RackCrypt Ransomware - How to remove

RackCrypt is one more ransomware that attacks computers all over the world. It uses AES encryption to lock users’ files and then demands them to pay a ransom if they want to get a decryption key. We do not recommend following what this ransomware says as the truth is there are no guarantees it will unlock your files even after you pay. It is strongly recommended to remove RackCrypt ransomware and restore your files from a backup.

Ransomware attacks have increased a lot during the past months. Users should make sure they regularly get their files backed up, otherwise they will risk losing a lot of important information. Make sure you also have all necessary tools to protect your system from computer threats.

About RackCrypt Ransomware

RackCrypt ransomware was designed to attack all version of Windows operating system. Once inside, it scans victim’s computer and looks for files with specific format. Then it locks then and generates a warning all over the screen. The message says that your files have been locked and provides instructions what to do to get them back. Basically, it tells the victim to pay a ransom in Bitcoins and he will get a key that will help to restore locked files. Clearly the program was designed to rip computers users off.

The worst part about RackCrypt ransomware is that even after paying, you cannot be sure you will unlock your files. For this reason, we do not recommend doing what it says as you may only lose money. If you have a backup of your files, restore them from there. If not, you can try using some decryption tools, like Photorec or R-Studio. Then make sure you do your back ups regularly.

Distribution Methods of RackCrypt Ransomware

RackCrypt Ransomware is usually distributed with spam emails attachments. You have to be more careful what emails you open and never touch any suspicious attachments. Sometimes cyber criminals eben try to imitates important documents, so do not be fooled. We also recommend getting an anti-malware program, for example, Spyhunter or StopZilla to ensure a better protection for your system.

Below we provide a guide how to remove RackCrypt Ransomware using system restore.

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

 

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

Step 3. Restore RackCrypt 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 RackCrypt 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 RackCrypt 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