Xxlecxx ransomware - How to remove

It is not clear where did Xxlecxx ransomware came from, but we are completely sure that it is extremely threatful and can cause severe damage to your system. It is a typical ransomware virus – it infects systems, encrypts files and then ask for  a ransom. However, do not rush to give your money away – read our post and find out how to solve this problem in other way.

Specs of Xxlecxx ransomware virus

This virus is unique – i.e. no similarities to other ransomware viruses were found in the code of Xxlecxx. We do not know who developed and distributed it. Cyber security experts analysed the code of Xxlecxx ransomware and ascertained that it is a typical ransomware infection. However, it looks like this virus is still in a beta version because it cannot effectively lock files. Yet, if your computer is infected with it, it is possible that the virus will automatically download the update which will allow to completely analyse your system and encrypt files.

However, this ransomware already has an effective lock screen so it can cause you a lot of trouble, because you won’t be able to use your system. Once inside of a computer, this ransomware infection will lock the screen and it looks like this:

Original text of the message:

Your files are encrypted with xXLecXx Ransomware

Your files have been encrypted by xXLecXx Ransomware.

You cannot access your PC right now. You have 2 options

1. We delete all your files

2. You pay us 150$ USD and we decrypt all your files.

The choice is yours. If you choose option 2, click the button below, (What to Do) and pay us $150 USD and get a decrypt code.

[What to Do]

As you can see, hackers are threatening users that if they fail to pay $150, those encrypted files will be permanently deleted. However, since this virus is still not a finished product – DO NOT PAY THE RANSOM. Just remember that your files are not encrypted because they don’t have a working encryption mechanism yet. Actually, we even doubt that this infection has a working payment system. In fact, the only problem you need to solve at the moment is this annoying locked screen. And it can be solved pretty easy – simply download a decent anti-malware application, such as SpyHunter Scan your system with one of them and it should detect and remove this infection from your computer immediately. We suggest to do it right now, because if you leave your computer with this infection inside, there is a chance that Xxlecxx ransomware will be upgraded with an ability to actually encrypt your files.

Where did Xxlecxx ransomware virus came from?

This ransomware is distributed in several different ways. The most notorious one – email phishing. Cyber criminals imitate some legitimate company or person, create and send email letters with files attached to them. It is enough to convince the user to open the attachment and the files of the virus will be stored on the system. Other method – fake download websites. Hackers can launch websites that look like legitimate download sites, but in reality it only serves as a tool to distribute malware. In both cases, you, as an user, should be really careful about opening and downloading files from sources that looks suspicious. It is also recommend to guard your computer with a real-time protection tools, which are also featured in anti-malware software mentioned above.

How to protect your computer against ransomware

The most efficient and completely free method to ensure that ransomware attacks won’t cause severe damage to your computer – prepare good backups, regularly. It can be done easily since Windows OS has a default feature for creating backups of your most important files. It is worth to mention that back-up files must be stored on external drive or even on the cloud, because once inside of the computer ransomware can corrupt those backup files as well.

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

 

Step 2. Complete removal of Xxlecxx 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 Xxlecxx ransomware. You can check other tools here.  

Step 3. Restore Xxlecxx 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 Xxlecxx 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 Xxlecxx 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