How to Remove PLANETARY Virus (Removal Guide)

.PLANETARY is a file extension used by a new variant of HC7 ransomware that encrypts personal files, adds the .PLANETARY extension to the end of the filenames, and drops a text file named RECOVER.txt throughout the infected machine. This malware is known as the first version of ransomware that accepts Ethereum as a ransom payment. The text file dropped by the ransomware contains information and details about the infection from the malware author. The note essentially explains 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 happen again in the future.

ALL FILES ARE ENCRYPTED. TO RESTORE, YOU MUST SEND $700 EQUIVALENT FOR ONE COMPUTER OR $5,000 FOR ALL NETWORK PAYMENTS ACCEPTED VIA BITCOIN, MONERO AND ETHEREUM BTC ADDRESS: [bitcoin_address] MONERO (XMR) ADDRESS: [monero_address] CONTACT US WHEN ETHEREUM PAYMENT INFORMATION BEFORE PAYMENT SENT EMAIL m4rk0v@tutanota.de ALONG WITH YOUR IDENTITY: [base64_encoded_computer_name] INCLUDE SAMPLE ENCRYPTED FILE FOR PROOF OF DECRYPT NOT TO SHUT OFF YOUR COMPUTER, UNLESS IT WILL BREAK

The PLANETARY virus is typically spread during email spam message campaigns. The emails will contain malicious attachments, and when the downloaded attachment files are executed it will launch the malware across the machine.

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Remove PLANETARY Virus and Recover Files

The PLANETARY virus removal steps on this page will help you remove ransomware and decrypt files that have been given the .PLANETARY file extension. Follow the steps in this guide to completely remove malware from your machine and recover your files. 1. Remove malicious files with Malwarebytes 2. Clean up and repair associated issues with CCleaner Decryption Troubleshoot

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1. Remove malicious files with Malwarebytes

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1. Open your browser window and download Malwarebytes 3.0 Premium or Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free.

2. Open the executable file (mb3-setup.exe or other) to begin installing Malwarebytes.

3. In some versions of the installation file you can simply select your language and click Next to install the program; Otherwise, 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.

4. Open Malwarebytes and click the Scan Now button on the Dashboard to begin scanning your computer.

5. Click the Quarantine Selected button once the scan is finished.

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.

2. Clean up and repair associated issues with CCleaner

1. Open your browser window and download CCleaner Professional or CCleaner Free.

2. Open the executable file (ccsetup.exe or other) to begin installing CCleaner.

3. Click the Install button to begin stalling the program.

4. Click Run CCleaner to open the program when installation is complete.

5. Select the Cleaner tab and click the Analyze button.

6. When the Analyze process is complete click the Run Cleaner button to clean all files.

7. Next, select the Registry tab and click the Scan for Issues button to scan for issues in your registry.

8. When the scan is complete click the Fix selected Issues button and Fix All Selected Issues button to fix the issues.

9. 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.

10. 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.

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File Recovery Software

• Decryption software

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Troubleshoot

Alternative methods are suggested if there are issues removing PLANETARY 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.