’s PC. These e-mails may enclose malicious links to websites with malicious scripts (often JavaScript) or their attachments may contain malicious files. The spam e-mails can be disguised as bank statements, invoices, etc. or have no sender at all. File encoders as 7h9r encryptor are also spread by exploit kits such as Angler EK, Nuclear EK, etc. You bear a high probability of an exploit kit attack, if your computer is not secured with a reliable security software.

How to Decrypt Files Encrypted by 7h9r Ransomware?

There is no decryptor available at the moment but as soon as it will be released, we will update this article and provide you with the clear step-by-step decryption procedure. Even though there is no 100 per cent decryption option at the present moment, do not fall for the hackers scheme. You will only lose your money. And, what is more, 7h9r ransomware may install a backdoor trojan to gather your bank card data. For the time being, you can make an attempt to apply data recovery tools such as R-Studio, PhotoRec or tools by Kaspersky Lab. Cloud, One Drive, Google Disk file hosting services are great preventative measures to be taken in the future if you have not secured your data by such means before. The usage of removable drives is also highly recommended.

Spyhunter or Malwarebytes, one of these security utilities, are to be applied before performing any file recovery procedures. Crypto ransomwares usually re-encrypt the data if they do not delete themselves after the encryption or if they are not eliminated. Ransomware viruses also tend to install other threats along with them, so a powerful malware removal tool is essential for your computer’s system. There is an option of manual removal as well. The free removal guide of 7h9r ransomware is provided below.

How to recover 7h9r Ransomware encrypted files and remove the virus

Step 1. Restore system into last known good state using system restore

1. Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt:

for Windows 7 / Vista/ XP

• Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
• Press F8 key repeatedly until Advanced Boot Options window appears.
• Choose Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

for Windows 8 / 10

• Press Power at Windows login screen. Then press and hold Shift key and click Restart.
• Choose Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings and click Restart.
• When it loads, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list of Startup Settings.

 

2.Restore System files and settings.

• When Command Prompt mode loads, enter cd restore and press Enter.
• Then enter rstrui.exe and press Enter again.
• Click “Next” in the windows that appeared.
• Select one of the Restore Points that are available before 7h9r Ransomware has infiltrated to your system and then click “Next”.
• To start System restore click “Yes”.

 

Step 2. Complete removal of 7h9r Ransomware

After restoring your system, it is recommended to scan your computer with an anti-malware program, like Spyhunter and remove all malicious files related to 7h9r Ransomware. You can check other tools here.  

Step 3. Restore 7h9r Ransomware affected files using Shadow Volume Copies

If you do not use System Restore option on your operating system, there is a chance to use shadow copy snapshots. They store copies of your files that point of time when the system restore snapshot was created. Usually 7h9r Ransomware tries to delete all possible Shadow Volume Copies, so this methods may not work on all computers. However, it may fail to do so. Shadow Volume Copies are only available with Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8. There are two ways to retrieve your files via Shadow Volume Copy. You can do it using native Windows Previous Versions or via Shadow Explorer. a) Native Windows Previous Versions Right-click on an encrypted file and select Properties → Previous versions tab. Now you will see all available copies of that particular file and the time when it was stored in a Shadow Volume Copy. Choose the version of the file you want to retrieve and click Copy if you want to save it to some directory of your own, or Restore if you want to replace existing, encrypted file. If you want to see the content of file first, just click Open.

b) Shadow Explorer It is a program that can be found online for free. You can download either a full or a portable version of Shadow Explorer. Open the program. On the left top corner select the drive where the file you are looking for is a stored. You will see all folders on that drive. To retrieve a whole folder, right-click on it and select “Export”. Then choose where you want it to be stored.

Step 4. Use Data Recovery programs to recover 7h9r Ransomware encrypted files

There are several data recovery programs that might recover encrypted files as well. This does not work in all cases but you can try this:

• We suggest using another PC and connect the infected hard drive as slave. It is still possible to do this on infected PC though.
• Download a data recovery program.
• Install and scan for recently deleted files.

Note: In many cases it is impossible to restore data files affected by modern ransomware. Thus I recommend using decent cloud backup software as precaution. We recommend checking out Carbonite, BackBlaze, CrashPlan or Mozy Home.

Manual removal