How To Delete VHDLocker Ransomware And Restore Encrypted Files

 

This post is all about the information about VHDLocker Ransomware and its removal technique. If your System files are encrypted with this variant of ransomware and want to get rid of it by taking proper steps then keep reading this post and follow the removal instructions very carefully.

Get rid of VHDLocker Ransomware

Information About VHDLocker Ransomware

VHDLocker Ransomware is a newly discovered ransomware which is also known as PleaseRead Ransomware. The unusual thing about this ransomware is that it features an encryption engine that mainly affects the virtual hard disk images. This means that most likely it targeted at the corporate businesses and environments where such type of instances are used in the production environment. It follows a very stranded behavior by encrypting the user files and then asks the user to pay a ransom fee of 0.5 BTC to restore their System files. Especially, it has been used by the cyber hackers for commercial purposes. On the completion of encryption procedures, it creates a ransom note in “PLEASE READ.txt” file which contains the following messages: 

VHDLocker Ransomware_Ransom note

Dissemination Strategies Used By VHDLocker Ransomware

The sample of this ransomware does not give a clear indication of the intrusion methods but it is expected that it lurks into the user PC in the same manner as other traditional ransomware attacks. When you open any spam emails or junk mail attachments that arrived from the unverified sources or locations, download and installs any freeware and shareware packages, playing online games, visiting any hacked sites etc then it silently gets inside your PC without your approval. The distribution channels may vary according to the user but the main source of the infiltration is the use of Internet. To avoid PC from this ransomware attack, you need to be very cautious while surfing the web or browsing the Internet.

Possibly, VHDLocker Ransomware is used in Doxing Attacks

The data extracted by VHDLocker Ransomware is possible to be used in the doxing attacks on the individual users. Do you know what is the doxing attack? It is a situation in which hacker uses the private digital information to threaten System user that it will be published online if System user does not complete a certain task. When it successfully installed on your PC, it will deeply scan the network shares, local drives, and portable devices that are connected to the PCs. System users that are infected with this ransomware may notice an increased write/read load on the windows OS. As long as stays on your PC, it will make your System completely useless. Thus, it is suggested by an expert that victims should delete VHDLocker Ransomware as soon as possible rather than make a deal with the cyber hacker.

 

Free Scan your Windows PC to detect VHDLocker Ransomware

rmv-notice

Free Scan your Windows PC to detect VHDLocker Ransomware

A: How To Remove VHDLocker Ransomware From Your PC

Step: 1 How to Reboot Windows in Safe Mode with Networking.

  • Click on Restart button to restart your computer
  • Press and hold down the F8 key during the restart process.

Step 1 Safe Mode

  • From the boot menu, select Safe Mode with Networking using the arrow keys.

Safe mode

Step: 2 How to Kill VHDLocker Ransomware Related Process From Task Manager

  • Press Ctrl+Alt+Del together on your keyboard

TM 1

  • It will Open Task manager on Windows
  • Go to Process tab, find the VHDLocker Ransomware related Process.

TM3

  • Now click on on End Process button to close that task.

Step: 3 Uninstall VHDLocker Ransomware From Windows Control Panel

  • Visit the Start menu to open the Control Panel.

Win 7 CP 1

  • Select Uninstall a Program option from Program category.

Win 7 CP 2

  • Choose and remove all VHDLocker Ransomware related items from list.

Win 7 CP 3

B: How to Restore VHDLocker Ransomware Encrypted Files

Method: 1 By Using ShadowExplorer

After removing VHDLocker Ransomware from PC, it is important that users should restore encrypted files. Since, ransomware encrypts almost all the stored files except the shadow copies, one should attempt to restore original files and folders using shadow copies. This is where ShadowExplorer can prove to be handy.

Download ShadowExplorer Now

 

  • Once downloaded, install ShadowExplorer in your PC
  • Double Click to open it and now select C: drive from left panel

shadowexplorer

  • In the date filed, users are recommended to select time frame of atleast a month ago
  • Select and browse to the folder having encrypted data
  • Right Click on the encrypted data and files
  • Choose Export option and select a specific destination for restoring the original files

Method:2 Restore Windows PC to Default Factory Settings

Following the above mentioned steps will help in removing VHDLocker Ransomware from PC. However, if still infection persists, users are advised to restore their Windows PC to its Default Factory Settings.

System Restore in Windows XP

  • Log on to Windows as Administrator.
  • Click Start > All Programs > Accessories.

Accessories

  • Find System Tools and click System Restore

windowsxp_system_restore_shortcut

  • Select Restore my computer to an earlier time and click Next.

sr-util

  • Choose a restore point when system was not infected and click Next.

System Restore Windows 7/Vista

  • Go to Start menu and find Restore in the Search box.

system restore

 

  • Now select the System Restore option from search results
  • From the System Restore window, click the Next button.

  • Now select a restore points when your PC was not infected.

  • Click Next and follow the instructions.

System Restore Windows 8

  • Go to the search box and type Control Panel

  • Select Control Panel and open Recovery Option.

  • Now Select Open System Restore option

  • Find out any recent restore point when your PC was not infected.

  • Click Next and follow the instructions.

System Restore Windows 10

  • Right click the Start menu and select Control Panel.

  • Open Control Panel and Find out the Recovery option.

  • Select Recovery > Open System Restore > Next.

  • Choose a restore point before infection Next > Finish.

Method:3 Using Data Recovery Software

Restore your files encrypted by VHDLocker Ransomware with help of Data Recovery Software

We understand how important is data for you. Incase the encrypted data cannot be restored using the above methods, users are advised to restore and recover original data using data recovery software.

Download Data Recovery Software

footer-1

Skip to toolbar