How to Remove Random File Extension Malware

How to Remove Random file extension Ransomware?

If you notice that all your personal files have been modified and now have some random file extension that they didn’t have before, you’re in for trouble. The worst part of it is that your computer doesn’t recognize this new file format so the machine can’t read your data. That includes pictures, music, various documents, presentations, etc. – anything of value you might have stored on your PC. Unfortunately, there’s only one explanation of the nasty cyber situation that you’re in right now. Your computer has been infected with ransomware. This is one of the worst types of virtual infections you could have possibly stumbled across online. Therefore, you have been particularly unlucky and the sooner you manage to take action, the better. Hackers are known for their constant striving for revenue so it comes as no surprise that ransomware’s one goal is to steal your money. Your one goal should be not to allow it. By replacing the original file extension with a random combination of symbols, the parasite effectively cuts out your access to your own data. After they get successful installed, ransomware programs perform a full scan searching for private files with specific extensions. Then they infect your data thus locking it completely. Keep in mind that ransomware is extremely resourceful so it could quickly lock all of your files no matter how important they are. You can no longer access or use your very own information. Nasty, isn’t it? As if that wasn’t aggravating enough, the parasite then starts playing mind games with you. It generates  a warning message that tries to convince you to pay a certain sum of money. And it’s usually quite a hefty one. On theory, you’re supposed to receive some highly questionable decryption key in exchange for the ransom. This decryption key should allow you to regain access to your infected files. However, the situation is a bit more different on practice. And a lot more worrisome. There is absolutely no guarantee that after paying the random you would receive the decryption key you were promised. Our advice is to restrain yourself from giving hackers your money unless for some reason you want to become their sponsor. Do you? If not, keep on reading to learn how you could uninstall the virus manually. This program is not going to become any less malicious as time passes so don’t waste time.

How did I get infected with?

Chances are, you clicked something that you shouldn’t have. Remember, the Web is infested with virtual parasites so it’s not a particularly difficult task to infect your PC. In order to protect your machine, make sure you don’t overlook any potential threat you might come across online. Stay away from third-party commercials, spam messages and spam email-attachments because they are incredibly unreliable. Those might be the oldest tricks in the book but hackers don’t seem to be giving them up anytime soon. Also, avoid unverified websites and only install legitimate software from legitimate pages. Always keep an eye out for infections when the programs you download come bundled. Unless you opt for the advanced/custom option in the Setup Wizard, you might accidentally install a whole bunch of parasites. That’s why you should take your time in the installation process instead of skipping steps. Keep in mind that rushing the installation doesn’t guarantee you safety; it only guarantees you speed. To prevent virus infiltration, make sure you’ve checked all programs you’re giving green light to. Otherwise, you might end up installing various “bonus” viruses alongside the safe software you were going for.

Why is this dangerous?

There are numerous reasons why ransomware-type programs are considered to be among the most virulent infections out there. It goes without saying that they have to be tackled as soon as you realize your computer has been compromised. You might be putting your bank account in danger if you keep the virus on board which is quite an unnecessary risk. As mentioned already, the only reason why this virus holds all of your files hostage is because it aims for profit. Hackers don’t usually tend to ignore such golden opportunities to gain easy illegal revenue online, right? That explains their tireless attempts to blackmail you. However, it’s entirely up to you whether the greedy cyber criminals will successfully scam you or not. Remember, crooks encrypted your files so they could extort money from you but you do NOT have to tolerate their shenanigans. Do yourself a favor and uninstall the parasite. Paying the ransom will not allow you to regain access to your data and the random file extension might keep on harassing you. Is it worth it to give away your money without receiving absolutely anything in exchange? To delete the virus manually, please follow the detailed removal guide that you will find down below.

Random file extension Removal Instructions

STEP 1: Start Your Computer into Safe Mode with Networking

• Make sure you do not have any floppy disks, CDs, and DVDs inserted in your computer
• Restart the computer
  
• When you see a table, start tapping the F8 key every second until you enter the Advanced Boot Options

• in the Advanced Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode with Networking , and then press ENTER.

• Once the operating system loads press simultaneously the Windows Logo Button and the R key.

• A dialog box should open. Type iexplore www.virusresearch.org/download-en

• Internet Explorer will open and a professional scanner will prompt to be downloaded
• Run the installer
• Follow the instruction and use the professional malware removal tool to detect the files of the virus.
• After performing a full scan you will be asked to register the software. You can do that or perform a manual removal.

Remove Random file extension malware Manually

Open your task Manager by pressing CTRL+SHIFT+ESC keys simultaneously

Locate the process of the Ransomware. Have in mind that this is usually a random generated file.

Before you kill the process, type the name on a text document for later reference.

Navigate to your %appdata%/roaming folder and delete the executable.

 

Open your Windows Registry Editor and navigate to

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\

and

HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\

carefully review all startup programs and delete the virus.

You can alternatively use your msconfig windows program to double check the execution point of the virus. Please, have in mind that the names in your machine might be different as they might be generated randomly, that’s why you run the professional scanner to identify the files.

It is always a good idea to use a reputable anti-malware program after manual removal, to prevent this from happening again.