Remove File Restore virus (Removal Instructions)

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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File Restore is a computer virus that will display bogus alerts, claiming that several hard drive errors and computer issues were detected on your machine.This alerts are professional looking pop-ups and when you click on them, you are advised to buy File Restore to fix the detected errors.Some of the bogus alerts you may see include:

Hard drive boot sector reading error
System blocks were not found
Error while relocating TARE sectors
Error 0 – DATA_BUS_ERROR
Error 0x00000078 – INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE
Error 0x00000050 – PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA
The storage device has failed a self-test
The self-test procedure of the storage device has detected an irreparable errors.
SMART state is “Out of order” before the disk scan

Apart from the bogus alerts,as part of its self-defense mechanism,File Restore 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 modified your Windows files associations,and now whenever you are trying to run a program with  a .exe extension ,File Restore will display a bogus notification in which will report a hard river error,in an attempt to scare you.

Windows detected a hard drive problem.
A hard drive error occurred while starting the application.

Windows cannot find notepad.exe. Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again. To search for a file, click the Start button, and then click Search.

Further more, File Restore has changed your desktop background to a solid black color,has hidden your files and folders and it’s causing browser redirects.

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

File Restore malware

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

  1. Remove all floppy disks, CDs, and DVDs from your computer, and then restart your computer.
  2. 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.
  3. On the Advanced Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode with Networking , and then press ENTER.
    [Image: Safemode.jpg]

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.

  1. 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)
  2. Double-click on the iExplore.exe icon in order to automatically attempt to stop any processes associated with File Restore.
    [Image: run-rkill-1.png]
  3. RKill will now start working in the background, please be patient while the program looks for various malware programs and tries to terminate them.
    [Image: run-rkill-2.png]
    IF you are having problems starting or running RKill, you can download any other renamed versions of RKill from here.
  4. When Rkill has completed its task, it will generate a log. You can then proceed with the rest of the guide.
    [Image: File Restore virus rkill3.jpg]

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.

  1. 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)
  2. Start the Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware installation process by double clicking on mbam-setup file.
    [Image: Malwarebytes Installer]
  3. 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.
    [Image: Finishing Malwarebytes installation]
  4. 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.
    [Image: Decline Malwarebytes trial]
  5. On the Scanner tab,select Perform full scan and then click on the Scanbutton to start scanning your computer.
    [Image: Starting a full system sca]
  6. Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware will now start scanning your computer for File Restore malicious files as shown below.
    [Image: Malwarebytes scanning for malicious files]
  7. When the scan is finished a message box will appear, click OK to continue.[Image: Malwarebytes scan results]
  8. 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.
    [Image: Infections found by Malwarebytes]
  9. 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 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.

  1. This step can be performed in Normal Mode,download the latest official version of RogueKiller from the below link.
    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 Start button to perform a system scan.
    RogueKiller scanning after File Restore virus virus
  3. After the scan has completed, press the Delete button to remove any malicious registry keys.
    Remove File Restore virus infection with RogueKiller
  4. Next we will need to restore your shortcuts, so click on the ShortcutsFix button and allow the program to run.
    Remove residual damage from File Restore virus virus

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.

  1. Download the latest official version of HitmanPro from the below link.
    HITMANPRO DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open a download page in a new window from where you can download HitmanPro)
  2. Double click on the previously downloaded fileto start the HitmanPro installation.
    [Image: HitmanPro Icon]
    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)
  3. Click on Next to install HitmanPro on your system.
    [Image: Starting HitmanPro]
  4. 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.
    [Image: HitmanPro installation screen]
  5. HitmanPro will start scanning your system for malicious files as seen in the image below.
    [Image: HitmanPron scanning for File Restore virus]
  6. 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.
    [Image: HitmanPro scan results]
  7. Click Activate free license to start the free 30 days trial and remove the malicious files.
    [Image: Activate HitmanPro license]
  8. 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.

  1. 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)
  2. 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.
    Restore files after File Restore virus infection

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:

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

    Shield Guide

    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.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    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.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    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."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    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.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    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.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    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.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    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.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    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.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    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.

81 thoughts on “Remove File Restore virus (Removal Instructions)”

  1. Hello – I’ve been able to remove the File_Restore virus using your steps (thank you), but my files (like photo jpg or mp3) still have the abc or other ending and I cannot view them. Is there a way to get around this and get my files back?

  6. Everything was working until I ran Combofix. I followed all your instructions, but it has said preparing log report do not run any programs until ComboFix has finished for about an hour now. What should I do?

  8. Hello rhona,
    Can you please run a scan with Combofix, 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:

    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.

  9. Well, it took care of most of it. I still have a shortcut on my desktop. I sent it to recycle bin. I’ve scanned it, it says I have no malicious software. It still opens up when my computer boots, and it still shows the screen where it first became infected.

    And my keys are not working very well. I have to really hit them. Please hlp.

  10. Excellent instructions. Thank you very much. 100% successful for me. My client will be very happy to have her computer back without having to go through a re-install of windows.

  11. Hi Stelian,

    ¡Verdaderamente impresionante!!!
    Ha funcionado a la perfección.
    ¡Muchas gracias!
    Excellent job!

  13. Hi Stelian,
    Thanks a million for these excellent guidance. We managed to remove the “restore file” virus fully with the steps you indicate, after failing to do so many times.
    We appreciate your solidarity.

    Fernando y Patricia

  15. Thank you for that super informations and perfect tips!!
    Everything works again!!

    My files are not hidden. Should I install the program of step 6?

    Thanks!

    Shark1

  17. WOW! something that actually works the way it’s supposed to and with very easy to follow instructions!

    Thank you times ten !

  19. I got to Download the Unhide utility and it says downloading at the top of the window but nothing happens. HELP…. Also I have had to do everything from AOL browser because I cannot get IE to contect to the Internet any suggestions? So far you have been a total lifesaver… Just if I can get past this last part and get IE to work again I will have it made… Thanks so much for posting this info… Jenny

  21. Just wanted to say THANK YOU very much or your Awesome and Easy step by step instructions!! Was huge pain in the butt havin the virus but nice to know there is someone out there helping to defeat them!! Keep up the good work! Thanks again, Kirk

  22. muchas gracias por tu ayuda, me sirvió muchísimo, te deseo lo mejor siempre y gracias por ayudarnos a luchar contra los virus.

  24. Mil y mil gracias por tu ayuda me sirvió muchisimo, restaure todo Dios te bendiga , (thanks, thank you) God bless you

  27. Thank you very much for your share. Awesome instruction! I got all my files back but the Start Menu items are still invisible. Any idea, please?
    Thanks again!

  28. I can’t thank you enough! I came close to buying a computer. You saved me lots of money. I thought I lost my computer. Thanks for helping us to eliminate this virus.

  30. Hello Scott,
    Those should be just some left over and harmless file from this infection.You can right click on it and select Delete to get rid of it.
    NEXT,for your peace of mind, please perform the following scans:

    STEP 1: 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

    STEP 2: Run a scan with Emsisoft Emergency Kit.

    1. Please download the latest official version of Emsisoft Emergency Kit.
      EMSISOFT EMERGENCY KIT DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open a download page in a new window from where you can download Emsisoft Emergency Kit)
    2. After the download process will finish , you’ll need to unpack EmsisoftEmergencyKit.zip and then double click on EmergencyKitScanner.bat
    3. A pop-up will prompt you to update Emsisoft Emergency Kit , please click the “Yes” button.After the Update process has completed , put the mouse cursor over the “Menu” tab on the left and click-on “Scan PC“.
    4. Select “Smart scan” and click-on the below “SCAN” button.When the scan will be completed , you will be presented with a screen showing you the malware infections that Emsisoft Emergency Kit has detected.Make sure that everything is Checked (ticked) and click on the ‘Quarantine selected objects‘ button.

    Stay safe!

  32. Thank you so much for these ( easy to follow) instructions. I was able to retrieve all my files and icons after running the various programs to remove
    this stinker.
    However, after going back to the start menu after reboot, it says new program installed…..when I check program, it says ‘file_restore’. It has
    buttons for open or uninstall, but I’m not sure if it’s still bits of the virus,
    so I haven’t touched it. Also, there is a shortcut on my desktop that says
    ‘ file_restore’.
    Everything seems to be running ok, but I’m concerned about this program.
    Any recommendations ? Thanks again.

  35. Thanks for a great fix. This repaired my friends laptop when she thought it had died and lost everything. Very relieved.

  38. It took me around 3 hours to complete your step by step instructions and it worked perfect!!! thank you very much!!! you are the MAN!!!

  39. Thank you for sharing. This was very helpful to me. I got the virus off and restored my files.-Robert

  41. I followed steps ok until I do RogueKiller. First I got a notice saying that the version I download is out of date. I ignored that because I don’t want to do anything you did not mention.
    Then, after a full scan finish, I got the alert sign blinking: Root.MBR. What does that mean? How should I handle it?

    thanks,

  42. Hello captain_Plazma,
    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 here: COMBOFIX DOWNLOAD LINK #1 (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.

  46. i went true everything you said but it still doesn’t work. the only thing i didn’t do was run it in safe mode with networking because if i click it, my computer crashes.

  47. So I found this information after I chose to do a system restore. My computer is old so I was just trying to get to the data thinking my computer had just crashed since I am going to buy a new one anyway. After doing the system restore I get an error and now windows will not load at all. Can I still get in and get my data files?

  48. Thank you so much for this! It worked and I really appreciate the time it took to put this together! Again THANKS!

  49. Hello David,
    Did you run unhide.exe?
    This rogue software has moved your shortcuts in a folder in the Temporary Internet files called smtmp, so now we will need to copy them back to their original locations.

    • Windows 7 and Vista users can find the smtmp folder in C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local\Temp
    • Windows XP users can find smtmp folder the in : C:\DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS\[Your Username]\LOCAL SETTINGS\Temp

    [Image: Show hidden files, folders, and drives.png]

    The smtmp folder will contain 4 folders and you’ll need to copy the content of this folders back to their original locations.

    • Copy the content from %Temp%\smtmp\1\ to:
      Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu
      Windows Vista and Windows 7: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu
    • Copy the content from %Temp%\smtmp\2\ to:
      Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\[your username]\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\
      Windows Vista and Windows 7: C:\Users\[your username]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\
    • Copy the content from %Temp%\smtmp\3\ to:
      Windows XP: It does not exist on Windows  XP.
      Windows Vista and Windows 7 C:\Users\[your username]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\User Pinned\TaskBar
    • Copy the content from %Temp%\smtmp\4\ to:
      Windows XP : C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Desktop
      Windows Vista and Windows 7: C:\Users\Public\Desktop

    Next,please run Unhide Non System Files

  50. thank you for this! the only issue now is the items that were on my desktop aren’t there anymore, i’ve even done each step multiple times now but nothing comes back. is there anything else i can do for this??

  51. dude !! awesome step by step instructions. Worked perfectly and very easy to follow, as i was extremely frusterated when this thing first took over ….. thank you !!

    Ryan

  56. thanks so much I was so scared when it happened, cuz I have a lot of important files but I google it and you help me resolve it, so thanks

  57. This infection is known to disable the Ethernet Adapter in Windows ,to enable it ,please follow the below instructions:

    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. Press the “Windows” and “R” keys. Type “Devmgmt.msc” in Run and click “OK” to open the Device Manager component.
    4. Click the arrow next to “Network adapters.” This will expand all network devices installed on the computer.
    5. Right-click the adapter and click “Enable.”

    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:

    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 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.
      • 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

  58. I believe the virus messed up my internet connection. Hitman pro seems to require a connection. Any advice? Thanks!!

  59. Hello Glen,
    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…

  60. Hello Ravindra,
    Can you please run the HitmanPro and RogueKiller scan and then rescan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.
    Good luck!

  63. The initial file recover screen still comes up but I can stop it
    from going through the scan. It is like thr rkill did not stop it.

  64. Thanks for explanation & links.
    After runing Rkill & Malaware bites, when I restarted laptop, File Restore re-started. However, this time Malaware bites blocked it to stop my internet.

    Trying again, please suggest.

  66. Thanks so much for this easy-to-follow guide. I’m so grateful for your willingness to share your knowledge!

  67. You are a life saver! No more letting my 13-yr-old son download “freeware” on my computer. Nothing is free… Except your wonderful guide! :)

  70. It is my greatest good fortune to come across your article before I got conned into paying for the file restore program.

    Thank you so much for your help!

  71. Thank you very much for this information. It worked like a charm. I thought I would have to purchase a new computer but not any more.

  77. Hi Stelian,

    Thank you for sharing your knowledge, really appreciated it. Have a great life.

    Cheers, Keith.

  78. Thank you Stelian. I thought I was going to have to reimage my machine but this worked! Easy to follow instructions and all my stuff is here!

  79. Many Thanks, you saved my life Mr.Pilici
    It took me approx. three hours, your research is epic!
    I couldn’t have done it with out you, IOU.
    You saved my life history and so many pictures which means my work as an inventor

  81. Good looking out on this one… Good timing too. One of my users just got this today (the 19th) and you couldn’t have posted this at a better time! Thanks again!

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