Merry File Ransomware Removal (Recover Files)

How to Remove Merry Ransomware?

Ransomware follows one identical pattern almost every time. What these programs lack in originality, though, they compensate with mischief. Take the virus you’re stuck with at the moment. This is a classic ransomware-type infection. By adding the .Merry extension to your files, it effectively locks them all. You see, there is a reason why people dread ransomware programs. They are especially popular right now and we come across a brand new virus every day. The problem is, these parasites are among the most destructive, aggressive and dangerous infections. Along with Trojan horses, ransomware parasites are a sure recipe for disaster. Now, how does this pest work? As soon as your computer gets infected, the virus performs a thorough scan of the device. It attempts to find your private data and, unfortunately, always succeeds. Ransomware isn’t searching for a specific file format. It aims at every single bit of information stored on the PC. That means the damage this program causes is simply inevitable. This program finds all your photos, music, documents, videos, presentations, etc. Do you have important and valuable files on your computer? Most people do. As you could imagine, that’s exactly what hackers are hoping for. The more precious data you have, the easier it is for the virus to scam you. Once the parasite locates your information, encryption begins. By using a strong encrypting algorithm, this nuisance locks all the target files. Remember your personal pictures and favorite music? They now have the .Merry extension. Ransomware messes with the format of your files. Instead of their original extensions, they receive a brand new one. A malicious one. The .Merry appendix is a crystal clear indication that your data is inaccessible. As mentioned, ransomware utilizes a complicated encrypting cipher to lock your files. All your files. And if you thought this was bad, you’re in for a nasty surprise. While encrypting files, the parasite also creates payment instructions. Why would you need those, you may ask? Because this parasite is trying to steal your money. Unlike other stealthy infections, ransomware directly asks for your Bitcoins. Hackers could be quite impudent when it comes to revenue. The virus drops ransom notes in all folders that contain locked data. Obviously, those are quite a lot of folders. In order to prevent getting scammed, ignore those messages and uninstall the parasite. The sooner, the better.

How did I get infected with?

Spam email-attachments are notoriously efficient. This is the absolute oldest trick in the books. It still works, though. Hackers have no reason to give up such a quick and convenient infiltration technique. Furthermore, all kinds of parasites apply it. Are you really willing to download ransomware ever again? Don’t be careless. Next time you receive some random email from an unknown sender, delete it ASAP. There is nothing to lose by deleting it but there might be a lot to gain. Hackers also use social media to spread malware online. Some ransomware nuisance could be disguised as a Facebook message, for instance. Stay away from what you don’t trust. Keep in mind that prevention is a lot less troublesome than having to delete a virus. Another commonly used method involves fake software updates. Ransomware also travels the Web via exploit kits, malicious torrents, corrupted pop-up ads and illegitimate websites. Watch out for infections and be careful online. It would only take one single moment to get your PC compromised. Don’t let hackers fool you and don’t be negligent.

Why is Merry dangerous?

As if locking your files wasn’t bad enough but the virus also demands money from you. Ransomware modifies your data in order to trick you into paying. The sum demanded isn’t usually a small one either. Most file-encrypting programs ask for over 0.5 Bitcoin which equals almost 450 USD. It goes without saying you should NEVER pay the ransom. This isn’t the solution and you know it. Did you believe making a deal with hackers could be a good idea? It is not. According to the ransom notes, paying guarantees you a decryption key. However, paying guarantees you nothing other than the fact you’ll lose your money. Ransomware is a cheap attempt for a cyber fraud so you can’t afford any mistakes. Forget about the parasite’s bogus decryptor. Uninstall it as soon as possible. To do so manually, please follow our comprehensive removal guide down below.

Merry Removal Instructions

STEP 1: Kill the Malicious Process

STEP 2: Reveal Hidden Files

STEP 3: Locate Startup Location

STEP 4: Recover Merry Encrypted Files

STEP 1: Stop the malicious process using Windows Task Manager

• 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.

• Locate any suspicious processes associated with Merry encryption Virus.
• Right click on the process
• Open File Location
• End Process
• Delete the directories with the suspicious files.
• Have in mind that the process can be hiding and very difficult to detect

STEP 2: Reveal Hidden Files

• Open any folder
• Click on “Organize” button
  
• Choose “Folder and Search Options”
• Select the “View” tab
• Select “Show hidden files and folders” option
• Uncheck “Hide protected operating system files”
• Click “Apply” and “OK” button

STEP 3: Locate Merry encryption Virus startup location

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

• A dialog box should open. Type “Regedit”
• WARNING! be very careful when editing the Microsoft Windows Registry as this may render the system broken.

Depending on your OS (x86 or x64) navigate to:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]

• and delete the display Name: [RANDOM]

• Then open your explorer and navigate to:

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

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 should run any professional scanner to identify malicious files.

STEP 4: How to recover encrypted files?

• Method 1: The first and best method is to restore your data from a recent backup, in case that you have one.

• Method 2: File Recovery Software – Usually when the ransomware encrypts a file it first makes a copy of it, encrypts the copy, and then deletes the original. Due to this you may try to use file recovery software to recover some of your original files.
• Method 3: Shadow Volume Copies – As a last resort, you can try to restore your files via Shadow Volume Copies. Open the Shadow Explorer part of the package and choose the Drive you want to recover. Right click on any file you want to restore and click Export on it.