File-Locker ransomware virus - How to remove

File-Locker ransomware virus is a computer infection targeted specificly to users from Korea. It is based on a Hidden Tear ransomware project, the seame as Katafrack ransomware or WanaDie virus. As it is common to ransomware viruses, File-Locker is aiming to lcok files and it employs AES encryption algorithm to do so.

Classic order of events when you get infected with this virus looks like this: malicious files are uploaded to your computer, the virus scans the system for personal files that can be possibly encrypted, then it does that by appending another extension to every single file and finally, you get asked to pay the ransom in order to get your files back.

In case you are a victim of this virus (even if you are not from Korea, that’s possible too), please proceed reading this article. We will provide you with further information about this virus as well as a method to decrypt your files.

Specifications of File-Locker virus

At the moment there is no known information about the distribution methods that are used to spread this ransomware. However, most of the time malicious files of viruses like this come as an attachment to the email letters. Cyber crimminals just launch massive mal spam campaings and sent out millions of infected emails. If user falls for that trick and opens the attached file – that’s it, the computer is infected and encryption process will be launched soon.

During the scan, File-Locker ransomware is looking for these types of files specifically:

.txt, .doc, .docx, .xls, .index, .pdf, .zip, .rar, .css, .lnk, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx, .odt, .jpg, .bmp, .png, .csv, .sql, .mdb, .sln, .php, .asp, .aspx, .html, .xml, .psd, .bk, .bat, .mp3, .mp4, .wav, .wma, .avi, .divx, .mkv, .mpeg, .wmv, .mov, .ogg, .java, .csv, .kdc, .dxg, .xlsm, .pps, .cpp, .odt, .php, .odc, .log, .exe, .cr2, .mpeg, .jpeg, .xqx, .dotx, .pps, .class, .jar, .psd, .pot, .cmd, .rtf, .csv, .php, .docm, .xlsm, .js, .wsf, .vbs, .ini, .jpeg, .gif, .7z, .dotx, .kdc, .odm, .xll, .xlt, .ps, .mpeg, .pem, .msg, .xls, .wav, .odp, .nef, .pmd, .r3d, .dll, .reg, .hwp, .7z, .p12, .pfx, .cs, .ico, .torrent, .c

So as you can see, most of the commonly used files like text documents or images can be encrypted. Once those files are detected, File-locker will automatically begin encryption process and add .locked extension to them. If you had a file named “file.txt”, now it will be renamed to “file.txt.locked” and you won’t be able to use it anymore.

A ransom note called “Warning!!!!!!.txt” then will be placed on your desktop. Originale text of the message:

한국어: 경고!!! 모든 문서, 사진, 데이테베이스 및 기타 중요한 파일이 암호화되었습니다!! 당신은 돈을 지불해야 합니다 비트코인 5만원을 [email protected]로 보내십시오 비트코인 지불코드: 1F1tAaz5x1HUXrCNLbtMDqcw6o5GNn4xqX 결제 사이트 http://www.localbitcoins.com/

English: Warning!!! All your documents, photos, databases and other important personal files were encrypted!! You have to pay for it. Send fifty thousand won to [email protected] Bitcoin payment code: 1BoatSLRHtKNngkdXEeobR76b53LETtpyT Payment site http://www.localbitcoins.com/

You are asked to pay 50,000 Won in Bitcoins, which is around 50 USD. Even though it’s not a lot of money, we do not recommend to pay the ransom because there is a way to decrypt your files for free. Decryption is available because of the fact that this ransomware is using a static pasword “dnwls07193147″. This gives an advantage for cyber security experts to generate a decpryption key and unlock you files for free. If you are a victim of File-locker ransomware, do not hesitate to contact professionals by clicking this link.

Finally, you have to ensure the security of your computer and remove all malicious files that might be left on your system. To do so, we recommend to get yourself a decent anti-malware tool, such as or SpyHunter. Either one of those tools will be able to protect your computer from infections like File-Locker in the future.

How to recover File-Locker ransomware virus 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 File-Locker ransomware virus has infiltrated to your system and then click “Next”.
• To start System restore click “Yes”.

 

Step 2. Complete removal of File-Locker ransomware virus

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 File-Locker ransomware virus. You can check other tools here.  

Step 3. Restore File-Locker ransomware virus 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 File-Locker ransomware virus 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 File-Locker ransomware virus 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.