Buyunlockcode ransomware - How to remove

Buyunlockcode ransomware is a malicious program that secretly infiltrates into random computers and demands for money for files’ decryption. It is not easy to get rid of this infection, mainly because although you can delete files related to it, some of your files can remain encrypted. It is only possible to restore the files if you have a backup of them, otherwise, you can lose a lot of important information.

About Buyunlockcode ransomware

Buyunlockcode ransomaware belongs to the same group of infections as Cryptographic Locker, CTB Locker, Cryptorbit and others. It is distributed though spam emails, especially with attachments. Buyunlockcode ransomaware file looks like a genuine image or text file, so a lot of users don’t even have a clue it can be an infection.

Once Buyunlockcode ransomware manages to infiltrate, it scans your system and looks for files to encrypt. It leave Buyunlockcode.txt files in the folder of encrypted file, which includes instructions how to get a decryption key and get your files back. Basically, it asks to pay $500 to the ransomware creators. However, even if you pay this ransom, you cannot be sure you will get any decryption code. The program was designed just to steal money from computer users.

Prevention against Buyunlockcode ransomware

It is very important to take all preventative measures to avoid programs like Buyunlockcode ransomware. Never open attachments in spam emails. Avoid reading any emails from suspicious senders too. Instead you should delete such emails and forget about them. Also make sure you back up your files regularly so you can restore them any time.

Beware that Buyunlockcode ransomaware can infiltrate additional malware to your system which can bring even more issues. That’s why you should scan your system with a trustworthy anti-malware program, such as Spyhunter, Malwarebytes or StopZilla. Make sure you upgrade your anti-malware to its latest version to ensure its best performance.

How to recover Buyunlockcode 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 Buyunlockcode ransomaware has infiltrated to your system and then click “Next”.
• To start System restore click “Yes”.

 

Step 2. Complete removal of Buyunlockcode 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 Buyunlockcode ransomaware. You can check other tools here.  

Step 3. Restore Buyunlockcode 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 Buyunlockcode ransomaware 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 Buyunlockcode 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.