Remove File Recovery Virus (Uninstall Guide)

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.

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.

468 thoughts on “Remove File Recovery virus (Uninstall Guide)”

Ronald Vance

May 25, 2016 at 00:13

I went through all the steps, but there is a .crypt on all my images how do I restore my images?
- Stelian Pilici
  
  May 26, 2016 at 07:48
  
  Hello Ronald,
  Your machine is infected with the CryptXXX ransomware. You can ask for free malware removal support in the Malware Removal Assistance forum – https://malwaretips.com/forums/malware-removal-assistance.10/ . In this support forum, a trained staff member will help you clean-up your machine by using advanced tools. Never used a forum? Learn how- https://malwaretips.com/help/welcome-guide/
chie

January 31, 2015 at 03:10

Thank you so much! My laptop is back – I was so happy to see my home screen instead of the evil black screen!! You guys are genius. Thank you for guiding me through!!
Stelian Pilici

November 7, 2013 at 05:47

Hello Grace,
If the File Recovery infection isn’t active on your computer, then you can run a scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and HitmanPro to check for malware.
Elizabeth Mikki McComb

August 30, 2013 at 23:43

This is the SECOND time in 10 days that I have had to use this site to fix my husbands computer! I am still having issues with pop ups and the computer being slow(this time). I’m sure I’ll be able to fix these issues also with some more help from this site. Last time (on Aug 21st, 2013), the computer ran like new after I ran the suggested scans. I’m absolutely NOT a computer genius so if I can fix a computer, anyone can! I will absolutely be donating and subscribing to and following the blogs in this site from now on.
I BELIEVE http://WWW.GUNTRADER.COM IS THE SITE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ALL THE COMPUTER ISSUES BOTH TIMES…..BEWARE!!
Hal

January 6, 2013 at 19:16

thanks so much, this guide is as good as gold!
Lanny Quintel

December 23, 2012 at 11:41

Thanks Stelian!!
Matt

November 25, 2012 at 23:41

Thanks for the information! I have my computer back except for connecting to the internet. I took care of the LAN settings but still no connection. Any helpful suggestions on that?
- Stelian Pilici
  
  November 26, 2012 at 05:29
  Hello Matt,
  What Firewall are you using?By any chance are you using McAfee,if yes, then try to disable this firewall and then try to connect to the Internet.
  Next,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.
  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:
  STEP 2: Run a scan with Complete Internet Repair utility
  1. Download Complete Internet Repair utilityto your desktop
  2. Unzip all the files to their own folder on the desktop
  3. Within the folder double click CIntRep
  4. Select the following items,then press the GO button.
  Please add the Combofix log in your next post.
Scott

November 24, 2012 at 19:15

It’s hard to believe anyone would write such a good guide and offer it free. It worked, thank you. Too bad we can’t transfer some of MS ill gotten gains to you. This is the kind of site they should have.
Mike Korger

November 23, 2012 at 14:39

Your instructions were spot on. Everything worked great, thanks
Sergio Guillen Rodriguez

November 22, 2012 at 17:35

Great guide—I was able to completely remove the virus from my PC.
Thank you!
canuck

November 22, 2012 at 01:40

Thanks for the Excellent instructions!
Beth

November 19, 2012 at 05:22

Thanks so much! It took hours but it worked and I have my computer back!!!
wkwkwkwk1

November 18, 2012 at 09:02

Thank you so much! May my God and Yours bless you and your family.
Mario Ontiveros

November 17, 2012 at 11:48

Muchas gracias…!!! toda esta guia me fue de mucha utilidad. Gracias por su valiosa ayuda. :-)
Dan Sturgeon

November 16, 2012 at 01:44

I got all my files back and unhidden but now my file associations are all messed up…Word docs are file type word.document.8 and have the notepad icon associated to it…other files on desktop do not work or open properly…lot of new file type…how can I correct this?
- Stelian Pilici
  
  November 16, 2012 at 05:23
  
  Hello Dan,
  You can use this utility to reset your file association.
  If you would like to open file with a certain program instead of another one, you can right click on the program icon and Open with , then select Chose default program. A new window will open from where you can select the program you want to open this file in the future or if it’s not on the list, you can browse to it.
  Stay safe!
James Sumpter

November 9, 2012 at 20:14

Thank you so very much for your generous help and knowledge in restoring my daughter’s computer to its original condition.She goes to school online and your webpage hit the nail on the head to get rid of File Restore Virus and we also found additional Trogans during the various processes. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts, you sir are a true genius. God Bless You!
George

November 9, 2012 at 17:15

Thanks for this. Unfortunately, I got here a little too late. I got the virus (grrr…) and before I arrived here, I ran Spybot Search & Destroy, and that program deleted all of my “Temp” files, which included all of my normal Windows 7 shortcuts in the Start menu (e.g. everything in Accessories, System Tools, etc.). :-(

How do I get all of this stuff back???
- Stelian Pilici
  
  November 10, 2012 at 04:22
  Hello George,
  The one thing that you shouldn’t have done is removing the temp files!!Lets try to recover your shortcuts:
  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
  This should restore back your start menu and other icons however for your Pinned items,you’ll have to re-select again those who you like and want on the task bar. Stay safe!
Nettie Bell

November 8, 2012 at 16:17

Help! I am having trouble launching into safemode with networking. I either get a blue screen of crash dump or I get to safemode (slowly) finally, a failed to connect to a window service message appears. Everything is frozen and still seems to be controlled by malicious software. Do you have a remedy?
- Stelian Pilici
  
  November 9, 2012 at 14:00
  Hello Nettie,
  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…