What is dqxoo ransomware and how do i remove it? (Free Guide)
dqxoo
Learn what dqxoo ransomware is and how to remove the computer virus from your computer and decrypt or recover personal files.
What is dqxoo?
dqxoo is the name of a file extension used by variants of GandCrab ransomware, mostly newer versions of GandCrab v5 released in October of 2018. The purpose of this ransomware is to encrypt files on a computer using military grade encryption algorithms and insist that the victim make a payment to unlock them. When a computer is infected with dqxoo ransomware it will append the .dqxoo file extension to the end of the filenames of the files it encrypts, change the desktop background, and drop a ransom note named DQXOO-DECRYPT.txt on the desktop and every drive’s root folder that describes how to make a payment using cryptocurrencies.
Here’s an example of what the ransom note might say:
GANDCRAB V5.0.4
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES DO NOT DELETE THIS FILE, UNTIL ALL YOUR DATA IS RECOVERED
FAILING TO DO SO, WILL RESULT IN YOUR SYSTEM CORRUPTION, IF THERE WILL BE DECRYPTION ERRORS
Attention!
All your files, documents, photos, databases and other important files are encrypted and have the extension: .DQXOO
The only method of recovering files is to purchase an unique private key. Only we can give you this key and only we can recover your files.
The server with your key is in a closed network TOR. You can get there by the following ways:
[content removed]
The ransomware utilizes the content of the text file to explain what happened to the files on the machine and how to make a ransom payment to allegedly decrypt the files (the way the malware author wants you to). It should be noted that paying the ransom will not guarantee that you will recover your files or that the infection is removed and will not appear again in the future.
There are currently multiple versions of GandCrab v5 including GandCrab 5.0.1, GandCrab 5.0.2, GandCrab 5.0.3, GandCrab 5.0.4, and possibly more after this post is published. This is one of the newest versions that is a little more complex than the ones before it. This version has fixed a few bugs fixed from the earlier version and has other differences.
There are several ways that dqxoo ransomware can gain entry to a computer:
- Through a remote desktop connection with weak security
- From email messages that contain malicious links and attachments
- From legitimate programs that have been compromised by malware
- From exploit kits such as RigEK, FalloutEK, and others
- Botnets such as Phorpiex
- PowerShell scripts
As you can see, there are several ways this ransomware can gain entry to a computer. The key to avoiding this is to use a reputable security program with real-time protection such as Malwarebytes Premium and to ignore email messages that look suspicious. Never open email messages or click links that you are not familiar with. You wouldn’t get into a strangers car would you? The same situation applies here.
How to remove dqxoo
1. Download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software to scan your computer and remove malicious files and potentially unwanted programs.
2. To install the program, click the file you just downloaded. It can usually be located in the Download folder.
3. A window that says “Welcome to the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard” will appear. Click Agree and Install to begin the installation. Once complete, click Finish.
4. Now the Malwarebytes is installed, open the program and click the Scan Now button – or go to the Scan tab and click the Start Scan button.
5. When the scan is complete click the Quarantine Selected button.
6. If Malwarebytes says “All selected items have been removed successfully. A log file has been saved to the logs folder. Your computer needs to be restarted to complete the removal process. Would you like to restart now?” click the Yes button to restart your computer.
7. Next, Download HitmanPro to perform a second-opinion scan and remove any remaining malicious trace files.
8. Once installed, open HitmanPro and click Next to start scanning your computer. *If you are using the free version you may chose to create a copy or perform a one-time scan.
9. When the HitmanPro scan is complete click the Next button.
10. To activate the free version of HitmanPro: enter your email address twice and click the Activate button.
11. Click the Reboot button.
Decryption & file recovery software
| NAME | DESCRIPTION | DOWNLOAD |
|---|---|---|
| Shadow Explorer | Restores lost or damaged files from Shadow Copies | Download (Free) |
| Photorec | Recovers lost files | Download (Free) |
| Recuva | Recovers lost files | Download (Free) | Buy |
Troubleshooting information
Alternative methods are suggested if there are issues removing dqxoo ransomware from an infected computer.
How to Restore your computer
If a restore point has previously been established on your machine you will be able to perform a system restore in order to restore your machine to a date and time before it was infected. You will lose files on your computer that were obtained prior to the restore point.
There are several options to restore your computer. Most computers have their own restore software that can be found by performing a search. Additionally, computers that run the Windows Operating System have a default restore program that can also be found by performing a search.
A boot screen that can be used to access options to restore your computer can be reached by rebooting your computer and pressing the F8 key once the manufacture screen is displayed.
How to Recover your computer to factory settings
A system recovery (or reset) will recover your computer to factory settings. You will lose the current programs and files on your computer.
There are several options to recover your computer to factory settings. Most computers have their own recovery software that can be found by performing a search. Additionally, computers that run the Windows Operating System have a default recovery program that can also be found by performing a search.
A boot screen that can be used to access options to restore your computer can be reached by rebooting your computer and pressing the F8 key once the manufacture screen is displayed.
