How to remove .eCh0raix virus

About this malware

.eCh0raix virus is a type of malware that will encrypt your data and lead to severe damage. Because of the easy infection and its behavior, ransomware is categorized as one of the most damaging malicious software you could get. Certain file types will be encrypted soon after the ransomware launches. Generally, the encrypted files are photos, videos and documents because of how valuable they’re likely to be to you. Files cannot be opened so easily, you’ll need to decrypt them using a special key, which is in the hands of the criminals behind this ransomware. If the ransomware can be cracked, researchers specializing in malware might be able to develop a free decryptor. If you do not recall ever making copies of your files and don’t plan on paying, that free decryption program may be your only option.

On your desktop or in folders containing encrypted files, a ransom note will be placed. Seeing as ransomware makers want to make as much money as possible, you’ll be asked to pay for a decryption application if you want to be able to open your files ever again. We cannot prevent you from paying criminals, but that option isn’t suggested. If you do decide to pay, do not have high expectations to receive the decryption tool because criminals can simply take your money. There is no way to ensure that they will not do that. You also need to buy some kind of backup, so that you do not end up in this situation again. Simply delete .eCh0raix virus if you had made backup.

Download Removal Toolto remove .eCh0raix virus

We will explain the distribution methods in more detail later on but the short version is that you probably fell for a fake update or opened a dangerous spam email. These are the most typical methods to spread this kind of malware.

Ransomware spread ways

It is very possible that you fell for a bogus update or opened a spam email attachment, and that is how the ransomware managed to get in. If you recall opening an attachment that came with a spam email, you have to be more careful. Before opening an attachment, a cautious check of the email is required. It is also not unusual for crooks to pretend to be from notable companies, as a well-known company names would make users lower their guard. They might pretend to be Amazon and say that the attached file is a receipt for a recent purchase. Whether it’s Amazon or some other company, you should be able to easily check that. You just need to check if the email address matches any real ones used by the company. In addition, email attachments need to be scanned with a credible scanner before you open them.

If you don’t remember opening spam emails, the ransomware might have gotten in via false software updates. Often, you’ll see the false updates on questionable web pages. It is also quite frequent for those malicious update notifications to appear via ads or banners. Nevertheless, because updates are never pushed this way, users who know how updates work will simply ignore them. Because nothing legitimate and safe will be offered through such fake alerts, be careful to stick to legitimate download sources. When a program has to be updated, you will be alerted by the application itself or it’ll happen without you having to do anything.

What does ransomware do

Needless to say your files have been encrypted by ransomware. When the contaminated file was opened, the ransomware started its file encryption process, which you may have missed. Files that have been affected will now have a file extension added to them, which will help you figure out which files have been locked. Trying to open those files will get you nowhere because a powerful encryption algorithm was used to encrypt them. Information about what you have to do to recover your files should be on the ransom note. The ransom notes usually tend to threaten users with file deletion and strongly encourage victims to buy the offered decryption tool. While hackers might be correct in saying that file decryption without a decryption tool is not possible, paying the ransom is not something a lot of specialists will recommend. The people who encrypted your files in the first place won’t feel bound to recover them even if you pay. Criminals might take into account that you paid and target you again particularly, expecting you to pay a second time.

You might have uploaded some of your files somewhere, so try to remember before even considering paying. Because it is possible for malware specialists to develop free decryptors, if one isn’t available now, back up your encrypted files for when/if it is. Delete .eCh0raix virus as soon as possible, no matter what you opt to to do.

While we hope your file recovery is successful, we also would like this to be a lesson to you about how important it is that you begin frequently backing up your files. If you don’t make backups, this situation could reoccur. There are various backup options available, some more pricey than others but if you have files that you value it’s worth purchasing one.

.eCh0raix virus removal

If you are reading this, manual elimination is not a great idea. Obtain and have anti-malware program to take care of everything because otherwise, you could end up doing additional harm. You might be having trouble opening the software, in which case you should, try again after booting your device in Safe Mode. As soon as your computer loads in Safe Mode, allow the anti-malware program to uninstall .eCh0raix virus. It is unfortunate but malicious software removal program can’t help you unlock files, it will only eliminate the threat for you.

Download Removal Toolto remove .eCh0raix virus

Learn how to remove .eCh0raix virus from your computer

• Step 1. Remove .eCh0raix virus using Safe Mode with Networking.
• Step 2. Remove .eCh0raix virus using System Restore
• Step 3. Recover your data

Step 1. Remove .eCh0raix virus using Safe Mode with Networking.

• a) Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking.
• b) Step 2. Remove .eCh0raix virus.

a) Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking.

For Windows 7/Vista/XP

1. Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
2. Press and keep pressing F8 until Advanced Boot Options appears.
3. Choose Safe Mode with Networking

For Windows 8/10 users

1. Press the power button that appears at the Windows login screen. Press and hold Shift. Click Restart.
2. Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
3. Choose Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

b) Step 2. Remove .eCh0raix virus.

You will now need to open your browser and download some kind of anti-malware software. Choose a trustworthy one, install it and have it scan your computer for malicious threats. When the ransomware is found, remove it. If, for some reason, you can't access Safe Mode with Networking, go with another option.

Step 2. Remove .eCh0raix virus using System Restore

• a) Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
• b) Step 2. Restore files and settings.

a) Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

For Windows 7/Vista/XP

1. Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
2. Press and keep pressing F8 until Advanced Boot Options appears.
3. Select Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

For Windows 8/10 users

1. Press the power button that appears at the Windows login screen. Press and hold Shift. Click Restart.
2. Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
3. Choose Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

b) Step 2. Restore files and settings.

1. You will need to type in cd restore in the window that appears. Press Enter.
2. Type in rstrui.exe and again, press Enter.
3. A window will pop-up and you should press Next. Choose a restore point and press Next again.
4. Press Yes.

While this should have taken care of the ransomware, you might want to download anti-malware just to be sure no other threats are lurking.  

Step 3. Recover your data

• a) Using Data Recovery Pro to recover encrypted files.
• b) Restore files through Windows Previous Versions
• c) Using Shadow Explorer to recover files

While backup is essential, there is still quite a few users who do not have it. If you are one of them, you can try the below provided methods and you just might be able to recover files.

a) Using Data Recovery Pro to recover encrypted files.

1. Download Data Recovery Pro, preferably from a trustworthy website.
2. Scan your device for recoverable files.
3. Recover them.

b) Restore files through Windows Previous Versions

If you had System Restore enabled, you can recover files through Windows Previous Versions.

1. Find a file you want to recover.
2. Right-click on it.
3. Select Properties and then Previous versions.
4. Pick the version of the file you want to recover and press Restore.

c) Using Shadow Explorer to recover files

If you are lucky, the ransomware did not delete your shadow copies. They are made by your system automatically for when system crashes.

1. Go to the official website (shadowexplorer.com) and acquire the Shadow Explorer application.
2. Set up and open it.
3. Press on the drop down menu and pick the disk you want.
4. If folders are recoverable, they will appear there. Press on the folder and then Export.

* SpyHunter scanner, published on this site, is intended to be used only as a detection tool. More info on SpyHunter. To use the removal functionality, you will need to purchase the full version of SpyHunter. If you wish to uninstall SpyHunter, click here.