Remove File Restore (TUTORIAL)

File Restore is a computer virus,which will report that several hard drive errors were detected on your machine however if you try to fix this issues, it will state that you need to buy this product before being able to do so.
In reality, none of the reported issues are real, and are only used to scare you into buying File Restore and stealing your personal financial information.
As part of its self-defense mechanism,File Restore has installed a rootkit, which has disabled the Windows system utilities, including the Windows Task Manager and Registry Editor,and will block you from running certain programs that could lead to its removal.
File Restore has also changed your computer desktop background to a solid black color and has hidden all your files all folders.

If your computer is infected with File Restore,then you are seeing this screens:

We strongly advise you to ignore any alerts that File Restore might generate and proceed with this removal guide as soon as possible.
Under no circumstance should you buy File Restore as this could lead to identity theft,and if you have, you should contact your credit card company and dispute the charge stating that the program is a scam and a computer virus.

Registration codes for File Restore:
As an optional step,you can use the following license key to register File Restore and stop the fake alerts.
File Restore License Key: 08467206738602987934024759008355
Please keep in mind that entering the above registration code will NOT remove File Restore from your computer , instead it will just stop the fake alerts so that you’ll be able to complete our removal guide more easily.

File Restore Virus – Removal Instructions

STEP 1 : Start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking

Remove all floppy disks, CDs, and DVDs from your computer, and then restart your computer.
Press and hold the F8 key as your computer restarts.Please keep in mind that you need to press the F8 key before the Windows start-up logo appears.
Note: With some computers, if you press and hold a key as the computer is booting you will get a stuck key message. If this occurs, instead of pressing and holding the “F8 key”, tap the “F8 key” continuously until you get the Advanced Boot Options screen.
On the Advanced Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode with Networking , and then press ENTER.

STEP 2: Run RKill to terminate known malware processes associated with File Restore.

RKill is a program that will attempt to terminate all malicious processes associated with File Restore virus,so that we will be able to perform the next step without being interrupted by this malicious software.
Because this utility will only stop File Restore running process, and does not delete any files, after running it you should not reboot your computer as any malware processes that are configured to start automatically will just be started again.

While your computer is in Safe Mode with Networking ,please download the latest official version of RKill.Please note that we will use a renamed version of RKILL so that File Restore won’t block this utility from running.
RKILL DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will automatically download RKILL renamed as iExplore.exe)
Double-click on the iExplore.exe icon in order to automatically attempt to stop any processes associated with File Restore.
RKill will now start working in the background, please be patient while the program looks for various malware programs and tries to terminate them.

IF you are having problems starting or running RKill, you can download any other renamed versions of RKill from here.
When Rkill has completed its task, it will generate a log. You can then proceed with the rest of the guide.

WARNING: Do not reboot your computer after running RKill as the malware process will start again , preventing you from properly performing the next step.

STEP 3: Remove File Restore malicious files with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware FREE

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is a powerful on-demand scanner which will detect and remove File Restore from your computer.

Download the latest official version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware FREE.
MALWAREBYTES ANTI-MALWARE DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open a download page in a new window from where you can download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free)
Start the Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware installation process by double clicking on mbam-setup file.
When the installation begins, keep following the prompts in order to continue with the setup process. Do not make any changes to default settings and when the program has finished installing, make sure you leave both the Update Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware and Launch Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware checked. Then click on the Finish button. If Malwarebytes’ prompts you to reboot, please do not do so.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start and you’ll be prompted to start a trial period , please select ‘Decline‘ as we just want to use the on-demand scanner.
On the Scanner tab,select Perform full scan and then click on the Scan button to start scanning your computer.
Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware will now start scanning your computer for File Restore malicious files as shown below.
When the scan is finished a message box will appear, click OK to continue.
You will now be presented with a screen showing you the malware infections that Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware has detected.Please note that the infections found may be different from what is shown in the image.Make sure that everything is Checked (ticked) and click on the Remove Selected button.
Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware will now start removing the malicious files.After completing this task it will display a message stating that it needs to reboot,please allow this request and then let your computer boot in Normal mode.

STEP 4 : Restore your shortcuts and remove any left over malicious registry keys

File Restore has moved your shortcuts files in the Temporary Internet folder and added some malicious registry keys to your Windows installation , to restore your files we will need to perform a scan with RogueKiller.

While your computer is in Normal mode,download the latest official version of RogueKiller.
ROGUEKILLER DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will automatically download RogueKiller on your computer)
Double click on RogueKiller.exe to start this utility and then wait for the Prescan to complete.This should take only a few seconds and then you can click the Scan button to perform a system scan.
After the scan has completed, press the Delete button to remove any malicious registry keys.
Next we will need to restore your shortcuts, so click on the ShortcutsFix button and allow the program to run.

STEP 5: Remove File Restore rootkit with HitmanPro

In some cases File Restore will also install a ZeroAccess rootkit on the infected machines,to remove File Restore rootkit will need to perform a scan with HitmanPro.

This step can be performed in Normal Mode ,so please download the latest official version of HitmanPro.
HITMANPRO DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open a download page in a new window from where you can download HitmanPro)
Double click on the previously downloaded fileto start the HitmanPro installation.

IF you are experiencing problems while trying to starting HitmanPro, you can use the “Force Breach” mode.To start this program in Force Breach mode, hold down the left CTRL-key when you start HitmanPro and all non-essential processes are terminated, including the malware process. (How to start HitmanPro in Force Breach mode – Video)
Click on Next to install HitmanPro on your system.
The setup screen is displayed, from which you can decide whether you wish to install HitmanPro on your machine or just perform a one-time scan, select a option then click on Next to start a system scan.
HitmanPro will start scanning your system for malicious files as seen in the image below.
Once the scan is complete,you’ll see a screen which will display all the malicious files that the program has found.Click on Next to remove this malicious files.
Click Activate free license to start the free 30 days trial and remove the malicious files.
HitmanPro will now start removing the infected objects.If this program will ask you to restart your computer,please allow this request.

STEP 6: Unhide your files and folders

File Restore modifies your file system in such a way that all files and folders become hidden, to restore the default settings , you’ll need to run the below program.

Download the Unhide utility, to unhide your files and folders.
UNHIDE.EXE DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will automatically download the Unhide utility on your computer)
Double-click on the Unhide.exe icon on your desktop and allow the program to run.The whole process should not take more than 10 minutes to complete,and at the end this utility will generate a report.

STEP 7: Get your desktop look back!

File Restore changes your desktop background to a solid black color,to change it back to default one follow the below instruction.

Windows XP : Click on the Start button and then select Control Panel. When the Control Panel opens, please click on the Display icon. From this screen you can now change your Theme and desktop background.
Windows 7 and Vista : Click on the Start button and then select Control Panel. When the Control Panel opens, please click on the Appearance and Personalization category. Then select Change the Theme or Change Desktop Background to revert back to your original Theme and colors.

If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove File Restore from your machine, please start a new thread in our Malware Removal Assistance forum.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.
Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.
Be careful when installing programs and apps.

Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."
Install an ad blocker.

Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.
Be careful what you download.

A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.
Be alert for people trying to trick you.

Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.
Back up your data.

Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.
Choose strong passwords.

Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.
Be careful where you click.

Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.
Don't use pirated software.

Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

10 thoughts on “Remove File Restore (TUTORIAL)”

Fabio

November 20, 2012 at 14:43

Thanks very much….a very helpful guide!!
Mandy

November 16, 2012 at 00:28

Stelian,

Just wanted to say thank you for posting this tutorial, I’ve had this stupid thing on my computer-a complete disaster! and your tutorial was fantastic. Thank you for taking the time to make our lives a little easier :) Much appreciated!
Stelian Pilici

November 14, 2012 at 04:23
Hello Mike,
Did you clean your temp file?
Lets try the following steps:
1. Right click on your Windows Start menu and select Properties.
2. Next put a check mark on
  Store and display recently opened programs in the start menu
  Store and display recently opened items in the start menu and taskbar
3. Click on Customize and click on Use default settings at the bottom
4. Browse to C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows and right click on Start Menu folder and click on Restore previous versions
5. Now select a snapshot before you were infected by the rogue,click on restore
Mike W

November 14, 2012 at 04:21

After following these steps i think the “virus” is gone. But now “System Restore”, most of my “Administrative Tools” in Control Panel and “System tools” under the Start menu are gone. Any idea how i can fix this?
Stelian Pilici

November 13, 2012 at 12:26

Hello Ioana,
Yes,run the scans from this guide and your computer should be ok!
Good lucK!
ioana

November 13, 2012 at 07:43

so after all i run all these programmes, everything will be ok with all my computer’s contents? (sorry for asking but i just had a “mini heart attack” because of this virus.)
Stelian Pilici

November 5, 2012 at 12:44
Hello Amy,
Lets try to fix your computer,please run the below tools while in Normal Mode;
STEP 1: Run a scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware in Chameleon Mode in Norman mode:
1. Download Malwarebytes Chameleon from here and extract it to a folder in a convenient location
2. Make certain that your PC is connected to the internet and then open the folder where you extracted Chameleon to and double-click on the Chameleon help file and then follow the onscreen instructions to use it.
3. If the Chameleon help file itself will not open, then double-click each file one by one until you find one that works, which will be indicated by a black DOS/command prompt window.
4. Follow the onscreen instructions to press a key to continue and Chameleon will proceed to download and install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for you
5. Once it has done this, it will attempt to update Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, click OK when it says that the database was updated successful
6. Next, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will automatically open and perform a Quick scan
7. Upon completion of the scan, if anything has been detected, click on Show Result
8. Have Malwarebytes Anti-Malware remove any threats that are detected and click Yes if prompted to reboot your computer to allow the removal process to complete
9. After your computer restarts, open Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and perform a Full System scan to verify that there are no remaining threats
STEP 2: Run a scan with RogueKiller
1. Please download the latest official version of RogueKiller.
  RogueKiller Download Link (This link will automatically download RogueKiller on your computer)
2. Double click on RogueKiller.exe to start this utility and then wait for the Prescan to complete.This should take only a few seconds and then you can click the Scan button to perform a system scan.
3. After the scan has completed, press the Delete button to remove any malicious registry keys.
4. Next we will need to restore your shortcuts, so click on the ShortcutsFix button and allow the program to run.
STEP 3 Please perform a scan with HitmanPro as seen on the guide.
If you are having problems starting this program please use the ForceBreach mode as described in the guide.

STEP 4: Run a scan with ESET Online Scanner:
1. Download ESET Online Scanner utility.
  ESET Online Scanner Download Link (This link will automatically download ESET Online Scanner on your computer.)
2. Double click on the Eset installer program (esetsmartinstaller_enu.exe).
3. Check Yes, I accept the Terms of Use
4. Click the Start button.
5. Check Scan archives
6. Push the Start button.
7. ESET will then download updates for itself, install itself, and begin scanning your computer. Please be patient as this can take some time.
8. When the scan completes, push Finish
Waiting for your reply to tell me how everything is running!
Good luck…
Steve

November 4, 2012 at 18:29

Worked wonderfully, thank you for posting Mr. Pilici!
Amy

November 4, 2012 at 14:52

I attempted to follow your instructions above; however, the RKill program states that it did not find any malware, and when I follow the link you’ve provided to Malwarebytes, it tells me Access is Denied each time I reach the end of the installation process.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!
Marca2

November 1, 2012 at 18:22

Thank you! Worked perfectly!