Remove XCrypto Ransomware

Is this a dangerous threat

XCrypto Ransomware will effect your computer in a very negative way as it will lead to file encryption. Due to how ransomware acts, it is highly dangerous to catch the infection. As soon as the ransomware is initiated, it searches for specific types of files to lock. Photos, videos and documents are among the most targeted files due to how valuable to victims they are. You will need a decryption key to unlock the files but only the criminals responsible for this ransomware have it. Occasionally, a decryption application might be released free of charge by malicious software who may be able to crack the ransomware. Seeing as you don’t have a lot of alternatives, this might be the best one for you.

Soon after file encryption, you will see a ransom note placed either in folders containing encrypted files or the desktop. If it has not been obvious enough, the note should explain what happened to your files, and offer you a method to get them back. We can’t exactly recommend you to pay for a decryptor. We would not be surprised if the hackers just take your money. There are no guarantees they will not do that. Maybe buying backup would be better. Simply eliminate XCrypto Ransomware if you had created backup.

It is very likely that you opened a dangerous email or downloaded some kind of false update. Those methods are the most common among cyber criminals.

Ransomware distribution methods

Download Removal Toolto remove XCrypto Ransomware

We believe that you fell for a false update or opened a spam email attachment, and that is how you got the ransomware. If you opened an attachment that came with a spam email, you have to be more careful. Always attentively check the email before opening the file added. It is also pretty usual for crooks to pretend to be from notable companies, as a familiar name would make people lose their guard. The sender might claim to come from Amazon, and that they have attached a receipt for a purchase you will not remember making. Whoever they claim to be, you should be able to easily check whether it is true or not. Research the company emailing you, check their used email addresses and see if your sender’s is among them. If you have any doubts, you also need to scan the added file with a reliable malware scanner, just to be sure.

Falling for a fake software update might have also caused this if you do not believe you got it via spam emails. The fake update offers typically pop up on web pages with suspicious reputation. The offers to update might appear quite convincing to those running into them for the first time. Though people who know how updates work will never fall for it as they are rather obviously bogus. If you continually download from dubious sources, don’t be shocked if your computer becomes infected again. Take into consideration that if an application requires an update, the software will either update by itself or you’ll be alerted via the program, not via your browser.

What does ransomware do

You likely already know that your files have been encrypted. Soon after you opened the infected file, the ransomware started the encryption process, likely without you noticing. A strange extension will be added to all affected files. Because a strong encryption algorithm was used, encrypted files won’t be openable so easily. Details about how your files can be restored will be provided in the ransom note. Ransomware notes typically follow the same pattern, they let the victim know that files have been locked and threaten them with erasing files if a payment isn’t made. Paying cyber crooks isn’t the best idea, even if cyber criminals are in the possession of the decryptor. Realistically, how likely is it that the people who locked your files in the first place, will feel obliged to recover your files, even after a payment is made. The same crooks might make you a target again because in their belief if you have paid once, you might pay again.

You should firstly try and recall if any of your files have been uploaded somewhere. Alternatively you could backup files that have been encrypted and hope this is one of those cases when malware specialists are able to develop free decryptors. Whatever it is you’ve decided to do, uninstall XCrypto Ransomware as quickly as possible.

Having backups of your files is highly important, so start regularly making backups. Because the risk of losing your files never goes away, take our advice. Backup prices vary depending in which backup option you choose, but the purchase is absolutely worth it if you have files you wish to guard.

XCrypto Ransomware removal

Unless you truly know what you’re doing, don’t attempt manual elimination. Instead, download anti-malware program to deal with the infection. You might be having issue running the program, in which case you should, boot your device in Safe Mode and try again. As soon as your device boots in Safe Mode, allow the malware removal program to delete XCrypto Ransomware. Getting rid of the malware won’t help with file recovery, however.

Download Removal Toolto remove XCrypto Ransomware

Learn how to remove XCrypto Ransomware from your computer

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

Step 1. Remove XCrypto Ransomware using Safe Mode with Networking.

• a) Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking.
• b) Step 2. Remove XCrypto Ransomware.

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 XCrypto Ransomware.

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 XCrypto Ransomware 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.