Remove CryptoJoker Ransomware

How to Remove CryptoJoker Ransomware?

Unfortunately, the CryptoJoker virus has nothing to do with Batman. Having said that, this malicious parasite is just about as dangerous, tricky and unpredictable as the Joker himself. Long story short, this is not something you need on your computer. CryptoJoker is a relatively new member of the ransomware family which is (rightfully) considered to be among the most destructive types of parasites online and it is an incredibly unpleasant view on any machine. Especially yours. Now, if you were unlucky enough to get your computer infected with a nasty ransomware virus, there are a couple of things you should know before you inevitably proceed to deleting the parasite. Ransomware infections are extremely stealthy as they invade computers in silence and, as you’re soon to be convinced, they are impressively effective. Once the virus manages to slither itself onto your PC, it immediately performs a full scan searching for files with certain extensions to encrypt. You should know that CryptoJoker infects a huge variety of files including .pdf, .jpeg, .txt, .doc, .docx, .xls, .java, .html, .mdb, and many more which means a great percentage of your data will fall victim to the parasite’s shenanigans. The virus uses a complicated encrypting algorithm thus making most of your private (and probably quite valuable) files completely unreadable. After CryptoJoker successfully changes the format of your files by adding a random .crjoker extension to their names, you could be fairly certain that those pictures, music files, Microsoft Office files, videos, etc. are now unusable. That means the parasite locks out your access to your VERY OWN personal information and that’s not even the worst part. The worst part is that in addition to the fact your PC is now unable to read most of the files stored on it, hackers try to scam you by playing mind games with you. Due to the parasite’s manipulations, you’re about to be seeing an extremely aggravating message that CryptoJoker leaves in all folders that contain infected files. The reason why this message is being constantly forced on you is just as simple as it is unfair. Hackers want to convince you that the only way to regain access to your encrypted files is by paying them a hefty sum of money. This ransom is supposed to guarantee you a decryption key in exchange for your money but, as you can clearly see, it practically guarantees you nothing. Making a deal with cyber criminals is not the best idea you could possible have so our advice is to restrain yourself from paying the sum demanded. If anything, you might end up in an even more vulnerable position than your current one – with your files sill encrypted, your computer still infected and your money gone.

How did I get infected with?

Ransomware parasites travel the Web the way all virtual viruses do – via lies and deceit. That means if you encounter CryptoJoker’s malicious (not to mention, highly unwanted) presence on board, at some point in the recent past you were not as careful and attentive as you should have been. Some of the oldest tricks in the book such as spam email-attachment, spam messages from unknown senders, corrupted third-party web links still work like a charm so keep an eye out for potential threats while surfing the Web. You should never install software that you don’t trust, especially if it comes bundled and especially if it comes for free. Hackers usually attach at least one dangerous parasite to the safe programs in the bundles that unverified websites offer and it is entirely your responsibility to pay attention to the programs you give green light to. Never rush the installation process and make sure you know exactly what you’re downloading unless you’re willing to get your PC infested with viruses. Avoid illegitimate pages and the illegitimate programs there and take your time in order to protect your device from malware.

Why is CryptoJoker dangerous?

As we mentioned, ransomware is considered to be one of the most virulent kinds of parasites out there for numerous reasons. The CryptoJoker isn’t an exception. Once this pest tricks you into installing it, it creates an utter mess and denies you access to your very own information. Then it has the impudence to attempt to CHARGE you for the privilege to use your files. In which parallel universe does that sound right or fair to you? Unfortunately, once CryptoJoker adds its malicious file extension to your data, it’s inaccessible unless you have the decryption key – a unique combination of symbols that allows your PC to read the information infected by the ransomware. The problem is, just like it usually happens in the world of online parasites, hackers are not trying to help you. They’re trying to gain illegal revenue and scam you so even if you do play by their rules and pay the ransom, you could still receive nothing in exchange for your money. In other words, you can’t trust crooks. CryptoJoker is a severe threat that only aims for making you nervous and anxious enough to pay the sum demanded by hackers so it goes without saying that the sooner you delete this nuisance of a program, the better. To uninstall this virus manually, please follow the detailed removal guide that we have prepared for you down below.

CryptoJoker 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 CryptoJoker 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.

for this particular ransomware the file names are: winpnp.exe; drvpci.exe; windefrag.exe their location must be in your windows %temp% folder

Navigate to your %temp% folder and delete all these files.

crjoker.html
drvpci.exe
GetYouFiles.txt
imgdesktop.exe
new.bat
README!!!.txt
sdajfhdfkj
windefrag.exe
windrv.exe
winpnp.exe

Navigate to your %AppData% folder and delete all these files.
dbddbccdf.exe
README!!!.txt22

Open your Windows Registry Editor and delete the following registry keys:

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run:winpnp %Temp%\winpnp.exe
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run:drvpci %Temp%\drvpci.exe
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\:windefrag %Temp%\windefrag.exe

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 to check if manual removal is successful and to prevent this from happening again.