How to remove the NOT OPEN virus and recover your files (For Free)
NOT OPEN virus
Learn what the NOT OPEN virus is and how to remove the ransomware from your computer and recover files affixed with the .NOT_OPEN file extension.
What is the NOT OPEN virus?
NOT OPEN virus is a term used to identify NOT_OPEN_LOCKER ransomware. The ransomware uses encryption algorithms to encrypt files on a computer in order to restrict access to them. When the NOT OPEN virus has infected a computer it will seek to encrypt files and add the [notopen@countermail.com].NOT_OPEN file extension to the end of the filenames. The ransomware will additionally download a text file named !_HOW_RECOVERY_FILES_!.txt on the desktop and every root folder the virus encrypted files in.
The !_HOW_RECOVERY_FILES_!.txt file acts as a ransom note. The note explains that your files have been encrypted and tells you how to recover your files. The malware author claims that they will decrypt your files after you have made a payment. In order to make a payment they insist to write an email message with your ID as the subject to notopen@countermail.com and they will send instructions back. They also use the email address not-open@mailfence.com.
Here’s what is written in the text file:
HELLO, DEAR FRIEND!
1. [ ALL YOUR FILES HAVE BEEN ENCRYPTED! ]
Your files are NOT damaged! Your files are modified only. This modifications is reversible. The only 1 way to decrypt your files is to receive the decryption program.2. [ HOW TO RECOVERY FILES? ]
To receive the decryption program write to email: notopen@countermail.com
And in subject write your ID: [ID removed for post]
We send you full instruction how to decrypt all your files.
If we do not respond within 24 hours, write to the email: not.open@mailfence.com3. [ FREE DECRYPTION! ]
Free decryption as guarantee.
We guarantee the receipt of the decryption program after payment.
To believe, you can give us up to 3 files that we decrypt for free.
Files should not be important to you! (databases, backups, large excel sheets, etc.)
It should be advised that paying a ransom or contacted the people behind the ransomware will not guarantee that you will recover your files or that the infection is removed and will not appear again in the future.
How to remove the NOT OPEN virus
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.
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
Alternative methods are suggested if there are issues removing NOT OPEN 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.