Vindows Locker Ransomware - How to remove

No, we did not make an error in the word “Vindows”. Apparently, the producers of a new crypto-ransomware variant, based on a HiddenTear project, believe that this is the correct spelling for “Windows”. For this reason we can make a not-so-wild guess about the origin of this virus. Since creators do not seem to be familiar with the regularities of the English language, they might have designed Vindows Locker virus from a country with a different mother-tongue. Nevertheless, it is still a threat to Internet society since this ransomware manages to get the main job done (the encryption of files).

About Vindows Locker Ransomware

Founder of Vindows Locker virus came to resolution to proceed with a tactic, popular among scareware pop-ups. The short message from the crooks narrate a fictional story about a villain named Zeus virus. According to this make-believe, Zeus has raged and locked your files without a care in the world. Confusingly, it is impossible to understand whether the Vindows Locker virus and its window claim to belong to Microsoft Windows employees. At the beginning of the extremely short and misleading message, the following statement is made: this not microsoft vindows support. However, after declaring that the computer is allegedly influenced by Zeus, it suggest that victims would call “level 5 microsoft support technician at 1-844-609-3192”. We can assure our visitors that this message is NOT from legitimate consultants. If you willingly begin a conversation with the people behind the helpline, you will only be persistently pushed to fork out the specified fee for the encryption of your files.

On another note, Vindows Locker virus pursues its goal of profiting with the same means as other ransomware viruses. Firstly, this sloppy infection is distributed among Internet users. After a person releases a payload into his/hers device, the vile infection will modify Windows Registry Keys without feeling a drop of remorse. This alteration is not noticeable since the users’ experience will only slightly shift. However, this is a major step forward for the Vindows Locker virus. After infection has modified the necessary entries, the payload of this ransomware will be added to the list of programs that get automatically launched after devices are powered.

As soon as Vindows Locker virus finds files that are perfectly fit to be encrypted, it will move on to this goal of turning your files into useless executables. After this process is concluded, encrypted data is going to get appended with additional extension, placed immediately after the original one: .vindows. This is a stamp to identify which files are influenced by an algorithm for encrypted.

this is not microsoft windows support
we have locked your files with the zeus virus
do one thing and call level 5 microsoft support technician at 1-844-609-3192
you will files back for a one time charge of $349.99

How to Decrypt Files Encrypted by Vindows Locker Ransomware?

The files that are ruined by Vindows Locker virus are not decrypt-able at the moment. However, we are sure that security researchers will discover a cure for this foreign disease. Until then, you should try to restore your files with universal decryption tools. Even though it is debatable whether this ransomware deletes Shadow Volume copies, we suggest you to check it for yourself. However, even if both of these recommendations fail, you should not turn to the creators of Vindows Locker virus. Satisfying their thirst for money will only make them stronger. In the ransom note, a sum of 349.99 dollars is indicated to be enough for the decryption of your files. Nevertheless, we do not propose this as a sensible choice. To protect your data from ransomware attacks, store files in backup storages. It is also a good idea to upload files into USB Flash drives and keep them safe.

How is Vindows Locker Distributed?

Vindows Locker virus finds a path to users’ devices by disguising itself. You can spot the source of this infection in an infectious email letter from a bizarre email address. Even though crooks try to create email accounts that resemble official contacts of legitimate companies, it usually fails to do this professionally. If you receive disturbing letters from authorities, make sure that the letter reached you from a trustworthy source. If not, ignore that message.

Remove the Vindows Locker virus with reliable fighters against malware infections. By regularly running scans, Spyhunter or Hitman will reassure concerned people that their computer systems are free from viruses.

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

 

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

Step 3. Restore Vindows Locker 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 Vindows Locker 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 Vindows Locker 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.