OopsLocker virus - How to remove

OopsLocker ransomware virus is an infection from an unknown hacker that named the payload rather clearly: ransom.exe. An .oops extension had already been spotted in the wild on January, when Marlboro crypto-virus emerged. Relation between these two variant is yet to be confirmed, if ever. It could be that completely separate group or individual randomly selected the extension, without aiming to build a bridge between these two crypto-viruses. After analyzing the payload, we spotted a phrase “ransom MFC Application” which was written in the description section.

Longer description about this crypto-virus

The ransomware infection launches a window that will serve as a ransom note. Named “Oops”, the window will go through the regular aspects of ransomware: from announcing that files have been encrypted and that a certain amount of bitcoins has to be sent to hackers in exchange of safe return of digital executables. Also, in C:\ProgramData\oops/EncryptedKey folder, the encryption key which was used during file-encoding will be uploaded. Each individual victim will have his/her computer uniquely named and the exact ID will be included in the auto-generated window.

In the message, the ransom of 0.1 BTC is included. If we would convert it to US dollars, it would reach a sum of $237.76. Hackers expect their victims to have something to say. Considering this, they included [email protected] email address which will serve as a contact for support and questions. To tel the truth, this is not the only purpose of this email address. Victims are urged to send the file with encrypted key as an attachment, and their original computer name included as well. To help hackers determine which victim has paid, they demand to receive the address of victims’ bitcoin wallets (the ones that will be used to make transactions).

Hackers indicate that they will increase the demanded ransom every week. If user does not pay for three weeks, the ransom will grow to 0.3 BTC. Even though there is no guaranteed way of recovering files without the private key for decryption, we do not recommend paying the ransom under any circumstances. Hackers might be bluffing and they will simply disappear after ransoms are paid.

The only affirmed way to seal your files from being corrupted is to have more than one sample. Becoming immune to ransomware infections is not as difficult as you might assume: all you have to do is take a couple of minutes to select an appropriate backup storage and upload your virtual data there. In addition to this, you could simply insert executables into a secure and malware-free USB flash drive. This is one of the less complicated tricks to be protected from ransomware.

If OopsLocker crypto-virus has successfully entered your system, an alternative source for all of your digital data will certainly ease the situation. All you have to do is eliminate the malware form your device by running a full system clean-up. Spyhunter or Hitman will detect all malware samples that might be currently affecting your device.

Look at the sections below to find out more about decryption options, manual removal and other related concepts. You should also find out the techniques to help you avert malware, especially crypto-viruses. These variants could enter thanks to incorrectly set remote desktop protocols. In addition to that, if you are not careful while opening email letters, you could be exposed to messages that are sent for the sole purpose of infecting you with malware. Payloads could be included as attachments that seem to be completely harmless, but actually are malicious.

Seemingly-urgent messages have a habit of pretending to be from legitimate authorities. If you look closely, you will clearly see that senders’ email addresses are not actually the ones that are mentioned in official websites.

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

 

Step 2. Complete removal of OopsLocker 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 OopsLocker virus. You can check other tools here.  

Step 3. Restore OopsLocker 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 OopsLocker 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 OopsLocker 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.