How to remove Locked_File (Virus Removal Guide)
What is the Locked_File virus?
Locked_File virus is ransomware that encrypts files using cryptography algorithms, appends a new file extension to the encrypted files, and downloads a ransom note named !HOW_TO_UNLOCK_FILES!.html (or other) on Windows Desktop and in every folder it encrypted files in. The ransomware will append several different file extensions depending on the variant. Two of the current extensions it uses are .[restoreassistant2@tutanota.com].locked and .[restoreassistant2@tutanota.com].locked_file.
Once the Locked_File virus has encrypted files it will download the ransom note on Windows desktop and in folders it encrypted files in. The ransom note basically explains to the victim what happened to their files and how to pay a ransom in order to decrypt their files the way the malware author wants them to:
All your files have been encrypted with strong cryptographic algorithm!
It means you will not be able to access them anymore until they are decrypted with your unique decryptor! If you will follow our instructions, we guarantee that you can decrypt all your files quickly and safely!
Attention! You have only 72 hours for reaction. After this time your unique key will be deleted!
If you want to restore your files, please write to us to the email:
restoreassistant2@tutanota.com
For fast authentication you can send us few files for free decryption and your personal ID:
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to uninstall the program or run antivirus software.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third part software, it may cause permanent data loss.
The Locked_File virus is a console based program that is most likely operated by the developer after hacking into a computer.
Like most ransomware infections, the Locked_File virus is suspected to be spread via email spam messages that contain malicious .zip or .rar email attachments or by use of fraudulent social media messages. Once the email attachment is downloaded and executed it will spread the malware across the machine and begin its encryption process.
Locked_File virus removal steps
These Locked_File virus removal steps explain how to remove Locked_File ransomware and decrypt files encrypted with the .locked_file file extension. Follow each step below to remove this infection and secure your computer from malicious threats. On the bottom of this guide you will also find recovery and decryption software for various ransomware infections.
- Remove malware with Malwarebytes
- Remove remaining trace files with HitmanPro
- Cleanup and repair settings with CCleaner
- File recovery and decryption software
- Troubleshoot
1. Remove malware with Malwarebytes
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- Open your browser window and download Malwarebytes 3.0 Premium or Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free.
- Open the executable file (mb3-setup.exe) to begin installing Malwarebytes.
- Select your language, click Next, then select “I accept the agreement,” click the Next button several times, and then click the Install button to install Malwarebytes. Click Finish once the install process is complete.
- Open Malwarebytes and click the Scan Now button on the Dashboard to begin scanning your computer.
- Click the Quarantine Selected button once the scan is finished.
- 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.
2. Remove remaining trace files with HitmanPro
- Open your browser window and download HitmanPro.
- Open the executable file (hitmanpro_x64.exe or hitmanpro_x32.exe) to begin installing HitmanPro.
- Click the Next button, check “I accept the terms of the license agreement,” and click the Next button again.
- On the Setup page select “Yes, create a copy of HitmanPro so I can regularly scan this computer (recommended)” and add your email address to the registration fields to begin the free trial.
- Click Next to begin scanning your computer.
- Once the Scan results are displayed click the Next button and click the Next button again on the Removal results page.
3. Clean up and repair settings with CCleaner
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- Open your browser window and download CCleaner Professional or CCleaner Free.
- Open the executable file (ccsetup.exe or other) to begin installing CCleaner.
- Click the Install button to begin stalling the program.
- Click Run CCleaner to open the program when installation is complete.
- Select the Cleaner tab and click the Analyze button.
- When the Analyze process is complete click the Run Cleaner button to clean all files.
- Next, select the Registry tab and click the Scan for Issues button to scan for issues in your registry.
- When the scan is complete click the Fix selected Issues button and Fix All Selected Issues button to fix the issues.
- Next, select the Tools tab and click Startup. Examine each area, search for suspicious entries, and delete any suspicious startup entries by selecting the entry and clicking the Delete button.
- Next, click Browser Plugins and search each internet browser for unwanted browser add-ons and extensions. Click the extension you want to delete and click the Delete button to remove it.
File Recovery and decryption 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 |
Troubleshoot
Alternative methods are suggested if there are issues removing Locked_File 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.
