File Recovery is a malicious program that will display fake alerts, claiming that several hard drive errors and computer issues were detected on your machine.
In reality, none of the reported issues are real, and are only used to scare you into purchasing File Recovery and stealing your personal financial information.
Apart from the bogus alerts and warning,this rogue software has changed your desktop background to a solid black color,has hidden your files and folders and it’s causing browser redirects.
As part of its self-defense mechanism,File Recovery has disabled the Windows system utilities, including Task Manager and Windows Registry and is block you from running certain programs that could lead to its removal.
If your computer is infected with File Recovery virus,then you are seeing this images:
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.
![Safe Mode with Networking screen [Image: Safemode.jpg]](//malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/safemode.jpg)
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.
![Internet Options in IE [Image: Internet-options-IE.png]](//malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/ie1.png)
- Go to the tab Connections.At the bottom, click on LAN settings.
![Connections tab in Internet Explorer [Image: Remove-proxy-server2.png]](//malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/ie2.png)
- 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.
![Uncheck the option Use a proxy server for your LAN [Image: Remove-proxy-server3.png]](//malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/ie3.png)
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 ICON [Image: run-rkill-1.png]](//malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/rkill1.png)
- RKill will now start working in the background, please be patient while the program looks for various malware programs and tries to terminate them.
![RKILL Command prompt [Image: run-rkill-2.png]](//malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/rkill2.png)
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.
![RKILL LOG [Image: File Recovery virus rkill3.jpg]](//malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/rkill3.png)
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.
![Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Installer [Image: Malwarebytes Installer]](//malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/malwarebytes-setup.png)
- 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 last setup screen [Image: Finishing Malwarebytes installation]](//malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/update-malwarebytes.png)
- 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.
![Decline trial period in Malwarebytes Anti-Malware [Image: Decline Malwarebytes trial]](//malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/malwarebytes-trial.png)
- On the Scanner tab,select Perform full scan and then click on the Scanbutton to start scanning your computer.
![Perform a Full System Scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware [Image: Starting a full system sca]](//malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/start-scan-malwarebytes.png)
- Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware will now start scanning your computer for File Recovery malicious files as shown below.
![Malwarebytes Anti-Malware scanning for File Recovery virus [Image: Malwarebytes scanning for malicious files]](//malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/scan-malwarebytes.png)
- When the scan is finished a message box will appear, click OK to continue.
![Malwarebytes when the system scan has finished [Image: Malwarebytes scan results]](//malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/results-malwarebytes.png)
- 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.
![Removing the infections found by Malwarebytes [Image: Infections found by Malwarebytes]](//malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/detection-malwarebytes.png)
- 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.
![HitmanPro Installer [Image: HitmanPro Icon]](//malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/hpro1.png)
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.
![HitmanPro installation process [Image: Starting HitmanPro]](//malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/hitmanpro36-start.png)
- 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 setup options [Image: HitmanPro installation screen]](//malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/hitmanpro36-installation.png)
- HitmanPro will start scanning your system for malicious files as seen in the image below.
![HitmanPro while scanning for File Recovery virus virus [Image: HitmanPron scanning for File Recovery virus]](//malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/hitmanpro36-scan.png)
- 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.
![HitmanPro displaying scan results [Image: HitmanPro scan results]](//malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/hitmanpro36-results.png)
- Click Activate free license to start the free 30 days trial and remove the malicious files.
![Activate the HitmanPro free 30 days trial to remove any detected infections [Image: Activate HitmanPro license]](//malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/hitmanpro36-activation.png)
- 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.



![Safe Mode with Networking screen [Image: Safemode.jpg]](http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/safemode.jpg)
![Internet Options in IE [Image: Internet-options-IE.png]](http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/ie1.png)
![Connections tab in Internet Explorer [Image: Remove-proxy-server2.png]](http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/ie2.png)
![Uncheck the option Use a proxy server for your LAN [Image: Remove-proxy-server3.png]](http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/ie3.png)
![RKILL ICON [Image: run-rkill-1.png]](http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/rkill1.png)
![RKILL Command prompt [Image: run-rkill-2.png]](http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/rkill2.png)
![RKILL LOG [Image: File Recovery virus rkill3.jpg]](http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/rkill3.png)
![Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Installer [Image: Malwarebytes Installer]](http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/malwarebytes-setup.png)
![Malwarebytes last setup screen [Image: Finishing Malwarebytes installation]](http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/update-malwarebytes.png)
![Decline trial period in Malwarebytes Anti-Malware [Image: Decline Malwarebytes trial]](http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/malwarebytes-trial.png)
![Perform a Full System Scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware [Image: Starting a full system sca]](http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/start-scan-malwarebytes.png)
![Malwarebytes Anti-Malware scanning for File Recovery virus [Image: Malwarebytes scanning for malicious files]](http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/scan-malwarebytes.png)
![Malwarebytes when the system scan has finished [Image: Malwarebytes scan results]](http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/results-malwarebytes.png)
![Removing the infections found by Malwarebytes [Image: Infections found by Malwarebytes]](http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/detection-malwarebytes.png)
![HitmanPro Installer [Image: HitmanPro Icon]](http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/hpro1.png)
![HitmanPro installation process [Image: Starting HitmanPro]](http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/hitmanpro36-start.png)
![HitmanPro setup options [Image: HitmanPro installation screen]](http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/hitmanpro36-installation.png)
![HitmanPro while scanning for File Recovery virus virus [Image: HitmanPron scanning for File Recovery virus]](http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/hitmanpro36-scan.png)
![HitmanPro displaying scan results [Image: HitmanPro scan results]](http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/hitmanpro36-results.png)
![Activate the HitmanPro free 30 days trial to remove any detected infections [Image: Activate HitmanPro license]](http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/hitmanpro36-activation.png)




Everything worked great except File Recovery still shows up in my “All Programs” list with an uninstall option. What should I do?
Thanks for all your time & efforts!!!
Hello Lucio,
HitmanPro and Malwarebytes should have removed this rogue antivirus,however for your peace of mind I would suggest that you perform a scan with the following utilities:
1.Run a scan with Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool
Click here to download the Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool.
2.Run a scan with Eset Online Scanner.
ESET Online Scanner Download Link (This link will automatically download ESET Online Scanner on your computer.)
As far as the left over shorcuts,you can just delete them ,as I’m sure that if you press them,nothing will load. Stay safe.
Thank you!!! My computer is alive and the programs work. Bless your heart for sharing this.
Thank you so much! You saved my computer!!!!!!
I tried all of the above steps, and File Recovery is still there. Do you have any tips I can try to get it off?
Hello Alex,
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
Notes:
STEP 2: Run a scan with ESET Online Scanner:
ESET Online Scanner Download Link (This link will automatically download ESET Online Scanner on your computer.)
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.
Thank you so much. Worked perfectly. I am concerned my anti virus did not pick it up though.
I still was unable to remove the file recovery program. Also the Hitman Pro software did not offer a free activation selection
Hello Paul,
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
Notes:
STEP 2: Run a scan with ESET Online Scanner:
ESET Online Scanner Download Link (This link will automatically download ESET Online Scanner on your computer.)
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.
I got this virus on my PC today and try to cleanup using your instruction.
I finished 1st step.
While I’m running Malwarebytes software system is going to sleep mode(monitor is going off) and can’t see anything so restarting the machine and running Malwarbytes again….can’t finish scanning……keep restarting….
please help me on this….
Hello,
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:
STEP 2: Run a scan with RogueKiller
RogueKiller Download Link (This link will automatically download RogueKiller on your computer)
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:
ESET Online Scanner Download Link (This link will automatically download ESET Online Scanner on your computer.)
Waiting for your reply to tell me how everything is running!
Good luck…
I feel silly – but I can’t seem to get past the very first steps. I restarted in Safe Mode with Networking, but I don’t see Internet Explorer…Can you help, please?
Hello PS,
While in Normal Mode,please try to download and run Malwarebytes Chameleon:
iexplore.exe http://downloads.malwarebytes.org/file/chameleon2.Please perform a scan with HitmanPro and RogueKiller as seen on the guide.
3.Run a scan with ESET Online Scanner:
ESET Online Scanner Download Link (This link will automatically download ESET Online Scanner on your computer.)
Waiting for your reply to see how everything is running…. Good luck!
Hey thanks buddy. I got my Desktop back. :)
Oh DudE u r my rock star ! love u !!!! MAY u live long and happy happy !
u saved my pc’s life !!
WOW I can only say great tutorial, I’ve been a computer Technician now for like 7 years and now understand that restoring back to factory settings is not a solution oooohhh yeeesss!
Hello-
I was finally able to download chameleon, and I actually got the DOS screen. It just stops working when the black screen says “killing known malicious processes”… :( I am getting more stressed by the minute becuase absolutely nothing is working!
Hello Kris,
Lets try to fix your computer,please run the below tools while in Normal Mode(this is the regular mode in which usually windows is!!DO NOT LOGIN into safe mode with networking!);
First try to run Mawlarebytes in Chameleon mode,if you experience any problems,try to run RogueKiller and then re-try the malwarebytes scan!
STEP 1: Run a scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware in Chameleon Mode in Norman mode:
STEP 2: Run a scan with RogueKiller
RogueKiller Download Link (This link will automatically download RogueKiller on your computer)
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:
ESET Online Scanner Download Link (This link will automatically download ESET Online Scanner on your computer.)
Waiting for your reply to tell me how everything is running!
Good luck…
If there was a prize for the best help website, you should get it!
Thank you very much. You made my day. You’re the best!!!!
Greetings from Germany;
Jack
The process works but I’ve managed to shorten it quite a bit by using system restore. If the infected computer creates regular restore points.
1 – Run Rkill to kill the process.
2- Open a command prompt and navigate to c:\windows\system32
3 – Run systempropertiesprotection.exe – This opens up system restore and from there you can select a recent restore point. Restore and everything should be as it was. I’ve fixed 2 computers with this method and it takes maybe 15 minutes.
hello,
I can’t open firefox as it says it is already running in the background. Can you help me fix that so I can remove the file recovery?
Thank you!
Hello Kerry,
While in Normal Mode,please try to download and run Malwarebytes Chameleon:
iexplore.exe http://downloads.malwarebytes.org/file/chameleon2.Please perform a scan with HitmanPro and RogueKiller as seen on the guide.
3.Run a scan with ESET Online Scanner:
ESET Online Scanner Download Link (This link will automatically download ESET Online Scanner on your computer.)
Waiting for your reply to see how everything is running…. Good luck!
probando
Thanks a million… I was worried, but thanks to you it all turned out right!
I am asking anyone who reads this and has been saved by this web page to like it, g+1 it ; tweet it… Thats how we all can fight back!
AWESOME!!! You guys just saved my data!!! Thank you so much!!
THANK YOU FOR THIS ARTICLE! Thought my computer was dead. Malwaretips rocks!
Thank you very much!! Everything is almost back except desktop functions and
shortcuts. Any idea?