Microsoft Decryptor Ransomware - How to remove

Microsoft Decryptor ransomware is an updated version of CryptXXX cryptomalware. This new variant developed by hackers seems to hide its committed offenses by leaving the filename extensions untouched. It is atypical of ransomware viruses not to add the extension which is often their trademark as well. But the developers of Microsoft Decryptor cryptomalware give the feeling that they want to show the world that they can create crypto virus impossible to spot or crack.

About Microsoft Decryptor Ransomware

Microsoft Decryptor file-encrypting virus uses asymmetric RSA-4096 encryption algorithm to damage the victim’s data. As it has been just revealed, this new virus does not take the trouble to append extensions to the encrypted files. Though it drops three files named the same – ‘‘README’’ in .txt, .bmp and .html formats. The text file is found in every folder containing encrypted files. The image file replaces the desktop wallpaper. And, the HTML file is loaded when the victim launches the web browser. These files enclose the ransom note.

The size of the ransom demanded in the note is 1.2 BTC (Bitcoins), which is 770.15 USD at this exact point in time. These cyber crooks threaten to double the compensation for the data to 2.4 BTC (i.e. 1,541.02 USD), if the ransom is not paid within the given time frame. These cyber criminals uses the dark TOR website to get the money transferred by the victims. They ask the affected users to install TOR browser to be able to make a payment. There is also a unique ID generated for each victim that is to be entered when transferring the payment. Even though the hackers explain the steps to be followed by the victim, they do not give any contact e-mail address, provided that the victims experience any difficulties following them.

How is Microsoft Decryptor Ransomware Distributed?

Microsoft Decryptor virus is spread via spam e-mails. So stay vigilant and better delete suspicious e-mails which fall into your e-mail box into the spam folder. It is very unlikely that some local or international institutions, legislative bodies or companies would send e-mails that reached your e-mail box categorized as spam. No matter what logos they have or what documents are attached to them. These are the e-mails that are not to be opened under any circumstances. Even if they happen to be sent to you when you are, actually, waiting for some official letter, leave them out and contact the particular institution by other means than opening the e-mail and its attachments and responding to it. Microsoft Decryptor is a Trojan Virus and it will deceive you just the way the Trojans were deceived by the Greeks, if you know that tale of the Trojan War.

How to Decrypt Files Encrypted by Microsoft Decryptor Ransomware?

Rotten luck, but Microsoft Decryptor ransomware is currently uncrackable. However, cyber security experts have managed to develop decryptors for the two versions of CryptXXX ransomware, so it is just a matter of time when the decryptor for Microsoft Decryptor virus will be created. We do understand that, most probably, you do not have the time to wait until this happens. So at the present moment make a copy of your corrupted drive to be able to use the decryptor when it is released. If you backed your data up, there will be no problem for you to use your external hard drive or Cloud service. If you did not, try some acknowledged data recovery tools such as R-Studio, PhotoRec, Recuva, etc. But keep in mind that they do not guarantee that your data is going to be restored. Additionally, before applying any of these utilities run Spyhunter or Hitman to have your computer’s system scanned fully and the malware removed permanently. Manual removal instructions for Microsoft Decryptor ransomware are provided just beneath this article. They have been developed by our team of security experts and we display them completely free of charge.

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

 

Step 2. Complete removal of Microsoft Decryptor 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 Microsoft Decryptor Ransomware. You can check other tools here.  

Step 3. Restore Microsoft Decryptor 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 Microsoft Decryptor 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 Microsoft Decryptor 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.