File Recovery - Virus Removal Guide

File Recovery is a computer virus that will report that it has found several bogus errors and issues on your computer.
As you’ve probably realized by now, File Recovery is not a real program and it needs to be removed from your computer.
This guide will remove this infection and get you back your files and folders.
If your computer is infected with File Recovery virus,then you are seeing this images:

Here are some other alerts that File Recovery will use into scare you into purchasing this product:

Hard drive boot sector reading error
System blocks were not found
Error 0×00000024 – NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM
Error 0×00000078 – INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE
Error 0x0000002E – DATA_BUS_ERROR
Error 0×00000050 – PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA
The DRM attribute value is too small before disk scan

We strongly advise you to follow our File Recovery virus removal guide and ignore any alerts that this malicious software might generate.
Under no circumstance should you buy this rogue security software 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 Recovery
As an optional step,you can use the following license key to register File Recovery virus and stop the fake alerts.
File Recovery activation code: 56723489134092874867245789235982
Please keep in mind that entering the above registration code will NOT remove File Recovery 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 Recovery 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: Remove File Recovery malicious proxy server

File Recovery may add a proxy server which prevents the user from accessing the internet,follow the below instructions to remove the proxy.

Start the Internet Explorer browser and if you are using Internet Explorer 9 ,click on the gear icon (Tools for Internet Explorer 8 users) ,then select Internet Options.
Go to the tab Connections.At the bottom, click on LAN settings.
Uncheck the option Use a proxy server for your LAN. This should remove the malicious proxy server and allow you to use the internet again.

If you are a Firefox users, go to Firefox(upper left corner) → Options → Advanced tab → Network → Settings → Select No Proxy

STEP 3: Run RKill to terminate known malware processes associated with File Recovery.

RKill is a program that will attempt to terminate all malicious processes associated with File Recovery 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 Recovery 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 Recovery 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 Recovery.
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 4: Remove File Recovery malicious files with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware FREE

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 Scanbutton to start scanning your computer.
Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware will now start scanning your computer for File Recovery 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 than 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 PC boot in Normal mode.

STEP 5: Double check your system for any left over infections 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 : Restore your shortcuts and remove any left over malicious registry keys

File Recovery 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.

Please 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 Start 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 7: Unhide your files and folders

File Recovery 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 8: Get your desktop look back!

File Recovery 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 Recovery from your machine, please start a new thread in our Malware Removal Assistance forum.

10 Rules to Avoid Online Scams

Here are 10 practical safety rules to help you avoid malware, online shopping scams, crypto scams, and other online fraud. Each tip includes a quick “if you already got hit” action.

Stop and verify before you click, log in, download, or pay.

Most scams win by creating urgency. Verify using a trusted method: type the website address yourself, use the official app, or call a known number (not the one in the message).

If you already clicked: close the page, do not enter passwords, and run a malware scan.
Keep your operating system, browser, and apps updated.

Updates patch security holes used by malware and malicious ads. Turn on automatic updates where possible.

If you saw a scary “update now” pop-up: close it and update only through your device settings or the official app store.
Use layered protection: antivirus plus an ad blocker.

Antivirus helps block malware. An ad blocker reduces scam redirects, phishing pages, and malvertising.

If your browser is acting weird: remove unknown extensions, reset the browser, then run a full scan.
Install apps, software, and extensions only from official sources.

Avoid cracked software, “keygens,” and random downloads. During installs, choose Custom/Advanced and decline bundled offers you do not recognize.

If you already installed something suspicious: uninstall it, restart, and scan again.
Treat links and attachments as untrusted by default.

Phishing often impersonates delivery services, banks, and popular brands. If it is unexpected, do not open attachments or log in through the message.

If you entered credentials: change the password immediately and enable 2FA.
Shop safely: research the store, then pay with protection.

Be cautious with brand-new stores, “closing sale” stories, and prices that make no sense. Prefer credit cards or PayPal for dispute options. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, and crypto payments.

If you already paid: contact your card issuer or PayPal quickly to dispute the transaction.
Crypto rule: never pay a “fee” to withdraw or recover money.

Common patterns include fake profits, then “tax,” “gas,” or “verification” fees. Another is a “recovery agent” who demands upfront crypto.

If you already sent crypto: stop paying, save evidence (wallet addresses, TXIDs, chats), and report the scam to the platform used.
Secure your accounts with unique passwords and 2FA (start with email).

Use a password manager and unique passwords for every account. Enable 2FA using an authenticator app when possible.

If you suspect an account takeover: change passwords, sign out of all devices, and review recent logins and recovery settings.
Back up important files and keep one backup offline.

Backups protect you from ransomware and device failure. Keep at least one backup on an external drive that is not always connected.

If you suspect infection: do not connect backup drives until the system is clean.
If you think you are a victim: stop losses, document evidence, and escalate fast.

Move quickly. Speed matters for disputes, account recovery, and limiting damage.
- Stop payments and contact: do not send more money or respond to the scammer.
- Call your bank or card issuer: block transactions, replace the card if needed, and start a dispute or chargeback.
- Secure your email first: change the email password, enable 2FA, and remove unfamiliar recovery options.
- Secure other accounts: change passwords, enable 2FA, and log out of all sessions.
- Scan your device: remove suspicious apps or extensions, then run a full malware scan.
- Save evidence: screenshots, emails, order pages, tracking pages, wallet addresses, TXIDs, and chat logs.
- Report it: to the payment provider, marketplace, social platform, exchange, or wallet service involved.

These rules are intentionally simple. Most online losses happen when decisions are rushed. Slow down, verify independently, and use payment methods and account controls that give you recourse.

73 thoughts on “File Recovery – Virus Removal Guide”

Terry

November 16, 2012 at 04:40

I believe I am having a problem with a Browser Hijacker. I believe it to be Yahoo.Genieo.com redirect virus. I also had the File Recovery virus and followed your steps and it solved the problem. Thank so very much! Could you please help me solve this Yahoo Genieo problem?

Thanx: Terry
- Stelian Pilici
  
  November 16, 2012 at 05:29
  
  Hello Terry,
  What exactly happens?Are you getting redirected to this page whenever you do a search or other activity or it starts when your browser opens?What browser are you using?
R Hess

November 13, 2012 at 01:16

Stelian,
Thanks for a VERY useful site! I was able to find a pre-infected System Restore Point and simply used your UNHIDE.EXE to bring everything back.
Please e-mail me (privately) a way to send you a token of my appreciation $$.
Regards,
R Hess
p.s. this may have posted twice (oops), but I wanted to make sure you knew that the McAfee suite on my friend’s computer I helped with said all was peachy!!
misreea

November 8, 2012 at 08:55

Thank you for your instructions, they were very useful.. I had some problems with finding the Internet options because I normally use opera and Internet explorer had been hidden by this stupid file recovery, but I manage to remove it. Thanks
Scott

November 6, 2012 at 23:34

That worked! Thank you again.
Scott

November 1, 2012 at 16:08

Well, perhaps I spoke to soon. I went through all the steps and it seemed to work well, however now we are getting random redirects in both IE and Mozilla. You try to go to valid URL and you get redirected somewhere you don’t want to go. Any suggestions?
- Stelian Pilici
  
  November 2, 2012 at 05:01
  
  Hello Scott,
  Please follow the instructions from this article: http://malwaretips.com/blogs/remove-google-redirect-virus/
Scott

October 26, 2012 at 23:40

Thank you very very much!!!!
Lyd

October 26, 2012 at 14:08

Thank you for taking the time to post this help. This was exactly what I needed. You took me through the process step by step and all of my settings, files, folders, favorites, etc have been restored. Thank you, Thank you.
Burr Shaw

October 21, 2012 at 22:43

Bravo Zulu!

Thank you.
DSSTech

October 19, 2012 at 15:09

Just wanted to let you know, Hitman build 171 won’t give you the 30-day trial option. D/l’d it to fix a user’s scareware problem, but it wouldn’t allow me to proceed without buying a license. I used the log file it created to delete the malware files manually and uninstalled Hitman.
- Stelian Pilici
  
  October 24, 2012 at 04:41
  
  Hello DSSTech,
  Is this your personal computer or from work? :)
Okkman

October 18, 2012 at 13:59

So today I grabbed a flash drive and went to a friends computer to download the tools in the above list. When I tried to power on the infected computer and boot to safe mode, every time I hit F8 the computer rebooted. Very much like the key had somehow been remapped to the reset function. This virus must have gotten an update.
- Stelian Pilici
  
  October 18, 2012 at 18:06
  Hello Okkman,
  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…
  - Okkman
    
    October 18, 2012 at 18:19
    
    Hi Stelian,
    
    My problem now is the lack of Internet connection. Malware bytes will not run because it can’t update, which is basically the same problem the other programs have as well. I believe if I could figure out how to repair Internet connectivity I would be able to follow the other steps.
  - Stelian Pilici
    
    October 19, 2012 at 03:40
    Hello,
    Can you please try to use the activation code provided in this guide and see if this will allow you to connect to the Internet.
    This infection is known to disable the Ethernet Adapter in Windows ,to enable it ,please follow the below instructions:
    
    Press the “Windows” and “R” keys. Type “Ncpa.cpl” in Run and click “OK.” This runs the Network Connections component within a new window on the screen.
    
    Locate the “Local Area Connection” icon. Right-click the icon and click “Enable.” The adapter is now enabled. Continue reading if you do not see this icon.
    
    Press the “Windows” and “R” keys. Type “Devmgmt.msc” in Run and click “OK” to open the Device Manager component.
    
    Click the arrow next to “Network adapters.” This will expand all network devices installed on the computer.
    
    Right-click the adapter and click “Enable.”
    
    If still can’t connect to the Internet,please reply back.
  - Okkman
    
    October 19, 2012 at 12:39
    
    The network adapter initially was disabled, so I enabled it and it is functional. It seems that the scheme to disable network connectivity is more devious. I can ping outside IPs, it will resolve an IP with a DNS, but it won’t load a web page. I have never seen this type of connectivity issue.
  - okkman
    
    October 22, 2012 at 11:28
    
    Stelian,
    
    The adapter was disabled (see prev. post) and I was able to turn it back on. I can’t find which setting has been modified (or perhaps a registry key?) that’s not allowing it to successfully negotiate a connection, but I was able to connect for long enough to perform all of the scans and get rid of the virus. According to device manager, the network adapter is working properly. I have checked all of the settings for the adapter and don’t see anything out of order. Very frustrating.
    
    Thanks for your help.
  - Stelian Pilici
    
    October 22, 2012 at 19:58
    Hello Okkman,
    Can you please run a scan with Combofix and Complete Internet Repair utility, and post the logs here so that I can get an idea on what’s going on:
    STEP 1 : Run a scan with Combofix
    Download ComboFix from the below link:
    COMBOFIX DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will automatically download Combofix on your computer)
    VERY IMPORTANT !!! Save as Combo-Fix.exe during the download.ComboFix must be renamed before you download to your Desktop
    
    Close any open browsers.
    
    Very Important!Temporarily disable your anti-virus, script blocking and any anti-malware real-time protection beforeperforming a scan. They can interfere with ComboFix or remove some of its embedded files which may cause “unpredictable results”.
    
    WARNING: Combofix will disconnect your machine from the Internet as soon as it starts
    
    Please do not attempt to re-connect your machine back to the Internet until Combofix has completely finished.
    
    If there is no internet connection after running Combofix, then restart your computer to restore back your connection.
    
    Double click on ComboFix.exe & follow the prompts.
    
    Accept the disclaimer and allow to update if it asks
    
    When finished, it shall produce a log for you.
    
    Notes:
    
    Do not mouse-click Combofix’s window while it is running. That may cause it to stall.
    
    Do not “re-run” Combofix. If you have a problem, reply back for further instructions.
    
    If after the reboot you get errors about programms being marked for deletion then reboot, that will cure it.
    
    STEP 2: Run a scan with Complete Internet Repair utility
    
    Download Complete Internet Repair utilityto your desktop
    
    Unzip all the files to their own folder on the desktop
    
    Within the folder double click CIntRep
    
    Select the following items,then press the GO button.
    
    Reset Interent Protocol (TCP/IP)
    
    Repair Winsock (Reset Catalog)
    
    Renew Internet Connection
    
    Flush DNS Resolver Cache
    
    Reset Windows Firewall Configuration
    
    Reset the default hosts fie
  - okkman
    
    October 22, 2012 at 22:15
    
    Here are the logs:
    
    ComboFix 12-10-22.02 – Joebenz 10/22/2012 17:34:59.1.2 – x86
    Microsoft Windows XP Professional 5.1.2600.3.1252.1.1033.18.3071.2556 [GMT -4:00]
    Running from: E:\Combo-Fix.exe
    AV: Microsoft Security Essentials *Disabled/Updated* {BCF43643-A118-4432-AEDE-D861FCBCFCDF}
    AV: Microsoft Security Essentials *Enabled/Updated* {EDB4FA23-53B8-4AFA-8C5D-99752CCA7095}
    .
    ======
  - Stelian Pilici
    
    October 24, 2012 at 04:31
    
    What’s the current status?Are you able to connect to the Internet?
  - okkman
    
    October 24, 2012 at 14:35
    
    I cannot connect to the internet, nor can I enable the windows firewall.
  - okkman
    
    October 24, 2012 at 16:42
    
    Stelian,
    
    I finally got the problem resolved. I am not sure which of the steps fixed it but I tried resetting winsock and dhcp from netsh, rebuilding the registry hive, resetting the adapter settings to static IP on the pc and my router, then ended up uninstalling TCP/IP from windows, uninstalling my network adapter, returning my firewall settings to default, and reinstalling everything. I believe it was actually one of the scanners that caused the initial problem, perhaps by deleting a registry key, rather than the virus itself. I can’t say that definitively, but that’s my gut feeling. A second pc with the same infection on my network was extremely simple to fix, thanks entirely to this blog and the experience dealing with the first PC. Thank you for your help and thanks especially for posting this blog!
    
    Regards,
    
    Eric
  - Stelian Pilici
    
    October 26, 2012 at 04:10
    
    Stay safe okkman!:D
JerseyJack

October 15, 2012 at 21:48

When I ran Hitman Pro, there was no button for a 30 day free activation, continuing with the other steps to see if this is fixed.

Thanks for the advise.
Trainee Wizard

October 14, 2012 at 09:31

Yes I am another who caught this rather nasty virus! I had the pop ups as above article. It even managed to screw up my all important Acronis backups making recovery impossible. I managed to do a recovery eventually and all I had to do is skate to step 7 as my files were hidden (greyed out). After this I did another recovery and all is good now, so thanks! :-)
alan

October 10, 2012 at 15:51

worked great thanks a million
CASM

October 8, 2012 at 16:44

Just got this virus. Please excuse my simple language as I’m not an advanced user. I tried to start my computer in safe mode but it won’t reboot at all. The Dell screen comes up and the white bar progresses across the bottom of the screen and then the screen goes black with the cursor in the upper left corner of the screen. You can’t type anything. If I press or tap the F8 key during the startup process or if I just try to let it start up regularly the same thing happens. It just won’t boot. Any suggestions? Thanks!!
- Stelian Pilici
  
  October 8, 2012 at 18:57
  Hello CASM,
  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 Note: Do not attempt to open mbam-killer as that is not a Chameleon executable and serves a different purpose)
  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…
- titus
  
  October 12, 2012 at 11:58
  
  If your computer is not booting at all and its just showing a white tab on the top left corner this means your computer regonises that it should boot with your hard drive but there are no boot files to boot!So you will need to go a step further to boot your machine. Remove your hard drive and put it into an external hard drive case. connect it to another machine as a usb drive. You will see that it will show u the size of your hard drive but with no files.
  
  go to cmd as administrator and go into the hard drve.
  C:\Documents and Settings\Admin\ f: (Enter)
  f:\
  under the dir type attrib *. -h -s /s /d
  
  f:\ attrib *. -h -s /s /d
  
  that should unhide your boot files. if u can now see them , mount your hard drive back then do Stelian Pilici ‘s steps to remove the virus
Ben

October 8, 2012 at 11:11

Many thanks for the detailed and helpful instructions. I could have followed the “normal” route by paying someone for data recovery and reformatting my computer then reloading all the programmes and files which would have been a real pain and expensive. Instead, my computer is in perfect working order now after about 1.5 hours of work. It is so generous of you to share.
Larry

October 5, 2012 at 19:32

Thank you for making it possible to eliminate this virus.
Stefan

September 28, 2012 at 18:14

Dude, thanks so much; words cant describe the feeling of relief I have right now because of your guide. Its good to know theres tech savy people out there who are actually willing to help people.
Miranda

September 26, 2012 at 05:01

Hi, Just wanted to say thanks for posting this. I too had to use the final ComboFix and Eset option and it still wasn’t completely gone (still had a desktop icon and a folder in all programs) I manually deleted the last bit and my computer seems to be working fine. I am running McAfee any idea how this can get by Security Software?

Also, how do I uninstall Rkill and unhide?

Thanks again!
- Stelian Pilici
  
  September 29, 2012 at 06:25
  Hello Miranda,
  You can just delete Rkill and Unhide,and you should also uninstall Combofix.
  1. Hold down the Windows key + R on your keyboard. This will display the Run dialogue box
  2. In the Run box, type in ComboFix /Uninstall (Notice the space between the “x” and “/”) then click OK
  3. Follow the prompts on the screen
  4. A message should appear confirming that ComboFix was uninstall
  Enjoy your Malware FREE computer!And yI would also suggest that you replace McAfee with another antivirus…….Avast 7 Free is a good security product,you should really try it.
james

September 24, 2012 at 08:31

Hi im running Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, but when it completed it does not show the results it just finishes and shuts down? please help!
James
- Stelian Pilici
  
  September 24, 2012 at 17:11
  Hello James,
  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 Note: Do not attempt to open mbam-killer as that is not a Chameleon executable and serves a different purpose)
  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…
Michele

September 24, 2012 at 05:45

I followed all the steps (except HitmaPro keeps hanging up on 1 file near the end?). All my shortcuts and files reappeared, but so did one for File Recovery, and it’s listed in my All Programs as well! I tried scanning the shortcut with the Malware but it did not find malicious software. Now my Task Bar is messed up (blank) and it’s running super slow. How can I get rid of it?
- Stelian Pilici
  
  September 25, 2012 at 05:28
  Hello Michele,
  Can you please run a scan with Combofix, ESET online scanner and post the logs here so that I can get an idea on what’s going on:
  STEP 1 : Run a scan with Combofix
  Download ComboFix from one of the following locations:
  COMBOFIX DOWNLOAD LINK #1 (This link will automatically download Combofix on your computer)
  COMBOFIX DOWNLOAD LINK #2 (This link will automatically download Combofix on your computer)
  VERY IMPORTANT !!! Save as Combo-Fix.exe during the download.ComboFix must be renamed before you download to your Desktop
  - Close any open browsers.
  - Very Important! Temporarily disable your anti-virus, script blocking and any anti-malware real-time protection beforeperforming a scan. They can interfere with ComboFix or remove some of its embedded files which may cause “unpredictable results”.
  - WARNING: Combofix will disconnect your machine from the Internet as soon as it starts
  - Please do not attempt to re-connect your machine back to the Internet until Combofix has completely finished.
  - If there is no internet connection after running Combofix, then restart your computer to restore back your connection.
  1. Double click on ComboFix.exe & follow the prompts.
  2. Accept the disclaimer and allow to update if it asks
  3. When finished, it shall produce a log for you.
  Notes:
  1. Do not mouse-click Combofix’s window while it is running. That may cause it to stall.
  2. Do not “re-run” Combofix. If you have a problem, reply back for further instructions.
  3. If after the reboot you get errors about programms being marked for deletion then reboot, that will cure it.
  STEP 2: 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
  NEXT,please run a scan with HitmanPro and RogueKiller as seen on the guide.
  Waiting for your reply to tell me if your machine is ok and the logs.